War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AV-8C

2024-06-26T13:26:57Z

U175933713: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = American strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Harrier (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=av_8c
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The United States Marine Corps (USMC) adopted the [[AV-8A|AV-8A Harrier]] in 1971 for their amphibious operations, being part of the USMC's ambitious goals of utilizing the Harrier's V/STOL capabilities to operate from rudimentary airfields and smaller carriers while being able to provide close air support needed on land. Needs for improvements has the USMC seek out the more advanced Harrier II, but until enough number of Harrier II is available, the USMC sought to improve their AV-8A fleet with upgrades and improvements to keep them relevant. In 1979, 47 AV-8A were selected for improvements into the AV-8C that saw the integration of a radar warning receiver (RWR) and countermeasures into the airframe, avionic upgrades, and service life extension. The AV-8C and preceding AV-8A variant would both be retired in 1987.

The AV-8C was introduced in the game in [[Update "New Power"]] along with its AV-8A predecessor. Like all members of the [[Harrier (Family)|Harrier family]], the AV-8C is a [[VTOL]] aircraft with thrust vectoring nozzles, which allow it to take off and land vertically. In terms of flight performance and air-to-air capabilities, the AV-8C is nearly unchanged from the AV-8A, but it contains new capabilities that players would appreciate over the AV-8A. Firstly, the countermeasure dispenser is now integrated into the aircraft, and while this doesn't give as many countermeasures as the pod in the AV-8A, it does free up a hard point for munitions rather than a countermeasure pod. The AV-8C also comes with a RWR, allowing players to better be able to assess if they are being tracked by a radar. These new capabilities augment the AV-8C into a more capable strike fighters to assess the airspace and destroy the target more easily.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" |50000
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,143 || 1,137 || rowspan="2" |40000|| 32.5 || 33.7 || 69.5 || 67.8 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,161 || 1,152 || 31.5 || 32.0 || 106.1 || 87.0
|-
|}

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

{| 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 || 828 || 556 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 648 || < 950 || < 790 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot, engine oil, and full water tank; but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce F402-RR-402 || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,918 kg || colspan="3" | 439 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,687 kg || colspan="2" | Vectored-thrust low-bypass turbofan
| 6,605 kg || 7,292 kg || 7,978 kg || 8,253 kg || 12,679 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
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 9,071 kgf || 9,625 kgf
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 9,071 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || 9,625 kgf<br />(0 km/h)
| 1.46 || 1.32 || 1.21 || 1.17 || 0.76
|-
|}
{{Notice|The F402-RR-402 engine loses a significant amount of thrust as your speed increases}}

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

The AV-8C has no armour. The engine and all fuel tanks are packed in a tight cluster in the centre of the fuselage.

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

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

{{main|ADEN Mk.4 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons, belly-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)
** 2 x 30 mm ADEN Mk.4 cannons + 60 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Harrier_GR.3.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7, 19 || 7, 19 || || 7, 19 || 7, 19
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 5 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,250 lb total)
* 5 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (1,250 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 5 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The AV-8C can be considered a multirole aircraft which can focus in air-to-air combat, air to ground combat and air to sea combat. Its firepower and ordnance make it a competitive aircraft in all game modes. The roles can be divided in such:

'''When air to air:'''

The Harrier has access to AIM-9G Sidewinder air to air missiles capable of taking down all enemy aircraft in the game. It should be noted that the AIM-9G is a rear-aspect lock-on missile, meaning the Harrier must be behind the enemy aircraft to be able to launch the missile.

'''When facing enemy bombers:'''

Enemy bombers are the easiest targets for the Harrier both in gun strafe and when using missiles as they lack agility when dogfighting against the Harrier and countermeasures such as flares to be able to counter the missiles. It is unlikely to face enemy bombers besides the [[Vautour IIA IDF/AF (France)|Vautour IIA IDF/AF]] as most of them stay at 8.0. AI-controlled bombers are the exception.

