War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-16AJ

2024-05-10T21:48:30Z

U32732362:

{{About
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16aj
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' represents the proposed introduction of a Japanese F-16A closely resembling a YF-16 into JASDF service, as proposed by General Dynamics in their corporation brochure and advertisement during exhibition in Japan by the 1980s. The JASDF had plans to select a winner from 13 candidates proposed by different aircraft companies as part of a program to replace its ageing fleet of F-104Js and to serve alongside their F-4EJ aircraft. Ultimately, the program came down to a choice between the F-14, F-15, and F-16 where the F-15 emerged as the victor, becoming the [[F-15J]]; while the concept of Japanese "F-16" eventually evolved into the Mitsubishi F-2 which became the first jet to be equipped with AESA radar by 2000.

Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the F-16AJ is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16As in the game, alongside the ROCAF's [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A MLU]]. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into JASDF service, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for Japanese pilots. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,103 || 2,072 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 262.9 || 250.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,209 || 2,156 || 19.0 || 19.5 || 350.9 || 305.0
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== 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 internal fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,662 kg || 9,913 kg || 10,930 kg || 16,848 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 || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.76 || 1.53 || 1.39 || 0.90
|-
|}

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

As a result of its role as a light fighter aircraft, the F-16AJ lacks any armour protection at all. In addition to this, a significant portion of the F-16AJ's internal volume is occupied by self-sealing fuel tanks, making the aircraft prone to being set on fire when hit. Generally, the F-16AJ will suffer a significant hit to its performance when critically damaged to the point where the aircraft can irrecoverably spin out of control if turning too hard with asymmetrical damage. Finally, the F-16AJ only has one engine, meaning that engine damage is critical. The F-16AJ's smaller overall size and superb mid speed manoeuvrability lends well to it being able to get out of the way of enemy gunfire in close range dogfights.

=== 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) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|JM61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, port wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 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="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! 370 gal drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || 1 || || ||
|-
|}

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

* 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The F-16AJ is one hell of a fighter. It is not as good as the [[F-16C]] but is still a Block 10 variant, which is very light, making it exceptional at dogfighting. It can be called the best dogfighter along with the [[Netz]] and [[F-16A]] due to their very low weight and excessive power.

In Air Realistic Battles, it can be used in multiple ways, making it a versatile fighter which you can't get bored of easily.

* Air Superiority - The F-16AJ can be used in a pure dogfighting role. You should take 2x AIM-7F and 4x AIM-9L in order to be able to engage targets at multiple distances and in multiple circumstances reliably. For this playstyle or role, you should take 30 min internal fuel. The addition of the 10 min drop tank is a good idea if you want to be the first in the battle area. However this might not be the best of choices. Either way, it is always better to have 30+10 minutes rather than taking the 41 minutes of fuel it can hold internally. You can always drop the drop tank, making you lighter whenever you need. Using the powerful radar, you can search for enemies and lock them reliably for your AIM-7F missiles. they are best used for enemies coming straight at you, and it is best to fire them between 11 km and 3.5 km. However you are almost guaranteed to kill the enemy if you fire between 8 km and 4.5 km. The AIM-9L missiles are very reliable, often ignoring flares at ranges below 1 km. They should only be used on targets that do not know you are looking at them.
* Multirole - This playstyle is a slight variation of the Air Superiority playstyle, which is supposed to give you extra rewards. It consists of taking the following loadout: 2 x AIM-7F, 4x AIM-9L, 12 x 500 lb bombs, the Drop tank along with 41 min of fuel. You are to afterburn all the way to a base, and drop your bombs on it. after that, you should go back to Air Superiority, engaging air targets. It can be a fun way to spice things up or grind.

* In Ground Realistic Battles, the F-16AJ remains the only Japanese plane with guided munitions. This however does not mean it is a good plane for attacking ground targets, since it lacks any sort of targetting pod, making you rely on the AGM-65B's camera to find and lock enemies. Other than that, you can carry 6 x AGM-65Bs on top of 2 x 2,000 lb bombs, making you quite a scary fighter in Ground RB. you should try to find and fire an AGM-65B on enemy SPAA as soon as you spawn in, however if you have failed to identify any SPAA and fire an AGM within less than 10 seconds of spawning, you should immediately turn away, and go low to the ground. This is very important if you are facing Russia, as the Pantsir SPAA can easily outrange you and kill you before you even find it.

Overall the F-16AJ remains a very strong fighter, that can fill multiple roles, and be very fun to play, even though it does not get the fanciest features like an HMD, or missiles with IRCCM. It does however remain one if not the best dogfighter in War Thunder, along with the other Block 10 variants.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly manoeuvrable at low to medium speeds
* Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with high precision, fire rate, and damage
* Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
* Can carry 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x AIM-9L or 4 x AIM-9L with 2 x AIM-7F
* 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
* Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs

'''Cons:'''

* Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
* No thermal imaging pod for ground attack purposes
* Control surfaces compress above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the manoeuvrability above this speed
* Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature

== History ==

Historically, the JASDF was not a user of the F-16 series (though USINDOPACOM operates the F-16C in Japanese airbases). In the 1970s, the Japanese government was seeking to replace its outdated fleet of F-104J Starfighters in response to advances in the aircraft technology of neighbouring countries. As such, they launched a program and eventually got 13 proposals from different aircraft companies, including the Grumman F-14, McDonnell Douglas F-15, and General Dynamics F-16. After much consideration and testing, the program was narrowed down to just the F-14, F-15, and F-16. Discussion and flight tests continued and the F-15 prevailed as the winner of the competition, shattering any hopes for the F-16AJ, and ultimately any F-16 to see service with the JASDF.

Even though the F-16 proposal failed, a derivative of the F-16 was chosen by Japan in order to serve as a multirole aircraft for the FS-X program. This aircraft ultimately became known as the Mitsubishi F-2, which is still in service with the JASDF today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16aj Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery |market|ugcitem_1001426|F-16AJ Representing the 501st Squadron.jpg|Camo "Representing the 501st Squadron"}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8121-development-f-16aj-cover-boy-en|[Devblog] F-16AJ: Cover-boy]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

F-16AJ

2024-05-10T21:48:07Z

U32732362:

{{About
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16aj
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' represents the proposed introduction of a Japanese F-16A which closely resembling a YF-16 into JASDF service, as proposed by General Dynamics in their corporation brochure and advertisement during exhibition in Japan by the 1980s. The JASDF had plans to select a winner from 13 candidates proposed by different aircraft companies as part of a program to replace its ageing fleet of F-104Js and to serve alongside their F-4EJ aircraft. Ultimately, the program came down to a choice between the F-14, F-15, and F-16 where the F-15 emerged as the victor, becoming the [[F-15J]]; while the concept of Japanese "F-16" eventually evolved into the Mitsubishi F-2 which became the first jet to be equipped with AESA radar by 2000.

Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the F-16AJ is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16As in the game, alongside the ROCAF's [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A MLU]]. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into JASDF service, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for Japanese pilots. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,103 || 2,072 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 262.9 || 250.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,209 || 2,156 || 19.0 || 19.5 || 350.9 || 305.0
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== 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 internal fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,662 kg || 9,913 kg || 10,930 kg || 16,848 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 || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.76 || 1.53 || 1.39 || 0.90
|-
|}

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

As a result of its role as a light fighter aircraft, the F-16AJ lacks any armour protection at all. In addition to this, a significant portion of the F-16AJ's internal volume is occupied by self-sealing fuel tanks, making the aircraft prone to being set on fire when hit. Generally, the F-16AJ will suffer a significant hit to its performance when critically damaged to the point where the aircraft can irrecoverably spin out of control if turning too hard with asymmetrical damage. Finally, the F-16AJ only has one engine, meaning that engine damage is critical. The F-16AJ's smaller overall size and superb mid speed manoeuvrability lends well to it being able to get out of the way of enemy gunfire in close range dogfights.

=== 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) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|JM61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, port wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 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="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
! 370 gal drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || 1 || || ||
|-
|}

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

* 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The F-16AJ is one hell of a fighter. It is not as good as the [[F-16C]] but is still a Block 10 variant, which is very light, making it exceptional at dogfighting. It can be called the best dogfighter along with the [[Netz]] and [[F-16A]] due to their very low weight and excessive power.

In Air Realistic Battles, it can be used in multiple ways, making it a versatile fighter which you can't get bored of easily.

* Air Superiority - The F-16AJ can be used in a pure dogfighting role. You should take 2x AIM-7F and 4x AIM-9L in order to be able to engage targets at multiple distances and in multiple circumstances reliably. For this playstyle or role, you should take 30 min internal fuel. The addition of the 10 min drop tank is a good idea if you want to be the first in the battle area. However this might not be the best of choices. Either way, it is always better to have 30+10 minutes rather than taking the 41 minutes of fuel it can hold internally. You can always drop the drop tank, making you lighter whenever you need. Using the powerful radar, you can search for enemies and lock them reliably for your AIM-7F missiles. they are best used for enemies coming straight at you, and it is best to fire them between 11 km and 3.5 km. However you are almost guaranteed to kill the enemy if you fire between 8 km and 4.5 km. The AIM-9L missiles are very reliable, often ignoring flares at ranges below 1 km. They should only be used on targets that do not know you are looking at them.
* Multirole - This playstyle is a slight variation of the Air Superiority playstyle, which is supposed to give you extra rewards. It consists of taking the following loadout: 2 x AIM-7F, 4x AIM-9L, 12 x 500 lb bombs, the Drop tank along with 41 min of fuel. You are to afterburn all the way to a base, and drop your bombs on it. after that, you should go back to Air Superiority, engaging air targets. It can be a fun way to spice things up or grind.

* In Ground Realistic Battles, the F-16AJ remains the only Japanese plane with guided munitions. This however does not mean it is a good plane for attacking ground targets, since it lacks any sort of targetting pod, making you rely on the AGM-65B's camera to find and lock enemies. Other than that, you can carry 6 x AGM-65Bs on top of 2 x 2,000 lb bombs, making you quite a scary fighter in Ground RB. you should try to find and fire an AGM-65B on enemy SPAA as soon as you spawn in, however if you have failed to identify any SPAA and fire an AGM within less than 10 seconds of spawning, you should immediately turn away, and go low to the ground. This is very important if you are facing Russia, as the Pantsir SPAA can easily outrange you and kill you before you even find it.

Overall the F-16AJ remains a very strong fighter, that can fill multiple roles, and be very fun to play, even though it does not get the fanciest features like an HMD, or missiles with IRCCM. It does however remain one if not the best dogfighter in War Thunder, along with the other Block 10 variants.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly manoeuvrable at low to medium speeds
* Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with high precision, fire rate, and damage
* Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
* Can carry 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x AIM-9L or 4 x AIM-9L with 2 x AIM-7F
* 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
* Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs

'''Cons:'''

* Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
* No thermal imaging pod for ground attack purposes
* Control surfaces compress above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the manoeuvrability above this speed
* Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature

== History ==

Historically, the JASDF was not a user of the F-16 series (though USINDOPACOM operates the F-16C in Japanese airbases). In the 1970s, the Japanese government was seeking to replace its outdated fleet of F-104J Starfighters in response to advances in the aircraft technology of neighbouring countries. As such, they launched a program and eventually got 13 proposals from different aircraft companies, including the Grumman F-14, McDonnell Douglas F-15, and General Dynamics F-16. After much consideration and testing, the program was narrowed down to just the F-14, F-15, and F-16. Discussion and flight tests continued and the F-15 prevailed as the winner of the competition, shattering any hopes for the F-16AJ, and ultimately any F-16 to see service with the JASDF.

Even though the F-16 proposal failed, a derivative of the F-16 was chosen by Japan in order to serve as a multirole aircraft for the FS-X program. This aircraft ultimately became known as the Mitsubishi F-2, which is still in service with the JASDF today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16aj Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery |market|ugcitem_1001426|F-16AJ Representing the 501st Squadron.jpg|Camo "Representing the 501st Squadron"}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8121-development-f-16aj-cover-boy-en|[Devblog] F-16AJ: Cover-boy]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

Su-25K

2023-08-14T04:40:56Z

U32732362: some basic text/info changes

{{About
| about = premium Soviet strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-25 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=su_25k
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_004.jpg}}
|store=11444
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO: Frogfoot; unified for all variants) is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]].

The Su-25K is an export version of the base Su-25 model intended for Warsaw-Pact countries and overseas customers with minor internal differences in terms of certain equipment. With extensive external ordnance options including bombs, rockets, AGMs, and self-defense AAMs, the Frogfoot will prove extremely deadly to ground units without anti-air support and to less capable enemy aircraft.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
Same as the base model in Soviet service, Su-25K is equipped with a pair of UMPO R-95SH non-afterburning turbofan engines on the sides of the airframe and is one of the last jets designed by Sukhoi with a straight wing. Since the Su-25K was designed as an attacker, it performs best at low altitude and taking it into high altitude engagements is not recommended. Another iconic feature of Su-25s are the extensive protection all-around for the pilot and critical components of the jet. Although this adds to the survivability of the aircraft against smaller weapons, it also reduces the overall manoeuverability of the aircraft as a result of the added weight.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 1,000 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
| 968 || 961 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.4 || 28.0 || 66.8 || 62.4 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 989 || 979 || 26.6 || 27.0 || 94.2 || 79.4
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,100  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 900 || N/A || 420 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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" | UMPO R-95SH || 2
| colspan="2" | 10,236 kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 990 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 11,106 kg || 12,210 kg || 13,136 kg || 17,678 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,526 kgf || N/A
| 0.63 || 0.58 || 0.54 || 0.40
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,608 kgf (200 km/h) || N/A
| 0.65 || 0.59 || 0.55 || 0.41
|-
|}

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

The Su-25K is known for its survivability, anecdotally being able to take a few missile hits without suffering any damage compromising its airworthiness, though this ability is inconsistent and should not be relied upon. The airframe is able to sustain rear hits from missiles with a small warhead, especially the FIM-92 Stinger. Occasionally the Su-25K is able to sustain continued hits from Stingers and Roland 1s.

