War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

PLZ05

2024-11-21T18:23:08Z

U4656018: Updated information for pros/cons, firepower and mobility; pending for further update as Chrome has major lags during the edit

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_plz_05
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Firebirds"]].

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

''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Although not integrated as a powerpack, the 8V150 diesel engine at 800 hp and its CH500 transmission can ensure sufficient speeds at different gears up to 60 km/h while having the required reverse speed to retreat to covers; while the power-weight ratio might not be the best among its competitors, it is more than enough to shine over earlier designs such as [[M109 (Family)|M109]] and [[2S3M]].

{{tankMobility}}

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

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

{{main|PL05 (155 mm)}}

By late 1980s, NORINCO has successfully developed a 155 mm GC-45 based howitzer based on the Austrian design by Gerald Bull; to further fit the requirements of PLAGF for extended range, engineers built a XP52-155 howitzer and eventually been selected as the main armament of PLZ05 by its introduction. To also ensure the rate of fire, engineers also reverse-engineered the autoloader on 2S19 Msta-S with revisions for reliability and dimensions. The 30 round carousel can ensure continuous rate of fire at every 7.5 second per shot; with the varieties of shells onboard and rather high velocity, referring the PL05-155 as a "railway cannon" is applicable, do remember to hide the carousel from direct fire as the unit is connected directly to the combat compartment, any critical hit on the unit can either disable the unit or detonate the turret to sky-high altitude.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PL05 (155 mm)|155 mm PL05]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+65° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 7.5
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:PL05 (155 mm)/Ammunition|Type 05 HE, Type 05 HE(VT), BEA1-155}}'''DBB03-155,''' '''HE , Stock -''' Referred as the Type 05 HE in Chinese client and being baseline HE shell in PLAGF service and the stock ammunition for PLZ05; while the explosive equivalent is nowhere close to NATO equivalents with at least a kilogram of explosives more, a direct hit on enemy's top plates or surfaces with predrilled holes for any purpose will certainly face the most miserable end possible if not eliminating them immediately.

'''BEA1-155,''' '''SAPCBC , Tier II -''' Likely for the demand to demolish enemy's fortifications, NORINCO introduced the BEA1-155 as an "APHE" (sic.) for 155 mm artillery systems, this will be currently the only SAPCBC for its caliber. Quoting from a CCTV-7 video, "The enemy in the bunker wouldn't feel any pain." What makes BEA1-155 different from BTM1-105 used by PLAGF tanks is the impressive explosive content of the shell, even if the enemy vehicle is not penetrated directly, the explosive content is sometimes enough to simply knock them out right away.

'''BES7-155 (VT),''' '''HE-VT , Tier III -''' Like PLZ83 and the 130 mm variant, the only difference to conventional HE is the MD81 proximity fuze; thanks to the introduction of fuze activation selections introduced in the update, this shell can used as the main HE shell once being researched. Be sure to set hotkey to change the fuze type before firing it - while it can certain blast light vehicles to their kingdom come, proximity fuze won't do much harm on armored targets.

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''30''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}
PLAGF introduced the autoloader from 2S19 from Project 934 (to import Russian armaments after the fall of Red Giant) and revised the design for better ergonomics; while the ammo count is only at 30 shells at the rear of turret, as long as players can keep the autoloader away from any direct hit with the help of anti-spalling lining, the worst possible outcome would only be the disablment of the unit itself, instead of turning into a Shenzhou rocket for the crews.

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

{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)}}

Like most AFVs in modern time PLAGF, PLZ05 is equipped with a QJC88A controlled by the gunner; in case players see helicopters or light IFVs with very little protection, it can cause major troubles to such targets.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJC88A (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJC88A]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the 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. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

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

* Excellent firepower
** Long barrel 155 mm gun with high velocity for any shells
** Devastating BEA1-155 SAPCBC which is both deadly from impact or explosion
** Sufficient explosive filler for taking out even the heaviest targets
* Great ergonomics
** Autoloader with fixed 7.5 second reload
** The fastest turret traverse speed among similar howitzer at 10°/s
** Sufficient mobility to enable flanking operations or retreat to safety
** Hydropneumatic suspension for extra depression, possibly the highest overall among howitzers
* The very first Chinese vehicle to introduce anti-spalling liner
* Sufficient frontal protection to stop .50 caliber up front
* Versatile sight magnification for different engagement ranges
* Equips with LRF for long-range engagement

*

'''Cons:'''

* Huge profile which can be easily be spotted
* Large turret carousel autoloader with high chance of detonation if been directly hit
* Rather huge gun system which is prone to damages from direct hits
* Default gun depression is not sufficient for complicated terrains

== History ==

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

== 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 vehicles;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{China tank destroyers}}

PGZ09

2024-11-19T10:05:17Z

U4656018: Revision to the depression angle due to the introduction of hydropneumatic suspension to PGZ09

