War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

VTOL

2020-11-28T05:33:16Z

U28346014: "l" was in lowercase

__TOC__

==Overview==
'''Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) ''' is a design feature found on some aircraft in the game. VTOL aircraft can hover, take off, and land vertically.

==VTOL controls==
There are only a few controls specifically associated with VTOL aircraft. A description of the controls and how to set them up can be seen below.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Ballistic Computer Controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Thrust Vector || Increase - Alt + J Decrease - Alt + U || Axis control - Increases or decreases the angle of the thrust vectoring nozzles. '''Ensure relative control is turned on'''.
|-
| Hover mode || Unbound || Toggles hover mode on or off.
|-
| Hover height || Unbound || Axis control - Increases or decreases the hover height.
|-
|}
{{Notice|Make sure you enable relative control on the "Thrust Vector" axis control, or VTOL will not work properly|!}}
The core control for VTOL aircraft is "Thrust Vector", this is an axis control (i.e. has an increase key, a decrease key, and various options associated with it) and controls what angle the thrust vectoring nozzles are pointed/what power setting the lift engines run at. In order to bind this control find it in the controls list and select "Edit Axis", you will then be presented with quite a few options. Assuming you are binding to a key/mouse button (rather than something like a joystick or throttle lever) you will want to bind the "Increase value" and "Decrease value" options to your desired keys. Increase value increases the thrust vector amount (i.e. makes the nozzles point down), while "Decrease values" does the reverse. '''It is vital that you enable relative control for this option or else it will not work properly''', all other settings (sensitivity etc.) are up to personal choice and can be left at default.

The "Hover mode" control puts the aircraft in and out of [[#Hover_mode|hover mode]]; you can bind it to any key you want, however hover mode is of limited use so leaving it unbound is fine. The "Hover height" control is used to increase and decrease your height when in hover mode. Like "Thrust Vector" it is an axis control and is set up in a similar way; bind the increase option to the key you want to make your aircraft go up, and decrease option to the key to make your aircraft go down. All other options are personal preference; you will need to make a decision about whether to use relative control or not. If relative control is disabled then pressing the increase key will make the aircraft go up until the key is released, at which point the aircraft will stabilise at whatever altitude the key was released at. If relative control is enabled then hover mode becomes a scale between -100% and +100%, with a value of 0% meaning the aircraft stays at its current altitude. Pressing the increase/decrease key will increase or decrease the hover percentage (it will stay at whatever value it is at while no keys are pressed). When the hover percentage is greater than 0% the aircraft will go up, when it is less than 0% the aircraft will go down; the larger the percentage number the more rapidly the aircraft will move up or down.

==Types of VTOL==
===Pure thrust vectoring===
[[File:Harrier GR.3 Engine.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The engine of a [[Harrier GR.3]], notice the protrusions where the nozzles attach.]]
The [[Harrier_(Family)|Harrier family]] of aircraft achieve VTOL by using a single engine with a series of thrust vectoring nozzles located around the airframe. In order to achieve VTOL the nozzles are angled downwards, directing all of the engines thrust downwards. A unique feature of this system is the ability to deflect the nozzles to any angle of your choosing, at any speed. With practice this allows you to use the nozzles to redirect thrust and aid you in manoeuvring, however doing this does come with the disadvantage of typically causing rapid speed loss, so be careful when you use it. The Harrier can also angle its nozzles forwards slightly, allowing for rapid deceleration, or even backwards flight.
{{clear}}
<gallery mode="packed" heights=150>
File:Harrier Nozzle 1.jpg|The Harrier's nozzles pointed straight back for level flight (0% vector).
File:Harrier Nozzle 2.jpg|The Harrier's nozzles at an intermediate position.
File:Harrier Nozzle 3.jpg|The Harrier's nozzles pointed straight down (~90% vector).
File:Harrier Nozzle 4.jpg|The harrier's nozzles at 100% vector, notice how they are pointed slightly forwards.
</gallery>

===Lift jet===
[[File:Yak-38M Engine.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The engines of a [[Yak-38M]], notice the two small lift jets a the front.]]
The [[Yak-38_(Family)|Yak-38 family]] of aircraft achieve VTOL by having thrust vectoring nozzles at the rear of the aircraft, and additional vertically mounted jet engines (known as lift jets) in the forward fuselage. Flying the Yak-38 works in the same way as the Harrier, however its approach to VTOL brings some disadvantages. The first of which is that when in normal flight the lift jets are shut down and are just useless additional weight. The second disadvantage is that you cannot enter VTOL mode when flying at speeds of above ~500 km/h.
{{clear}}
<gallery mode="packed" heights=150>
File:Yak-38 Normal.jpg|The Yak-38 with its lift engines off and nozzles facing rearwards.
File:Yak-38 VTOL.jpg|The Yak-38 in VTOL configuration. Notice the rotated nozzles and opened vertical intake.
</gallery>