128 flares/chaff launched two of each at a time provide the Su-25K with the chance to evade missiles, which should be the primary form of defense. A lack of afterburner increases flare effectiveness and only more advanced missiles such as the AIM-9L at very short ranges are able to track the aircraft from behind through flares. Chaff will be able to decoy less advanced radar missiles but in order to defeat more advanced versions, chaff has to be deployed while notching.

The aircraft remains decently controllable upon loss of tail control, wingtips, or an engine. The aircraft remains near-fully controllable upon loss of the rudder and occasionally can fly without the vertical stabilizer.

The fuel tanks are self-sealing and the aircraft has an engine fire extinguishing system. A single section of fuel tank is protected by 18 mm of steel.

The cockpit is very well armoured. The pilot is protected on the front and sides by 24 mm of titanium alloy, the bottom and rear of the pilot is covered by 10 mm of titanium alloy. Additionally there is 57 mm thick bulletproof glass in the front of the cockpit.

=== 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|GSh-30-2 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-2 cannon, chin-mounted (250 rpg) + 128 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="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="22" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-25.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250sv]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 ||
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Kh-25]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-25ML]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29L]] missiles
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
! [[R-60MK]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[S-25L]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 32 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,200 kg total)
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 256 x S-5K rockets
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 160 x S-8KO rockets
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 40 x S-13OF rockets
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-24B rockets
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 8 x S-25O rockets
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x Kh-25ML missiles
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x Kh-29L missiles
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons + 120 x S-8KO rockets
* 2 x R-60MK missiles + 4 x S-25O rockets + 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The Su-25K is a support plane. It is a slow plane compared to most other planes, therefore altitude is important since you are likely to Boom and Zoom. You need to look around constantly to prevent unexpected attacks. Your main worries will be planes like the A-5C or the F-5C. Those planes are fast and can dogfight you. Gain altitude and pick on unsuspecting targets. Your R-60MK missiles are very good but shooting them at 3 km distance will be the most efficient. You can also save your missiles if you're caught in a head-on, or you can spray your guns. If you see tough enemies which are alert of your presence, try engaging them first.
=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent firepower from the GSh-30-2 cannon, having high shell velocity and a powerful punch
* Durable airframe capable of surviving multiple hits
* Access to all-aspect R-60MK missiles with excellent performance
* Decent acceleration
* Wide array of air-to-ground armament with possibility to create custom loadouts

'''Cons:'''

* Relatively low top speed
* Rather poor manoeuvrability at low-medium speeds
* Limited ammo for the cannon
* Basic sight with very low zoom for laser guided weapons

== History ==

As one of the export jets of Soviet Union then later Russia and Georgia ''(the Tbilisi Aircraft Plant)'', the Su-25K has been exported to every major continents of the world in different amounts with some victories against their enemies; with most of the users being Eurasian countries.

Records showed that Czechoslovakia, one of the Warsaw-Pact countries until late 1980s, received their batches of 36 Su-25Ks and 2 UBK trainers from Soviet Union in 1984 as the composition of the 30th Attack Air Regiment in Pardubice Airbase then later 1st Mixed Air Corps in 1990; after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, the succeeding Czech Republic and Slovakia split their inventories with Czech receiving 2/3 (24 25Ks and an UBK) of these jets while Slovakia received the remaining ones in 1993. Both countries didn't used their Frogfoot in any combat operations or intended for any further service in respective air forces where Czech decommissioned their Frogfoot in December 2000 while Slovakia sold most of their Frogfoots to Armenia in mid-2000s.[http://www.airvectors.net/avsu25.html] [https://www.arrow-aviation.nl/cz_su25.html]

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=su_25k Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|UVeSfISG-7M|'''Su-25K Frogfoot FULL Review - Should You Buy It?''' - ''Tankenstein''}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7846-development-su-25-and-su-25k-armor-pecking-rooks-en|[Devblog] Su-25 and Su-25K: Armor-pecking Rooks]]

{{AirManufacturer Sukhoi}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}

F-16AJ

2023-07-30T23:41:49Z

U32732362: Changed description and added text to survivability section

{{About
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16aj
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank VIII Japanese jet fighter with a battle rating of 12.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]]

In War Thunder, the F-16AJ represents a production version of the General Dynamics F-16AJ proposal. It is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16s in the game, alongside the ROCAF's [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A MLU]]. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into the Japanese tech tree, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for Japanese pilots. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,103 || 2,072 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 262.9 || 250.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,209 || 2,156 || 19.0 || 19.5 || 350.9 || 305.0
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== 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 internal fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,662 kg || 9,913 kg || 10,930 kg || 16,848 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 || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.76 || 1.53 || 1.39 || 0.90
|-
|}

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

As a result of its role as a light fighter aircraft, the F-16AJ lacks any armour protection on the vehicle at all. In addition to this, a significant portion of the F-16AJ's internal volume is occupied by self-sealing fuel tanks, making the aircraft prone to being set on fire when hit by enemy shells. Generally, the F-16AJ will suffer a significant hit to its performance when critically damaged to the point where the aircraft can irrecoverably spin out of control if turning too hard with asymmetric damage. Additionally, the F-16AJ only has one engine, meaning that engine damage is something that the pilot should be very wary of. With all that being said, the F-16AJ's smaller overall size and superb mid speed maneuverability lends well to it being able to get out of the way of enemy gunfire in close range dogfights.

=== 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) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|JM61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, port wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 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="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly manoeuvrable at low to medium speeds
* Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with high precision, fire rate, and damage
* Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
* Capable of carrying 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] or 4 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] with 2 x [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7F]]
* 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
* Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs

'''Cons:'''

* Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
* No thermal imaging pod for ground attack purposes
* Control surfaces compress above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the manoeuvrability above this speed
* Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature

== History ==

Historically, the JASDF was not a user of the F-16 series (though USINDOPACOM operates the F-16C in Japanese airbases). In the 1970s, the Japanese government was seeking to replace its outdated fleet of F-104J Starfighters in response to advances in the aircraft technology of neighbouring countries. As such, they launched a program and eventually got 13 proposals from different aircraft companies, including the Grumman F-14, McDonnell Douglas F-15, and General Dynamics F-16. After much consideration and testing, the program was narrowed down to just the F-14, F-15, and F-16. Discussion and flight tests continued and the F-15 prevailed as the winner of the competition, shattering any hopes for the F-16AJ, and ultimately any F-16 to see service with the JASDF.

Even though the F-16 proposal failed, a derivative of the F-16 was chosen by Japan in order to serve as a multirole aircraft for the FS-X program. This aircraft ultimately became known as the Mitsubishi F-2, which is still in service with the JASDF today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16aj Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery |market|ugcitem_1001426|F-16AJ Representing the 501st Squadron.jpg|Camo "Representing the 501st Squadron"}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8121-development-f-16aj-cover-boy-en|[Devblog] F-16AJ: Cover-boy]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

F-16AJ

2023-07-30T22:57:53Z

U32732362:

{{About
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16aj
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' represents the proposed introduction of an F-16 closely resembling a YF-16 into JASDF service, as suggested by General Dynamics. The JASDF had plans to select a winner from 13 candidates proposed by different aircraft companies as part of a program to replace its aging fleet of F-104Js and to serve alongside their F-4EJ aircraft. Ultimately, the program came down to a choice between the F-14, F-15, and F-16 where the F-15 emerged as the victor, becoming the F-15J.

Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the F-16AJ is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16s in the game, alongside the ROCAF's [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A MLU]]. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into JASDF service, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for Japanese pilots. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,103 || 2,072 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 262.9 || 250.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,209 || 2,156 || 19.0 || 19.5 || 350.9 || 305.0
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== 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 internal fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,662 kg || 9,913 kg || 10,930 kg || 16,848 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 || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.76 || 1.53 || 1.39 || 0.90
|-
|}

=== 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="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|JM61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, port wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 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="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly manoeuvrable at low to medium speeds
* Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with a high precision, fire rate and damage
* Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
* Capable of carry 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] or 4 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] with 2 x [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7F]]
* 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
* Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs

'''Cons:'''

* Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
* No thermal imaging pod for ground attack purposes
* Control surfaces compress above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the manoeuvrability above this speed
* Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature

== History ==

Historically, the JASDF was not a user of the F-16 series (though USINDOPACOM operates the F-16C in Japanese airbases). In the 1970s, the Japanese government was seeking to replace its outdated fleet of F-104J Starfighters in response to advances in the aircraft technology of neighbouring countries. As such, they launched a program and eventually got 13 proposals from different aircraft companies, including the Grumman F-14, McDonnell Douglas F-15, and General Dynamics F-16. After much consideration and testing, the program was narrowed down to just the F-14, F-15, and F-16. Discussion and flight tests continued and the F-15 prevailed as the winner of the competition, shattering any hopes for the F-16AJ, and ultimately any F-16 to see service with the JASDF.

Even though the F-16 proposal failed, a derivative of the F-16 was chosen by Japan in order to serve as a multirole aircraft for the FS-X program. This aircraft ultimately became known as the Mitsubishi F-2, which is still in service with the JASDF today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16aj Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery |market|ugcitem_1001426|F-16AJ Representing the 501st Squadron.jpg|Camo "Representing the 501st Squadron"}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8121-development-f-16aj-cover-boy-en|[Devblog] F-16AJ: Cover-boy]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

F-16AJ

2023-07-25T06:45:06Z

U32732362:

{{About
| about = Japanese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16aj
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' represents the proposed introduction of an F-16 closely resembling a YF-16 into JASDF service, as suggested by General Dynamics. The JASDF had plans to select a winner from 13 candidates proposed by different aircraft companies as part of a program to replace its aging fleet of F-104Js and to serve alongside their F-4EJ aircraft. Ultimately, the program came down to a choice between the F-14, F-15, and F-16 where the F-15 emerged as the victor, becoming the F-15J.

Introduced in [[Update "Sky Guardians"]], the F-16AJ is currently one of only two truly multirole F-16s in the game, alongside the ROCAF's [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A MLU]]. The F-16AJ also marks the introduction of the AGM-65 series into JASDF service, providing much-anticipated precision air-to-ground weaponry for Japanese pilots. With one of the latest airborne radars in the game and weapon systems mostly identical to other F-16 variants, the F-16AJ now presents a good option for players who require both air interception and ground attack capabilities. Its available payloads will not disappoint players.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,103 || 2,072 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 262.9 || 250.8 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,209 || 2,156 || 19.0 || 19.5 || 350.9 || 305.0
|-
|}

==== 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 
|-
|}

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== 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 internal fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,662 kg || 9,913 kg || 10,930 kg || 16,848 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 || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.76 || 1.53 || 1.39 || 0.90
|-
|}

=== 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="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|JM61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

*1 x 20 mm JM61A1 cannon, port wing root-mounted (512 rpg) + 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="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-16A.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Excellent acceleration and climb rate at any speed and highly maneuverable at low to medium speeds
* Excellent 20 mm Vulcan cannon, with a high precision, fire rate and damage
* Able to carry a drop tank to increase flight time
* Capable of carry 6 powerful air-to-air missiles, such as 6 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] or 4 x [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] with 2 x [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7F]]
* 360° unobstructed bubble canopy perfect for simulator battles
* Capable of carrying an extremely diverse wide range of bombs, rockets and AGM-65Bs

'''Cons:'''

* Internal M61 cannon has a low ammo pool and trigger time
* No thermal imaging pod for ground attack purposes
* Control surfaces compression above 850 km/h, greatly decreasing the maneuverability above this speed
* Very high fuel consumption with afterburner on, and high engine temperature

== History ==

Historically, JASDF is not an user of F-16 series (while USINDOPACOM operates F-16C in Japan airbases). In the 1970's, the Japanese government was seeking to replace its outdated fleet of F-104J Starfighters in response to advances in the aircraft technology of neighboring countries. As such, they launched a program and eventually got 13 proposals from different aircraft companies, including the Grumman F-14, McDonnell Douglas F-15, and General Dynamics F-16<ref>As shown in the jet's suggestion page at the forum

https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/545474-f-16ajbj-a-possible-solution/</ref>. After much consideration and testing, the program was narrowed down to the F-14, F-15, and F-16. Discussion and flight tests continued and the F-15 prevailed as the winner of the competition, shattering any hopes for the F-16AJ, and ultimately any F-16 to see service with the JASDF.

Even though the F-16 proposal failed, a derivative of the F-16 was chosen by Japan in order to serve as a multirole aircraft for the FS-X program. This aircraft ultimately became known as the Mitsubishi F-2, which is still in service with the JASDF today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16aj Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery |market|ugcitem_1001426|F-16AJ Representing the 501st Squadron.jpg|Camo "Representing the 501st Squadron"}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8121-development-f-16aj-cover-boy-en|[Devblog] F-16AJ: Cover-boy]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}
<references />

Titles

2023-06-17T04:22:54Z

U32732362: Added La Royale edits

<div class="specs_card_main"></div>__TOC__

'''Titles''' are tags that players can unlock after doing specific tasks. They are similar to achievements by the fact that a player has them unlocked to begin with and works on them. But unlike achievements, after a title challenge has been completed the player can display it to the public. Once a player has a title unlocked, the player can go to their player card and, from a drop-box, select which title the player would like people to see. Once the title is selected, other players will see said title below the player's name while in battle.