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_pgz_09
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: PGZ09式自行高射炮; industry code WA3001) has been in PLAGF service since the late 2000s, alongside previous systems and SAM systems for field and infrastructure defense. The Oerlikon KDA (GDF-001) was introduced to Mainland China during the late 1980s and was licensed to be built domestically in 1990 as the PG90 before the 1993 sanctions to PLA; the licensed PG90 was then redeveloped into the newer PG99-35-2 systems comparable with the GDF-003 system. Meanwhile, to fill the need for a slightly long-range SPAA with the accuracy of 35 mm autocannon and arming with pairs of SAMs, PLAGF first foreseen [[2S6|2S6 Tungska]] as the import solution for this mission; then projects based on the chassis of NORINCO's new wheeled chassis were also developed as the technological demonstrator for the turret system. This eventually lead to a domestic solution with new universal artillery platform and provisions for 2 pairs or IR AAMs on the side of turret, to unknown reason, the production model of the new SPAA lacked the missiles from both the prototype turret by a certain university in Mainland China and its production model which would soon to be known as the PGZ09 ''(referred as PGZ07 before clarification in 2015)''; first spotted during military exercise and officially debuted in 2009 and 2015's military parade respectively, the PGZ09 serves as the alternative platform to utilize domestic AHEAD rounds to intercept oncoming missiles or unguided projectiles within detection range, while the earlier [[PGZ04A]] would serve as the very last layer of defense if the target breaches all lines of defense.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]], PGZ09 is a Chinese counterpart to the Flakpanzer [[Gepard]] and [[Type 87]] designed to intercept incoming aerial targets such as helicopters, drones, or cruise missiles. With its high off-road speed, advanced electronic system with separated search/tracking radar, electro-optical tracking system, 2nd gen thermal sight, as well as being the very first SPAA to introduce 35 mm AHEAD, it can prove deadly to both careless aerial and ground targets and provide field air-defense to its allies wherever they are with its mobility.

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

The chassis provides sufficient protection to the crew against small-calibre guns and shrapnel from explosions. As it is a SPAA, only the hull front is sufficient to stop HMGs and maybe some autocannons, while the turret itself offers little protection with only 8 mm of armour. Vulnerable to overpressure damage, the PGZ09 cannot survive artillery strikes, bombs, rockets or high-calibre HE shells. Its tall search radar is very visible and therefore likely to attract fire. If it is hit by anything with explosive filler it will be broken, the shrapnel and blast will also pass down the thin turret roof and damage/destroy components like the targeting radar and crew. Thus you need to be aware of whether the search radar antenna is exposed even when the tank is behind cover.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm Upper front (74°) 12 mm Lower front(25°)
| 8 mm ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 10 mm || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Mudguard and side skirts are 5 mm thick.
* Tracking radar is 15 mm of structural steel.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Thanks to the powerful 8V150 engine producing almost 800 hp, this turbocharged diesel engine lets the PGZ09 have a satisfying top speed of 65 km/h, a vast improvement over the [[WZ305]] and making it one of the fastest tracked SPAAGs along with the [[Gepard]], [[AMX-30 DCA]] and [[VEAK 40]]. It can follow teammates with ease and retreat to a safe position if anything comes at you with its -15 km/h reverse (only its tech-tree successor PGZ04A, ZTZ99A has higher reverse)

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1136|rbMinHp=708}}

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

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

{{main|PG99-35-2 (35 mm)}}

As a variant of the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-002, the PG99-35-2 shares the same traits as the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDA]] guns found on other nations' SPAAs: high rate of fire, high muzzle velocity, and sufficient penetration to tear down most vehicles from the sides with ease; what makes PGZ09 unique among any 35 mm SPAAs is the '''AHEAD''' ('''Advanced hit efficiency and destruction''') thanks to the installation of coils in the muzzle break to control the fuse. But due to the internal design of the PGZ09, it has lower ammo count than its Western and Japanese counterparts, carries only 40 APDS rounds as emergency anti-armour like its counterparts; although having -2° depression sounds problematic, the hydropneumatic suspension can migrate the issue given players have key binds for these actions.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[PG99-35-2 (35 mm)|35 mm PG99-35-2]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 480 (220 + 20) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -2°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.5 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''PMD062:''' {{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}
* '''DKG01A:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKP01A:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM23:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}

{{:PG99-35-2 (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*, Ahead, APDS}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 2 ''(+2)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Ammo racks disappear after 40 rounds from each belt have been fired.