'''When facing enemy attackers:'''

When facing player-controlled attackers (not neccesarily planes labelled as attackers but planes who focus on ground striking), the pilot must stay aware that, besides the Harrier superior mobility, they can outturn you as they will often fly at lower speeds than you, meaning their turn radius compared to yours will be much smaller. Most of the enemy planes that do CAS runs will often be enemy fighters (not labelled as attackers) but with ground ordnance, meaning they can or will be heavier than you, increasing drag and reducing agility when in a dogfight, use this as an advantage.

'''As an attacker/bomber:'''

The Harrier has access to a wide variety of ground ordnance capable of destroying enemy ground units and bases. It also has access to CCIP ballistics computer (refer to [[Ballistic Computer]] for explanation) meaning the pilot has access to ground ordnance crosshairs which will increase ordnance accuracy, both rockets and bombs. It is not recommended to fly as a bomber (in terms of altitude) but fly as a tree cutter (as close to the ground as possible). This is recommended to achieve multiple things: radar interference, max speed, reduce enemy visibility and awareness. It also makes bombing easier without the need of ballistics computer (although it is recommended to use it since it will not require any practice). Time fuze MUST BE ADDED to avoid assault fuze explosion, risking your plane to be hit by the explosion causing a death. Ground striking ordnance should be taken at pilot's discretion, but it is recommended to take the 2 x 1000 lb and 3 x 500lb bombs in order to take a whole base completely and still maintain high speeds. You are unable to carry any sort of anti-air missiles with this payload.

*Note: radar interference is mostly irrelevant in air realistic battles as the plane will still be highlighted and enemy pilots could use eye aiming. However, it will interfere with radar homing missiles (SARH missiles such as AIM-7E, R-3R, etc carried by F-4 Phantoms and MiG-21's) and will be your main line of defence when flying in simulator battles, you will be able to fly stealthily if flying in tree cutting tactic.

'''When in combined battles (ground realistic battles):'''

This is where the Harrier is able to shine as an attacker, primarily using VTOL and hovering mode to an advantage (will be explained more detailed later). There is multiple loadouts which can be used in order to make the Harrier a scary attacker.

'''Bomb payload:'''

This is often the most used payload for multiple reasons: has the biggest explosion radius compared to rockets, are more forgiving when missing by couple meters, can take multiple targets with a single bomb. The use of ballistics computer makes their aiming much easier than with eye aiming both in realistic and simulator battles. The x4 1000lb bombs are recommended as, if aimed correctly, will destroy one or multiple enemy targets with a single bomb, meaning you are able to get at least 2 kills (as bombs drop in pair)

'''Rocket payload:'''

This is the trickiest but most rewarding payload the Harrier can carry (rewarding as it is able to make much more kills than bombs). Tanks can be taken with one to three rocket salvos (launched in pairs, meaning with 2 to 6 rockets in total). This means you are able to get 12 kills (considering you take 6 rockets per tank) if you take the 76 x Might Mouse rocket payload.

'''VTOL trick:'''

Harrier can be used as a helicopter thanks to the VTOL capabilities, rockets are recommended if used like this. It is able to hide behind mountains, poke to attack and go back into cover as a helicopter would do. Handling this technique can be tricky and will require practice but is an alternate way of playing CAS.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Thrust vectoring capabilities, helpful in low-speed dogfights
* Insane thrust-to-weight ratio; superb acceleration and climb rate, and can sustain Mach 0.88 in level flight with just 50% throttle
* Excellent roll rate
* Strong flaps
* Versatile secondary weapons consisting of air-to-air missiles, rockets, and bombs
* AIM-9G sidewinders are good long range missiles
* Has a ballistic computer for precision strikes
* 30 mm ADEN cannons do high damage
* High ammo count for the cannons
* Has a [[HUD#410SUM1|Head-Up Display]] in the cockpit which provides flight information and weapon-aiming functionality
* Has a radar warning receiver and countermeasures
* Equipped with an engine fire extinguisher

'''Cons:'''