==Achievement Titles==
{{Notice|An unlocked title remains unlocked, even if the requirements for it were later changed.}}
===Air Forces===

* '''Rammer''': Get 66 air collisions.
* '''Pilot''': Destroy 100 air vehicles in any fighter.
* '''Fighter''': Destroy 5,000 air vehicles in any fighter.
* '''Ace''': Destroy 10,000 air vehicles in any fighter.
* '''Demolition Man''': Bomb 1,000 ground targets in any bomber or attacker.
* '''Destroyer''': Bomb 4,000 ground targets in any bomber or attacker.
* '''Thunderer''': Bomb 7,000 ground targets in any bomber or attacker.
* '''Sea hunter''': Destroy 500 ships using a torpedo.
* '''Sea dog''': Destroy 3,000 ships using a torpedo.
* '''Unapproachable''': Shoot down 1,000 enemy aircraft in defensive gunner view.
* '''Nine Lives''': Land and repair a critically damaged plane a total of 9 times.
* '''Virtual Pilot''': Win 200 Simulator battles with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Virtual Ace''': Win 2,000 Simulator battles with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Blaster''': Destroy 100 air vehicles with rockets.
* '''Jet-Powered''': Obtain a rank 8 aircraft. (this title originally stated rank 5, but was updated every time a new top rank was introduced. This means you may have already unlocked this title earlier at rank 5, 6, or 7.)
* '''Hero of Stalingrad''': While in Stalingrad, win 200 missions with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Hero of Dover''': While in Britain, win 200 missions with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Hero of Midway''': While in Midway, win 200 missions with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Cannon Fodder''': Crashes from being shot down by other players 666 times. ''(Note: this title is no longer available to unlock for new players)''

===Ground Forces===

* '''Tankman''': While in a ground vehicle, destroy 100 ground vehicles.
* '''Armored Officer''': While in a ground vehicle, destroy 5,000 ground vehicles.
* '''Tank Destroyer''': While in a ground vehicle, destroy 10,000 ground vehicles.
* '''Anti-Aircraft''': While in a ground vehicle, destroy 100 air vehicles.
* '''Greasemonkey''': While in a ground vehicle, win 500 missions in Simulator mode with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Hero of Kursk''': While in Kursk, win 200 missions in a ground vehicle with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Pyromaniac''': While in a ground vehicle, set 1,000 ground vehicles on fire.

===Medals===
'''USA'''

* '''Cavalier of the Medal of Honor''': While playing USA, finish 30,000 missions (10,000 for ships, 10,000 for ground vehicles, 10,000 for air vehicles) (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2) with activity not lower than 60% and being placed 1-3 in the team

'''Germany'''

* '''Cavalier of the German Cross in Gold''' : While playing Germany, finish 5,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2) with activity not lower than 60% and being placed 1-3 in the team
* '''Cavalier of the Knights Cross''': While playing Germany, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)

'''USSR'''

* '''Cavalier of the Order of Glory''': While playing USSR, finish 10,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Patriotic War''': While playing USSR, finish 20,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Red Banner''': While playing USSR, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Red Star''': While playing USSR, defeat 10,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)

'''Britain'''

* '''Cavalier of the Victoria Cross''': While playing Britain, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Distinguished Service Cross''': While playing Britain, finish 5,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2) with activity not lower than 60% and being placed 1-3 in the team
* '''Cavalier of the Distinguished Service Order''': While playing Britain, defeat 15,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)

'''Japan'''

* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Rising Sun''': While playing Japan, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Golden Kite''': While playing Japan, defeat 5,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Sacred Treasure''': While playing Japan, finish 10,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2) with activity not lower than 60% and being placed 1-3 in the team

'''China'''

* '''Cavalier of the Order of Precious Tripod''': While playing China, finish 10,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2) with activity not lower than 60% and being placed 1-3 in the team
* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Cloud and Banner''': While playing China, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)

'''Italy'''

* '''Cavalier of the Order of Savoy''': While playing Italy, finish 20,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Crown of Italy''': While playing Italy, finish 10,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2) with activity not lower than 60% and being placed 1-3 in the team
* '''Cavalier of the Cross of Merit of War''': While playing Italy, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)

'''France'''

* '''Chevalier of the Legion of Honour''': While playing France, defeat 15,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Cavalier of the Order of Liberation''': While playing France, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Chevalier of the Order of Merit of France''': While playing France, finish 5,000 missions (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2) with activity not lower than 60% and being placed 1-3 in the team

'''Sweden'''

* '''Cavalier of the Order of the Sword Cross''': While playing Sweden, defeat 15,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)
* '''Knight of the Grand Sword Cross''': While playing Sweden, defeat 20,000 players (Multiplier: SB x3, RB x2)

===Other===

* '''God of War''': Defeat 100,000 players in any game mode.
* '''Champion''': Win 1,000 missions with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Conqueror''': Win 4,000 missions with a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Master of Disguise''': Unlock 100 camouflages.
* '''Fine Art Expert''': Earn 150 decals.
* '''Elite Commander''': Obtain the "Elite Squadron" achievement.
* '''Superior''': While leading your team in score, win 200 missions while having a battle activity of 50% or higher.
* '''Superhero''': Complete the "Hero of the Sky", "Survivor", "Wingman", "Thunderer" and "Punisher" challenges.
* '''High Roller''': Collect 50,000 chips at The Officers' Club.

==Event Titles==
===General===

* '''Brother of the Brush'''
* '''Bzzzzzzz''': Issued when making the first payment using the [https://warthunder.ru/ru/news/315--ru "Beeline" mobile payment service]
* '''Chameleon'''
* '''Enlisted'''
* '''Explorer'''
* '''Five Minutes of Fame''': Win a spot in the [https://warthunder.com/en/news/?tags=Glorious5 Glorious5 event series].
* '''Universiade Fighter'''
* '''World Warrior''': Take part in the World War Mode Closed Beta Test.

===Tournaments===

* '''1v1 Duelist'''
* '''1v1 Master-duelist'''
* '''1v1 Racer'''
* '''2v2 Duelist'''
* '''2v2 Master-Duelist'''
* '''Air Tournaments Hero'''
* '''American Tank Expert'''
* '''Arcade eSports Fan'''
* '''Armor of Victory'''
* '''British Tank Expert'''
* '''Combat master 4x4'''
* '''Combined Tournaments Hero'''
* '''Defender of the Fatherland'''
* '''Dislike Team Fan'''
* '''Duelist-hero'''
* '''eSports Master'''
* '''eSportsReady Champion'''
* '''eSportsReady Contender'''
* '''Fire Front'''
* '''First Striker'''
* '''Flaming Arrow'''
* '''French Tank Expert'''
* '''German Tank Expert'''
* '''Gladiators 2x2'''
* '''Gladiators 4v4'''
* '''Grandmaster'''
* '''Golden Legion'''
* '''Hero of the Colosseum'''
* '''Hero of the Olympus'''
* '''Iron Warrior'''
* '''Japanese Tank Expert'''
* '''Liberator'''
* '''Moustached'''
* '''Normandy Ace'''
* '''OlySt CUP Champion'''
* '''OlySt CUP Contender'''
* '''OlySt CUP II Champion'''
* '''OlySt CUP II Contender'''
* '''Racing Tournaments Hero'''
* '''Rankings Challenge tester'''
* '''Santa's Little Helper'''
* '''Scarper to the clouds'''
* '''Sea Wolf'''
* '''Soviet Tank Expert'''
* '''Steel Legion'''
* '''Superheavy'''
* '''Survivor'''
* '''Tank Tournaments Hero'''
* '''Teutonic Giant'''
* '''Top Racer'''
* '''Verve Team Fan'''
* '''Victory Cup Champion'''
* '''War Thunder League Champion'''
* '''War Thunder League Winner'''
* '''Wings of Victory'''
* '''YouTube Cup Champion'''

===2011===

* '''Alpha Tester''': Particpate in the alpha test.
* '''Alpha Test Veteran'''

===2014===

* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/201963-winter-holiday-specials/ Winter Holiday Specials - Dec 24th 2014 until Jan 11th 2015]
** '''Santa's Little Helper''': Destroy 10 ground units using bombs in a bomber.

===2015===

* [[wt:en/news/2981--en|Throwing a Boomerang - April 3rd until April 6th, 2015]]
** '''True Australian''': Obtain all achievements in the "Throwing a Boomerang" event.
* [[wt:en/news/2987--en|WW2 Chronicles - Apr 8th until May 12th, 2015]]
** '''Champion of War''': Achieve 225 victories.
* [[wt:en/news/3249/current|Summertime Madness - Aug 6th until Aug 17th, 2015]]
** '''Madman!''': Complete all 20 tasks both in the skies and on the ground.
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/268313-target-for-tonight-34bomber-brothers34/ Target For Tonight - "Bomber Brothers"]
** '''Target for Tonight''': Be a target in the "Target for Tonight" event series.
* [[wt:en/news/3397/current|War Thunder 3rd Anniversary - Oct 30th until Nov 2nd, 2015]]
** '''-- III --''': Log in during the 3 year anniversary.
** '''▃ Cowboy ▃''': Own any Rank V aircraft or ground vehicle of the USA.
** '''▀ Eagle ▀''': Own any Rank V aircraft or ground vehicle of Germany.
** '''▄ Knight ▄''': Own any Rank V aircraft of Britain.
** '''▅ Samurai ▅''': Own any Rank V aircraft of Japan.
** '''▂ Falcon ▂''': Own any Rank V aircraft or ground vehicle of the USSR.
** '''▂▀▄▅▃''': Own any Rank V aircraft or ground vehicle of ALL nations.

===2016===

* [[wt:en/news/3647-news-the-british-tank-tree-is-now-available-en|British Ground Forces Test - 2016]]
** '''Royal Guard''': Participate in the British Ground Forces beta test.
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20160219224932/http://warthunder.pro/en/league Thunder League - 2016]
** '''Thunder League''': Given to players who bought dog tags, for successfully hitting the $10,000 Thunder League milestone.
** '''Stormer''': Given to players who bought dog tags, for successfully hitting the $10,000 Thunder League milestone.
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/307260-the-master-of-russian-bias/ April Fool's - 2016]
** '''Master of Russian Bias''': Own [[T-34-100]], [[T-44-122]] and [[Yak-3 (VK-107)]]. Destroy 50 player vehicles using any Soviet vehicle of Ranks IV to V.
* [[wt:en/news/4246-special-battle-of-britain-en/|Battle of Britain - Sept 16th until Sept 19th, 2016]]
** '''Defender of the Realm''': Complete three tasks with Britain and Germany.
* [https://warthunder.ru/ru/news/12480-war-thunder-osada-pervaya-nastolnaya-igra-vo-vselennoj-war-thunder-ru War Thunder: Siege board game - Sept 26th 2016]
** '''Siege Master''': Purchase the "War Thunder: Siege" board game.
* [[wt:en/news/4304-war-thunder-four-years-and-still-going-strong-en|War Thunder 4th Anniversary - Oct 28th until Nov 2nd, 2016]]
** '''One for All''': Win the PvE event "The last stand" on the location Mozdok.
* [[wt:en/news/4412-war-thunder-is-now-released-en|War Thunder Official Release - Dec 21st 2016]]
** '''The Old Guard''': Obtain achievement "Joined the game in 2013 or earlier".
** '''Faithful Warrior''': Obtain achievement "Joined the game in 2014 or earlier".
** '''Combat Proven''': Obtain achievement "Joined the game in 2015 or earlier".
** '''Brother in Arms''': Obtain achievement "Joined the game in 2016 or earlier".

===2017===

* [[wt:en/news/4600-competition-custom-user-missions-competition-over-en|Custom user missions competition - 2017]]
** '''Creating the Game''': Awarded to the top 5 competitors.
* [[wt:en/news/4684-vday-victory-day-discounts-en/|Victory Day - May 5th until May 10th, 2017]]
** '''Incinerator''': Redeem a gift code for limited time use for BM-8-24 in [[wt:en/news/4687-vday-bm-13n-say-hello-from-katyusha-updated-en|"Rocket Launch"]] event.
* [[wt:en/news/4868-marathon-operation-s-u-m-m-e-r-awards-together-en|Operation S.U.M.M.E.R. - Jul 28th until Aug 28th, 2017]]
** '''Follow me, comrades!''': For achieving 2 Marks of Distinction in the "Operation S.U.M.M.E.R" event.
* [[wt:en/news/4920-gamescom-war-thunder-quiz-en|War Thunder Quiz - Aug 22nd until Aug 24th, 2017]]
** '''War Thunder Mastermind''': Answer 7/10 questions correctly in any one of the three Gamescom Quizzes on Facebook.
* [[wt:en/news/5020-special-friday-the-13th-true-slasher-en|Friday the 13th: True Slasher, Oct 13th until Oct 16th, 2017]]
** '''Slasher''': Complete all achievements in the "Friday the 13th" event.

===2018===

* [[wt:en/news/5224-special-festive-quest-en|Festive Quest - Dec 22nd 2017 until Jan 22nd 2018]]
** '''Perfectionist''': Complete 16 air challenges or ground challenges from "Lighting Up the Christmas Tree"
* [[wt:en/news/5438-raf-100-royal-air-force-centenary-en/|Royal Air Force Centenary - Apr 6th until Apr 9th, 2018]]
** '''His Majesty's Finest''': Purchase a special bundle in the store ("Bundle "His Majesty's Finest"").
* [[wt:en/news/5452-weekend-special-friday-the-13th-chainsaw-massacre-en|Friday the 13th: Chainsaw Massacre - Apr 13th until Apr 16th, 2018]]
** '''Chainsaw Killer''': Complete all 13 achievements.
* [[wt:en/news/5600-special-spot-the-ball-updated-en|Spot the Ball! - June 29th until July 16th, 2018]]
** '''Football Fan''': Collect all 32 country ball decals
* [http://warthunder.dmm.com/strike-witches_collabo/ Strike Witches x War Thunder collaboration event (DMM-exclusive) - Jul 5th until Aug 1st, 2018]
** '''Strike Witcher''': Collect all personal marks.
** '''Elite Strike Witcher''': Collect all roundels.
** '''Dark Strike Witcher''': Collect all Neuroi skins.
** '''Sky Piercing Strike Witcher''': Collect all the above.
* [[wt:en/news/5638-event-friday-july-13th-bad-turn-en|Friday the 13th: Bad Turn - Jul 13th until Jul 16th, 2018]]
** '''Tridactyl''': Complete all 13 achievements.
* [[wt:en/news/5797-shop-german-unity-day-bundles-en|German Unity Day Bundles - Oct 3rd until Oct 8th, 2018]]
** '''Wall Breaker''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("German Unity Day 2018" Bundle).
** '''Grasping''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Spoils of War - Army" Bundle).
** '''Vigilant''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Spoils of War - Air" Bundle).
* [[wt:en/news/5827-fleet-reset-of-research-progress-for-fleet-awards-for-cbt-participants-en|Naval Forces CBT]]
** '''Sea Master''': For participants of the naval forces closed beta test.
* [[wt:en/news/5962-special-festive-quest-en|Festive Quest - Dec 21st 2018 until Jan 14th 2019]]
** '''Deck the Halls''': Complete 12 "Christmas lights" tasks for pilots or tankers.