== Usage in battles ==

Like its counterparts in NATO and Japan, speed is your friend and the PGZ09 is among the fastest ones, as an SPAA, your first priority should be aircraft and helicopters. At its BR range, few aircraft come with an RWR, so there should no worries on keeping the radar always on. If brought to a higher BR, do not keep your radar on for extended periods of time, as it will give yourself away to aircraft with RWR, so turn it off and only utilize the tracking radar after enemies have been spotted; alternatively, it comes with optoelectronic tracking system which helps concealing yourself from RWR-equipped aircraft (hotkey Y-1-4 by default changes between its tracking systems) or tracking low-flyers with excellent accuracy; another thing worth mention is that it's the only Oerlikon GDF-002 equipped SPAAG that comes with a thermal gunner sight (2nd generation), further accelerate your speed on spotting enemies from the background. Keep in mind your subpar ammunition count, so unless in emergency or fast-and-close targets, trigger-happy firing is not an option.

The PGZ09 can also be used in an anti-armour role to a certain extent thanks to the good penetration of 35 mm shells, these rounds are lethal to lightly armoured vehicles and the sides of Cold War MBTs, albeit the PGZ09 has the worst gun depression among SPAAs (at a mere -2°), making it struggle in even slightly uneven terrain; as present, thanks to the combability to PLZ05's chassis, PGZ09 retained the hydropneumatic suspension on the 1st and 6th road wheel, be sure to bind key sets for hydropneumatic controls for extra depression. Additionally, it has only 40 rounds of APDS at disposal so think twice before unleashing them on enemies. Do remember that those 8-10 mm of steel all-around won't help you too much on stopping some higher calibre machine guns, autocannons and anything with explosive fillers.

''Note: when using the PGZ09 in the anti-armour role with thermals on, avoid placing the target at the front-right side of the hull. This is the location of the engine exhaust pipe, to the right of the driving compartment. Its heat will glare the gunner's thermal optic and heavily disrupt your aim.''

When locking onto an air target using your fire control radar, the green square that captivates the target will gently float around, leading to the guns bobbing around as well. This can considerably decrease the accuracy of your bursts as your guns are not aiming at the exact centre of the target. The low accuracy is especially noticeable when the target is close to stationary, for example targeting a hovering helicopter 3 km away. The fire control radar will also give a wrong lead signal when the target is flying at treetop level. Therefore to counter these issues, you must switch to the optronic tracker. The PGZ09 is equipped with an optronic tracker just like that of the [[SIDAM 25]] that gives more accurate lead. Open the multifunction menu, then press 1 - 4 to switch to the optronic tracker. You will see that the original light green arc indicating your fire control radar scanning area decrease from 180° to ~30°. The optronic tracker gives a more precise lead that won't float around, get interfered by ground clutter or notching, and also allows you to target aircraft when the fire control radar is destroyed, making it the ideal targeting method against aircraft. You will however have to manually switch to it in every battle, and compared to the track radar it has a smaller acquisition FOV and will be obscured by trees and foliage. Aside from all the conventional NATO equivalent 35 mm ammunition, PGZ09 also introduced AHEAD for SPAAs, a first since the introduction of PUMA in Bundeswehr service; the IRST tracking will also serve as a much better way to rangefinding the enemy aircraft with great accuracy, be sure to lead-in slightly more ahead than the indicator does for maximum damage and efficiency - it is not a good idea to waste ammo on just one aircraft with all 440 rounds in the main magazine.

The AHEAD shells do fairly little damage on an individual basis. They will not blast chunks off of enemy aircraft like the WZ305's 57 mm HE-VT shells and typically a solid chain of nearby detonations is required to down a target. However, the PGZ09's excellent volume of fire compared to the [[PUMA]] and [[KF41]] makes this much more attainable. A potential benefit of the AHEAD shells is that they have no tracers whatsoever, and although this makes it somewhat more difficult to correct their trajectory for maximum damage, this means that targets will have little to no indication that they are being fired upon (especially when using the IRST tracker) until the airburst clouds start showing up, at which point it might be too late to evade. They are also very helpful against helicopters, which are typically small targets that can easily spot and dodge SPAA tracer fire outside a couple of kilometers: with AHEAD, they may find themselves exploding in a cloud of shrapnel with no warning.

The AHEAD shells still have some penetration to dispatch lightly armoured ground vehicles in a pinch, but they are much less effective than the API-T rounds for this role. Since the PGZ09 can only carry one ammo type for the main 440-round belt, taking AHEAD means specializing more in air defense, while the majority-API-T belt has flexibility for players who want to be able to hunt ground vehicles.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