* Below average top speed (subsonic)
* The engine has an insane overheating problem; running at 91% throttle is recommended to avoid overheating the engine
* Limited maximum payload compared to conventional strike aircraft
* Very poor energy retention; massive energy losses when turning
* Below average turn rate
* ADEN cannons have a low muzzle velocity and are belly-mounted, making some shots difficult
* Guns are highly inaccurate when stock

== History ==


'''Predecessor: AV-8A Harrier'''

The AV-8A Harrier was an American version of the British Harrier GR.1 that entered service with the Marine Corps. Congress approved the purchase of 114 Harriers in 1970. Marine Attack Squadron 513 (VMA-513) was the first squadron to receive its Harriers, with the delivery taking place in March 1971; VMA-231 and VMA-542 received their AV-8As next.

It was mostly similar to the Harrier GR.1, but had a number of changes. All magnesium components were replaced in order to prevent corrosion. American identification friend or foe (IFF) systems and radio equipment were fitted. The British GR.1 was fitted with the Ferranti FE541 inertial navigation/attack suite, but these were replaced in the USMC Harriers by a simpler Interface/Weapon Aiming Computer.

The outer wing pylons were modified to allow the carrying of AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (AAMs). The AV-8A also utilized a more powerful version of the Rolls-Royce Pegasus than on the GR.1, the Mk 103 (called F402-RR-402 by the Americans).

'''AV-8C Harrier'''

47 AV-8A Harriers were upgraded to the AV-8C standard starting in 1979. Inertial navigation system equipment was added and the Lift Improvement Devices were also improved. Various components were also restored or replaced to increase the service life of the aircraft. The ECM capability was bolstered with the addition of the ALR-45F/APR-43 radar warning receiver and ALE-39 countermeasures dispenser. An AN/ALE-37 chaff-dispenser pod could be carried on a hardpoint.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=av_8c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AV-8A]]
* [[Harrier GR.1]]
* [[Harrier GR.3]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6918-development-jump-jets-arrive-in-war-thunder-meet-the-harrier-en|[Devblog] Jump Jets arrive in War Thunder: Meet the Harrier]]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Kfir C.2

2024-06-26T13:12:39Z

U175933713: /* Flight performance */

{{About
| about = gift Israeli jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Mirage 5 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=kfir_c2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|market=id50175_kfir_c_2
}}

== Description ==

Based on the [[Nesher]], the Kfir (translates to "Lion Cub") was an Israeli program to improve their existing Mirage fleet with new avionics and the General Electric J79 engine from the [[Kurnass|F-4 Phantom II]]. Compared to the original French SNECMA Atar 9C engine in the Nesher, the J79 engine was shorter and had higher requirements for air flow and operating temperatures, so the modified aircraft holding the J79 had their rear ends redesigned for the shorter engine, with air intakes added or enlarged to accommodate the engine temperatures. The first prototype, under the name Ra'am (for "Thunder") flew on June 4, 1973, and the prototype would be accepted into Israeli Air Force service on April 14, 1975, in the 101 "First Fighter" Squadron as the Kfir C.1. The Kfir C.2 variant was the second production model after complaints that the C.1 had inferior maneuverability compared to the [[Shahak]], which saw the addition of canard (larger than that found on the [[Kfir Canard]]), leading edges on the wing, and small strakes on the nose.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', introduced into the game in [[Update "Wind of Change"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/7640-event-the-battle-for-arachis-en|"Battle for Arachis"]] event, shares its characteristics with the Mirage 5 lineage as a fighter-bomber, capable of performing in an air-to-air or air-to-ground role with its avionics and flight performance. Air-to-air performance is benefitted by the {{Specs|name}}'s maneuverability, especially its turn rates, to get nose onto target for guns or missiles, though missile availability is hindered to just two IR seeking missiles. For air-to-ground, the {{Specs|name}}'s ability to carry a total of eight 1000 lb bombs allows it to be able to destroy a base in air realistic mode or several armoured ground targets in ground battles. A full suite of [[Ballistic_Computer|ballistic computers allow for CCIP and CCRP]] usage that allows Kfir pilots to get their payload onto target as accurately as possible. The versatility in the Kfir's roles ensures that players are able to use it in response to different combat situations over the course of a match.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" |8000000
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,304 || 2,254 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.6 || 29.1 || 167.0 || 155.6 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,442 || 2,374 || 25.8 || 27.0 || 245.5 || 204.5
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || X |||| ✓ || 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 !! + !! -
|-
|60000||6000000|| - || - || - || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 920 || < 750 || < 1,460 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-17 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,370 kg || colspan="2" | 287 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 8,125 kg || 9,152 kg || 9,888 kg || 14,163 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 5,200 kgf || 8,154 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.89 || 0.82 || 0.58
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,366 kgf<br>(1,460 km/h) || 10,978 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)
| 1.35 || 1.19 || 1.11 || 0.78
|-
|}