===2019===

* [[wt:en/news/6127-shop-april-fools-bundles-en|April Fools' - Apr 1st until Apr 3rd, 2019]]
** '''Aye of the Tigor''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Aye of the Tigor Bundle").
** '''@realFreeAbrams''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Real Free Abrams Pack").
* [http://warthunder.dmm.com/news/detail/5117 Spring Air Festival (DMM-exclusive) - Apr 27th until May 12th, 2019]
** '''God Thunder Corps''': Collect all 13 limited decals.
* [[wt:en/news/6232-event-d-day-75th-anniversary-normandy-landings-en|D-Day 75th Anniversary - Jun 6th until Jun 10th, 2019]]
** '''First in Deed''': Purchase a special bundle from the store (""First in deed" bundle").
** '''Sledgehammer''': Purchase a special bundle from the store (""Sledgehammer" bundle").
** '''Overlord''': Purchase a special bundle from the store (""Overlord" bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6237-wiki-war-thunder-wiki-short-guides-competition-en|Wiki Short Guides Competition - Jun 7th until Jun 30th, 2019]]
** '''Educator''': Be one of the winners.

===2020===

* [[wt:en/news/6565-event-world-war-season-attack-from-the-sea-en|World War: season "Attack from the Sea" - Jan 28th until Feb 11th, 2020]]
** '''🌍 Veteran of the season: Attack from the sea''': Obtain all 8 World War stars.
* [[wt:en/news/6650-shop-stay-home-and-stay-safe-offer-en|Stay Home and Stay Safe - Mar 19th until Mar 23rd, 2020]]
** '''My castle''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("My castle pack").
* [[wt:en/news/6666-shop-special-stalinium-bundle-en|April Fools' - Apr 1st until Apr 6th, 2020]]
** '''The Wolf of Snail Street''': Purchase a special bundle from the store (""Stalinium" bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6675-special-award-for-record-breakers-en|Record-breaking online numbers/Cosmonautics Day - Apr 8th until Apr 15th, 2020]]
** '''Let's go!''': Log in during the event period.
* [http://warthunder.dmm.com/news/detail/6639?page=2 Spring Air Festival (DMM-exclusive) - May 2nd until May 17th, 2020]
** '''The key to victory in the sky is technology''': Collect all 29 decals.
* [[wt:en/news/6759-special-d-day-en|D-Day - Jun 5th until Jun 8th, 2020]]
** '''Beachhead Gold''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("British "D-Day" bundle" or "Complete "D-Day" bundle").
** '''Beachhead Omaha''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("US "D-Day" bundle" or "Complete "D-Day" bundle").
** '''Neptune''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Complete "D-Day" bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6782-event-world-war-season-road-to-the-west-en|World War: season "Road to the West" - Jul 1st until Jul 20th, 2020]]
** '''🌍 Veteran of the season: Road to the West''': Obtain all 10 World War stars.
* [[wt:en/news/6800/current|Russian Navy Day - Jul 24th until Jul 28th, 2020]]
** '''Chief mate''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Chief mate Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6866-special-80-year-anniversary-of-battle-of-britain-en|80-year Anniversary of Battle of Britain - Sept 14th until Sept 16th, 2020]]
** '''Defender of London''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Battle of Britain 80 bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6885-special-german-unity-day-en|German Unity Day - Oct 2nd until Oct 5th, 2020]]
** '''Wind of Change''': Puchase a special bundle from the store ("German Unity Day 30 bundle").
* [http://warthunder.dmm.com/news/detail/7300 New Power Campaign (DMM-exclusive) - Nov 20th, 2020 until Mar 31, 2021]
** '''Imperial Japanese Navy''': While playing Japanese vessels, win 1 mission with activity not lower than 60%.

===2021===

* [[wt:en/news/7031-esport-esport-ready-100k-cup-and-twitch-drops-en|eSport Ready 100k CUP - Feb 6th until Feb 7th, 2021]]
** '''eSportsReady Fan''': Twitch drop reward for watching the eSports tournament.
* April Fools' - Apr 1st until Apr 5th, 2021
** '''Veteran 2077''': Achieve 300 kills or kill assists in the [[wt:en/news/7113-event-warfare-2077-in-war-thunder-en|"Warfare 2077"]] event.
** '''Sky Pirate''': Achieve 300 kills or kill assists in the [[wt:en/news/7112-event-tailspin-a-new-milestone-in-the-development-of-the-game-en|"Tailspin"]] event.
** '''Strong role model''': Purchase [[wt:en/news/7114-shop-restoration-of-original-content-en|"Ultra bundle"]] from the store.
** '''Steel shell''': Purchase [[wt:en/news/7114-shop-restoration-of-original-content-en|"Heavy Armor bundle"]] from the store.
** '''Dark Menace''': Own both [[wt:en/news/7114-shop-restoration-of-original-content-en|"Ultra bundle"]] and [[wt:en/news/7114-shop-restoration-of-original-content-en|"Heavy Armor bundle"]].
* [[wt:en/news/7651-esport-olyst-cup-ii-and-twitch-drops-en|OlySt CUP - Mar 13th until Mar 21st, 2021]]
** '''OlySt Team Fan''': Watch streams of the OlySt CUP on Twitch.tv.
* [http://warthunder.dmm.com/news/detail/8008 Spring Air Festival (DMM-exclusive) - May 1st until May 17th, 2021]
** '''Air Test and Evaluation Department''': Collect all 6 limited decals.
* [[wt:en/news/7205-shop-d-day-bundles-en|D-Day - Jun 4th until Jun 7th, 2021]]
** '''The Mighty Endeavor''': Purchase a special bundle from the store (US "D-Day" 2021 bundle or "D-Day" 2021 bundle).
** '''The Unconquerable Resolve''': Purchase a special bundle from the store (British "D-Day" 2021 bundle or "D-Day" 2021 bundle).
* [http://warthunder.dmm.com/news/detail/8612 F-4EJ Kai Commemoration (DMM-exclusive) - September 30th until December 31st, 2021]
** '''Phantom Forever''': Collect all 3 exclusive decals.

===2022===

* [[wt:en/news/7632-event-children-of-arachis-desert-cinnamon-and-giant-worms-en|April Fools' - Apr 1st until Apr 4th, 2022]]
** '''Cinnamon collector''': Obtain 12 Marks of distinction in the [[Worm Thunder: Children of Arachis]] event.
** '''The Gold must flow''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Gold must flow").
* [[wt:en/news/7651-esport-olyst-cup-ii-and-twitch-drops-en|OlyST CUP II - Apr 23rd until May 1st, 2022]]
** '''OlySt Team Fan''': Watch streams of the OlyST CUP II on Twitch.tv.
* [https://warthunder.dmm.com/news/detail/10000 War Thunder x DMM 6th Anniversary (DMM-exclusive) - Aug 9th until Nov 11th, 2022]
** '''Yamato-damashii''': [https://twitter.com/WarThunderJP/status/1566061250832105472 Redeem a gift code for limited time use]
* [https://warthunder.dmm.com/news/detail/8800 Area 88 x War Thunder collaboration event (DMM-exclusive) - Aug 30th until Oct 11th, 2022]
** '''étranger''': Shoot down 88 AI in the Area 88 Air Assault PvE gamemode.
** '''Prince''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Area 88 AV-8A Bundle").
** '''Beard man''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Area 88 A-4E Bundle").
** '''ROYAL ASLAN AIR FORCE''': Buying any of the 2 special bundles
** '''Area 88''': Additional reward for buying any of the 2 special bundles
** Following titles are unlocked through an Area 88 lootbox (comes with a camouflage):
*** '''Fire Ball''' + [https://img-freegames.dmm.com/client/wt/news/Jad3cFBA.jpg F-14A]
*** '''Silver sky fox''' + [https://img-freegames.dmm.com/client/wt/news/1nTKZanT.jpg Buccaneer S.2]
*** '''Crimson angel''' + [https://img-freegames.dmm.com/client/wt/news/UBTDYtSB.jpg Mirage F1]
*** '''Reaper''' + [https://img-freegames.dmm.com/client/wt/news/7PJojxFx.jpg F-8E]
*** '''Anti-government army''' + [https://img-freegames.dmm.com/client/wt/news/d17CHk5M.jpg MiG-23MLD]
*** '''00 section''' + [https://img-freegames.dmm.com/client/wt/news/QIaYmOYk.jpg F-5E]
*** '''Mercenary''' + [https://img-freegames.dmm.com/client/wt/news/e0EJLMYD.jpg J35D]
* [[wt:en/news/7946-event-dreams-come-true-sturmtiger-en|Dreams come true - Oct 31st until Nov 14th, 2022]]
** '''≡10≡''': Obtain 1 Mark of distinction in the "Dreams come true" event.
* [[wt:en/news/8018-event-pandora-s-box-en|Pandora's Box - December 16th until December 19th, 2022]]
** '''Defender of Pandora''': Achieve 10,000 mission points in the event
** '''Conqueror of Pandora''': Achieve 20,000 mission points in the event

==Promo Titles==
===General===

* '''Under the Wire''': Become a War Thunder [[wt:en/media/partnership|Media Partner]].
* '''Swimming with Sharks''': Purchase a special bundle from the store.
* '''I've got a cruiser!''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Thunder Stream Pack").
* '''Down!''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Stream Pack "DOWN!"").
* '''Action hero''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Stream Pack "Action hero"").
* '''Melomaniac''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Radio Snail Pack").
* '''I'm here to stay''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Long Term Assignment Pack").
* '''On Full Alert''': Purchase a special bundle from the Microsoft store ("Full Alert Pack"). <ref>https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/war-thunder-full-alert-pack/9ncvzw84mjvp</ref>
* '''One In A Phillion''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("PhlyDaily's Million Celebration Pack").
* '''On the plus side''': Subscribe to [[wt:ru/news/15425-pobezhdajte-s-yandeks-plyus-bonus-kody-v-podarok-ru|Yandex Plus]] and receive a special bundle.
* '''Cyber Warrior''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Cyber Warrior" Pack).
* '''Omega Predator''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Omega Predator" Stream Pack).
* '''Disco Tanker''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Tuesday Abrams" Pack).

