War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-104A

2021-02-12T15:48:42Z

U46436227: /* Flight performance */ added "upgraded" performance

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

== Description ==

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

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

[[File:F-104A in the sunset.jpg|alt=F-104 Starfighter breaks the soundbarrier at sunset with its afterburner roaring|thumb|A F-104A Starfighter breaks the sound barrier at sunset]]
The F-104s are generally very fast and the F-104A is no exception. Even when it is stock the climb rate can be comparable to that of both the MiGs and the Phantoms. Its max speed of 2,079 km/h is just as good if not better than other top-tier jets. The acceleration of the F-104A is amazing so even when you are at low speeds it can quickly gain back the lost energy. However, the jet's manoeuvrability leaves much to be desired. Although it can out-turn other jets at its BR it can only do so when it is going above mach 1, at low speeds any other top-tier jets can easily out-turn you.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,104 || 2,079 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.4 || 33.0 || 190.9 || 182.9 || rowspan="2" | 1,180
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,196 || 2,149 || 31.6 || 32.0 || 251.6 || 220.0
|-
|}

==== 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 || 833 || 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-3 || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,182 kg || colspan="3" | 513 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 || 35m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,947 kg || 7,712 kg || 8,477 kg || 8,859 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 || 35m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,936 kgf || 6,061 kgf
| 0.87 || 0.79 || 0.71 || 0.68 || 0.25
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,936 kgf (0 km/h) || 7,751 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.12 || 1.00 || 0.91 || 0.87 || 0.32
|-
|}

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

In terms of armour, there is no armour on the F-104A. Since the F-104A relies on high speed, it wouldn't need armour as that would reduce the speed and manoeuvrability of the plane. The F-104A is a very long plane and it is not very manoeuvrable, making it a large, easy target for enemy guns. As such, the only characteristic that should be relied upon for survivability is the plane's speed. It is very quick, and as such is hard to catch. Of course, it's not quicker than a missile!

* No armour
* Self-sealing fuel tanks

=== 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, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

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

{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

== Usage in battles ==

The F-104A is a high speed, high altitude fighter-bomber/interceptor. It performs well in high altitude flights meant to intercept fighters and mainly bombers at high altitudes. When the F-104A is fighting at low altitudes with a slower plane, the pilot should consider a hit and run technique to out-speed and return to the target to avoid getting shot back. If you need to turn, be sure to extend your combat flaps as they significantly decrease your turn time.

The F-104A has a decent stock turn time of 33 seconds which is the average or decent turn time of most supersonic jets at rank VI for Russian jets. The F-104A will have difficulties when trying to hit an enemy less than 1 or 2 kilometers away using the 20mm M61 cannon since this cannon will take some time to warm-up before shooting and turn fights will also be difficult due to high speed manoeuvres causing an average 8 or more Gs rendering the pilot unconscious for most of the time.

Using the F-104A's M61 cannon against helicopters would be very easy since they're slow and most of the time are in constant direction and speed, while you are attacking from the side or back with speeds almost or higher than mach 1, the helicopter won't notice until you strafe at them.

Unfortunately, the AIM-9B sidewinder missiles the F-104A carries are lacking at its BR. Most other jets at top tier have much better air-to-air missiles which travel, lock and turn better than the AIM-9B. Therefore, they should only be used in situations where they cannot effectively turn or dodge, or don't know its coming.

The F-104A isn't carrying any flares, so you would have to rely on the planes decent manoeuvrability, and high speed, and maybe turn off the afterburner and maybe even the engine to reduce the incoming AAMs chance to hit the plane. Always remember the insane climb rate for the plane, this means you can also face the incoming AAM at the sun even when the sun is at a steep angle. This in turn would spend more fuel since you would need to use afterburners to efficiently climb at steep angles, out-running short-range anti-air missiles are tricky since some go mach 1.7, while others go mach 2.5, do not expect all missiles to be outrun.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good top speed for its rank
* Great rate of climb; even the F-4 Phantom may struggle to match it
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability, in spite of its tiny wings
* 20 mm Vulcan gun can really do some serious damage
* Good roll rate for a jet

'''Cons:'''

* Lousy low-speed manoeuvrability
* Only one secondary weapon load
* Can't carry bombs
* Relatively low ammo count for the Vulcan; trigger discipline is necessary
* M61 Vulcan doesn't shoot instantly, takes less than a second to rotate
* No flares to counter AAMs
* As with most jets, it tends to bleed off speed quickly in sustained turns
* AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles are inadequate compared to other AAMs at top tier

== History ==

The brainchild of famed Lockheed engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, after having spoken to USAF pilots about their experience in the Korean Air War, the F-104 Starfighter was innovative in both its design and speed. Developed from the start as a daytime air-superiority fighter with speed in mind, the Starfighter began life at Lockheed's famous "Skunk Works" facility in 1952 to combat the Soviet's new age of supersonic jet fighters. The aircraft would incorporate the smallest airframe, combined with the most technologically advanced turbojet at the time, to create the base of what would become the F-104.