==VTOL Operation==
===Takeoff===
You can take-off in three different ways in VTOL aircraft. The first method is to take-off like any other aircraft; VTOL aircraft typically have very good thrust to weight ratios and accelerate quickly, so this is often a good choice. The next way to to partially vector your nozzles, this diverts some of your thrust downwards, providing a shorter takeoff run. Once airborne and with sufficient airspeed you should move the nozzles to their non-vectored position.

The final way is to take-off vertically. To do this vector your nozzles to an appropriate angle (85-92% on the harrier, 100% on the Yak-38), then increase thrust until the aircraft begins climbing (avoid using WEP if you can as you only have a limited supply of it). Once airborne begin to slowly vector the nozzles and gain airspeed. Once above your aircraft's stall speed you can vector the nozzles all the way to 0% and begin level flight.

===Hover mode===
When flying at low speed with the nozzles deflected by a suitable amount you have the option of entering "hover mode", by using the "Hover mode" control. In hover mode the game will attempt to maintain the aircraft's current altitude in as close to a hover as possible (depending on nozzle angle staying stationary may not be possible).

==List of VTOL aircraft==
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Vehicle !! Country !! Type
|-
| {{Specs-Link|av_8a}} || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || Thrust vectoring
|-
| {{Specs-Link|av_8c}} || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || Thrust vectoring
|-
| {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr1}} || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || Thrust vectoring
|-
| {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr3}} || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || Thrust vectoring
|-
| {{Specs-Link|yak-38}} || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || Lift jet
|-
| {{Specs-Link|yak-38m}} || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || Lift jet
|-
|}

[[Category:Game mechanics]]

Ar 234 B-2

2020-10-29T03:51:50Z

U28346014: /* Pros and cons */ same line being repeated twice

{{Specs-Card|code=arado-234}}
{{About
| about = German jet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Ar 234 C-3
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Arado Ar 234 was the world's first ever jet bomber and the second jet-powered aircraft to go into service with the Luftwaffe. The Arado showed great potential but was produced too late in the war and in too little number to have any major effect on the outcome of WWII. Despite its great speed and high-altitude performance, the Ar 234 was not invulnerable and some fell prey to the guns of slower Allied fighters. One major problem for the Ar 234 was its poor backwards visibility, as well as its lack of manoeuvrability at low speeds. The Ar 234 B-2 had a maximum bomb load of 1,500 kg (3,300 lb). Usually it carried it as three 500 kg (1,100 lb) SC500K bombs, one under the fuselage and each of the engine nacelles. Alternatively, it could also carry a single 1000 kg (2,205 lb) SC1000 or SD 1,000 'Hermann' in place of the smaller bombs. Inside the cockpit, the standard equipment included a Patin PDS autopilot and a complicated Lofte 7k tachymetric bombsight. Other modifications of this bombsight can also be found on the Junkers Ju 88 (Lofte 7, 7C, 7D and 7H), Heinkel He 111 H-5 (Lofte 7A) and He 177 (Lofte 7B and 7C), Focke-Wulf Fw 200 (Lofte 7D and 7H) and the Messerschmitt Me 262 A-2a/U2 (7H, 7K and 7K-2). Both pieces of equipment could be used simultaneously.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===


The plane is extremely easy to fly, both in Realistic and Simulator battles. With payload attached, the speed must be monitored carefully, especially if you are taking off from a short runway. Dive bombing and low altitude bombing is not only possible, but also quite easy thanks to very good elevator control and rudder authority even at considerable speed. Landing is somewhat rather easy compared to other planes of same size and class thanks to very robust landing gear structure and good flaps characteristic.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 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
| 710 || 688 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.4 || 30.0 || 24.6 || 23.8 || rowspan="2" | 700
|-
! Upgraded
| ??? || ??? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.?
|-
|}
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! 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"
|-
! 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}} || 550 || 550 || 350 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 500 || < 550 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 || 2
| colspan="3" | 3,735 kg || colspan="3" | 252 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 24m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 60m fuel || 88m fuel
|-
| 745 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 4,578 kg || 4,783 kg || 5,294 kg || 5,805 kg || 6,760 kg || 9,350 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="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 24m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 60m fuel || 88m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 910 kgf || N/A
| 0.40 || 0.38 || 0.34 || 0.31 || 0.27 || 0.19
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 910 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.40 || 0.38 || 0.34 || 0.31 || 0.27 || 0.19
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 15 mm steel - pilot's headrest