===Sales===

* [[wt:en/news/4684-vday-victory-day-discounts-en/|Victory Day - May 5th until May 10th, 2017]]
** '''Victorious''': Purchase any of the special bundles from the store ("Wings of Victory", "Tracks of Victory", "Royal Guard").
* [[wt:en/news/4798-shop-summer-sale-ended-en|Summer Sale - Jun 22nd until Jul 5th, 2017]]
** '''Vengeance From Above''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Vengeance from above Bundle").
** '''Baptized by Fire''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Thirty-Four Bundle").
** '''Stiff Upperlipped''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Stiff Upperlipped").
** '''Fangs of Steel''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Fangs of Steel Bundle").
** '''Die Hard''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Die hard Bundle").
** '''Horrendous''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Horrendous Bundle").
** '''Daredevil''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Daredevil Bundle").
** '''Thick-Skinned''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Thick-skinned Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/5232-shop-winter-sales-special-bundle-and-gift-certificates-en|Winter Sale - Dec 28th, 2017 until Jan 10th, 2018]]
** '''The Battle Hero''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Battle Hero Bundle").
** '''Impetuous''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Impetuous Bundle").
** '''Loyal''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Loyal bundle").
** '''Merciless''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Merciless Bundle").
** '''Triple Ace''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Triple Ace Bundle").
** '''Terminator''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The T-bundle").
** '''Gallant''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Britannia Bundle").
** '''Possessed''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Possessed Bundle").
** '''Diavolo Rosso''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Diavolo Rosso Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/5490-shop-victory-day-allied-bundles-and-discounts-en|Victory Day - May 4th until May 10th, 2018]]
** '''Triumphant''': Purchase one of five special bundles from the store ("Royal Guard bundle", "Allied Armored bundle", "Allied Air Bundle", "Tracks of Victory", "Wings of Victory").
* [[wt:en/news/5608-shop-summer-sale-independence-day-en|Summer Sale - Jun 28th until Jul 5th, 2018]]
** '''Revolutionary''': Purchase one of three special bundles from the store ("Revolutionary Air Bundle", "Revolutionary Armored Bundle", "Fiery Revolutionary Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/5976-special-shop-war-thunder-winter-sale-en|Winter Sale - Dec 27th, 2018 until Jan 3rd, 2019]]
** '''Tough Guy''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Tough Guy Bundle").
** '''Crusher''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Crusher Bundle").
** '''Lionhearted''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Lionhearted bundle").
** '''Valiant''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Teutonic Bundle").
** '''Devastator''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Devastator Bundle").
** '''Poseidon''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Poseidon Bundle").
** '''Strategist''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Strategist Bundle").
** '''Ruthless''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Ruthless Bundle").
** '''Ronin''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Ronin Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6263-shop-war-thunder-summer-sale-en|Summer Sale - Jul 2nd until Jul 9th, 2019]]
** '''Hotshot''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The US Summer Bundle").
** '''Meister''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The German Summer Bundle").
** '''Comrade''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The USSR Summer Bundle").
** '''Dab Hand''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The British Summer Bundle").
** '''Meijin''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Japanese Summer Bundle").
** '''Maestro''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Italian Summer Bundle").
** '''Virtuoso''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The French Summer Bundle").
** '''The Lightning''': Purchase a special bundle from the store (""The Lightning" bundle").
** '''Snail Lord''': Collect all "Jet Snails" decals from the Summer Bundles above.
* [[wt:en/news/6542-shop-the-new-year-sale-en|New Year's Sale - Dec 26th, 2019 until Jan 2nd, 2020]]
** '''The Saloon Frequenter''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The US Winter Holidays Bundle").
** '''The Brandenburg Merrymaker''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The German Winter Holidays Bundle").
** '''The Last One Standing''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The USSR Winter Holidays Bundle").
** '''The Pub Crawler''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The British Winter Holidays Bundle").
** '''The Party Samurai''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Japanese Winter Holidays Bundle").
** '''The Fireworks Expert''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Chinese Winter Holidays Bundle").
** '''The Leaning Hero''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Italian Winter Holidays Bundle").
** '''The Grape Chief''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The French Winter Holidays Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6562-shop-the-lunar-new-year-2020-en|Lunar New Year Sale - Jan 23rd until Jan 27th, 2020]]
** '''Dancing dragon''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("'The Lunar New Year' Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6694-shop-may-sale-in-war-thunder-en|May Sale - May 7th until May 11th, 2020]]
** '''Armed to the Teeth''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Weapons of Victory bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/6772-shop-summer-sale-en|Summer Sale - Jun 19th until Jun 25th, 2020]]
** '''Hovering Threat''': Purchase all helicopter special bundles from the store.
** '''Diving Threat''': Purchase all aircraft special bundles from the store.
** '''Air Superiority''': Purchase all special bundles from the store.
* [[wt:en/news/7417-shop-war-thunder-birthday-sale-in-gaijin-net-store-en|War Thunder 8th Anniversary - Nov 2nd until Nov 9th, 2020]]
** '''On a roll''': Purchase all special bundles from the store.
* [[wt:en/news/7417-shop-war-thunder-birthday-sale-in-gaijin-net-store-en|War Thunder 9th Anniversary - Nov 8th until Nov 15th, 2021]]
** '''Hotshot''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - USA").
** '''Meister''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - Germany").
** '''Comrade''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - USSR").
** '''Dab Hand''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - Britain").
** '''Meijin''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - Japan").
** '''Shifu''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - China").
** '''Maestro''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - Italy").
** '''Virtuoso''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - France").
** '''Skald''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("2021 Birthday bundle - Sweden").
** '''Snail Lord''': Collect all "Jet Snails" decals from the Anniversary Bundles above.
* [[wt:en/news/7502-shop-the-new-year-sale-en|New Year's Sale - Dec 27th, 2021 until Jan 3rd, 2022]]
** '''Armor Hard''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The US Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Gunner for one''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The German Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''The Irony of Shooting''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The USSR Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Guns Actually''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The British Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Shell alone''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Japanese Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Let the Shells Fly''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Chinese Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Slimy Relative''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Italian Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Snail's Apprentice''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The French Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Snail and His Friends''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("The Swedish Winter Holidays Bundle 2021").
** '''Snailmas''': Collect all "Snow globe" decals from the Winter Holidays Bundles above.
* [[wt:en/news/8046-shop-war-thunder-winter-sale-en|New Year's Sale - Dec 29th, 2022 until Jan 5th, 2023]]
** '''Fanboy''': Purchase 2 special bundles from the store.
** '''Connoisseur''': Purchase 3 special bundles from the store.
** '''Treasure hunter''': Purchase 4 special bundles from the store.
** '''Shopaholic''': Purchase for more than $150/€150 from the store.

===Pre-orders===

* [[wt:en/news/356--en|Ground Forces Beta pre-order]]
** '''First on the Track''': For participation in War Thunder Ground Forces CBT.
** '''Tank Pioneer''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("T-34 and M4A2 Sherman Advanced Pack").
** '''T-34 Test Engineer''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("T-34 Advanced Pack").
** '''Sherman Hunter''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("M4A2 Sherman Advanced Pack").
* [[wt:en/news/4189-shop-naval-battle-packs-30-off-offer-is-over-en|Naval Forces Beta pre-order - Aug 13th until Aug 22nd, 2016]]
** '''Lookout''': Purchase a special Naval Forces CBT bundle from the store.
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/354483-development-is-6-the-soviet-hammer-pre-order-now/ 1.67 "Assault" pre-order]
** '''Soviet Hammer''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("[[IS-6]] Advanced Pack").
* [[wt:en/news/4671-italian-aircraft-in-war-thunder-update-1-69-regia-aeronautica-en|1.69 "Regia Aeronautica" pre-order]]
** '''Legionnaire''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("[[CR.32 bis|Fiat CR.32 bis]] Starter Pack").
** '''Centurion''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("[[G.55S|Fiat G.55S]] Advanced Pack").
* [[wt:en/news/4976-shop-the-new-e-r-a-bundles-en|1.71 "New E.R.A" pre-order]]
** '''Battering Ram''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/4976-shop-the-new-e-r-a-bundles-en|("Object 120 Advanced Pack")]].
* [[wt:en/news/5008-news-french-aircraft-in-update-1-73-en|1.73 "Vive la France" pre-order]]
** '''Beyond Reproach''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Dewoitine D.371 H.S.9 Starter Pack").
** '''Hot Shot''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Narval Advanced Pack").
* [[wt:en/news/5150-shop-french-ground-vehicles-in-1-75-la-résistance-en|1.75 "La Résistance" pre-order]]
** '''Musketeer''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("B1 ter Starter Pack").
** '''Desert Wolf''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("M4/FL-10 Starter Pack").
** '''Bite Hard''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("AMX-13 (SS.11) Starter Pack").
* [[wt:en/news/5336-shop-update-1-77-pre-orders-en|1.77 "Advancing Storm" pre-order]]
** '''Griffin''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("M.B.5 Pack").
** '''Fire-Breathing''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("AMX-30 Pack").
** '''Rattlesnake''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Magach 3 Pack").
* 1.79 "Project X" pre-order
** '''Doppelganger''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5534-development-messerschmitt-bf-109z-the-teutonic-twin-boom-terror-en|("Bf 109Z Zwilling Pack")]].
** '''Whispering Death''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5515-development-xm-1-c-and-xm-1-gm-ancestors-of-the-abrams-updated-en|("XM-1 General Motors Pack")]].
** '''Royal Engineer''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5518-development-centurion-avre-engineer-at-war-en|("Centurion Mk 5 AVRE Pack")]].
** '''Hammerhead''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5547-fleet-development-uss-cowell-dd-547-vulture-hunter-en|("Naval Pack USS Cowell DD-547")]].
** '''Sea Sword''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5546-fleet-development-z20-karl-galster-en|("Naval Pack Z-20 Karl Galster")]].
* [[wt:en/news/5591-early-release-for-xbox-one-en|Xbox Early Access release - 2018]]
** '''Steel General''': Purchase one of the early-access bundles ("Early Access Starter Bundle", "Early Access Advanced Bundle", "Early Access Elite Bundle").
** '''Whispering Death''': Purchase one of the early-access bundles ("Early Access Advanced Bundle", "Early Access Elite Bundle").
** '''Sea Robber''': Purchase one of the early-access bundles ("Early Access Advanced Bundle", "Early Access Elite Bundle").
** '''Kraken''': Purchase one of the early-access bundles ("Early Access Elite Bundle").
* [[wt:en/news/5749-shop-update-1-81-the-valkyries-bundles-en|1.81 "The Valkyries" pre-order]]
** '''Sharp-Toothed''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Hind Pack").
** '''Pathfinder''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Huey Hog Pack").
** '''Undefeated''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("T-55AM Pack").
** '''Predator''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5724-development-leopard-1-with-the-rheinmetall-120mm-l44-en|("Leopard Pack")]].
* [[wt:en/news/5810-fleet-news-what-awaits-us-in-update-1-83-masters-of-the-sea-en|1.83 "Masters of the Sea" pre-order]]
** '''Fightingest''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Naval Pack HMCS Haida").
** '''Watchdog''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("MTB Fairmile D Pack").
** '''Stinger''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5824-development-bo-105-attack-helicopters-en|("BO 105 CB-2 Pack")]].
* [[wt:en/news/5924-development-shop-jet-packs-en|1.85 "Supersonic" pre-order]]
** '''Skyblazer''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Sabre Pack").
** '''Reaper''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Reaper Pack").
** '''Fire-Raiser''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("MiG-15 ISh Pack").
** '''Scourge''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5912-development-sho-t-kal-dalet-conquering-the-desert-en|("Sho't Kal Dalet Pack")]].
** '''Triarius''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5894-development-semovente-105-25-m43-low-profile-high-power-en|("Semovente 105/25 Pack")]].
** '''Sentinel''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/5890-development-italian-ground-vehicles-in-the-update-1-85-en|("M60A1 Ariete Pack")]].
* [[wt:en/news/6072-shop-update-1-87-pre-orders-en|1.87 "Locked On" pre-order]]
** '''Fuji School Brigade''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Type 74 mod G/Kai Pack").
** '''Sky Dragon''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("JASDF Sabre Pack").
** '''Storm Petrel''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Sea Hawk Pack").
** '''Knight of the North''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Vautour IIA Pack").
** '''Skylark''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("IAR 316B Pack").
** '''Venomous''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6078-development-g-91ys-turning-and-burning-en|("Fiat G.91 R/4 Pack")]].
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/451177-development-the-japanese-fleet-in-war-thunder-pre-orders-for-the-pg-02-and-kiyoshimo/ 1.89 "Imperial Navy" pre-order]
** '''Risky''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6219-news-become-a-tester-of-the-japanese-fleet-en|("PG 02 pack")]].
** '''Long Lance''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6219-news-become-a-tester-of-the-japanese-fleet-en|("Kiyoshimo pack")]].
** '''Nomad''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6201-shop-of-40-mk-2-mtca-pre-order-en|("OF-40 Mk.2 (MTCA) Pre-Order Pack")]].
** '''Bedouin''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6198-development-super-amx-30-the-stabilizer-is-ready-to-go-en|("Super AMX-30 Pack")]].
** '''Orochi''': Purchase one of two special bundles from the store [[wt:en/news/6223-shop-the-japanese-cobra-available-for-purchase-en|("AH-1S Cobra Pack", ""Type 74 mod G/Kai and AH-1S Cobra" Bundle")]].
* [[wt:en/news/6353-development-new-war-thunder-nation-china-en|1.91 "Night Vision" pre-order]]
** '''The Red Dragon''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Shenyang F-5 Pack").
** '''Guardian of Empire''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("T-62 Pack").
** '''Flying Tiger''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Tomahawk Pack").
** '''Jungle Warrior''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("M4A4 Sherman Pack").
** '''Silver Cat''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6320-development-britain-s-top-lynx-ah-mk-1-and-premium-g-lynx-en|("G-Lynx Pack")]].
** '''Golden Eye''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6338-development-eurocopter-tiger-pouncing-on-the-prey-en|("EC-665 Tiger HAP Pack")]].
* 1.93 "Shark Attack" pre-order
** '''Black Shark''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6422-development-ka-50-black-shark-en|("Black Shark Pack")]].
** '''Fearless''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6439-development-a129-mangusta-en|("Mangusta Pack")]].
** '''Viking''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6444-development-swedish-aircraft-in-war-thunder-saab-j29d-jet-powered-fighter-en|("Saab J-29D Pack")]].
** '''Tornado''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6448-development-pyörremyrsky-the-baltic-whirlwind-en|("Pyorremyrsky Pack")]].
* 1.95 "Northern Wind" pre-order
** '''Royal Blood''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6498-development-prinz-eugen-steaming-into-the-atomic-age-en|("Prinz Eugen Pack")]].
** '''God of Thunder''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6505-development-strv-103-0-last-man-standing-en|("Strv-103-0 Pack")]].
** '''Sleipnir''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6510-development-sav-20-12-48-nordic-sledgehammer-en|("SAV 20.12.48 Pack")]].
* 1.97 "Viking Fury" pre-order
** '''Iron Claw''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6602-development-rooikat-105-the-cat-with-bigger-claws-en|("Rooikat 105 Pack")]].
** '''Berserker''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6617-development-cv-90105-tml-with-pre-order-bonuses-en|("CV 90105 TML Pack")]].
** '''Apache''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6634-news-meet-major-update-viking-fury-en|("Apache Pack")]].
* [[wt:en/news/6690-development-italian-fleet-early-access-packs-en|"Starfighters" pre-order]]
** '''Sapper''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Geniere Pack").
** '''Sea Hawk''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("P 420 Sparviero Pack").
** '''Bengal tiger''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6723-development-type-69-iig-asian-armadillo-en|("Type 69-IIG Pack")]].
* "Raining Fire" pre-order
** '''Savate Master''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6825-development-somua-sm-heavy-weight-fighter-en|("Somua SM Pack")]].
* "New Power" pre-order
** '''Desert Lion''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/6910-development-t-72av-turms-t-syrian-guard-en|("Т-72AV (TURMS-T) Pack")]].
* [[wt:en/news/7087-shop-new-packs-and-a-unique-bundle-en|"Ixwa Strike"]]
** '''Spear of the Nation''': Purchase a special bundle from the store ("Ixwa Strike Bundle").
* "Red Skies" pre-order
** '''Aggressor''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7166-development-top-gun-day-premium-f-5c-in-red-menace-camo-for-pre-order-en|("F-5C Pack")]].
** '''Indra''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7162-development-su-7bmk-from-russia-with-love-en|("Su-7BMK Pack")]].
* "Direct Hit" pre-order
** '''Piercing Arrow''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7284-development-new-top-tier-ztz99-iii-and-pre-order-for-a-5c-en|("A-5C Pack")]].
** '''Runestone Dragon''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7304-development-perfect-interceptor-ja37-jaktviggen-and-premium-j35a-draken-en|("Draken Pack")]].
* "Wind of Change" pre-order
** '''Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrt''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7590-development-a-10a-thunderbolt-ii-the-warthog-arrives-in-war-thunder-en|("A-10A Thunderbolt (Early) Pack")]].
** '''Green Dragon''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7594-development-pre-order-ztz96a-prototype-china-en|("Type 96A Prototype Pack")]].
** '''Experimental''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7567-development-turm-iii-and-pre-order-bonuses-en|("Turm III Pack")]].
* "Danger Zone" pre-order
** '''War kite''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7698-development-dassault-milan-the-flying-mustache-en|("Mirage Milan Pack")]].
* "Drone Age" pre-order
** '''Hidalgo''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7829-development-pre-order-vrcc-centauro-en|("VRCC Centauro Pack")]].
** '''Flying tank''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7846-development-su-25-and-su-25k-armor-pecking-rooks-en|("Su-25K Pack")]].
** '''Janissary''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7854-development-pre-order-t129-atak-en|("T129 ATAK Pack")]].
* "Fire and Ice" pre-order
** '''Supersonic Samurai''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7912-development-pre-order-t-2-early-pack-en|("T-2 Early Pack")]].
* "Apex Predators" pre-order
** '''Cool Hand''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/7984-development-aircraft-rank-viii-announce-and-pre-order-of-the-a-6e-tram-intruder-en|("A-6E TRAM Intruder Pack")]].
** '''Silver swallow''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8004-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-en|("MiG-21bis "Lazur-M" Pack")]].
** '''Swing wing''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8015-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-2-en|("MiG-23ML Pack")]].
** '''Phantom menace''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8015-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-2-en|("F-4J(UK) Phantom II Pack")]].
** '''Pioneering''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8015-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-part-2-en|("J-7D Pack")]].
** '''Star Fighter''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8004-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-en|("F-104S TAF Pack")]].
** '''Lion Cub''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8004-shop-pre-order-new-rank-vii-premium-jet-fighters-en|("Kfir Canard Pack")]].
* "Sky Guardians" pre-order
** '''Demon Camber''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8101-development-pre-order-type-16-fps-wheeled-spg-en|("Type 16 (FPS) Pack")]].
** '''The last all-gun''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8107-development-pre-order-uss-ca-134-des-moines-1948-heavy-cruiser-en|("USS Des Moines Pack")]].
** '''Sea eagle''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8115-development-french-navy-destroyer-aigle-en|("Aigle Pack")]].
** '''Breton corsair''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8127-development-french-navy-light-cruiser-duguay-trouin-en|("Duguay-Trouin Pack")]].
** '''The Devil's Disciple''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8133-development-pre-order-f-4s-phantom-ii-pack-en|("F-4S Phantom II Pack")]].
* "La Royale" pre-order
** '''Red Scare''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8204-development-pre-order-m1-kvt-en|("M1 KVT Pack").]]
** '''Sergey Strikes Back''': Purchase a special bundle from the store [[wt:en/news/8276-development-su-25t-and-the-pre-order-of-the-su-39-sergey-strikes-back-en|("Su-39 Pack").]]