In 1953, the USAF showed interest in the project, and proposed an open contest with Lockheed and multiple other firms for a supersonic interceptor, based wholly on performance. Lockheed evidently won the contest and approval for two prototypes to be produced and, in February of 1954, took flight for the first time. Although it was slated to be fitted with the General Electric J79 turbofan, due to shortages of the engines the prototypes were mated to a license-built variant of the British Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine, called the Wright XJ65-W-6, until the initial power-plant was available. The aircraft however was not without its problems, resulting in a four-year long developmental period for the aircraft. By the end of it, 17 pre-production YF-104As had been built, tested, and used to iron out any problems that would be noticeable on the final F-104. In 1958, the F-104 would finally be available for deliveries featuring some differences from the initial prototypes in the form of a longer fuselage as well as the fitting of General Electric J79GE-3 engines putting out a whopping 14,800 lbs of thrust.

From the start the F-104A smashed records, taking the record as the first operational fighter in service to succeed Mach 2, as well as going on to take the records for both altitude and speed in both the F-104A and F-104C variants respectively. On May 7th, 1958, Maj. Howard C. Johnson, in his F-104A, set a new world altitude record at 91,243 feet, and 11 days later another aircraft set a new speed record at 1,403.19 mph. The altitude record was later bested by another variant of the aircraft, the F-104C, at a whopping altitude of 103,389 feet. In the 1950s, the aircraft had come to be exactly what the public had expected a fighter of this magnitude to look like. With a long, pencil shaped fuselage with short, sharp edged wings it encompassed the era of space flight and Sci-Fi with its design. The wings were one of the most unique parts of the aircraft, as well as its long fuselage taken up mostly by its large engine and fuel storage, and were only 4 inches and its thickest. Sweeping was only utilized on the leading edge, and a slight anhedral was in place to combat "Dutch Roll", a phenomenon where the aircraft rocks side-to-side uncontrollably. The wings, while helping with supersonic flight, were harmful to ground crews, and special equipment had to be issued to service these areas.

While having a history of accidents and high pilot attrition, the aircraft was fitted with an ejection seat. Due to the great speed of the aircraft at Mach 2, it was believed that the seat wouldn't have enough time to clear the tail section in an ejection scenario. Therefore, a downward firing ejection seat known as the Stanley C-1 was fitted into early models of the F-104. While a good idea, and in theory could work, the C-1 was also believed harmful in the case of a low-altitude ejection of the aircraft. After a failed introduction of the Stanley C-2 ejection seat, the problem was finally solved by the introduction of the Martin-Baker ejection system, particularly in foreign-operator's Starfighters. Roughly 153 F-104As were produced, with 26 more being F-104B two-seat variants. The F-104A spend a short time in USAF service before being send to Air National Guard (ANG) units, which some others being sent to foreign operators which had some success in their service. The first combat of the F-104 however wouldn't be seen until the Vietnam War, and while not having any kills to count was successful in keeping MiGs back and from intercepting friendly aircraft. The aircraft had a short service life in this theatre, only serving in 1965, and again from 1967-1969 until the introduction of the more-capable F-4 Phantom II by which it was replaced.

=== [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|Devblog]] ===
The development history of the F-104 Starfighter begins in 1951, when Lockheed’s lead engineer visited US pilots in Korea. The feedback given to Johnson was clear - US planes were too large and complex and would often find themselves inferior to the much smaller and simpler Soviet MiG-15. On his return to the United States, Johnson assembled a team of engineers and started developing an aircraft that would address the concerns of the pilots.

The result of this undertaking was the F-104 Starfighter, whose first prototype, designated XF-104, first took to the skies on the 4th March 1954. Although both prototypes were lost during testing, the results delivered by the prototypes were promising enough for the USAF to accept the aircraft into service in November 1955.