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}

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

* 3 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (750 kg total)
* 3 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,500 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==

'''Arcade''':

Due to the limited payload of only 3 x 500 kg bombs, this plane is most effective as a fast tactical bomber. It is very effective against any ground unit in-game, reliably taking out heavy tanks, pillboxes and destroyers. This can be done with a fast in-and-out approach, diving to do high speed, low-alt run over the ground targets then running to safety and then climbing while bombs reload to be able to repeat. If an enemy fighter does manage to catch up to engage the Arado, then you must resort to using the 234's excellent manoeuvrability to evade enemy fire until you can reach safety or help arrives. For ground attack, the 3 x 500 kg payload is the best option, as each is capable of destroying any individual ground target.

Some would advocate side-climbing and then high-alt base bombing. This may help ensure survivability, but in Arcade mode, the total bombload is too small to be very effective. While destroying the mini-bases may be useful, attacks on the airfield would be insignificant. In base-bombing roles, you may find that the upgraded bombload is worthwhile, as it has slightly less drag and slightly higher total TNT content within its bombs.

'''Realistic''':

Fast tactical bomber. Go in, destroy the target, either two tanks/pillboxes, or one strategic bomb-zone target. At this point the pilot has several options:

# Run back to base to rearm. Inform your allies about any foes you might have seen. On the second run, the Arado can either continue hitting ground targets/bases or loiter near the enemy airfield to bomb landed planes...though with many pilots being able to rearm in 15 seconds (even in RB) this can be difficult to achieve. Be sure not to be spotted!
# Mimic history and be a reconnaissance (and bait) plane. The Arado's top speed in combination with its manoeuvrability allows for great dodging ability. Used against the enemy team, they might chase the Arado and lose precious energy, making them easy targets for your allies. In addition, their location is revealed and shown to the team, too.
# Be "honourable" and utilize the only offensive weapon the Arado has: Itself. While ramming is a viable form of fighting for Arado pilots, other players ("targets") may be rather annoyed by it (the community term "''Ruse Cruise Missile''" originates from this).

Regular medium bomber tactics apply. Stay stealthy, stay fast and watch out during the landing approach.

=== 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 || rowspan="2" | Not controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Not controllable Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable 1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Compressor
|
|
|-
| II
|
|
| Airframe
| ETC 1001 I
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
|-
| IV
|
|
| Cover
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fast and very manoeuvrable
* Good energy retention + good dive speed = easy escape after the bombing
* Overheating is not an issue at all, even when stock
* The stock payload is all you need
* Gets air spawned in realistic battles
* Very good aircraft to grind
* Can escape from most propeller planes ''after the payload has been dropped''
* Small target
* Very efficient in taking out individual targets in ground strike maps (AB), with maxed reload time can drop a salvo roughly every 40 seconds
* Durable flaps, combat flaps get warning at 530 km/h and landing flaps are still usable slightly before combat flaps' limits, which makes fast landing easier

'''Cons:'''

* No offensive or defensive armament
* Some piston engine planes can catch the Arado during a dive
* Tail is easily damaged
* Impossible to recover from dives speeds higher than 780 kph when stock and upgraded
* Poor high-altitude acceleration
* No WEP in realistic battles
* Can only carry three bombs and release them in two separate loads
* No armour
* The pilot is easily knocked out due to the absence of armour on the front of the plane
* Can be extremely hard to take off
* 90% of the time in 7.0 -7.7 games

== History ==

In late 1940, an order for a turbojet-powered reconnaissance aircraft was issued by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium (the German Air Ministry). The winning design was the Arado Ar 234, a high-wing, incredibly fast jet bomber/reconnaissance aircraft with twin Jumo 004 engines. Since Germany's resources were running low the prototype was only able to fly in 1943 and was only able to fly combat missions after D-Day. Even after these setbacks, it was still the world's first operational jet bomber and reconnaissance aircraft.