==Battle Pass==

=== 2020 ===

* [[Battle Pass: Season I, 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory|Battle Pass: Season I, 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory - Dec 2nd, 2020 until Feb 23rd, 2021]]
** '''Champion of the BattlePass 1st Season''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season I.

=== 2021 ===

* [[Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion"|Battle Pass: Season II, "Steel Centurion" - Feb 24th until May 12th, 2021]]
** '''Primus Pilus''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season II.
* [[Battle Pass: Season III, "Strength athletics"|Battle Pass: Season III, "Strength athletics" - May 12th until Jul 28th, 2021]]
** '''Fullsterkur''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season III.
* [[Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur"|Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur" - Jul 28th until Oct 27th, 2021]]
** '''Voltigeur''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season IV.
* [[Battle Pass: Season V, "River Hunter"|Battle Pass: Season V, "River Hunter" - Oct 27th, 2021 until Jan 26th, 2022]]
** '''River Hunter''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season V.

=== 2022 ===

* [[Battle Pass: Season VI, "Firepower"|Battle Pass: Season VI, "Firepower" - Jan 26th, 2022 until Apr 27th, 2022]]
** '''Level 150 Attack pilot''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season VI.
* [[Battle Pass: Season VII, "Armoured Elephant"|Battle Pass: Season VII, "Armoured Elephant" - Apr 27th, 2022 until Jul 27th, 2022]]
** '''Skillful Mahout''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season VII.
* [[Battle Pass: Season VIII, "Field Testing"|Battle Pass: Season VIII, "Field Testing" - Jul 27th, 2022 until Oct 26th, 2022]]
** '''Test engineer''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season VIII.
* [[Battle Pass: Season IX, "Smell of Victory"|Battle Pass: Season IX, "Smell of Victory" - Oct 26th, 2022 until Jan 25th, 2023]]
** '''Firebringer''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season IX.

=== 2023 ===

* [[Battle Pass: Season X, "Royal Guard"|Battle Pass: Season X, "Royal Guard" - Jan 25th, 2023 until Apr 26th, 2023]]
** '''Chevalier''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season X.
* [[Battle Pass: Season XI, "Her Majesty's Hussar"|Battle Pass: Season XI, "Her Majesty's Hussar" - Apr 26th, 2023 until Jul 26th, 2023]]
** '''Dashing Hussar''': Reach level 150 of the Battle Pass Season X.

==Staff and Team Titles==

* '''Chat Moderator'''
* '''Community Helper'''
* '''Community Manager'''
* '''Council Member'''
* '''Developer'''
* '''eSport Manager'''
* '''Flight Model Designer'''
* '''Forum Helper'''
* '''Forum Moderator'''
* '''Gaijin Administrator'''
* '''Game Master'''
* '''Live Moderator'''
* '''National Coordinator'''
* '''Research Pilot'''
* '''Senior Flight Model Designer'''
* '''Senior Research Pilot'''
* '''Steam Moderator'''
* '''Suggestion Helper'''
* '''Technical Moderator'''
* '''Wiki Team'''

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Achievements]]

F-104J

2021-03-13T05:14:32Z

U32732362: /* Usage in battles */

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

== Description ==

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

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


The F-104J's performance can be summarised in one word: speed. For it to work effectively, you must be fast. Below 1,000 km/h, your elevator will be ineffective for any sort of combat manoeuvres. Though it may be helped by the deployment of combat or takeoff flaps as speed allows, even those will not be able to keep up with the other aircraft it faces at its battle rating. This being said, the aircraft is very responsive overall, especially in the roll aspect.

The short wings must be discussed with some nuance. Though they allow for great roll authority, their effectiveness at low speeds is severely limited. Below 6-800 km/h, you will find that level flight is difficult, if not impossible. Due to this, a very high landing speed is required, which amplifies small mistakes. Even with the perfect pilot, landing this aircraft every time is going to be a challenge.

Finally, the aircraft is only fast in a straight line. When turning, it loses significant amounts of speed, often losing any energy advantage it may have had before the turn.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
|2,343||2,317|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||34.5||35.1||230.5||222.5|| rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
|2,431||2,387||35.5||34.0||292.0||260.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-11 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,552 kg || colspan="3" | 532 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel
|-
| 1,540 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,353 kg || 8,153 kg || 8,954 kg || 9,194 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,128 kgf || 6,357 kgf
| 0.86 || 0.78 || 0.71 || 0.69 || 0.26
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,128 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,391 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.14 || 1.03 || 0.94 || 0.91 || 0.35
|-
|}

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


The aircraft has some survivability, although it should be noted that due to its small size, any hits to the rear of the plane are very likely to cause engine damage, which will be problematic due to the horrible gliding ability of this aircraft. The structure, however, makes it difficult to knock out the pilot from behind. Also, due to the high tail structure, it is easy to destroy the tail entirely, which will result in a near total loss of control. Though the flaps may be utilized to some extent, at lower speeds they will falter, making it very hard to take a damaged aircraft back to the runway.

When a wing is fully lost, the aircraft will suffer from extreme roll which may only be countered by use of the rudder and remaining aileron simultaneously. At this point, the aircraft is practically impossible to land and should be considered lost.

The plane also has no armour protection.

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

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

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

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

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

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

{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|Hydra-70 M247}}

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

* Without load
* 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 4 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104J is a difficult aircraft to fly and be competitive in without a doubt. It requires a completely unique set of tactics and manoeuvres that must be utilized without fail, or it will result in a loss. The F-104J should not be intentionally placed in a dog-fighting scenario. In the overwhelming majority of situations, you will lose the engagement due to your inferior mobility at all speeds. Though it is possible to do such things, and it is up to the judgement of the pilot on whether or not it will work out in a win, it is unlikely to happen. Particularly, there are two situations that the pilot should be aware of.

The first is the reversal. Due to the great manoeuvrability advantage of most other aircraft at your battlerating, you will often find yourself with an enemy aircraft behind you in seconds. If you have the energy advantage, do not panic. Chances are, you can successfully escape. However, if not, you should panic because the enemy will likely simply fire air-to-air missiles until your speed is sufficiently reduced to either result in a missile or gun kill.

The second is that of the failure of the classic "boom and zoom" tactic, where the pilot will engage an enemy with less altitude and speed than them, then regain their lost altitude after the attack. This will often fail in this aircraft due to the poorer energy retention in a climb and the fact that you will often be engaged by air-to-air missiles. In this situation, you should wait before the enemy is at a safe distance before resetting your altitude.

Outside of simply keeping speed up, typically above 1,000 km/h, the plane should fly in a straight line as much as possible, as manoeuvring will bleed speed rapidly and further hinder the aircraft's effectiveness in battle.

Overall, when used correctly, the F-104J can be a serious threat to the enemy, though it is easily countered in some situations. The 20 mm cannon is capable with 750 rounds and good impact on target, and its AIM-9P missiles are very effective at killing enemy jets.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Extreme top speed
* Responsive acceleration
* Deadly AIM-9P missiles

'''Cons:'''

* Poor manoeuvrability at low and medium speed
* Lack of a radar gunsight

== History ==


The F-104J was a specialized interceptor version of the [[F-104G]] for the {{Annotation|JASDF|Japanese Air Self Defense Force}}, built under license by Mitsubishi for the air-superiority role; it was armed with a cannon and up to six Sidewinders (evidence shows it only ever carrying 4 in active operation), but had no strike capability. Called ''Eiko'' (栄光, Glory) and sometimes nicknamed by pilots as the ''Mitsubishi Pencil'', they served from October 1962 to 1986, losing only 3 airplanes in this time including a mid-air collision accident. Seven air-superiority squadrons used them: 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207. Japanese F-104s faced intrusive Soviet airplanes during this long service.

;Introduction

With Lockheed gaining ties with the JASDF after introducing the T-33 ''Shooting Star'' trainer-jet for the Japanese Airforce. Considering Japan didn't massively import airplanes from the US and with an upcoming next generation of jet planes which would replace the Japanese F-86's by F-100's which are both from North American Aviation made it quite a competition for Lockheed to sell their product instead.

In 1957 Japan sent a investigation team to the USA to wage their options and viable planes for the task at hand. With the increase of Soviet bombers and their potential threat towards Japan and its airspace, the qualifications of the planes being set at:

'''Speed''' ≥ {{Annotation|Mach 2|2450 km/h; 1522 mph}}
'''Climb rate''' ≥ {{Annotation|15,500 m|~50,000 ft}} within 8 minutes
'''Ceiling''' ≥ {{Annotation|18,000 m|~60,000 ft}}
'''Combat range''' ≥ {{Annotation|380 km|~236 miles}}

4 American jets could meet the requirement and these were: NAA F-100, Convair F-102, Northrop F-5 and Lockheed F-104. At the time only the F-100 was proven and in use by the US Air Force, the F-5 was stil being designed, the F-104 just made its maiden test flight and the F-102 was the most expensive. Out of this it seemed like the easiest and best option would be working with North American Aviation as they already had close ties with Mitsubishi considering they licensed their previous era of jets being the F-86 and announced the proposal of the F-100J, an all-weather interceptor variant with nose-mounted radar especially for the JASDF.

On the 13th September of the same year the investigation team returned to Japan and submitted their report, but conclusions weren't specified and postponed. It was rumoured that the F-100J would have a short run production until a full conclusion was made on which jet Japan's next generation of air-defence jet would be but this plan was fully taken off the table by the then prime minister, Nobusuke Kishi, which dubbed the F-100J as a "Fighter-Bomber" which the defensive nation of Japan didn't need.

In January 1958, the chief of the JASDF, Sadamu Sanagi, had conducted a selection from going to America, and submitted a report after returning home. In the report, the candidate aircraft were narrowed down to F-104 and G-98J (planned variant of the [[F11F-1]] Super Tiger). Accidents with the F-104 just deployed to the US Air Force, the fact that the aircraft required a 3,000-metre runway and insufficient data link capacity made the option clear for the Defense Agency and decided to adopt the G-98J-11 in 1958.

However, a fair share of criticism for adopting a vehicle that hadn't been proven yet and was still in its development stage made the Agency re-evaluate their choice and eventually withdraw it after a quote of another Chief of staff of the JASDF, Minoru Genda, saying {{Annotation|「乗ってみなければわからない」|I don't know it (exists) unless I've flown it.}}. He was flown to America to test this new variant of the G-98 and concluded that the G-98 is a Mach 1 class aircraft that was forcibly raised to a Mach 2 class, it might have great subsonic performance and acceleration but this was neglected once it actually broke the sound barrier due the swept wing design.

On the contrary the F-104 had a straight wing design creating higher drag at subsonic speeds but way better supersonic acceleration and maneuverability which made the difference in performance between the two very clear. After all the negotiating and carefully considering the options, they decided that it would be better to choose the F-104 as it fills the role of Interceptor at mach 2 better than the G-98 and placed an order of 180 Fighters and 20 Trainers.