Soon after entering production, the F-104 quickly also became a highly popular aircraft on the export market. West Germany was, alongside the United States, the primary operator of the Starfighter, owning over 900 F-104s in its air force at the peak of its service career. However, 13 other nations also employed the F-104 such as Canada, Italy, Japan, Spain, and many more.

The F-104 saw most of its combat service with the USAF, most notably taking part in the Vietnam War. Furthermore, the F-104 also saw combat during the Indo-Pakistani Wars in the mid ‘60’s - early ‘70’s while flying under Pakistani colors.

In the end, over 2,500 Starfighters would be built, with most being gradually decommissioned by the end of the Cold War. Italy was the last to decommission its F-104s in the early 2000s.

== Media ==


;Images

[[File:F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars.jpg|alt=F104A Starfighter flying with a full afterburner on a clear starry night (in-game screenshot)|left|thumb|F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars]]
{{Break}}

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|QAA4S31Hbhw|'''The Shooting Range #202''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the F-104 Starfighter.|S9qfGHj1YcI|'''The Shooting Range #211''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:15 discusses the F-104 Starfighter.}}

== 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 ==

=== Bibliography ===

* Military Factory - Lockheed F-104 Starfighter: [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=113 website]
* Winchester, Jim - American Military Aircraft: A Century of Innovation - p.238-239 - 1, October 2017: [https://www.amazon.com/American-Military-Aircraft-Innovation-Aviation/dp/1782743197 website]

{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F4U-4B

2020-04-18T15:32:22Z

U46436227: /* Manual Engine Control */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f4u-4b
|cockpit=332619/1102825
}}
{{About
| about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = F4U (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A"]].

The F4U-4B is similar to the [[F4U-4]] which precedes it, mainly in handling, but the main difference and the reason why it sits at a higher BR is the vastly more powerful armament of 4 AN/M3 20 mms and an up-rated engine. This gives it much more flexibility in its play style and makes it easily one of the best 5.7 fighters in all modes when flown properly.

While it retains the standard Corsair traits of excellent performance in the horizontal, namely speed, energy retention, and instantaneous turn, its improved engine allows some fighting to be done in the vertical. This is to an extent of course and you don't want to try and out vertical a Griffon Spitfire or a Bf 109 K-4 unless you absolutely know what you're doing, but you can easily stall out planes like Fw 190 As which don't excel in the vertical. This is also aided by the flaps which are very good; the takeoff and landing flaps lower the stall speed immensely but rip easily above 250 kph (155 mph) IAS, and the combat flaps boosting the turning significantly and can be used up to about 450 kph (279 mph) IAS. Even without flaps, F4U-4B is an impressive turner despite its weight and can turn with many planes at high speeds (above ~500 kph/~300 mph), at least enough to get a shot off. With flaps it can turn with a surprising number of planes at low speeds, although as before this is to an extent. Also, be wary of the rudder which rapidly loses effectiveness above 550 kph (340 mph) and makes shots difficult against evading enemies, although this is alleviated a bit by the powerful armament and fairly good roll rate.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 688 || 648 || 11,500 || 21.3 || 21.6 || 12.2 || 14.6 || 200
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 732 || 697 || 11,500 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 25.1 || 19.0 || 200
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || 470 || ~?? || ~?
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 450 || < 200 || < 500 || > 450
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,000 m || 2,300 hp || 2,799 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,650 m || 2,000 hp || 2,434 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 3 mm Steel - Upper cowling engine protection plates x 2
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back protection plate
* 12.7 mm Steel - Pilot's seat headrest
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield

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

{{main|AN/M3 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, wing-mounted (246 rpg = 984 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 8 x HVAR rockets

== Usage in battles ==

The F4U-4B should be flown primarily at low altitude because its engine lacks power at higher altitudes. Here, it boasts an impressive climb rate (about 25 m/s when spaded), very good acceleration, and a high top speed. You should aim to be around 3-4km at the start of the battle and go after low enemies using boom and zoom tactics, then use your speed to outrun anyone who dives on you. You can then use your engine power and energy retention to gain an energy advantage over them and easily kill them. If you find yourself in a tough situation, don't be afraid to go a bit aggressive because this plane accelerates very well at low altitude and the extremely powerful guns makes it easy to secure kills quickly, but don't stall yourself out at the deck amidst a cloud of enemies since you'll be an easy kill.