The prototype used a wooden tricycle trolley for take-offs and a singular skid for landing. Also, since the plane was so fast the only times it would be vulnerable was during takeoff and landing. The design soon moved to conventional landing gear after to trolleys were quite risky and during landings when the plane would tilt over at low speed. Also to accommodate the tricycle landing gear the fuselage was made wider. Plus, an autopilot system was installed so that as the pilot was on his bombing run he could concentrate on his bombing targets. One of the other problems that were worked around was adding Walther 109-500 RATO motors (Rocket-Assisted Take Off) were used to shorten the aircraft's lengthy take-off run.

The pilot controlled the plane from the forward nose compartment which had an incredible amount of visibility, though the position made the 6 o'clock position behind the pilot extremely vulnerable. So a periscope was installed to counter this disability. The periscope would have doubled up as a sight for the guns on the tail that were meant to be installed but never were. Also, it could serve as a dive-bombing sight. The control yoke was moved aside inside the cockpit so that it could be moved out of the way when on the bombing run. When this was moved out of the way the pilot looked into a bombsight located in between his knees. Like many German aircraft, the main controls and gauges were colour-coded for easy recognition by the ground crews.

The main unit to use this aircraft in combat was KG76 who were based in Norway, though other units also used this aircraft. This aircraft had limited usefulness as fuel and engine production was what would send it out of combat at the end of the war.<ref>Connor, R and Moore, C., ''In the cockpit II'', New York : HarperCollins Publishers, 2010</ref>

=== In-game description ===
The Arado Ar 234 Blitz (Lightning) was the world's first operational jet bomber, built by Arado in Germany during WWII. It was used by the Luftwaffe for reconnaissance from November 1944 and as a fast bomber against Allied targets from December of that year. Despite the fact that late in the war the plane was used only sporadically due to a fuel shortage, it remained a very difficult target to intercept because of its high speed.

As a bomber, the Ar-234B-2 could carry a payload of up to 2,000 kg and could also be used for reconnaissance.

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

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

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

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Arado}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

<references />

Gepard

2020-10-09T02:46:05Z

U28346014:

{{Specs-Card|code=germ_flakpz_I_Gepard}}

== Description ==


[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft (SPAA) vehicle {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters"]]. An anti-aircraft vehicle based on the Leopard 1 chassis, it possesses 2x35mm Oerlikon KDA cannons with 340 rounds each (680 in total, in 2 continuous belts of ammunition, one for each cannon). As in real life, the Gepard is equipped with a radar that can track and calculate the lead necessary to effectively engage a target. This is represented in the game by the ability to lock onto a target and display an arcade-style lead indicator on the target when they are within effective range, a trait that all radar-guided SPAAs possess. This allows the 35 mm cannons, which have a tendency to cripple enemy plane and helicopters alike with a hit, to maximize its damage potential.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===


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

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

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

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

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1179|rbMinHp= 734|}}

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

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

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===


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

The armament consists of 2x35mm Oerlikon KDA cannons with 340 RPG with a quick, fixed fire rate and can make use of 3 types of munitions :

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDA cannon]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 680 (340) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | 1.3 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | 1
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.5 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" | Belt Composition
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! style="width:4em" |10m
! style="width:4em" |100m
! style="width:4em" |500m
! style="width:4em" |1000m
! style="width:4em" |1500m
! style="width:4em" |2000m
|-
| Default || API-T, HEI-T* || 67 || 64 || 52 || 39 || 30 || 23
|-
| 35x228 MSB/K || HEI-T*, HEI-T*, HEI-T*, API-T || 67 || 64 || 52 || 39 || 30 || 23
|-
| 35x228 PSBH/B || API-T, API-T, API-T, HEI-T* || 67 || 64 || 52 || 39 || 30 || 23
|-
| 35x228 PKLH || APDS, APDS, APDS, APDS || 112 || 110 || 101 || 90 || 71 || 62
|}

====Belt types====
{| class="wikitable"
| '''Belts''' || '''Shell composition''' || '''Combat usage'''
|-
| align="left" |'''''Default ''''' || align="left" | API-T — HEI-T*|| align="left" |
|-
| align="left" |'''''Sprgr.''''' || align="left" | HEI-T* — HEI-T* — HEI-T* — API-T || align="left" |
|-
| align="left" |'''''PzGr''''' || align="left" | API-T — API-T — API-T — HEI-T* || align="left" |
|-
| align="left" |'''''PzGr 40''''' || align="left" | APDS — APDS — APDS — APDS || align="left" |
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|x250px|right|thumbnail|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] for the Flakpanzer I Gepard.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''680''' || 0 ''(+680)'' || style="text-align:left" | no
|-
|}

Rack empties when all rounds are spent

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

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

== Usage in battles ==


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

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

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

Against enemy threats:

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

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

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="3" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
| DM11A1
| Horizontal Drive
|
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| DM13
| Adjustment of Fire
|
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
|
| Elevation Mechanism
| Smoke grenade
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
|
| DM23
| Artillery Support
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

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

'''Cons:'''

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

== History ==


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

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

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

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=spaa&vehicle=germ_flakpz_I_Gepard Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:GarageImage Gepard (2).jpg|thumb|none|300px|]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|1R9OL0Hf-yw|'''The Shooting Range #33''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the Gepard.|naeDoEwZ5Pg|'''German SPAAs''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:30 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|DY9ewp7vxoA|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|8YLI7vBI88U|'''{{PAGENAME}}: Review & How To AAA''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==


* [[Leopard I]]

'''Similar SPAAs:'''

* [[ZSU-23-4]]
* [[Chieftain Marksman]]
* [[Type 87]]
* [[M163]]

== External links ==


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

{{Germany anti-aircraft vehicles}}

F8F-1B

2020-10-06T16:59:15Z

U28346014: ki-84 has lower repair costs

{{Specs-Card
|code=f8f1b
|cockpit=cockpit_f8f1b.jpg
}}
{{About
| about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| and
| usage = other versions
| link-1 = F8F-1
| link-2 = F8F-1B (France)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.33]].

The F8F-1B is truly a worthy aircraft to end the single engine fighter line of the USN branch. Nimble, fast, and with great acceleration, it is sight of fear for the foe's eye! ''Most'' of its enemies will be jets and they will shiver as the Bearcat faces them with a 2 km altitude and (sometimes with) speed advantage! With WEP running ('''W'''ar '''E'''mergency '''P'''ower, includes ADI(Water-Methanol Injection) for the big and hungry 2,300 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp) and modules maximized, the climb rate is well over 35 m/s. However, its main weakness is the Bearcat's very power source- the hot-running R-2800 Double Wasp.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,268 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
| 672 || 648 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.1 || 20.8 || 19.3 || 19.3 || rowspan="2" | 220
|-
! Upgraded
| 750 || 708 || 18.4 || 19.0 || 38.9 || 24.8
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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}} || 640 || 640 || 427 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 465 || < 466 || < 600 || > 460
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 995 m || 2,120 hp || 2,826 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,090 m || 1,700 hp || 2,244 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine armor plate
* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
* 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield

== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===

{{main|M3 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, wing-mounted (188 rpg outer + 225 rpg inner each wing = 826 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR|Tiny Tim|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (gunpods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 4 x HVAR rockets
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 4 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==

In Arcade battles the F8F-1B can perform at its prime, which is, accordingly, remarkably. Due to the lack of damage due to overheating and such, the F8F-1B can easily outstrip any piston-engine fighter in a climb '''once upgraded'''.

Prior to the engine-injection upgrade, the 1B performs very well, but not as sublimely as it does with the latter modification. Thus, climbing and Boom & Zoom match perfectly with the F8F-1B in AB due to its astounding climb rate, speed, acceleration, and weaponry.

Regarding weaponry, fire in very short bursts with the M3 20 mm because they will jam rather quickly. The most ideal belt is Air Targets, as the belt has - together with the stealth belt, but the Air Targets belt has instead of a practice shell an API-T shell - the most HEF-I shells.
[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]]
In RB, the F8F-1B is a monster. It possesses a fantastic climb rate, roll rate, high-capacity armament, and flight performance. Top speed and level speed are top notch, as is the dive-speed tolerance (~800 kph). Unfortunately, this power comes at a great price. Called the "Ovencat" by some players, the F8F-1B's engine could overheat in less than a minute while utilising WEP.

'''It is not recommended''' for any pilot to use WEP until the "Radiator" modification is unlocked. Therefore, always side-climb at the beginning of a match as the 1B needs all the energy it can get, especially when facing opponents such as the [[Fw 190 D-9|Fw 190D]] which can out-climb a F8F-1B in continuous climb due to the lower thermal restraints of its Junkers engine.

The F8F-1B suffers at altitudes over 6,500 m. Below that utilise Boom & Zoom as the main tactic. Acceleration is magnificent as is dive speed. It will be difficult to rip the wings in a dive. Careful not to push the Bearcat too far, though, as rolling maneuvers and fast-paced moves can easily rip its wings.

The AN/M3 20 mm cannons have an extremely fast fire rate and thus may drain the ammunition storage rather quickly. However, the massive 826 round storage should be plenty for quite a lot of battling in the skies!

