War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Meteor F Mk.8 G.41K

2024-04-02T13:12:23Z

U43451832: /* Usage in battles */ Person writing the "as bomber" Paragraph has no experience with fuze time and bombing apparently... fixed.

{{About
|about=British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other versions
|link=Meteor (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=meteor_fmk8
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K, an illustrious British fighter, marked a significant evolution in the Meteor series with its introduction in the late 1940s. Designed to rectify the limitations of its predecessors, it boasted a reinforced airframe to withstand the rigours of high-speed flight and upgraded Derwent 8 engines, offering enhanced performance and reliability. This variant saw extensive service with the Royal Air Force and other allied forces, playing crucial roles from air defence to ground support across various theatres of the Cold War.

Distinct from earlier Meteors, the F Mk 8 G.41K was enhanced with better aerodynamic features, aligning with the era's strategic demands. Its service history is marked by adaptation to diverse combat roles, evidencing the versatility and technological advancement of British aerospace engineering at the time. In combat, pilots lauded its improved rate of climb and top speed, making it a formidable adversary against the threats it faces.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.29]] and stands as a testament to British jet development's zenith. Being the highest performance variant of the Meteor family, the Mk.8 has extremely good flight performance, especially for its battle rating. It is armed with four 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, and can also take RP-3, HVAR rockets, or two 1,000 lb bombs. While it looks impressive on paper, it is a plane that hates high speed. It compresses heavily above 700 km/h and takes a very long time accelerating past 800 km/h.

== 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 100 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
| 920 || 897 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.1 || 24.7 || 33.6 || 31.7 || rowspan="2" | 325
|-
! Upgraded
| 976 || 962 || 22.2 || 23.0 || 47.4 || 40.2
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 999  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 495 || 462 || 290 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 560 || < 600 || < 620 || 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" | Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 || 2
| colspan="2" | 5,496 kg || colspan="2" | 216 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
|-
| 443 kg || colspan="2" | Centrifugal-flow turbojet
| 5,953 kg || 6,796 kg || 7,020 kg || 8,061 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
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,633 kgf || N/A
| 0.55 || 0.48 || 0.47 || 0.41
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,633 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.55 || 0.48 || 0.47 || 0.41
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate in the nose.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
* Critical components located at the front and wings of the aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

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

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

{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg top + 190 rpg bottom = 780 total)

At 8.0, the stock Hispano Mk V's are terrible since they are highly inaccurate and generally inconsistent, which is made worse by the fact that in most games aircraft will fly much faster than you, forcing firing ranges to be higher and reducing the window of time in which a shot can be made.

When they are upgraded, they are all round good guns for the BR sporting a good ammunition capacity and a decent velocity. The damage can be quite inconsistent however.

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

{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|HVAR|RP-3}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 8 x HVAR rockets
* 8 x RP-3 rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K is a versatile platform for multiple tasks both in ground and air battles, featuring a competitive armament in air battles and tremendous firepower in ground battles. It is capable of dominating the air in air and ground battles.

'''When in air battles:'''

The Meteor has primarily 3 roles when it comes to air battles: fighter, attacker, bomber. At its br, the Meteor is one of the competitive jet section, not over exceeding in one side but not underperforming either.

'''''As a fighter:'''''

The Meteor is capable of being on par with many planes at its battle rating. Different from most other British fighters, but the same as the other Meteors and similar to the [[Swift F.1]], it has a Boom and Zoom role when it comes to fighting as it will not be able to turn fight like the [[Vampire FB 5]] or the [[Venom FB.4]]. It should be noted that the Meteor will not outrun most of the enemy jets encountered at its br unlike the Swift F.1. The pilot should maintain energy at all times since the acceleration is not great. When engaging heavier and bigger planes (like enemy attackers and bombers both player and AI) the pilot should always try to maintain either higher altitude than them to make Boom and Zoom or stay under their belly to take advantage of their weakspots ([[Tu-4]] and [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] are the exceptions for belly attacks as they have ventral turrets).

'''As an attacker:'''

The ordnance the Meteor carries is enough to do some ground striking, destroying pillboxes, enemy tanks, artillery outposts, anti air emplacements, etc. There is no rule on which armament the attacker should use, it all depends on the pilot's discretion, map, battle rating, etc. It is recommended to use ground targets belts due to the AP ammunition but universal belts may be enough to deal with light armoured vehicles and light pillboxes, leaving the ordnance for heavier and more armoured threats.

'''As a bomber:'''

Due to being a jet, it is able to be a lighting strike bomber. This means to fly the Meteor at a really low altitude (also known as lawn-mowing) with bombs (1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs are recommended for base bombing) with a 1.5-2.5 second time or assault fuse. When the Meteor is on a base, the pilot should drop the bombs really low to the ground to ensure accuracy as no bombsight is able to be used. It may require practice on how and when to drop the bombs. The 1.5-2.5 second time or assault fuse makes the plane be able to move to a safe zone away from the blast zone. When no time fuse is set, the Meteor will be forced to drop the bombs at a higher altitude or be prompt to be killed in the blast zone.

'''When in ground battles:'''

The Meteor has only 1 role in ground battles primarily (superiority fighter can be used but it is not recommended to do so), Close Air Support (CAS). The variety of ordnance is enough to be used in all situations depending on the pilot's discretion. RP-3 are launched in pairs (or in salvo depending on the pilots discretion and rocket settings) and will disable or destroy even the heaviest armour encountered with a couple of rockets. The con of rockets is that they are hard to aim, practice will be required. Bombs, on the other hand, are more forgiving when it comes to accuracy as the blast zone is bigger and are able to destroy one or more targets at a time, disable modules (tracks, barrel, engine, etc) or just mark them with fragmentation. The con of bombs is that a fuse might have to be added depending on the way the pilot wants to drop them (lighting strike, dive-bombing, etc), they are also heavier than the rockets, making the attacker more vulnerable to anti-air fire and dogfighting.

When it comes to just the 20 mm cannons, it should be noted that most vehicles the Meteor will encounter ([[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]], [[BMP-2]], etc) will have a poorly armoured roof which the armour-piercing shells will penetrate. Heavier targets ([[ZTZ59D1|ZTZ-59D1]], [[T-62]], [[T-10M]]) will only be able to be killed with suspended ordnance as they will not be able to penetrate the roof.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Engines are a massive improvement over previous models, with high speed and acceleration rates compared
* Great at turning below 650 km/h
* Good climb rate
* Controllable roll rate
* Able to carry RP-3 or HVARs (unlike other Meteors)

'''Cons:'''

* Hispano Mk V cannons have poor accuracy
* Wing controls tend to lose control ability at higher speeds
* Limited visibility out of the rear of the cockpit

== History ==


{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
Faced with an increasing quality in the standard of potential adversaries by the late 1940s, Gloster designers embarked on developing a new version of their Meteor fighter, designated the Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8 (Type G.41K).

The first prototype F.Mk.8 was converted from a production F.Mk.4, before a full prototype flew on October 12th 1948. Production began in 1949 and, after the RAF stood up its first operational squadrons in 1950, export versions were then produced.

The F.Mk.8 differed in a number of key areas from the F.Mk.4 on which it was based; the F.Mk.8 had an elongated fuselage and the tail assembly was changed, both features incorporated to increase stability. An extra 432-litre fuel tank was also added and a blown cockpit canopy was mounted to increase visibility.

The F.Mk.8 was powered by Rolls-Royce Derwent Mk.8 turbojet engines producing 1,630 kg of thrust. The diameter of the engine's air intakes was increased, adding approximately 100 kg of thrust to each engine, bringing the aircraft's maximum speed to 950 km/h. The wing structure was significantly reinforced, with additional alloy steels being used in the framework. The nacelle structure was changed yet again to improve access.