====Specific enemies worth noting====

This plane can easily dogfight with Fw 190 Ds/152s, Tempest Mk Vs, Sea Furies, and similar planes, can dogfight with difficulty with Bf 109s and similar, and should avoid dog-fighting unless as an absolute last resort against Spitfires, Ki-84s, A7Ms, N1Ks, and similar. Fortunately, the F4U-4B is usually faster than most planes it can't dogfight. It's far faster than most Japanese and Italian props and all Spitfires up to the Mk 22 at low altitude. In an up-tier against superprops like Tempest IIs, Mk 24s, and P-51Hs and F8Fs if you get a mixed battle, you have to rely on coming in with an advantage as with any other plane in an uptier, though this is made easier with the F4U-4B's excellent top speed.

The F4U-4B is devastating in the right hands, and is one of the best planes the US tech tree has to offer.

====Counter-tactics====

You're best off engaging the F4U-4B at higher altitudes where its performance suffers. You can also try bleeding their energy in hard vertical maneuvers where it struggles, but be careful while doing this especially at low altitude since a potential opponent can still use the Corsair's stall characteristics combined with its engine power to get a shot off, which can be devastating no matter how short a burst.

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

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage Repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 20 mm
| FMBC mk.1
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
|
|
|-
| III
| Wings Repair
| Engine
|
| New 20 mm Cannons
| FLBC mk.1
|-
| IV
| G-Suit
| Engine Injection
| Cover
|
| FRC mk.2
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent guns with high muzzle velocity allowing long range snipes
* Large ammo capacity, nearly 1,000 rounds in total
* Very good performance overall at low altitude
* Extremely fast
* Good roll rate
* Fantastic stall characteristics, especially with flaps
* Very good instantaneous turn at high speeds
* Lenient stock grind

'''Cons:'''

* Does not turn well at lower speeds
* Rudder loses effectiveness at high speed, making it difficult to hit shots
* Rapidly loses performance at high altitude
* Flaps rip easily
* Stock guns are inaccurate and easily jam
* Relatively expensive repair cost
* Engine is very vulnerable to cannons

== History ==


''Main article'': '''''[[F4U Corsair History]]'''''

The F4U-4B was a modification of the F4U-4. The F4U-4 was based on the F4U-1A Corsair. In order to improve and modernize the Corsair, so it would be able to fight the new Japanese planes in the Pacific, a number of changes were made. One of the major changes was the engine. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W engine was replaced by the more powerful R-2800-18W engine. This -18W engine boosted the speed of the Corsair by up to 46.3 kph (25 kn, 28.76 mph). When injected with an alcohol/water mixture, the performance could be boosted even further. In order for the propeller to be able to handle the more powerful engine, the propeller had to be changed from 3 blades to 4 blades. Modifications to the fuselage were required, including the addition of a scoop to the lower engine cowling. In addition, the cockpit was completely redesigned. The F4U-4 was armed with six .50 in machine guns, up to 4,000 lbs of bombs and/or eight 5 in rockets.

A variant was to be created for the British Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was called the F4U-4C, but none were delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, for whatever reason. The F4U-4C was then redesignated the F4U-4B. The only major difference between the F4U-4 and the F4U-4B was a change of primary armament. The -4B replaced the six .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. The F4U-4B was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. Notably, they were used by VMF-214 (Marine Fighter Squadron 214) of the Marine Corps, nicknamed "Blacksheep". VMF-214 flew F4U-4B strikes off USS ''Sicily'' (CVE-118) between August and November 1950 during the Korean War.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|LW_BVvR7CIg|'''The Shooting Range #122''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:50 discusses the fate of the F4U Corsair after WW2.}}

== See also ==


* [[F4U (Family)|F4U Family]]
* [[F4U Corsair History]]
* [[F4U-4]]
* [[F4U-4B VMF-214]]
* [[F4U-1A]]

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/4960-development-f4u-corsair-sky-pirates-are-back-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> F4U Corsair: Sky pirates are back!]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/378370-f4u-4b/ [Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Vought F4U-4B Corsair - Aircraft Data Sheets]

{{AirManufacturer Vought}}
{{USA fighters}}

== Bibliography ==

* "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/f4u-4b-vought-corsair F4U-4B Vought Corsair]", ''F4U Corsair - The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020.
* "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/type-of-plane-f4u Types of Plane F4U - Variants]", ''F4U Corsair- The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020.