;Operational history

The M-2 bombing computer was removed from the F-104J in response to Japan's demand for an sole-interceptor, and it was armed with a [[JM61 (20 mm)|JM61 Vulcan]] cannon and AIM-9B/E/P Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The Vulcan cannon was not initially planned to be equipped, and 180 contracted aircraft have been manufactured unequipped. Later, a Vulcan gun was installed, but of the 210 F-104Js in total, only around 160 were equipped. The muzzle of the unequipped aircraft was blocked, and there was a spare fuel tank in the empty space instead.

Twenty two of the Japanese F-104s were eventually converted to UF-104J radio-controlled target drones and destroyed for aerial target practice.

;Retirement

A total of 210 F-104J air-superiority fighters and 20 dual-control trainer F-104DJs were built, three by Lockheed, 29 by Mitsubishi from Lockheed-sourced components, and 178 by Mitsubishi. After being retired and replaced by F-15J's in Japan, the US sold 31 F-104J and 5 F-104DJ aircraft to the air force of Taiwan.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=jet_fighter&vehicle=f-104j Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery
|market|ugcitem_1000607|F-104J 'Eiko'.jpeg|Camo "F-104J ''Eiko''"
}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/447151-mitsubishi-f-104j-eik%C5%8D/ <nowiki>[Forum] Mitsubishi F-104J Eikō</nowiki>]

{{Manufacturer MHI}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

F-104J

2021-03-13T03:12:09Z

U32732362: /* Suspended armament */

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

== Description ==

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

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


The F-104J's performance can be summarised in one word: speed. For it to work effectively, you must be fast. Below 1,000 km/h, your elevator will be ineffective for any sort of combat manoeuvres. Though it may be helped by the deployment of combat or takeoff flaps as speed allows, even those will not be able to keep up with the other aircraft it faces at its battle rating. This being said, the aircraft is very responsive overall, especially in the roll aspect.

The short wings must be discussed with some nuance. Though they allow for great roll authority, their effectiveness at low speeds is severely limited. Below 6-800 km/h, you will find that level flight is difficult, if not impossible. Due to this, a very high landing speed is required, which amplifies small mistakes. Even with the perfect pilot, landing this aircraft every time is going to be a challenge.

Finally, the aircraft is only fast in a straight line. When turning, it loses significant amounts of speed, often losing any energy advantage it may have had before the turn.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 15,240 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
|2,343||2,317|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||34.5||35.1||230.5||222.5|| rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
|2,431||2,387||35.5||34.0||292.0||260.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric J79-GE-11 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,552 kg || colspan="3" | 532 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel
|-
| 1,540 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,353 kg || 8,153 kg || 8,954 kg || 9,194 kg || 24,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 33m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,128 kgf || 6,357 kgf
| 0.86 || 0.78 || 0.71 || 0.69 || 0.26
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,128 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,391 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.14 || 1.03 || 0.94 || 0.91 || 0.35
|-
|}

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


The aircraft has some survivability, although it should be noted that due to its small size, any hits to the rear of the plane are very likely to cause engine damage, which will be problematic due to the horrible gliding ability of this aircraft. The structure, however, makes it difficult to knock out the pilot from behind. Also, due to the high tail structure, it is easy to destroy the tail entirely, which will result in a near total loss of control. Though the flaps may be utilized to some extent, at lower speeds they will falter, making it very hard to take a damaged aircraft back to the runway.

When a wing is fully lost, the aircraft will suffer from extreme roll which may only be countered by use of the rudder and remaining aileron simultaneously. At this point, the aircraft is practically impossible to land and should be considered lost.

The plane also has no armour protection.

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

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

{{main|M61 (20 mm)}}

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

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

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

{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|Hydra-70 M247}}

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

* Without load
* 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 4 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 14 x Hydra-70 rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The F-104J is a difficult aircraft to fly and be competitive in without a doubt. It requires a completely unique set of tactics and manoeuvres that must be utilized without fail, or it will result in a loss. The F-104J should not be intentionally placed in a dog-fighting scenario. In the overwhelming majority of situations, you will lose the engagement due to your inferior mobility at all speeds. Though it is possible to do such things, and it is up to the judgement of the pilot on whether or not it will work out in a win, it is unlikely to happen. Particularly, there are two situations that the pilot should be aware of.

The first is the reversal. Due to the great manoeuvrability advantage of most other aircraft at your battlerating, you will often find yourself with an enemy aircraft behind you in seconds. If you have the energy advantage, do not panic. Chances are, you can successfully escape. However, if not, you should panic because the enemy will likely simply fire air-to-air missiles until your speed is sufficiently reduced to either result in a missile or gun kill.

The second is that of the failure of the classic "boom and zoom" tactic, where the pilot will engage an enemy with less altitude and speed than them, then regain their lost altitude after the attack. This will often fail in this aircraft due to the poorer energy retention in a climb and the fact that you will often be engaged by air-to-air missiles. In this situation, you should wait before the enemy is at a safe distance before resetting your altitude.

Outside of simply keeping speed up, typically above 1,000 km/h, the plane should fly in a straight line as much as possible, as manoeuvring will bleed speed like a medieval plague doctor and further hinder the aircraft's effectiveness in battle.

Overall, when used correctly, the F-104J can be a serious threat to the enemy, though it is easily countered in some situations. The 20 mm cannon is capable with 750 rounds and good impact on target, though the AAM performance is lacklustre compared to its peers, as it receives the same air-to-air loadout as its cousin, the Mitsubishi T-2. Only two missiles of the B and E Sidewinder variants may be carried, in contrast the high performance AIM-9J model that its other export brother, the F-104G possesses. However, without these missiles the aircraft would suffer tremendously.

As such, you should use your missiles only when they are guaranteed a kill, and which a gun kill may not be guaranteed, which is at medium ranges or low energy opponents with a significant altitude difference.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Extreme top speed
* Responsive acceleration

'''Cons:'''

* Poor manoeuvrability at low and medium speed
* Inadequate AAM
* Lack of a radar gunsight

== History ==


The F-104J was a specialized interceptor version of the [[F-104G]] for the {{Annotation|JASDF|Japanese Air Self Defense Force}}, built under license by Mitsubishi for the air-superiority role; it was armed with a cannon and four Sidewinders, but had no strike capability. Called ''Eiko'' (栄光, Glory) and sometimes nicknamed by pilots as the ''Mitsubishi Pencil'', they served from October 1962 to 1986, losing only 3 airplanes in this time including a mid-air collision accident. Seven air-superiority squadrons used them: 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207. Japanese F-104s faced intrusive Soviet airplanes during this long service.

;Introduction

With Lockheed gaining ties with the JASDF after introducing the T-33 ''Shooting Star'' trainer-jet for the Japanese Airforce. Considering Japan didn't massively import airplanes from the US and with an upcoming next generation of jet planes which would replace the Japanese F-86's by F-100's which are both from North American Aviation made it quite a competition for Lockheed to sell their product instead.

In 1957 Japan sent a investigation team to the USA to wage their options and viable planes for the task at hand. With the increase of Soviet bombers and their potential threat towards Japan and its airspace, the qualifications of the planes being set at:

'''Speed''' ≥ {{Annotation|Mach 2|2450 km/h; 1522 mph}}
'''Climb rate''' ≥ {{Annotation|15,500 m|~50,000 ft}} within 8 minutes
'''Ceiling''' ≥ {{Annotation|18,000 m|~60,000 ft}}
'''Combat range''' ≥ {{Annotation|380 km|~236 miles}}

4 American jets could meet the requirement and these were: NAA F-100, Convair F-102, Northrop F-5 and Lockheed F-104. At the time only the F-100 was proven and in use by the US Air Force, The F-5 was stil being designed, the F-104 just made its maiden test flight and the F-102 was the most expensive. Out of this it seemed like the easiest and best option would be working with North American Aviation as they already had close ties with Mitsubishi considering they licensed their previous era of jets being the F-86 and announced the proposal of the F-100J, an all-weather interceptor variant with nose-mounted radar especially for the JASDF.

On the 13th September of the same year the investigation team returned to Japan and submitted their report, but conclusions weren't specified and postponed. It was rumoured that the F-100J would have a short run production until a full conclusion was made on which jet Japan's next generation of air-defence jet would be but this plan was fully taken off the table by the then prime minister, Nobusuke Kishi, which dubbed the F-100J as a "Fighter-Bomber" which the defensive nation of Japan didn't need.

In January 1958, the chief of the JASDF, Sadamu Sanagi, had conducted a selection from going to America, and submitted a report after returning home. In the report, the candidate aircraft were narrowed down to F-104 and G-98J (planned variant of the [[F11F-1]] Super Tiger). Accidents with the F-104 just deployed to the US Air Force, the fact that the aircraft required a 3,000-metre runway and insufficient data link capacity made the option clear for the Defense Agency and decided to adopt the G-98J-11 in 1958.

However, a fair share of criticism for adopting a vehicle that hadn't been proven yet and was still in its development stage made the Agency re-evaluate their choice and eventually withdraw it after a quote of another Chief of staff of the JASDF, Minoru Genda, saying {{Annotation|「乗ってみなければわからない」|I don't know it (exists) unless I've flown it.}}. He was flown to America to test this new variant of the G-98 and concluded that the G-98 is a Mach 1 class aircraft that was forcibly raised to a Mach 2 class, it might have great subsonic performance and acceleration but this was neglected once it actually broke the sound barrier due the swept wing design.

On the contrary the F-104 had a straight wing design creating higher drag at subsonic speeds but way better supersonic acceleration and maneuverability which made the difference in performance between the two very clear. After all the negotiating and carefully considering the options, they decided that it would be better to choose the F-104 as it fills the role of Interceptor at mach 2 better than the G-98 and placed an order of 180 Fighters and 20 Trainers.

;Operational history

The M-2 bombing computer was removed from the F-104J in response to Japan's demand for an sole-interceptor, and it was armed with a [[JM61 (20 mm)|JM61 Vulcan]] cannon and AIM-9B/E Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. The Vulcan cannon was not initially planned to be equipped, and 180 contracted aircraft have been manufactured unequipped. Later, a Vulcan gun was installed, but of the 210 F-104Js in total, only around 160 were equipped. The muzzle of the unequipped aircraft was blocked, and there was a spare fuel tank in the empty space instead.

Twenty two of the Japanese F-104s were eventually converted to UF-104J radio-controlled target drones and destroyed for aerial target practice.

;Retirement

A total of 210 F-104J air-superiority fighters and 20 dual-control trainer F-104DJs were built, three by Lockheed, 29 by Mitsubishi from Lockheed-sourced components, and 178 by Mitsubishi. After being retired and replaced by F-15J's in Japan, the US sold 31 F-104J and 5 F-104DJ aircraft to the air force of Taiwan.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=jet_fighter&vehicle=f-104j Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery
|market|ugcitem_1000607|F-104J 'Eiko'.jpeg|Camo "F-104J ''Eiko''"
}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/447151-mitsubishi-f-104j-eik%C5%8D/ <nowiki>[Forum] Mitsubishi F-104J Eikō</nowiki>]

{{Manufacturer MHI}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

Type 90

2021-03-13T03:09:06Z

U32732362: Updated the reload to 4s post Ixwa Strike

{{About
| about = '''Type 90 MBT'''
| other
| usage-1 = other usages of "Type 90"
| link-1 = Type 90 (Disambiguation)
| usage-2 = the variant with mounting plates for a Type 92 Mine Roller
| link-2 = Type 90 (B)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_type_90
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].

The Type 90 MBT was initially accepted into service in 1990 as a replacement for both the [[Type 61]] and [[Type 74]] models. Despite its appearance being similar to the [[Leopard 2A4]] and mounting a license produced Rheinmetall L44-based cannon, it is significantly different in a number of aspects.

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

[[File:Type 90 Density Visualisation.png|thumb|Type 90 [[Protection Density Visualisation]]]]
The Type 90 MBT was designed with inspiration from the Leopard 2A4, but sacrifices much of the 2A4's protection and survivability in order to attain a smaller profile and a lighter vehicle overall (vehicle weight is important in Japan in order to pass over their many bridges). As such, most 'improved' rounds available to other 10.0-10.3 MBTs (such as the [[Leopard 2A5]]'s DM33, or the [[Leclerc]]'s OFL 120 F1) will punch through even the Type 90's turret cheeks or upper front plate. It's important to keep in mind that even some autocannon ammunition will easily penetrate some of the weaker sections of the Type 90 from the front.

Despite the mediocre protection, the Type 90 has one main survivability feature: its primary ammunition is stored in blowout-protected compartments, sparing the crew from side shots on the rear of the turret, providing no more than 19 rounds are carried. Unfortunately, however, due to the autoloaded cannon the Type 90 is crewed by only 3, increasing the chances of being disabled from an initial shot.

{| class="wikitable"
!Armour
!Front (Slope angle)
!Sides
!Rear
!Roof
|-
|Hull
|25 mm (78°) ''Driver's hatch''
35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis''
40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
|35 mm (0°) H''ull''
10 mm (0°) ''Side Skirts''
|20 mm (17-70°) ''All rear''
15 mm (0°) ''Engine grille''
|25 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
15 mm (0°) ''Engine grille''

|-
|Turret
|35 mm (0-6°) ''Cheeks incl. Gunner optics''
35 mm (1°) ''Mantlet''
35 mm ''Rear Mantlet Plate''
|35 mm (0°) ''Forward''
80 mm (0°) ''Middle''

15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
|25 mm (0°) ''Turret''
|35 mm (81-84°) ''Forehead Armour''
20 mm (90°) ''Rear turret incl. cupola''
|-
!Composite armour
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|-
|Hull
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper glacis'''''320 - 1100 mm ''Kinetic''
550 - 835 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Lower glacis'''''

143 mm ''Kinetic''
100 - 200 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" |N/A
|-
|Turret
| colspan="2" |'''''Turret cheeks'''''400 - 450 mm ''Kinetic''
650 - 750 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet'''''

200 - 452 mm ''Kinetic''

260 - 530 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" |'''''Side forward'''''
360 - 400 mm ''Kinetic''
560 - 600 mm ''Chemical''
'''''Side middle'''''

80 mm ''Kinetic''
80 mm ''Chemical''
|}
=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 2032|rbMinHp= 1327}}

The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by a 10-cylinder two-stroke diesel engine producing a maximum of 1,500 horsepower at 2400 RPM. Combined with its relatively light weight of only 51.6 tonnes, this gives it an excellent power-to-weight ratio of 29.07. As such, the Type 90 is often one of the first vehicles to reach cap points in a match, and can comfortably flank or move into advantageous positions earlier than many of its contemporaries. This power is transferred to the drive sprockets via an automatic transmission with 7 forward and 2 backward gears, unfortunately limiting the otherwise extremely mobile vehicle to 72 km/h (RB/SB) forwards and -33 km/h (RB/SB) backwards - speeds which it will reach with ease on-road.