The F.Mk.8 had the F.Mk.4's 20mm British Hispano Mk.II cannons replaced by Hispano Mk.V cannons of the same calibre but with a higher rate of fire, reliability and ballistic characteristics. A standard mount to suspend HVAR missiles was provided under the wing panels. The F.Mk.8 was the first Meteor to be fitted with a Martin Baker ejection seat; the pilot's chances of survival in an emergency were significantly increased, but the large headrest impaired his rear view.

747 Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8 fighters were produced by April 1954 and were (at various times) in service with over 40 RAF squadrons. From 1950 to 1955, the Meteor F.Mk.8 was the mainstay of RAF Fighter Command.

The F.Mk.8 aircraft were also accepted for service with the Air Forces of Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Israel, the Netherlands and Syria. Meteors of the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) took part in the Korean War although they were outmatched by the more modern MiG 15; although several MiG 15s were destroyed by pilots of 77 Squadron RAAF, losses were heavier and the Meteor was re-roled to ground attack.

Experience in the Korean War highlighted the fact that, even with significant upgrades to its original design, the Meteor was now outclassed by more modern fighters. Different Gloster Meteor versions were flown in training and auxiliary units until the last Meteor trainers were phased out of service with the RAF in 1965.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=meteor_fmk8 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/264949-gloster-meteor-f-mk8-g41k/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Meteor F Mk.8 G.41K

2024-04-02T13:08:55Z

U43451832: /* Pros and cons */ removed old info, opinion and duplicates

{{About
|about=British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other versions
|link=Meteor (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=meteor_fmk8
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K, an illustrious British fighter, marked a significant evolution in the Meteor series with its introduction in the late 1940s. Designed to rectify the limitations of its predecessors, it boasted a reinforced airframe to withstand the rigours of high-speed flight and upgraded Derwent 8 engines, offering enhanced performance and reliability. This variant saw extensive service with the Royal Air Force and other allied forces, playing crucial roles from air defence to ground support across various theatres of the Cold War.

Distinct from earlier Meteors, the F Mk 8 G.41K was enhanced with better aerodynamic features, aligning with the era's strategic demands. Its service history is marked by adaptation to diverse combat roles, evidencing the versatility and technological advancement of British aerospace engineering at the time. In combat, pilots lauded its improved rate of climb and top speed, making it a formidable adversary against the threats it faces.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.29]] and stands as a testament to British jet development's zenith. Being the highest performance variant of the Meteor family, the Mk.8 has extremely good flight performance, especially for its battle rating. It is armed with four 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, and can also take RP-3, HVAR rockets, or two 1,000 lb bombs. While it looks impressive on paper, it is a plane that hates high speed. It compresses heavily above 700 km/h and takes a very long time accelerating past 800 km/h.

== 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 100 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
| 920 || 897 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.1 || 24.7 || 33.6 || 31.7 || rowspan="2" | 325
|-
! Upgraded
| 976 || 962 || 22.2 || 23.0 || 47.4 || 40.2
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 999  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 495 || 462 || 290 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 560 || < 600 || < 620 || 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" | Rolls-Royce Derwent 8 || 2
| colspan="2" | 5,496 kg || colspan="2" | 216 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
|-
| 443 kg || colspan="2" | Centrifugal-flow turbojet
| 5,953 kg || 6,796 kg || 7,020 kg || 8,061 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
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,633 kgf || N/A
| 0.55 || 0.48 || 0.47 || 0.41
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,633 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.55 || 0.48 || 0.47 || 0.41
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate in the nose.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
* Critical components located at the front and wings of the aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

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

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

{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg top + 190 rpg bottom = 780 total)

At 8.0, the stock Hispano Mk V's are terrible since they are highly inaccurate and generally inconsistent, which is made worse by the fact that in most games aircraft will fly much faster than you, forcing firing ranges to be higher and reducing the window of time in which a shot can be made.

When they are upgraded, they are all round good guns for the BR sporting a good ammunition capacity and a decent velocity. The damage can be quite inconsistent however.

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

{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|HVAR|RP-3}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 8 x HVAR rockets
* 8 x RP-3 rockets

== Usage in battles ==


The Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K is a versatile platform for multiple tasks both in ground and air battles, featuring a competitive armament in air battles and tremendous firepower in ground battles. It is capable of dominating the air in air and ground battles.

'''When in air battles:'''

The Meteor has primarily 3 roles when it comes to air battles: fighter, attacker, bomber. At its br, the Meteor is one of the competitive jet section, not over exceeding in one side but not underperforming either.

'''''As a fighter:'''''

The Meteor is capable of being on par with many planes at its battle rating. Different from most other British fighters, but the same as the other Meteors and similar to the [[Swift F.1]], it has a Boom and Zoom role when it comes to fighting as it will not be able to turn fight like the [[Vampire FB 5]] or the [[Venom FB.4]]. It should be noted that the Meteor will not outrun most of the enemy jets encountered at its br unlike the Swift F.1. The pilot should maintain energy at all times since the acceleration is not great. When engaging heavier and bigger planes (like enemy attackers and bombers both player and AI) the pilot should always try to maintain either higher altitude than them to make Boom and Zoom or stay under their belly to take advantage of their weakspots ([[Tu-4]] and [[B-29A-BN|B-29]] are the exceptions for belly attacks as they have ventral turrets).

'''As an attacker:'''

The ordnance the Meteor carries is enough to do some ground striking, destroying pillboxes, enemy tanks, artillery outposts, anti air emplacements, etc. There is no rule on which armament the attacker should use, it all depends on the pilot's discretion, map, battle rating, etc. It is recommended to use ground targets belts due to the AP ammunition but universal belts may be enough to deal with light armoured vehicles and light pillboxes, leaving the ordnance for heavier and more armoured threats.

'''As a bomber:'''

Due to being a jet, it is able to be a lighting strike bomber. This means to fly the Meteor at a really low altitude (also known as lawn-mowing) with bombs (1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs are recommended for base bombing) with a 2-4 second time fuse. When the Meteor is on a base, the pilot should drop the bombs really low to the ground to ensure accuracy as no bombsight is able to be used. It may require practice on how and when to drop the bombs. The 2-4 second fuse makes the plane be able to move to a safe zone away from the blast zone. When no time fuse is set, the Meteor will be forced to drop the bombs at a higher altitude or be prompt to be killed in the blast zone with assault fuse.

'''When in ground battles:'''

The Meteor has only 1 role in ground battles primarily (superiority fighter can be used but it is not recommended to do so), Close Air Support (CAS). The variety of ordnance is enough to be used in all situations depending on the pilot's discretion. RP-3 are launched in pairs (or in salvo depending on the pilots discretion and rocket settings) and will disable or destroy even the heaviest armour encountered with a couple of rockets. The con of rockets is that they are hard to aim, practice will be required. Bombs, on the other hand, are more forgiving when it comes to accuracy as the blast zone is bigger and are able to destroy one or more targets at a time, disable modules (tracks, barrel, engine, etc) or just mark them with fragmentation. The con of bombs is that a fuse might have to be added depending on the way the pilot wants to drop them (lighting strike, dive-bombing, etc), they are also heavier than the rockets, making the attacker more vulnerable to anti-air fire and dogfighting.