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

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

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

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

{{main|DEFA 552A (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons, belly-mounted (140 rpg = 280 total)
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GAU-4 (20 mm)|20 mm GAU-4]] cannons (1,200 rpg)
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 2, 3 || 2 || 5 || 2 || 2, 3 ||
|-
! [[SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 3 || 2 || 5 || 2 || 3 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || 2 || 2 || || 2 || 2 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| || 2, 2 || 2 || || 2 || 2, 2 ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || 38 || || || || 38 ||
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| || 8 || || || || 8 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Shafrir 2]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Python 3]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 4,295 kg<br>Maximum permissible wing load: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x Python 3 missiles
* 2 x Shafrir 2 missiles
* 13 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,500 lb total)
* 15 x 500 lb SAMP Mk 82 250 Snakeye bombs (7,500 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x Python 3 missiles (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 8 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs + 2 x Python 3 missiles (6,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs + 2 x Python 3 missiles (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 2 x Python 3 missiles + 9 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets (4,500 lb total)
* 2 x Python 3 missiles + 9 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets (4,500 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==
<blockquote>"A quick assassin, right between the Kfir Canard and Kfir C.7"</blockquote>The Kfir C.2, being a derivative of the [[Mirage 5 (Family)|Mirage family]] and a step between the other Kfirs, it naturally plays rather similar. The J-79 engine and delta wings make it achieve stunning speeds both on the deck and at altitude (up to ~1450 km/h IAS), as well as give it great angle of attack (AoA) capability, but employing the latter requires one to slow down below the transsonic regime, not least to not compress and to avoid ripping off the wings. This does however make it drastically bleed speed. It is thus advised to stay fast and employ "hit and run" tactics, preying on unsuspecting enemies with the impressive [[Python 3]] missile, only choosing to turn with an opponent when not faced with a hostile 3rd party capitalizing on your low energy state. Even with such a powerful engine, it takes time to recover the lost speed, and coupled with the delta wing characteristics, getting slow is a gamble to carefully consider and long dogfights should always be avoided. Another thing to keep in mind is the high fuel consumption and low amount of fuel the Kfir can carry into battle (max. 27 minutes).

==== Air Realistic Battles (RB) ====
The Kfir C.2 is a plane that really needs to be played to its strengths to succeed, not least because its drawbacks otherwise end up being fatal. (see above)

There are a few ways to play the Kfir, whether it be darting in and out early on, loitering on the edges to pick off isolated foes or bombing bases; all of them have one thing in common. "speed".

In order to achieve good results, it is generally advisable to stay at a high speed to avoid being an easy target for a missile or a plane slipping onto one for a gunkill. The low countermeasure count only emphasizes this; most missiles can be dealt with via raw speed and shallow turns, leading the missile to turn harder than the plane and losing energy much quicker, until it falls out of the sky. The Kfir is no stranger to altitude and goes even faster up high, but only after the initial phases of the battle it's safe to climb. Radar guided weaponry is rather scarce when facing a downtier, but one should always be careful, as a moment of neglect can turn into a trip to the hangar in no-time.