The {{PAGENAME}} also mounts hydropneumatic suspension, allowing it to actively change the vehicle's ride height and angle. This can be used to improve traction on angled surfaces.

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

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

{{main|Type 90 L/44 (120 mm)}}

The Type 90 L/44 120 mm cannon is a license-produced clone of the Rheinmetall L/44 cannon found on the Leopard 2 series and the M1A1/M1A2. As such, it shares their excellent accuracy and firepower characteristics, with a key advantage: the Type 90 is autoloaded. This results in a flat 4 second reload, better than the peak manually loaded speeds available to the other L/44-mounting vehicles (6 seconds). Additionally, reloads are not hindered by fire or the loss of crew members. The Type 90 has two rounds available to it; the powerful JM33 APFSDS round (based off the NATO DM33 round) and the JM12A1 HEAT-FS round (based off DM12A1). These rounds are more than capable of penetrating any opponent the Type 90 may face, although when facing some later vehicles such as the M1A2 or Leopard 2A5, weak points must be targeted.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 90 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Type 90 L/44]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -7°/+10° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 28.6 || 39.53 || 48 || 53.08 || 56.47 || colspan="4" rowspan="2" | 4.0
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 17.9 || 21 || 25.5 || 28.2 || 30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| JM12A1 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
|-
| JM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| JM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.0 || 0.1 || 2,150 || 65° || 72° || 75°
|-
| JM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Recommendations
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 38 ''(+3)'' || 19 ''(+23)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || Hull empty: 19 || No
|-
|}

====Optics and night vision====
The Type 90 receives night vision imagers once the tier 3 modification 'NVD' is researched. This unlocks standard 500 x 300 resolution thermal sights for the gunner, as well as standard image intensifiers for all crew (available in third person view in AB/RB additionally).

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" |{{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! rowspan="3" |Type of optic
! rowspan="3" |Magnification
! colspan="5" |[[Night Vision Devices]]
|-
! colspan="3" |Image Intensifier
! rowspan="2" |{{Annotation|Thermal Imager Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
! rowspan="2" |Notes
|-
!{{Annotation|Resolution|The higher the resolution the clearer and more detailed the image is}}
!{{Annotation|Light Mult|By how much the image intensifier amplifies the existing light, primarily useful for comparing image intensifiers}}
!{{Annotation|Noise Level|How much noise is present in the image (how grainy the image is)}}
|-
!Gunner's Sight
|8.0x - 16.1x||--||--||--||500 x 300||Intensifier & thermal sights unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 3)
|-
!Commander's View
|6.0x||1600 x 1200||9.0||High||N/A||Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 3)
|-
!Driver's View
|1.0x||800 x 600||5.0||High||N/A||Intensifier unlocked by 'NVD' modification (tier 3)
|}

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|Type 74 (7.62 mm)}}

The Type 90 mounts two machine guns; one pintle-mounted 12.7 mm and one coaxial mounted 7.62 mm. These can be used as deterrent for low-flying aircraft, clearing light obstacles or crew from open-top vehicles, or spotting enemy vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount
! Capacity (Belt capacity)
! Fire rate (shots/minute)
! Vertical guidance
! Horizontal guidance
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 576 || -8°/+40° || ±120°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 74 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 74]]
|-
! Mount
! Capacity (Belt capacity)
! Fire rate (shots/minute)
! Vertical guidance
! Horizontal guidance
|-
| Coaxial || 4,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Type 90 is an extremely capable vehicle in the hands of an experienced tanker, but heed must be paid to the vehicle's weaknesses at all times.

'''Rural Combat'''

The Type 90 is very capable in rural combat where cover is plentiful and flanking routes are available. It should ideally be used for early flanks where available (such as the eastern flank on [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot Line]]) or when unavailable, pushing quickly for early captures before moving to a nearby protected location to hold that point. It's important to be aware of which routes might be sniper-covered early, as many snipers (such as the [[Challenger 2]] or [[Ariete PSO]]) will easily penetrate the Type 90, even at range - avoid giving them the opportunity.

'''Urban Combat'''

The Type 90 can prove itself to be an excellent urban combat vehicle, primarily due to its mobility and reliably fast reload. As in rural combat, an early push for a cap can prove viable before moving into a protected position, although often by the time the capture is completed enemy targets will be nearby. Early flanking (such as around the sides of [[American Desert]]) is also viable.

'''Notable Targets'''

* '''[[Challenger 2]]:''' The Challenger 2 is often found as a sniper due to its pin-point accuracy, good reload and excellent turret armour. The Type 90 should never be used to face a sniping CR2 head-on, but instead should attempt to flank or force engagements at close range where weak spots are easily targeted.
* '''[[M1A2 Abrams]]:''' The M1A2 Abrams has excellent frontal protection and can prove tricky to discern from earlier models in the heat of a battle. As a general rule it's preferable to aim for the gun mantlet or turret ring on any Abrams, despite the fact that JM33 will penetrate nearly anywhere on early models - better safe than sorry.
* '''[[Leopard 2A5]]:''' The Leopard 2A5 is very well protected, although JM33 will punch through its hull without any significant trouble. Avoid fighting a hull-down 2A5 head-on, rather taking flanking routes when available. If no choice is presented, aim for the gun mantlet or the turret ring.
* '''[[T-80U]]:''' The T-80U is extremely well protected from the front, and care should be taken when engaging - aim for the driver viewport or the lower front plate; or where these are not options try to disable its gun through the mantlet. If flanking, side shots will often knock out the T-80U in one shot.
* '''[[Leclerc]]:''' The Leclerc is extremely fast, with a power-to-weight ratio not far short of the Type 90's. When pushing early for caps or flanks, be aware that the Leclerc may be one of the first vehicles you'll counter.
* '''[[Leopard 2K]]:''' The Leopard 2K has the best power-to-weight ratio of any MBT currently in War Thunder, and it will often be capable of getting to positions before the Type 90. Keep in mind that it can be penetrated anywhere, but aware the 'bouncy' armour; aim carefully.
* '''[[AMX-40]]:''' The AMX-40 is extremely mobile and caution is advised when pushing early. Fortunately, the AMX-40 has negligible protection and JM33 will make quick work of it.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Relatively small profile despite visual similarities to the [[Leopard 2A4]].
* Autoloaded 120 mm cannon, 4 second reload unaffected by crew or fire.
* Extremely mobile, high power-to-weight of 29.07.
* Fitted with [[Hydropneumatic suspension]], although this can only be operated when stationary.
* JM33 APFSDS round is competitive (identical to DM33, the 'improved' round on the [[Leopard 2A5]]).
* Primary ammunition storage protected within blow-out containment in the rear of the turret.
* Hydropneumatic suspension can lower the tank significantly, allowing you to hide behind relatively low hills and ridges.

'''Cons:'''

* Despite having composite protection in the turret and upper front plate, it's insufficient protection for many of the tanks it will face.
* Only three crew, a well-placed shot can easily cause a full crew knock-out.
* Can only carry 19 rounds before additional ammo is stored in the unsafe hull racks.
* Hydropneumatic suspension ceases to work when the engine is hit.
* Poor stock grind - HEAT-FS is easily countered by nearly all enemies the Type 90 faces and JM33 is a tier IV modification.
* Relatively poor gun depression of -7° (contemporary MBTs have -9° or -10°) unless the suspension is used
* Large and weak mantlet - 20 mm shells can rip straight through, knocking out crewmembers or destroying the breech

== History ==

Development of the Type 90 began almost immediately after the introduction of the Type 74 into service, with the Japanese High Command already looking for a superior replacement. A central aspect of the new machine would have to be the ability to take on and defeat the new Soviet T-72 main battle tank. With that in mind, Japanese engineers began working on a prototype design, which would see completion in 1980. Two prototypes of this initial design were built, tested and improved upon between 1980 - 1986.

Testing resumed in 1986 with a second batch of four prototype vehicles, featuring a number of improvements over the initial two. The most significant change included the replacement of a Japanese-made 120mm smoothbore gun with the established Rheinmetall 120 L/44, most notably used by the M1A1 Abrams and Leopard 2 at the time. The decision to change the gun from a domestic one to a licence-built alternative most likely came as a measure to reduce production costs. However, unlike the MBTs of western armies, the designers of the Type 90 opted to equip the tank with an autoloading mechanism, making it the only production vehicle that did so in combination with the Rh 120 cannon. Further testing and army trials of these prototypes was conducted during the late 80s before the Japanese army formally introduced the tank into service in 1990 as the Type 90. Production of the Type 90 began in 1990 and continued until 2009, with 341 vehicles made.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5499-development-type-90-the-lightweight-heavy-hitter-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=jp_type_90 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
{{Skin-gallery
|market|ugcitem_1000299|Type 90 digital training paint.png|Camo "Digital training paint"
}}

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|p6cWlyUnJQA|'''Top 7 off-road beasts''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:27 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|31ZOmtzI_2g|'''The Shooting Range #107''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|K-9ObimGTJI|'''JGSDF Type 90: Actual Sound Recording''' - ''DMM GAMES Official Channel''|G_jOfO3g_iA|'''JGSDF Type 90: 360° Video''' - ''DMM GAMES Official Channel''|xarYzM07uSk|[JP] '''Former SDF member spectates Type 90 at firing range''' (Part 1)|AyvnH_sBgrg|[JP] '''Former SDF member rides Type 90 at firing range''' (Part 2)}}

== 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 vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5499-development-type-90-the-lightweight-heavy-hitter-en|[Devblog] Type 90: The Lightweight Heavy Hitter]]

{{Japan medium tanks}}

FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)

2021-01-07T21:45:36Z

U32732362: Added MiG-21PFM to group of vehicles with said bomb

== Description ==
[[File:FAB 500M.png|left|thumb|420x420px]]

{{break}}

The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a Russian high-explosive high-drag 500 kg bomb not meant to penetrate objects, buildings or vehicles before exploding and is mountable on the [[Mi-24 (Family)|Mi-24]] series Russian helicopters.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Jet fighters'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|MiG-15}}{{Specs-Link|mig-15bis_ish}}
{{Navigation-Line|MiG-21}}{{Specs-Link|mig-21_f13}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|j_7_mk2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mig-21_smt}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mig-21_bis}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mig-21_pfm}}
{{Navigation-Line|Su-7}}{{Specs-Link|su-7b}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|su-7bkl}}
{{Navigation-Line|Yak-38}}{{Specs-Link|yak-38}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|yak-38m}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Attack helicopters'''}}{{Specs-Link|ka_50}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|ka_52}}
{{Navigation-Line| }}{{Specs-Link|mi_24a}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24d}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24p}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24p_german}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24p_german_hfs80}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|mi_24v}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the bomb.''[[File:FAB-500M-54_threequarter_view.jpg|420px|thumb|Three-quarter view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' bomb.]]
=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of bomb (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of bombs that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe situations when you would utilise this bomb in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==
''Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>.''

== 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 article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by 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 weapon;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Bombs}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

MiG-21PFM

2021-01-07T21:25:14Z

U32732362: Added some cons to pros and cons section

{{About
| about = Russian jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig-21_pfm
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 13,000 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
| 2,211 || 2,196 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.6 || 38.1 || 123.2 || 115.9 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 550 || 450 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 900 || N/A
|-
|}

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

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)

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

{{main|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|Kh-66|R-3S|S-5K|S-24}}

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

* Without load
* 32 x S-5K rockets
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 2 x S-24 rockets
* 2 x R-3S missiles
* 2 x Kh-66 missiles
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (500 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Mouse-guided Kh-66 missiles allowing for long distance air to ground engagements
* AA radar
* Good maneuverability at high speeds

'''Cons:'''

* Only 2 pylons for suspended weapons
* Bleeds lots of energy in sharp turns due to it's delta wing design
* Low amount of ammunition
* No flares or RWRs

== History ==

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

=== [[wt:en/news/6999-development-mig-21-pfm-en|Devblog]] ===
During the modernization of the second generation of MiG-21 fighters, the Soviet military authorities demanded the design team to modify the aircraft for takeoff and landing from unpaved airfields. As a solution, the engineers proposed equipping the aircraft with a system for blowing the boundary layer from the flaps, and the Tumansky and Metskhvarishvili design bureau began developing a version of the R11F-300 engine with an air stream from the compressor. The boundary layer blowing system significantly improved the take-off and landing characteristics of the aircraft, the takeoff and run lengths were reduced, and the landing speed drastically reduced. Along with other modifications and improvements, the serial modification of the MiG-21 with the boundary layer blowing system began to be produced under the MiG-21 PFS index, later upgraded to the MiG-21 PFM version. Aircraft of this modification were produced in fairly large numbers since 1964, both for domestic use and export. The MiG-21 PFM served in Vietnam and Afghanistan.

== Media ==

<gallery mode="packed" caption="MiG-21 PFM Devblog Images" heights="200">
File:MiG-21 PFM WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:MiG-21 PFM WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:MiG-21 PFM WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6999-development-mig-21-pfm-en|[Devblog] MiG-21 PFM]]

{{USSR jet aircraft}}