When it comes to just the 20 mm cannons, it should be noted that most vehicles the Meteor will encounter ([[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]], [[BMP-2]], etc) will have a poorly armoured roof which the armour-piercing shells will penetrate. Heavier targets ([[ZTZ59D1|ZTZ-59D1]], [[T-62]], [[T-10M]]) will only be able to be killed with suspended ordnance as they will not be able to penetrate the roof.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Engines are a massive improvement over previous models, with high speed and acceleration rates compared
* Great at turning below 650 km/h
* Good climb rate
* Controllable roll rate
* Able to carry RP-3 or HVARs (unlike other Meteors)

'''Cons:'''

* Hispano Mk V cannons have poor accuracy
* Wing controls tend to lose control ability at higher speeds
* Limited visibility out of the rear of the cockpit

== History ==


{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
Faced with an increasing quality in the standard of potential adversaries by the late 1940s, Gloster designers embarked on developing a new version of their Meteor fighter, designated the Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8 (Type G.41K).

The first prototype F.Mk.8 was converted from a production F.Mk.4, before a full prototype flew on October 12th 1948. Production began in 1949 and, after the RAF stood up its first operational squadrons in 1950, export versions were then produced.

The F.Mk.8 differed in a number of key areas from the F.Mk.4 on which it was based; the F.Mk.8 had an elongated fuselage and the tail assembly was changed, both features incorporated to increase stability. An extra 432-litre fuel tank was also added and a blown cockpit canopy was mounted to increase visibility.

The F.Mk.8 was powered by Rolls-Royce Derwent Mk.8 turbojet engines producing 1,630 kg of thrust. The diameter of the engine's air intakes was increased, adding approximately 100 kg of thrust to each engine, bringing the aircraft's maximum speed to 950 km/h. The wing structure was significantly reinforced, with additional alloy steels being used in the framework. The nacelle structure was changed yet again to improve access.

The F.Mk.8 had the F.Mk.4's 20mm British Hispano Mk.II cannons replaced by Hispano Mk.V cannons of the same calibre but with a higher rate of fire, reliability and ballistic characteristics. A standard mount to suspend HVAR missiles was provided under the wing panels. The F.Mk.8 was the first Meteor to be fitted with a Martin Baker ejection seat; the pilot's chances of survival in an emergency were significantly increased, but the large headrest impaired his rear view.

747 Gloster Meteor F.Mk.8 fighters were produced by April 1954 and were (at various times) in service with over 40 RAF squadrons. From 1950 to 1955, the Meteor F.Mk.8 was the mainstay of RAF Fighter Command.

The F.Mk.8 aircraft were also accepted for service with the Air Forces of Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Israel, the Netherlands and Syria. Meteors of the RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force) took part in the Korean War although they were outmatched by the more modern MiG 15; although several MiG 15s were destroyed by pilots of 77 Squadron RAAF, losses were heavier and the Meteor was re-roled to ground attack.

Experience in the Korean War highlighted the fact that, even with significant upgrades to its original design, the Meteor was now outclassed by more modern fighters. Different Gloster Meteor versions were flown in training and auxiliary units until the last Meteor trainers were phased out of service with the RAF in 1965.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=meteor_fmk8 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/264949-gloster-meteor-f-mk8-g41k/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Phantom FGR.2

2023-12-19T01:33:45Z

U43451832: /* Suspended armament */ changed order or ordonnance for more sense

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-4 Phantom II (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4m_fgr2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', also known as the '''F-4M''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]]. It is a British version of the American F-4 Phantom II.

Although at first glance the Phantom FGR.2 appears very similar to its American counterpart the [[F-4C Phantom II]], there are a number of major visual and performance differences between the two aircraft. Phantoms produced for the RAF were redesigned to use British Rolls-Royce Spey turbofan engines, instead of the General Electric J79 turbojet engines found on American Phantoms. The British engines produced more thrust than the American engines, but were larger; as a result, the fuselage of British Phantoms was modified to be slightly wider than on the American models. In addition, the Phantom FGR.2 has larger air intakes than the F-4C, in order to allow for the increased airflow required by the new engines. The rear of the Fuselage is also significantly different on the Phantom FGR.2; the engines are noticeably angled downwards, and due to the different afterburner arrangement on the Spey engines the exhaust ports and the surrounding area were redesigned. Most distinctively, the Phantom FGR.2 has a squared-off tail and lacks the under-nose probe of the F-4C.

In-game these changes mean that the Phantom FGR.2 has much better low altitude acceleration and climb rate, compared to the [[F-4C]], as a result of the more powerful engines. In games you will usually see the Phantom FGR.2s get off the ground and to altitude quicker than the F-4Cs; however due to the increased drag of the redesigned fuselage, and the performance characteristics of the Spey engines, it does not perform quite as well as the F-4C at high altitude, and cannot reach the same maximum speed.

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

[[File:FGR.2 fenris 001.jpg|400px|thumb|right|]]
The Phantom FGR.2 is a large and heavy aircraft (more than twice the weight of a MiG-21), but there are times when you would hardly know it. The Phantom's two Rolls-Royce Spey turbofans are one of the most powerful jet engines in the game and give it an incredible thrust to weight ratio, leading to the Phantom FGR.2 being the fastest accelerating, and flat out fastest aircraft in the game at low altitude, while also being a strong contender for the fastest climbing. On take-off even stock FGR.2s will be the first aircraft to get off the ground and make it to the end of the runway (usually by a decent margin); while in terms of flat out speed a fully upgraded FGR.2 will push Mach 1.22 along the deck, a good bit faster than any other aircraft. The Phantom also climbs incredibly well, when loaded with 20m of fuel, missiles and a gunpod it can accelerate past Mach 1 in a 20° climb and even gain speed in a 50° climb (until it reaches about 2,000 m altitude); only few aircraft make it to altitude as fast as / faster than the FGR.2.

While the Phantom FGR.2 is certainly not the most manoeuvrable fighter in the game it can prove to be more agile than you would expect at low altitude. While you shouldn't be getting into full blown turn fights the Phantom handles very nicely when down low and can pull some manoeuvres with surprisingly little speed loss (mainly thanks to the amount of engine power you have).

Where the Phantom FGR.2 suffers is at higher altitudes, the Spey engines perform worse at altitude and the structural changes to accommodate them caused increased drag; this makes it slower than the American [[F-4C]]. At high altitude the FGR.2 loses the agility it had at lower altitude, and generally does not handle as nice. While it is still flyable evasive manoeuvres become harder and the turn radius is much larger.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,667 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
| 2,189 || 2,146 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 26.7 || 176.0 || 165.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,355 || 2,268 || 25.5 || 26.0 || 246.9 || 210.0
|-
|}

==== 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 || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}
[[File:FGR2 full ordnance.jpg|thumb|400x400px|Phantom FGR.2 with multi-role ordnance]]
{| 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 || 584 || 463 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || 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" | Rolls-Royce Spey 203 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,645 kg || colspan="3" | 396 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
|-
| 1,860 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 15,397 kg || 17,124 kg || 18,863 kg || 19,485 kg || 25,400 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'' || 5,120 kgf || 9,031 kgf
| 1.17 || 1.05 || 0.96 || 0.93 || 0.71
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,120 kgf (0 km/h) || 10,331 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.34 || 1.21 || 1.10 || 1.06 || 0.81
|-
|}

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

Much like the older [[F-4C]] variant, the British {{PAGENAME}} is without any armour protection whatsoever - the weight savings allow the aircraft to take on more fuel or ordnance while utilising speed as its best defence. This fighter packs numerous fuel tanks, while some are located in the leading edges of the wings, the majority of the fuel tanks are located within the fuselage packed around the engines and behind the cockpit. The control lines for the {{PAGENAME}} run from the cockpit down the length of the upper fuselage to the tailplane, relatively exposed to enemy gunfire.