The F8F-1B can also be used as an effective fighter-bomber. It can carry a large payload of Tiny Tim's, bombs, and assorted rockets, making it an effective attacker.

Turning is not recommended in RB due to the 1B's mediocre turn rate.

Do not expect to out-climb every fighter in War Thunder. Expect to engage [[Fw 190 D-9|Fw 190D]] ''as'' the F8F-1B climbs. [[Bf 109 G-10|109G-10]], [[Bf 109 G-14|109G-14]], [[Bf 109 K-4|109K-4]], [[Tempest Mk II|Tempest Mk.II]], [[Spitfire FR Mk XIVe|Spitfire Mk.XIVe]], and [[J2M3|J2M3]] are able to reach the height of the 1B at the same time the 1B is able to.

The F8F-1B will often get matched with jets, however, and this is not a bad thing at all. Most jet pilots tend to overlook the piston-engine Bearcat and remain stuck in with jet-powered teammates - this is a window of opportunity. Gain some altitude and get ready to turn. Deploy flaps at will, since they don't blow off at any speed, and the F8F-1B can easily send a less aware enemy plummeting into the ground with the 20 mm cannons. If with a squad-mate in a jet - preferably something like the F-80 or the F-84, as the matchmaking is not so different - pretty amazing setups can be created, netting a good amounts of victories. One thing to worry about are [[Ho 229 V3|Ho 229 V3]], as their impressive turning capabilities may catch the player off guard.

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| DGP-1
| Offensive 12 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| FRC mk.2
| New 12 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| LFRC mk.12
| Offensive 20 mm
|-
| IV
| G-suit
| Engine injection
| Cover
| FLBC mk.1
| New 20 mm cannons
|-
|}

The stock ammo belt for the AN/M3 is great. So don't waste research here. Biggest problem early on is the sluggish behaviour and gun jamming. The latter can be resolved with spending crew points in , which by now in Rank 4 should be already at a decent level. If trigger happy, there is bad news: ''New 20 mm cannons'' are a tier 4 upgrade. Instead focus on the engine upgrades. Especially ''Engine Injection'' gives the plane a great boost of performance and turns it into a true bear. The ''New 20 mm cannons'' turn the weapons from a shotgun-like spread to significantly more accurate grouping. It is worthwhile to skip the 20 mm belt upgrade and focus on engine improvements until unlocking the ''New 20 mm cannons'' upgrade, as the default belts are nearly as devastating as stealth ammo, but with a tracer round added into the mix.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent dive speed
* Excellent manoeuvrability in moderate to high speeds
* Fast acceleration
* High rate of fire
* High ammo count
* Can support high G's in sharp turns and has a G-suit upgrade available
* Combat Flaps can't break, the wings will break faster
* Double the burst mass of the first [[F8F-1|F8F-1 Bearcat]] and in general powerful armament
* Great roll rate compared to planes such as the BF-109
* Respectable climb rate up to 5 km
* Excellent bomb capacity

'''Cons:'''

* Engine overheats quickly
* With the unbreakable combat flaps deployed, wings can rip in a high speed turn
* AN/M3 cannons jam in barely three seconds unless it's modified
* Not the fastest plane, so a lots of planes can catch up
* Ground loops if landing with full brakes
* Sluggish controls at speeds less than 300 km/h
* Dumps velocity in high-G turns
* Rudder compresses to the point of uselessness over 600 km/h

== History ==

The first idea for the creation of the Grumman [[F8F-1|F8F Bearcat]] was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an aircraft's rate of climb. This of course meant that an increase in power was necessary. In 1943 the design work on the new aircraft began. The outline called for a fighter-interceptor, capable of operating even from small escort carriers. While the engine – the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial – was the same model used on the earlier [[F6F-5|F6F Hellcat]], the new fighter would be lighter which also meant an increase in speed and climb rate. The concession was limiting the range of the new aircraft. The F8F would also feature a bubble canopy for better all around visibility. The first prototype, the XF8F-1, first took to the skies on the 21st August 1944. Further tests proved the aircraft's reliability and ruggedness, and the F8F was accepted into mass production. The first serial models rolled off the assembly line in February 1945 and were delivered to VF-19 fighter squadron, which began operating flights with the Bearcats in May 1945.

The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the [[F2H-2|F2H Banshee]] jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=f8f1b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|PNkoJ-MFERc|'''Best naval fighters''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:24 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|4v3fxupuZPA|'''Last piston fighters''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 5:28 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

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

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

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
{{USA fighters}}