The Kfir C.2 excels at both baiting enemies for your team or squadmates, as well as support them in turn. Staying behind an opponent is not recommended, as this usually leaves you slow, tunnel-visioned and generally an easy target for enemies. The excellent missiles it gets are limited to only two, so making them count is essential. Prioritization of high value targets, such as the later mentioned planes, to hit with the potent missiles, if possible, is recommended, as these will prove difficult to deal with later and up close. Always remember your fuel though, it might pay off to not use the afterburner while commuting to the battle.

==== Major Threats ====
Generally speaking, the Kfir can tangle with any foe, only having to fear the likes of the [[F-5E]] and [[F-8E]], as these will usually handle overshooting quite well and climb away whilst the delta winged jet sits below, unable to recover its speed in time. Additionally, the [[F-8E]] can generally keep up with it and when facing them, one needs extra effort and time to lose them.

By far the biggest threat are 4th generation fighters ([[F-16 (Family)|F-16]], [[MiG-29 (Family)|MiG-29]], [[F-14 (Family)|F-14]], and [[Mirage 2000 (Family)|Mirage 2000]]), as they outperform the Kfir in more or less every single aspect. They are rarely matched with it, however, in a maximum uptier they can still be encountered in small numbers. The best defence against them is to have your team in vague proximity to help you; outside of that, the Lion Cub can only defend itself for so long, given the opponent does not make any fatal mistakes.

* ''Extra Tip:'' you can turn off your radar-rangefinder by pressing your "radar lock" button. It otherwise warns the enemy, annoys your teammates and is only useful to slave your IR missiles to a target 5-7 km in front of you.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very fast acceleration
* Very high top speed
* Turns tight
* Hard-hitting 30 mm autocannons
* Python 3 missiles have a high G limit, very good range and acceleration
* Versatile suspended armament with ballistic computers

'''Cons:'''

* Only 2 IR air-to-air missiles and no access to SARH missiles
* No flaps
* Below average roll rate
* 30 mm cannons have slow muzzle velocity
* It can rip its wings at high speed and excessive G-loading
* Low countermeasure count (36)

== History ==

===[[wt:en/news/7637-development-battle-for-arachis-kfir-c-2-en|Devblog]]===
Operationally, the Kfir fighters from the first production series revealed a number of flaws in their design, in particular, an increased mass compared to the Mirage, as well as a forward shift in balance due to the greater weight of the suspended weaponry that affected the controllability and turn rate. To eliminate these concerns, the engineers proposed equipping the fighter with canards in the air intake areas, as well as installing aerodynamic ridges to redirect the airstream from the nose and provide a vortex around the canards. A dogtooth appeared on the leading edge of the wing that was intended to increase the lateral stability of the aircraft at high angles of attack. As a result, maneuverability at low speeds increased, and takeoff and landing runs became shorter. In addition, the new Kfir modification also received two additional weapon suspension hardpoints. The modification of the fighter with canards entered service with the Israeli Air Force in 1977 under the designation Kfir C.2, in addition to new machines, most Kfirs from the first production series were upgraded to the C.2 level. Aside from Israel, Kfir C.2 was in service with the armies of Colombia, Ecuador and Sri Lanka.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=kfir_c2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
Kfir_C.2_WTWallpaper001.jpg
Kfir_C.2_WTWallpaper002.jpg
Kfir_C.2_WTWallpaper003.jpg
Kfir_C.2_WTWallpaper004.jpg
Kfir_C.2_WTWallpaper005.jpg
</gallery>

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Mirage 5 (Family)]]
* [[Kfir Canard]]
* [[Kfir C.7]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7637-development-battle-for-arachis-kfir-c-2-en|[Devblog] "Battle for Arachis": Kfir C.2]]