Fighters attempting to take down a {{PAGENAME}} should try to force it to bleed its energy in a turn with missiles - a slow Phantom is a vulnerable Phantom. Autocannons and missiles will be most effective for disabling or destroying critical components, but smaller rockets such as [[M/55]], [[SNEB Type 23]] or [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] unguided rockets fired in salvos during a head-on engagement may cause enough of a scattered grouping that a {{PAGENAME}} may not be able to avoid them all and fly into at least one.

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

The order in which modifications are unlocked on the Phantom FGR.2 will depend to some extent on how one would like to play the aircraft. If missiles are not desired then it may be wise to instead focus on unlocking the 20 mm belts and new 20 mm cannon modification, to make the spread of the gun less extreme and more usable; and if one plans to use it as a ground attacker, then the ordnance options are the obvious choice (although the FGR.2 does not excel in this role to the same extent as its American counterpart). When equipped with its 8 x 1,000 lb bombs the FGR.2 becomes highly potent bomber; using its low altitude performance to get to enemy bases incredibly quickly, it is possible to unlock the bombs and use this tactic to speed up unlocking other modifications, although the FGR.2 is a capable fighter when stock so this is not a necessity.

Even when stock the Phantom FGR.2 is just about the best-performing aircraft in the game at low altitude; with this in mind flight performance upgrades are not as much of a priority as on other aircraft, so weapons upgrades can be prioritised. When unlocking flight performance upgrades one may wish to focus on engine upgrades to further improve the FGR.2's incredible acceleration and climbing performance.

;Possible modifications to prioritise (depending on playstyle of the pilot)

* Powerful missiles: AIM-9D, AIM-9G, AIM-7E, and Skyflash modifications
* Ammunition variety: Offensive 20 mm modification
* Ground attack: 1,000 LB GP modification for larger bombs followed up with Matra SNEB modification for unguided rockets

== 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}}


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

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 90 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 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Phantom_FG.1.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GAU-4 (20 mm)|20 mm GAU-4]] cannons (1,200 rpg)
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
! [[Mk.M2 (540 lb)|540 lb Mk.M2]] bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117]] bombs
| 2 || 2 || || || || 3 || || || || 2 || 2
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| 36 || 54 || || || || 54 || || || || 54 || 36
|-
! [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 1, 2|||||| |||||| 1, 2|| ||
|-
! [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] missiles
| || || 2 || || || || || || 2 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] missiles
| || |||| 1|| 1|| || 1|| 1|||| ||
|-
! [[Skyflash]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! 600 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannon (1,200 rpg)
* 1 x 600 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E Sparrow missiles
* 4 x Skyflash missiles
* 234 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 11 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (11,000 lb total)
* 13 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (7,020 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

Like the [[F-4C]], the Phantom FGR.2 lacks any internal guns; instead relying on an M61 Vulcan rotary cannon, mounted centrally under the fuselage. The cannon is angled downwards at about 1°, coupled with the position of the gun under aircraft this makes aiming slightly more difficult than on other aircraft; the gun also has a wide bullet spread. A benefit of the rotary cannon is that it can fire all 1,200 rounds before it can overheat and jam. Unlike the F-4C the Phantom FGR.2 can only carry a single gunpod.

In terms of other suspended weaponry, the Phantom FGR.2 falls far behind the F-4C. It has a more limited choice of bombs, carries fewer rockets and cannot carry Bullpup air-to-ground missiles.

In terms of air-to-air missiles, the Phantom FGR.2 can carry up to four IR missiles (AIM-9D/G), in conjunction with four SARH missiles (AIM-7E/Skyflash). Compared to analogues such as the [[AIM-9J]], AIM-9D and G have much longer engine burn times while only slightly sacrificing flight performance characteristics. Notably, the AIM-9G can be slaved to a radar lock, allowing for a very versatile and powerful medium-range missile.

The AIM-7E Sparrow is radar-guided which means it uses semi-active radar homing to find and track the target. It can pull up to 25 G but it is recommended for longer range engagements, e.g. lock a target and fire from up to around 8 km away, because the Sparrow is all-aspect and pilots without RWR (radar warning receiver) will not know it is even coming if they are not situationally aware. This means that you can launch Sparrows at people who will never even see the missile coming. Although good for medium to longer range engagements, the Sparrow is not very good at making sudden changes to its flight path and it takes a while to start tracking opponents. This is mostly mitigated by the improved seeker of the Skyflash missiles, however you are better off switching to your infrared homing missiles (using the [[Weapons selector|weapon cycle function]]) if it becomes a closer-range rear-aspect engagement.

== Usage in battles ==


The thing which sets the Phantom FGR.2 apart from other jets is the sheer power of its engines (the most powerful in the game); this gives it incredible speed, acceleration and climb rate, especially at low altitude. The engines are however very fuel hungry, leading to a decision needing to be made about the fuel load you take. It may be tempting to take the 7 minute load to maximise flight performance, although this is ill advised as this will only give you a little over three minutes of flight time when using the afterburner, even if you only use the afterburner sparingly the 7 minutes fuel load will still limit your endurance quite significantly, and can often lead to you having to return to base sooner than you would want to. It is usually best to pick 20 minutes of fuel; this should give adequate endurance for the majority of games, and although the aircraft feels noticeably heavier than with 7 minutes of fuel it still performs incredibly well.

There are two main schools of thought on how to fly the Phantom FGR.2 to best make use of its advantages. One is to start the game by climbing to high altitude, and the other is to maintain low altitude throughout the game. Most games will use a mixture of both tactics i.e. starting the game by climbing high to get long range missile kills, then dropping down to low altitude to make use of your very good low altitude performance.

Some players prefer to use this to their advantage and get to altitude at the start of the game in order to be above the vast majority of enemy aircraft. When choosing to play this way a good climbing technique is to take off on full afterburner straight into either a 20° or a 30° climb, depending on if you value speed or altitude more. A spaded Phantom FGR.2 with 20m of fuel the cannon pod and 4 x [[AIM-9G]] and 4 x [[Skyflash]] (the recommended load-out for most players) will accelerate to > Mach 1 in a 20° climb and reach 5,000 m about 1 minute 10 seconds after leaving the ground; by comparison in 30° climb it will reach 5,000 m in about 55 seconds after leaving the ground, albeit travelling at only Mach 0.8. The choice of which climb profile to follow (or make your own) is up to you; 30° will get you to altitude quicker and in less horizontal distance, but at the expense of speed; on larger maps you may wish to take the 20° to get to the battle area quicker, it depend on your playstyle; there are also other situations where having more speed once you get to altitude is desirable.

Everything varies depending on your playstyle and the situation in battle, but as a rough guide: it is not advisable to climb due to many other aircraft at this tier having better flight performance and missile such as the F-14A Early and the MiG-29. It is essential to keep your speed as high as possible, your best chance for a kill is during a head-on with your Skyflash missiles.

The Skyflash is a lethal SARH missile, having 25G of overload, however the range may not be as good when compared to other SARH missiles at this tier. When at high altitude (5 km+) These missiles can be fired at around 10 km in a head-on situation with a high chance of hitting the target. At low altitude try to fire it around 4-5 km in a head on situation.

Along with the Skyflash, the FGR.2's pulse Doppler (PD) radar effectively grants immunity against chaff in a merge. The only way to break the FGR.2's PD lock is to 'notch' (turn perpendicular to the lock), or turn cold and run away. As mentioned above, while waiting to launch the Skyflash at dangerously close ranges is certainly risky, doing so will almost always guarantee a kill at high altitudes.