P-51D-30

2020-04-18T15:24:36Z

U46436227: /* Manual Engine Control */

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-51d-30_usaaf_korea
|cockpit=370268/1264441
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = P-51 (Family)
}}

== Description ==


[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was added to the game as of [[Update 1.33]].

The P-51D was a further development of earlier Allison-engined P51s in that it received the excellent Rolls-Royce Merlin engine which gave it excellent high-altitude performance. This, combined with excellent endurance, made the P51 well-suited for bomber escort duties.

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

In-game, the P-51D-30 runs a 75" boost that allows it to outspeed nearly every single vehicle at 5.0 BR. It possesses an excellent climb rate and good high-speed handling which makes it extremely well suited for Boom and Zoom. Additionally, bombs and rockets can be carried making the P51 a good ground striker in Ground RB.

* Use this plane as a Boom & Zoom fighter. Altitude and speed are your biggest friends while in combat.
* The P-51D has a laminar flow wing, hence it is fast and very agile at high speeds. The laminar flow wing reducing drag especially when going fast, which means that the aircraft turns best at high speeds.
* The P-51D out dives nearly all opponents at 5.0, and is also very agile at high speeds.
* The plane has a great endurance with its 1,880 rounds of ammo and 27 minutes of fuel minimum. Use this to your advantage.
* It has a very high stall speed. You'd be better off to not stall in this plane. Only do it when necessary and when you know you're safe to do it.
* .50 cals are extremely effective and long range head-on shots are very viable.
* The P-51D-30 is not a turn fighter but is definitely manoeuvrable enough to dogfight at high speed.
* Optimal climb speed is 250 kph IAS.
* It's recommended to use Manual Engine Control with the P-51D-30. The D-30 has indefinite WEP and Meredith Effect modelled so radiator drag at high speeds is not an issue
* If using MEC, Supercharger Gear 2 should be engaged at 3,300 m.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,400 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 689 || 670 || 12,700 || 21.4 || 21.8 || 15.8 || 18.2 || 396
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,400 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 761 || 721 || 12,700 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 33.0 || 22.7 || 396
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| 644 || 362 || 265 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 500 || < 300 || < 500 || > 400
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,400 m || 1,580 hp || 1,959 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,400 m || 1,370 hp || 1,699 hp
|-

|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
* 19.05 mm Steel plate in front of the engine.
* 6.35 mm Steel plate between the engine and pilot.
* 15.87 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

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

{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, wing-mounted (400 rpg inner, 270 outer x2 = 1,880 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR|M8}}

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

* Without load
* 6 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
* 2 x 1000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs
* 6 x 114 mm M8 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

'''''Offense''''' 
Probably the best assets the P-51D has are its speed, weaponry, and energy retention. In game and in real life the P-51D achieves ideal performance above 7 km; however, even at low altitudes, the P-51 is still incredibly fast. If one climbs at the ideal speed of 250 kph IAS side climbing is not necessary- a high enough altitude will be achieved by the time the first contact is initiated that the P-51D-30 can simply evade incoming fire and speed away, untouchable.

When an enemy is spotted moving away from the P51-D, enter a mild dive and go for a strafing run. After that, it is important to continue heading in the same direction so the speed is maintained. Doing this, even the most agile fighters won't be able to turn quickly enough to fire on you. If you miss on your strafe run or have an enemy behind you, you should get at least 2+km from the enemy and then start to turn towards him, depending on his speed. If your speed is under 500 kph, a bigger distance should be achieved before attempting a turn. This ensures that your turn will be completed before the enemy gets within 1 km distance before you can line up your shot. Head-ons are actually very effective against fragile/lightly gunned vehicles such as the A6M and Spitfire. The high rate of fire and velocity of the 50 cals make long-range sniping very viable.

When engaging enemy bombers, aim for engines and wings. A good burst will rip off wings with ease and/or start several fires.

'''''Defense''''' 
Shallow dives and altitude are your friends- at 5.0 there is no vehicle short of an Fw 190 D-13 that can catch a P-51D-30 above 5 km. Furthermore, the P-51D-30 is near untouchable in a dive- careful, however, as planes such as the G.55S can and will catch a P-51 in a steep dive. In such a case, initiate a shallow dive which will make use of your superior energy retention and top speed.

Defensive dives are a strong suit of the P-51D as the flaps and airframe are very durable- spiral dives can easily rip the wings of more fragile Bf 109s and Spitfires.