{{Manufacturer IAI}}
{{Israel jet aircraft}}

F-20A

2024-06-26T12:31:13Z

U175933713: /* Flight performance */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_20a
|store=13237
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Due to export restrictions by the Department of Defence preventing sales of advanced avionics and aircraft to export customers, many allies who were flying the now out-dated F-5 could not purchase the latest F-16 aircraft to meet the threat of the latest MiG-29s and Su-27s that Soviet allies were receiving. As a result, Northrop Grumman initiated the FX program, to design and build a new 4th light export generation fighter on the basis of the cancelled F-5F Super Tiger. The primary requirements for this new fighter were cheap interoperability with existing F-5 fleets, BVR capability, and modular compatibility with almost every kind of ordnance the US offered for export at the time. The resulting aircraft, the '''F-20 Tigershark''', was essentially an F-5E with a special radar capable of firing the AIM-7 Sparrow missile, and the two small engines of the F-5 family being replaced with a single F-404 engine similar to that of the F/A-18 Hornet. The resulting aircraft was slated to become the export standard for most NATO allies of the time, with Japan, West Germany, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, and various other close allies eyeing the Tigershark for potential purchase. However, under the Reagan Administration, new export laws were passed which lifted most of the technology export bans, and as a result of further political meddling from the US and General Dynamics, the F-20 saw all its sale chances falter and fall through, with almost every country instead buying F-16s or F-15s (or in the case of Germany, simply upgrading their existing F-4F fleet to carry the new AIM-120 AMRAAM).

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update "Alpha Strike"]]. Being essentially an up-engined F-5E with better avionics, it plays exactly as one would expect it. It is one of the best dogfighters of its battle rating, and is only beaten by the F-16s and in some flight regimes the Mirage 2000. As a result, players looking for buying this aircraft should be expected to know how to properly dogfight, manage their energy, and employ their radar correctly to best the enemy aircraft. The incredible choice of ground ordnance also provides a nice alternative to the [[F-16A|F-16A Block 10]] in mixed battles. All in all, the F-20 is a great premium for researching the ranks of the US tree, and in terms of gameplay acts as a nice in-between for the two F-16s at the same BR in the American tree, having the AIM-7s and BVR capability of the F-16A ADF, while also having the guided ground ordnance of the F-16A Block 10.

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

The F-20 is a similar experience in terms of flight performance compared to the F-5C, with great energy retention and turn rate above Mach 0.85. However, due to the F404-100, it has plenty of thrust compared to the lacklustre thrust of the F5C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" |500,000
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,149 || 2,121 || rowspan="2" |60,000||70|| 22.7 ||780||800|| rowspan="2" |7500
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,254 || 2,200 ||70|| 22.0 ||780||800
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,458  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,296 || 473 || 463 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric F404-GE-100 || 1
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| 1,015 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

The F-20 is a light fighter. As such it has no armour. If it loses its wing or tail, it becomes incredibly difficult to fly. It isn't that durable against common cannons for its BR, however it's possible to survive smaller IR missiles but the plane would no longer be combat capable and should immediately return to the base.

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

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

{{main|M39A3 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm M39A3 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)
* 15 x large calibre countermeasures
* 30 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-5E_(China).png]]</div>
|-
! [[GAU-13/A (30 mm)|30 mm GAU-13/A]] cannons (353 rpg)
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1, 5 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1, 5 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[BLU-1 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19 ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 2* || || || || 2* || 1
|-
! 150 gal drop tanks
| || || 1* || 1 || 1* || ||
|-
| colspan="9" | * Wing-mounted drop tanks cannot be equipped with Sidewinder missiles in the adjacent hardpoint
|}

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

* 3 x 150 gal drop tanks
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 9 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 9 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 4 x AGM-65B missiles
* 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)
* 5 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bomb (2,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-20A can be viewed as both a sidegrade between F-16A and F-16A ADF and a downgrade in US tech tree as it can carry similar armaments to both of them but not to same capacity as either of them. While it can carry almost same payload type as F-16A (excluding GBU-8) it can only carry it in lower numbers which severely limits air-to-ground performance, but unlike F-16A or F-16A ADF it can carry both radar guided missiles and TV-guided AGM to a certain extent.

Best way to take down other planes is to use speed and surprise occupied enemy planes with either the Sparrow (only at altitudes several hundred meters above ground) or Sidewinders but with IR missiles be careful that friendly plane in question isn't the F-14, Su-27 or MiG-29 which have fairly high engine temperature and could result in friendly fire instead.