Comparing the 2 western top tier IR missiles - the AIM-9G and AIM-9J - the AIM-9G slightly falls behind in track rate, manoeuvrability, and seeker sensitivity. However, it makes up for these downsides with a 6-second rocket burn time, and a massive 30 degree acquisition envelope. This Sidewinder is effective up to 4 km at high altitudes. The greater the distance on launch, the less likely the enemy is to notice the incoming missile. In diving attacks on low-flying enemies, the best targets are those directly below and flying away in the same direction to maximise the chance of maintaining the IR lock. The AIM-9G has a tendency to lose lock when perpendicular to the heat source, which makes attacking manoeuvring targets not ideal regardless of altitude. The massive engagement envelope allows the pilot to lead the AIM-9G up to 30 degrees when firing the missile

[[File:R-60 Dodge Phantom PoV.mp4|thumb|right|Dodging an R-60 in the Phantom FGR.2 (Phantom player view)]]
[[File:R-60 Dodge Missile PoV.mp4|thumb|right|Dodging an R-60 in the Phantom FGR.2 (Missile view)]]
At high altitudes the Phantom becomes much less manoeuvrable, and to some extent loses its raw performance advantage compared to other top tier jets. Therefore, you may alternatively learn how to best use the Phantom at lower altitudes where controls are more responsive and its acceleration and speed dominate the competition. All missiles have a reduced effective range (by a factor of ~1/3) due to denser air and the greater probability of the target evading missiles. Skyflashes will only be effective within 6 km in head-ons only, and AIM-9Gs within 3 km in subsonic pursuits. Holding on to any energy is crucial as it keeps open the option to disengage when needed. Phantoms have a few last-ditch tricks to shake off a pursuer closing the distance, however, the manoeuvre must be timed and executed perfectly or it will result in your death. The 20 mm M61 Vulcan is the ideal weapon for these knife fights, sporting a 6,000 rpm rate of fire and a 1,050 m/s muzzle velocity. The stock Vulcan is accurate enough even for high deflection shots at 1 km, and spraying a barrage of 20 mm at the enemy's cockpit in a head-on is more likely to cripple the enemy in several components (pilot, radar, wing roots, tail, even the engines) than a laser beam. While the HEF-I rounds in the Air Targets belt is enticing, the best belt against enemy aircraft is the Ground Targets belt. API rounds tends to ignite enemy aircraft more than HEF-I, and as an added bonus, leftover ammo can be used to attack ground targets after the furball ends. The default belts may be used instead to save on Silver Lions, as both the default and Ground Targets belts perform exceptionally well against aircraft and ground targets. Another valid strategy is to not carry the gunpod at all and enjoy the extra speed and turn rate, however this means you are mostly defenseless in a dogfight.

In theory, the ideal playstyle for the Phantom is to play as a support fighter as many enemies at this tier carry better missiles and is more manoeuvrable. When partaking in the low altitude brawl you need to maintain good situational awareness. You can outrun most other jet in a straight line, but if you get caught up in a dogfight all it takes is one missile from the enemy to ruin your day. However noticing an incoming missile in time and deploying countermeasures will almost always defeat the missile.

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:FGR.2 fenris 003.png |400px|thumb|right|]]

'''Pros:'''

* Very powerful Spey engines make the FGR.2 one of the best jets in top speed, acceleration, climb rate, energy retention
* [[AIM-9D]] and [[AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9G]] have significantly longer range than other IR missiles
* Carries the potent Skyflash SARH missile
* Multi-role capabilities with [[Ballistic Computer|CCIP and CCRP]] and various ground attack ordnance
* Can carry a total of 90 countermeasures
* M61 cannon in the belly-suspended gunpod sports excellent ballistics, fire rate, damage, and ammo capacity
* Has a pulse Doppler radar, granting some chaff immunity and enabling SARH missiles to be used at low altitude
* AIM-9Ds are very good for a stock missile
* Lack of Agile Eagle slats improves energy retention (compared to the F-4E)

'''Cons:'''

* Poor turn rate
* Equipping the M61 gunpod adds a significant amount of drag, while a missile-only loadout is inadequate for high aspect and close range attacks
* Spey engines produce less thrust than J79-GE-17 engines at very high altitudes
* Has limited ground attack loadouts compared to other Phantoms

== History ==


===Background===
From the late 1950s onwards the British Government began looking to replace a number of its early second-generation jet aircraft. The RAF was looking to replace the [[Canberra_(Family)|English Electric Canberra]] in the long-range interdictor role, and the [[Hunter_(Family)|Hawker Hunter]] in the close air support role; meanwhile the Royal Navy was looking to replace their de Havilland Sea Vixens in the fleet air defence role<ref name="WikipediaPhantomUK">Wikipedia: McDonnell Douglas Phantom in UK service</ref>. Two aircraft programs were started to produce suitable replacements; the BAC TSR-2 was to be a highly advanced strike and reconnaissance aircraft to replace the Canberra. Meanwhile the Hunter and the Sea Vixen would be replaced by different versions of the P.1154; a Mach 2 capable VTOL aircraft developed from the P.1127 (the predecessor of famous Harrier Jump Jet). The Navy were not entirely happy with the idea of the navalised P.1154, believing that it did not suit their needs; and in 1964 they dropped out of the programme, deciding to purchase the F-4 Phantom from America instead. In the same year a new government was elected and in 1965 cancelled both the TSR-2 and P.1154 programmes on cost grounds, leaving the RAF without its much needed Canberra and Hunter replacements. The Government announced a plan to purchase the F-111K from America to replace the TSR-2 program (the F-111K would also eventually be cancelled on grounds of cost), while the Hunter would be replaced by F-4 Phantoms from America<ref name="BurkePhantom">Burke 2016</ref>.

===Development===
Both the Royal Navy and RAF were now set to purchase the F-4 Phantom. The RAF could have operated standard F-4 Phantoms (and to some extent would have preferred to)<ref name="BurkePhantom" />, however the aircraft was going to need modifications in order to be able to operate off of the UK's aircraft carriers, which were smaller than the ones Phantoms usually operated from. In a bid to help the British aviation industry (which had been hurt by a number of cancelled programmes), and make the aircraft suitable for use by the Royal Navy it was agreed that all UK Phantoms would be significantly modified, by British companies, from their US counterparts. The most notable change would be the replacement of the American J79 turbojet engines with larger and more powerful Rolls-Royce Spey turbofans; a modified rear fuselage to accommodate the new engines would also be built by BAC, and the aircraft's radar system would be built under license by Ferranti<ref name="WikipediaPhantomUK" />.

It was decided that the UK Phantoms would be based off of the F-4J, which was then the primary version in service with the US Navy at the time<ref name="WikipediaPhantomUK" />. As the RAF and Royal Navy had differing requirements it was decided that two variants of the UK Phantom would be designed: the first variant, for the Royal Navy, would be designated F-4K or Phantom FG.1; while the RAF variant would be developed from the navy variant and be designated F-4M or Phantom FGR.2. Work began on modifying the F-4J to meet the Royal Navy's needs; the nose radome had to be made to hinge 180 degrees, to allow the Phantom fit on the smaller deck elevators of British carriers, and a telescopic nose gear was installed to allow the aircraft to sit pitched nose-up on the flight deck (by up to 11°), reducing take-off distance<ref name="WikipediaPhantomUK" />. The new engines were installed at a slight downwards angle to further increase take-off performance and the rear fuselage to be redesigned to both accommodate the new engines and cope with the increased heat they produced; the air intakes also had to be made larger, and additional intake doors added in the fuselage to provide the Speys with the airflow they required<ref name="BurkePhantom" />. Many other small changes were also made to UK Phantoms. The first F-4K prototype flew on 27 June 1966, with the First F-4M prototype flying on 17 February 1967.