It is possible in arcade to perform Pugachev's Cobra (due to the agility at high speeds) in some situations but should not be attempted unless you are at high speed and know what you are doing as it does require a large amount of skill to pull off successfully.

When flying against others, notable enemies are the Griffon/LF Spitfires, Fw 190 Ds, and Ta 152 H-1s. Each have to be handled accordingly when met: Griffon/LF Spitfires can be outrun, Fw 190 Ds can be out-turned, and Ta 152 Hs can be out-dived.

Due to the speed of the P-51D you may be able to outrun slower vehicles in a straight line (especially above 5 km) such as the Bf 109, Fw 190, and some heavier fighters and most ground attack aircraft. Coupled with light rolling and WEP you should be able to run from most dogfights.

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

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage Repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 12 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
|
| FRC mk.2
|-
| III
| Wings Repair
| Engine
|
| New 12 mm MGs
| Rocket Launcher M10
|-
| IV
| G-Suit
| Engine
| Cover
|
| FLBC mk.1
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Outstanding Boom & Zoom capability
* Great performance at altitude
* Excellent .50 calibre machine guns
* Very fast at all altitudes
* Very agile at high speeds
* Good turn radius at high speeds
* Good cockpit visibility
* Plenty of ammo
* Useful close-support capability (ground attack)
* Refueling isn't something to worry about (27 min)

'''Cons:'''

* Can't sustain much damage
* Catches fire easily
* Sluggish at low speeds
* High stall speed
* Average climb rate
* Minimum fuel load is rather big
* High repair cost in RB

== History ==

The North-American P-51 Mustang was an American fighter designed in the early 1940s and is considered the best US fighter of WWII. It was widely exported to countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. The P-51 participated in the Korean War and other post-WWII conflicts.

The most famous Mustang version was the P-51D with teardrop (or bubble) canopy. The main problem for the pilots of the earlier variants was a huge blind spot at the rear of the aircraft due to the canopy design. An earlier attempt to address the issue was a British-designed Malcolm hood, installed on many P-51Bs. It improved rearward visibility, but the search for a better solution continued. In January 1943, USAAF's Colonel Mark Bradley, while stationed in Britain, was introduced to the then-new "bubble" canopy, designed for use on Spitfires and Typhoons. The canopy had no framework and offered near 360-degree vision. To install the new canopy, the rear fuselage section of the Mustang had to lose some height. However, this change required minimal redesign to the airframe. The inaugural flight of the new P-51D took place at Inglewood, California on 17th November 1943. The P-51D-30 was developed soon before the war ended. It mainly served in the Korean war.

=== In-game description ===
"A single-seat all-metal cantilever monoplane fighter with a single engine, closed cockpit and retractable landing gear.

The P-51D model Mustangs lacked one of the main flaws of the P-51B and P-51C models – poor visibility from the cockpit, particularly to the rear. The P-51D fighters received a new drop-shaped cockpit canopy without bracing, providing a perfect 360° view.

Over time, the German Luftwaffe's resistance became weaker. Sightings of enemy planes in the sky grew rarer and rarer. This influenced the Mustang's continued evolution. Model P-51D aircraft were no longer painted – camouflage on the ground and in the air came to be considered excessive. The fighters now gleamed with polish metal. Its weight had decreased slightly, and its aerodynamics improved. On average, this resulted in a small addition to its speed.

Mustangs then began to attack ground targets more often than air targets. They received rocket equipment to increase their efficiency as fighter-bombers and attack aircraft.

The P-51D-30 could carry a “cluster” of three “tubes” – directional M10s, M14s or M15s for launching unguided M8 rockets. In place of these, it could also carry clips for the suspension of unguided 127 mm HVAR rockets. The P-51D was able to carry up to six heavy rockets along with suspended fuel tanks, and up to ten rockets without them. The aircraft's rocket armament significantly increased its ability to damage small moving targets.

The P-51D became the most mass-produced Mustang model, a symbol of American aviation and one of the best fighters of World War II. In total, 8,156 of them were built.

Apart from the RAF and USAAF, the P-51 was in service with France, China, Australia and the Netherlands during World War II.

The P-51D remained in service with the USAAF for many years after World War II. In 1948, the USAF, newly formed as a separate type of army, abolished the letter “P” (“pursuit”) as a designation for fighter and replaced it with the letter “F” (“fighter”). The designation P-51 changed to F-51 accordingly."

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

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

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

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

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

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{USA fighters}}