'''Dogfighting'''

While F-20A has amazing flight performance and thrust-to-weight ratio that allows the plane to dogfight inexperienced F-16 and F-14 players, trying to fight more experienced players can end fairly badly for F-20A as the M39A3 is far weaker than 20 mm Vulcan or 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon and not bleeding enough speed while turning can easily get you ahead of plane you are chasing (and in front of their far powerful guns).

Head-ons are not recommended as the M39A3 is one of the weaker gun in the BR bracket and mounting 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon would only greatly decrease F-20A flight performance to add only 353 30 mm shells.

'''Air-to-air missile gameplay'''

F-20A has very limited gameplay in that aspect as it can carry only 6 AIM-9L or exchange 2 Sidewinders for 1 AIM-7F up to combination of 2 Sidewinders and 2 Sparrows. Sadly the F-20A does not have access to AIM-7M unlike F-16A ADF or F-14B which have far lower reaction time after being detached from the plane.

As the plane can gain energy faster than any plane on same BR, it's advised to surprise enemy with AIM-9L or target higher altitude targets with AIM-7F, while keeping safe distance from possible IR threats and staying at low altitude as the enemy planes usually have stronger radar guided missiles.

As the plane has access only to 45 countermeasures, it may not be preferential to split the amount between flares and chaffs as the radars encountered at this BR are usually pulse-doppler, where chaffs have minimal effect and low-alt flights and notching can work instead. Instead, bring flares as the number of tough IR missiles like R-73, AIM-9M, and similar missiles mean the F-20A need all it can bring to ward off these smart IR missiles.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Incredible overall flight performance with very good thrust-to-weight ratio with great energy retention
* Can stay at supersonic speed without using afterburner
* Combat flaps are capable of withstanding plane top speed
* Very small target compared to all planes it the BR bracket
* Combination of high manoeuvrability and even mediocre missile payload can surprise most enemies resulting in fairly easy shoot-downs.

'''Cons:'''

* Loses 2 hardpoints for AIM-9L for every AIM-7F
* M39A3 cannons deal very low damage
* Overall one of the worst air-to-air armaments when compared to planes on same BR
* Can carry only 45 countermeasures
* While it can maintain very low speed and not stalling, it does not have as good low-speed manoeuvrability as other planes

== History ==

In the 1980s, the U.S. State Department sent out a request for an export fighter. In response, Northrop came up with the F-5G, which would be a vastly improved version of the F-5E. After receiving approval from the State Department, Northrop, without financial help from the government, began work on the F-5G. Up to this point, F-5s had twin J85 engines that produced around 3,000 kilograms of force per engine. These engines would end up being replaced by a single F404 engine that produced far more power at the expense of weighing more. Northrop also heavily modified the wings to increase performance and handling. In addition, the avionics were upgraded, and soon the Air Force ordered a few examples of the F-5G. The F-5G would also receive a new designation to separate it from the F-5 series, the F-20.

Although the F-20 had favorable characteristics, it was overshadowed by the F-16. The Fighting Falcon was simply far superior to the F-20, and the Air Force chose the F-16. This essentially killed the F-20, as there wouldn't be enough demand for it to commence production. Northrop also tried selling the entire F-20 program, but that also failed. Only one surviving F-20 exists and is on display in the California Science Center.

=== [[wt:en/news/8770-shop-development-pre-order-f-20a-tigershark-en|Devblog]] ===
Engineers from Northrop Corporation developed the F-20A Tigershark as a deep modernization of the F-5G fighter with improved flight and characteristics at a low cost. This new aircraft received a new power plant consisting of a single General Electric F404-100 engine, advanced avionics and radar, plus an expanded range of weapons. It made its first flight in 1982, where a total of 3 were built for testing. At the time of its creation, the F-20A was a direct competitor to the F-16 fighter jet, but was inferior to it and did not go into mass production. The only surviving F-20A was transferred to the California Science Center and is currently on display as an exhibit.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_20a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-5 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8770-shop-development-pre-order-f-20a-tigershark-en|[Devblog] Pre-order: F-20A Tigershark]]

{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}
{{USA premium aircraft}}