===Service===
The first F-4Ks were delivered in April 1968 and were designated Phantom FG.1, early the following year they began test flights from HMS Eagle and the USS Saratoga. During the testing the intense heat produced by the downward-angled Spey engines, while the afterburner was engaged, caused the flight deck plating of the USS Saratoga to buckle<ref name="BurkePhantom" />. On-board HMS Eagle heavy-duty steel plating had to be welded to the flight deck; and be cooled using water from the ship's fire hoses between flights, in order to stop it from melting<ref name="SearlesPhantom">Searles n.d.</ref>. When the HMS Ark Royal was upgraded to operate Phantoms it had to have water-cooled blast deflectors and decking installed to prevent the Phantom's engines from damaging the flight deck <ref name="BurkePhantom" />. HMS Ark Royal had finished its refit in 1970, by which point the refit of HMS Eagle had been cancelled, along with plans to build two additional aircraft carriers. With the Navy now only having one carrier capable of operating Phantoms it was decided to reduce the Navy's Phantom fleet down to 28 aircraft, with the other 20 FG.1s being transferred to the RAF. The remaining Royal Navy Phantoms would serve on the HMS Ark Royal (R09) until her retirement.

The first F-4Ms entered RAF service in May 1969, filling the role of tactical strike aircraft; they were given the designation Phantom FGR.2 (with FGR standing for Fighter/Ground attack/Reconnaissance). The RAF's Phantom FGR.2 was overall very similar to the Navy's FG.1 variant, but had a number of changes; they used a slightly different version of Spey engines (the FG.1 had faster afterburner engagement to aid with aborted landings on aircraft carriers), and naval features like the telescopic nose gear, slotted tail, and cockpit-controlled wing folding were dropped. The FGR.2 also had different avionics, the radar was slightly different and additional functionality such as an inertial navigation / attack system was added, as well as modification needed to allow the FGR.2 to use a gunpod and reconnaissance pod, among other changes<ref name="GledhillPhantom">Gledhill 2017</ref>. Both the FGR.2 and FG.1 would later be modified with squared off tails, holding a radar warning receiver.

In 1970 Phantom FGR.2s were deployed to West Germany to serve the roles of ground attack, interdiction, and reconnaissance; while English Electric Lightnings covered bomber interception. Over the years it was determined that the increased range and weapons payload of the Phantom made it a better fit for defending the UK's airspace, than the Lightning; so from 1974 onwards Phantoms began to be withdrawn from Germany to serve in air defence roles; they were replaced in the Close Air Support role by the SEPECAT Jaguar. The Phantoms took over more and more of the air defence role from the Lightning; however the Lightning would remain in service until 1988 (retiring only a few years before the Phantoms). The Phantom FG.1s were withdrawn from Royal Navy service in 1978, with the decommissioning of HMS Ark Royal, and were transferred to the RAF to serve in air defence roles. The Phantoms were replaced in Navy service by the Harrier Jump Jet, which was able to operate from the Navy's new Invincible-class aircraft carriers.

Following the Falklands War in 1982 the UK deployed a Squadron of FGR.2s to defend the Falkland Islands from any future attack; however this left a gap in the Air defence of the UK Mainland. It was decided to purchase 15 more F-4Js from America to fill this gap. The F4-Js were upgraded to F-4S standard and entered service with the RAF on 19 October 1984 under the designation Phantom F.3 or F-4J(UK)<ref name="BurkePhantom" />. The Phantom remained the UK's primary Air defence aircraft until it was gradually replaced by the Panavia Tornado; the last FG.1s retired on 30 January 1990, the last F.3s retired on 31 January 1991, and the FGR.2 left RAF service on 1 November 1992. The FGR.2 was due to retire earlier however just before retirement it was called back into service to defend RAF Akrotiri, on Cyprus, during the First Gulf War<ref name="BurkePhantom" />.

A total of 48 Phantom FG.1s, 118 Phantom FGR.2s and 15 Phantom F.3s were built<ref name="WikipediaPhantomUK" />.

===Further development plans===
Prior to the Phantom's retirement from RAF service there had been a plan to retrofit them with an upgraded version of the Spey engine. A program was started to design the new engines; they would have various improvements, the most notable of which being new turbine blades, reportedly manufactured from a single metal crystal<ref name="ThrustSSC">SSC Programme Ltd 1997</ref>. These blades would increase the operating life of the engines under normal conditions, but also give the option of operating the engines at higher temperatures, and thus higher thrust (although this would come at the expense of reduced engine life). These engines were known as Spey 205s and had a maximum thrust of 25,000 lb (11,340 kgf)<ref name="ThrustSSC" />, compared to 20,515 lb (9,305 kgf) for the regular Spey engines; although it is unclear if they would be used at this thrust rating while in service. With the Phantom retired the Spey 205 programme was cancelled, and no engines were produced under the Spey 205 name; however 12 Spey 202 engines had been upgraded to Spey 205 standard for testing (and are now generally referred to as Spey 205s, or Spey 202 hybrids)<ref name="BourneSSC">Bourne 1997</ref>. It is known that after the programme was cancelled two of the Spey 205 prototypes, along with two standard Spey 202s were obtained by the ThrustSSC programme (the world's fastest car)<ref name="ThrustSSC" />, although reports vary on whether the car was fitted with Spey 202s or 205s when it completed its record-breaking run.

===Comparison with American Phantoms===
The Rolls-Royce Spey engines gave British Phantoms notably different performance to their American counterparts. At low altitude British Phantoms accelerated faster than standard F-4Js and had a higher top speed; it was estimated that they had a 30% shorter take-off distance and a 20% faster climb to altitude<ref name="WikipediaPhantomUK" />. The Spey turbofan engines were also more fuel efficient than the J-79 turbojets, giving British Phantoms a 10 - 15 % increase in range compared to American aircraft<ref name="GledhillPhantom" />. The main drawback of the British design was that the reshaped fuselage produced more drag than the original design, meaning that at high altitude British Phantoms were slower and performed worse than their American counterparts (British Phantoms topped out at about Mach 1.9 at altitude, while American Phantoms could reach Mach 2.1)<ref name="BurkePhantom" />.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4m_fgr2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|DXovE9BD1a0|'''Should You Buy the Phantom FGR.2''' - ''Sako Sniper''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)]]
* [[SAAB 35 Draken (Family)]]
* Dassault [[Mirage III (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/468663-f-4m-phantom-fgr2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [[Wikipedia:McDonnell_Douglas_Phantom_in_UK_service|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> McDonnell Douglas Phantom in UK service]]

===References===

;Citations
<references />

;Bibliography

* Bourne, Nigel. (1997). Development of the Rolls-Royce Military Spey Mk202 Engine. Retrieved from [http://www.thrustssc.com/ ThrustSSC]
* Burke, Damien. (2016). McDonnell-Douglas/BAC F-4K/M Phantom II. Retrieved from [https://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/phantom/history.php Thunder and Lightnings]
* Gledhill, David. (2017). Phantom in the Cold War: RAF Wildenrath 1977 - 1992. Barnsley: Pen & Sword Aviation.
* Searles, Dick. (n.d.). HMS Eagle Deck Trials 1969. Retrieved from [https://www.phantomf4k.org/video-library/hms-eagle-deck-trials-1969 Phantom F4K - Fleet Air Arm Royal Navy]
* SSC Programme Ltd. (1997). The Story of the Rolls-Royce Spey. Retrieved from [http://thrustssc.com/ ThrustSSC]
* Wikipedia. (n.d.). McDonnell Douglas Phantom in UK service. Retrieved from [[wikipedia:McDonnell_Douglas_Phantom_in_UK_service|[Wikipedia] McDonnell Douglas Phantom in UK service]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Strikemaster Mk.88

2023-12-11T11:36:34Z

U43451832: added Features and Limits

{{Specs-Card
|code=strikemaster_mk88
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Sons of Attila"]] as a reward for [[Battle Pass: Season XIII, "Tropical Storm"]].

== 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 _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! 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 || 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 !! + !! -
|-
|875||290||-||355||305|| ~12 || ~4
|-
|}

{| 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 fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ 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
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

=== 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|FN 60.30 (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.62 mm FN 60.30 machine guns, wing root-mounted (550 rpg = 1,100 total)

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


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

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

* Without load
* 8 x 7.62 mm FN 60.30 machine guns (475 rpg = 3,800 total)
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 32 x Type R80 SURA T-80-US 3 rockets
* 32 x Type R80 SURA T-80-P 3 rockets
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (2,160 lb total)
* 4 x Mk 77 Mod 0 incendiary bombs
{{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 ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

=== Devblog History ===
The concept of the Strikemaster light attack jet came to fruition after the successful conversion of the Jet Provost trainer aircraft by some foreign operators into a strike aircraft, ready to use in combat against insurgents. The British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) began to equip the aircraft with a more powerful engine, front-facing machine guns, and weapon mounts for export sales, so that even countries with modest economies could afford an inexpensive attack aircraft. The Mk.88 was specifically designed for the New Zealand Air Force — with the first aircraft of this modification being delivered in 1972, which remained in service until 1993. The Strikemaster set a world record as the most frequently ordered aircraft for export, and was in service with the air forces of 10 foreign countries!

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8533-development-battle-pass-vehicles-strikemaster-mk88-en|[Devblog] Battle pass vehicles: Strikemaster Mk.88]]

{{AirManufacturer BAC}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Mi-24D (USSR)

2023-05-25T23:43:50Z

U43451832: change flavour text stating it could have 8 ATGM

{{About
| about = premium Soviet attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Mi-24 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mi_24d
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO Code: Hind-D) is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced as a [[wt:en/news/5712-shop-pre-order-bundles-and-packs-for-major-update-1-81-en|premium pack]] in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]] and was removed from sale after the [[wt:en/news/6542-shop-the-new-year-sale-en|2019 New Year Sale]]. It was made available briefly for purchase with Golden Eagles {{ge}} when the vehicle was reviewed by the [[wt:en/news/8005-wiki-back-on-sale-mi-24d-en|War Thunder Wiki youtube channel]].

One of the most iconic helicopter gunships of the Cold War, the Mil Mi-24 was widely exported throughout the Eastern Bloc as the Soviet Union armed its satellites in Europe and abroad. This Mi-24D is one such example, and flies the colours of the Czechoslovak Air Force. The "Hind" is one of the most heavily armed gunships ever made, possessing extensive payloads and a durable airframe, at the cost of low manoeuvrability. A pair of Klimov TV3-117V turboshaft engines give the helicopter good lifting power and decent flight speeds.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 315 || 304 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}
|-
! Upgraded
| 354 || 335
|-
|}

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


* Self-sealing fuel tanks
* 4 mm Steel protecting engines, transmission, topmost fuel tank
* 4 mm Steel alongside length of crew compartment
* 8 mm Steel in front and astride gunner position
* 55 mm Bulletproof glass, front of canopy only

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}

{{main|YaK-B (12.7 mm)}}

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

* A choice between three presets:
** 1 x 12.7 mm YaK-B machine gun, chin turret (1,470 rpg)
** 1 x 12.7 mm YaK-B machine gun + 128 x countermeasures
** 1 x 12.7 mm YaK-B machine gun + 128 x countermeasures + IRCM

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}

{{main|OFAB-250sv (250 kg)|FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)}}
{{main|9M17M Falanga|S-5K|S-24|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 128 x S-5K rockets
* 4 x S-24 rockets
* 4 x 9M17M Falanga missiles
* 4 x 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 1,000 total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Mi-24A.png]]</div>
|-
! 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg)
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 250 kg OFAB-250sv bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! S-5K rockets
| || 32 || 32 || 32 || 32 ||
|-
! S-24 rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 9M17M Falanga missiles
| 2 || || || || || 2
|-
| colspan="7" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 480 kg
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The Mi-24D, is the equivalent of the ancient Rome's cataphractarii: it's heavily armoured and packs incredible firepower. The Hinds are one of the scariest helicopters in the game, whether in Air or Ground attack, or even in naval.

===Air to Air===

====Mi-24D Vs. Helicopters====
The Mi-24D is able to make quick work of enemy helicopters, with its 12.7 mm YaK-B rotary machine gun. To get the best bullet to knock-out ratio - always aim for the critical elements of the rival.

#Flight deck
#Engine
#Tail

Or if you wish to play with the enemy helicopter, shoot it's wings off with a few well placed shots and it will lose all it's suspended armament. However, doing this will not knock out any machine guns or cannons which it has mounted below on the airframe.
Using the ATGMs to destroy enemy helicopters, the Falanga-PV are one of the fastest missiles in the game - they are able to destroy most helicopters with one hit - however helicopters such as [[Ka-52]], [[Mi-28N]] & [[EC-665_Tiger_HAD|Tiger HAD]] will need to hit the tail, flight deck or engine since they are heavily armoured.

The Mi-24D has 14 Suspended armament presets, from cannons to ATGMs combinations.

The recommended armaments for this role is:

*64 x S-5K rockets + 4 x 9M17M Falanga missiles + 2 x 23 mm GSh-23-2 cannons

The extra cannons installed on the wings, allows the Hind to perform the role of an attack helicopter - these cannons are able to destroy enemy helicopters, within a few clicks of the mouse. However, if this is used in an air-to-ground role these cannons can only penetrate lightly armoured vehicles.

If playing this in an air-to-ground role it's best to go for the

*128 x S-5K rockets + 4 x 9M17M Falanga missiles

====Mi-24D Vs. Fighters====
The Mi-24D does not have any air-to-air missiles, this means engagement with jet fighters will most likely end up with the Hind getting knocked out. However, it is not impossible to shoot them down. To do this, make sure you are equipped with the ATGMs. Wait for the aircraft to approach you head on and fire, keep the ATGM lined up with aircraft and a few seconds later it should hit.

If the aircraft has missiles, nose over the Mi-24D, gain speed, lots of speed - faster you can do this, higher the odds of the jet missing. Drop the Mi-24D to the ground and pull up after the jet has overshot you. If the jet banks and turns around, fire the ATGM and correct the ATGM so it hits the aircraft during this turn.

===Air to Ground===

The best payload for combined battles is

* 128 x S-5K rockets + 4 x 9M17M Falanga missiles

When enemy tankers see the Hind coming towards them, or see it flash up on the hud, they flea for cover. The Mi-24D, provides four ATGM (Falanga-PV) missiles - these are -well aimed - enough to knock out up to four enemy tanks, with a single hit. The range of the Falanga-PV missiles allow for strikes to happen at a distance, which keeps the helicopter out of range from most enemy SPAA or tanks.

====Mi-24D Vs. SPAA====
However the first target if seen, should always be enemy SPAA vehicles. Once the SPAA units have been located and knocked out, it is free hunting. The Mi-24D provides 128 S-5K rockets with its eight Falanga-PV missiles. These 128 rockets provide the capability for at least another two enemy tanks to be knocked out. With a skilled shot, it is EVEN possible that over four or five plus enemy tanks can be destroyed using them, on top of the eight ATGMs.

The Mi-24D is a very large helicopter, it's not a small sleek stealthy helicopter like the [[BO_105_(Family)|BO 105]] It is a big target - In-order to compensate, fly low and fast. Stay above the tree line, under 20 m so any fussed missiles cannot detonate with their proximity fuses. Proximity fuses do not need to directly hit you, for them to knock you out, they only have to explode within the proximity of the helicopter.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Extensive payload options, including lethal S-24 rockets
* Excellent ATGM penetration at 650mm
* Well armoured against small arms fire
* Quick-firing machine gun capable of shredding very light armour
* Premium vehicle reward bonuses for RP and SL

'''Cons:'''

* No air-to-air missiles
* Limited ATGM firing arcs at close ranges
* Very visible, with large radar cross section
* Sluggish to manoeuvre at most speeds
* No thermal optics, only early NVG

== History ==


Work started in 1971 on improving the layout of the [[Mi-24A|Mi-24A/B]] helicopter in Soviet service. Complaints stemmed from the cockpit design, which was regarded as obstructive to the pilot and the weapon system operator's (WSO) view and also having insufficient level of protection for the crew.<ref name="Gordon_2001">Gordon 2001, 21-24</ref> Two early-production Mi-24A models were converted into the new design in 1972, which became distinguishable by their starboard-side tail rotor.<ref name="Mladenov_2010">Mladenov 2010, Mi-24D</ref> The redesigned helicopter saw the cockpit arrangement transformed into a stepped tandem cockpit, which saw the WSO placed in front, slightly lower, of the pilot. The new arrangement allowed for better, unobstructed view for both pilot and WSO, while having a better armour envelope around the crew. The new layout also allowed the additions of {{annotation|LLLTV|Low-Light Level Television}} and {{annotation|FLIR|Forward-Looking InfraRed}} sensors on the helicopter, which saw the nose gear lengthened to allow enough ground clearance for the additions.<ref name="Gordon_2001" />

The new Mi-24 variant with the stepped tandem cockpit was intended to receive the [[Mi-24V]] ("V" being the third letter in the Cyrillic alphabet). However, the intended [[9M114 Shturm|Shturm-V]] missile was not available for the new helicopter.<ref name="Gordon_2001" /> In an interim solution, the helicopter would retain the weapon systems found on the Mi-24B (which consisted of a USPU-24 turret with YakB-12.7 machine guns and the capability of being equipped with 9M17M Falanga ATGMs<ref name="Mladenov_2010 (1)">Mladenov 2010, Mi-24A/B</ref>). This interim helicopter design would be known as the '''Mi-24D''', or by the designation ''Izdeliye 246''. The Mi-24D would begin production in 1973 at the Arsenyev plant and Aviation Plant No.168. After performing in state tests in 1974, the Mi-24D would be put into the Soviet Air Force service in March 29, 1976. The helicopter would serve not only with the Soviet Union, but for its export clients as well.<ref name="Mladenov_2010" />

A trainer version of the Mi-24D, the Mi-24DU ''Izdeliye 249'' was also produced that had the WSO position adapted to hold an instructor pilot instead.<ref name="Mladenov_2010" /> Both the Mi-24D and Mi-24DU production at the two factories for both Soviet and export clients account for at least 625 units.<ref name="Gordon_2001" />

=== Service in other nations ===

==== Czechoslovakia ====
The Czechoslovakian Army received 28 Mi-24Ds, delivered between August 1978, and by 1982. Between 1985 and 1989 two training Mi-24DUs were purchased (as well as 31 units of the modernized Mi-24V). Upon the dissolution of Czechoslovakia in 1993 the inventory of Mi-24s were split, with the now Czech Republic Army receiving 16 Mi-24D and one Mi-24DU (also 20 Mi-24V). In 2003, all the Mi-24D helicopters were retired. <ref>Soušek n.d.</ref>

To replace the old Mi-24Ds, the Czech government purchased US-made AH-1Zs. Some of the inventory Mi-24Ds were donated to Ukraine.<ref name="NDOS_2020">Mladenov 2020</ref>

==== Bulgaria ====
The Bulgarian Air Force have a fleet of 38 Mi-24Ds originally delivered between 1979-1985, during 1999 the Mi-24Ds in service were reduced. The type has suffered from a significant lack of serviceability due to the limited supply of otherwise vital and expensive spare parts, such as rotor blades, as well as expired engine and airframe time between overhauls.

Bulgarian Mi-24D sold to other countries/companies:

* Between 2002–2004 dozens of Mi-24Ds were sold to local arms trade companies.
* 6 were delivered to the US and 2 went to the Ivory Coast in 2003.
* 6 Mi-24Ds followed suite to Mali between 2007-2010 after having completed overhaul.
* 5 Mi-24Ds were sold out by the Bulgarian MoD to Metalika-AV in December 2011, and by late 2017 at least 4 of these had been returned to airworthy condition.
* In 2017–2018 three were sold out to the Ivory Coast and one went to Burkina Faso in 2018, followed by another helicopter in 2019.

In 2004, the Bulgarian MoD moved forward with a tender covering the comprehensive upgrade and life extension of 6 Mi-24Ds – all of these helicopters were delivered in 1985 and 1986.<ref name="NDOS_2020" />

==== Hungary ====
The Hungarian Air Force have a fleet of 30 Mi-24Ds received by the former Soviet Union between 1978-1985.<ref name="NDOS_2020" />

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mi_24d Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|unNDor5o2-8|'''Premium Vehicles - Mi-24D''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''|lTR8bhL4BUc|'''The Mi-24 Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:18 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|AThOHUXhcsI|'''The Shooting Range #114''' - ''War Machines'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|6QZAY1EtkFU|'''The Shooting Range #110''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 10:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Mi-24 (Family)]]

;Similar vehicles

* [[AH-1F]]
* [[AH-1S Kisarazu]]
* [[A-129 International]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5707-gamescom-combat-helicopters-in-war-thunder-en|[Gamescom] Combat helicopters in War Thunder]]
* [[wikipedia:Mil_Mi-24|[Wikipedia] Mil Mi-24]]

===References===

;Citations:
<references />

;Bibliography:

* Gordon, Yefim and Dimitriy Komissarov. 2001. ''Mil Mi-24 Hind Attack Helicopter''. United Kingdom: Airlife Publishing Ltd.
* Mladenov, Alexander. 2010. ''MIL Mi-24 Hind Gunship''. Great Britain: Osprey Publishing. Kindle.
* Mladenov, Alexander. 2020. "Mi-24s still serving in Eastern Europe". New Defence Order Strategy. Last modified August 20, 2022. [https://dfnc.ru/en/journal/2020-5-64/mi-24s-still-serving-in-eastern-europe/ Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20221209052645/https://dfnc.ru/en/journal/2020-5-64/mi-24s-still-serving-in-eastern-europe/ Archive])
* Soušek, Tomáš. n.d. "Mi-24 v letectvu končí". Magnet Press. Accessed December 11, 2021. [https://www.vydavatelstvo-mps.sk/letectvi-kosmonautika/14325-mi-24-v-letectvu-konci.html Website] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20221212000204/https://www.vydavatelstvo-mps.sk/letectvi-kosmonautika/14325-mi-24-v-letectvu-konci.html Archive])

{{AirManufacturer Mil}}
{{USSR helicopters}}