*[[SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)|SA 313B]], [[UH-1C]], etc. These early helicopters, despite being small and fragile, can give some nasty bites with their ATGMs. Experienced helicopter pilots tend to hover ~2-4 km away from the frontline firing missiles from afar, and at that distance it is somewhat difficult for the PGZ09 to effectively destroy them. If they are more than 3 km away and are slowly sliding sideways, hold your fire as the accuracy of your shells drop drastically and will be easily evaded, revealing your position. Instead, you should evade the helicopter, track its range with your radar, and once it gets within 3 km consider shooting it (still, remember that the closer the better). Note that with your gunner thermals you can clearly see the helicopter's missile, allowing you to take early action to try to avoid it.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good firepower:
** First Chinese SPAA with search and fire control radars, significantly boosting anti-air capabilities
** Autocannons are deadly against common aircraft like [[G.91 (Family)|G.91]]
** Fast gun targeting speed, can keep up with most targets
** Gunner thermal assists fighting in bad weather
** DM23 APDS allows it to fight back against MBTs such as [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]
** Comes with optoelectronic tracking system that excels excellent accuracy and concealing yourself from RWRs.
* Good mobility:
** High speed, one of the fastest SPAAs in the game
** Adequate reverse speed of -15 km/h
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades can help conceal the vehicle for repositioning
* Hydropneumatic suspension for extra depression/elevation or gun
* AHEAD airburst shells for convenient and stealthy attacks against aircraft

'''Cons:'''

* Poor survivability:
** Search radar antenna is tall, can expose the location of the PGZ09
** Armour is only proof against small calibre machine gun bullets
* Poor weapon handling:
** Limited DM23 capacity of 40 rounds
** Gun placement makes close-range aiming quite awkward

== History ==


During the late 1980s, after attempts to make their own AA guns to replace the obsolete Soviet 37 mm, the PLA sought instead to purchase the renowned Swiss Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 cannon. In 1987, a deal was made and examples were imported along with the Skyguard system, and in 1990, China got a license for domestic production under the name PG90. When the later arms embargo in the 1990s stopped additional importation, Chinese-made domestic upgrades resulted in the PG99, which is said to be on-par with the GDF-003.

It saw extensive use defending facilities and as a towed gun. The PLAGF found the need for a new SPAAG to replace the PGZ95 (later the [[PGZ04A]]) for mobile field air-defense, and made good use of the 35 mm cannon with modern electronics. Early prototypes of the vehicle featured a hull based on ZSD89 APC. PLAGF also proposed a wheeled version, but this was ditched due to difficulties in mounting all the equipment onto a wheel-based chassis. As plans to import the 2S6 Tunguska were also ditched, it was also planned to mount 4 additional missiles of unknown model for long-range engagements; the plans for missiles were also ditched due to unknown reasons and left the vehicle with only a pair of PG99 autocannons.

In 2011, a new type of SPAAG was seen on state television, designated "PGZ07" by observers, little was known about it until the Victory Day parade in 2015 where this SPAAG was officially revealed by the PLA, officially known as the PGZ09 and it shared the same universal chassis with PLZ05 SPH. Equipped with the latest doppler search radar and optoelectronic equipment onboard, AHEAD and airburst shells, and the ability to equip 4 surface-to-air missiles, it, along with its predecessor the PGZ04A, serve as the cornerstone of the PLAGF's field air-defense system.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_pgz_09 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]]
** [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Gepard]]
** [[File:Japan flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Type 87]]
** [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Chieftain Marksman]]
** [[File:Finland flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ItPsV Leopard]]
** [[File:South Africa flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZA-35]]
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[VEAK 40]]
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 DCA]]
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZSU-37-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7201-development-pgz-09-short-bursts-en|[Devblog] PGZ-09: short bursts]]

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Antelope

2024-11-19T09:51:44Z

U4656018: Add back previously edited descriptions and adding usage in battle; rearrangement of pros/cons

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_antelope_tc_1l_ads
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Antelope Air Defence System''' (捷羚*防空導彈系統), officially the '''車載劍一系統載具''' ''(Vehicular Tien Chien-1 Air-Defense System Carrier Vehicle)'', is one of the composition of modern day's ROCAF** air-defense network as the mobile SAM platform of the systems. By early 1990s, the completion of F-CK-1 project and the domestic TC-1 IR AAM marked the capability to develop such weapons on Taiwan Island; due to the future introduction of Mirage 2000-5Ei and [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16 Block 20]] with weaponry imported for these jets, the remaining 250 TC-1 missiles has to be utilized elsewhere with the abundance of AIM-9P4 in ROCAF service which are more than enough to arm the F-CK-1 fleets. To further boost the field air-defense capabilities of ROCAF for possible armed conflicts, NCSIST started the program in 1995 to deplete the TC-1 stockpile; first installed on CM31 APC, then HUMMEV, to further reduce the development cost, NCSIST decided to purchase Toyota Dyna U100 trucks as the carrier platform of the new ADS. First shown in the annual exercise of 1997, the Antelope ADS entered ROCAF service in 2005.

Introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as a new anti-aircraft vehicle from ROCAF; while the vehicle feels like a supersize Type 93 or a wheeled [[Imp.Chaparral|Improved Chaparral]] with similar capabilities in terms of acquisition, the TC-1L with IRCCM capabilities and very high overload can be a bad dream for enemy aircrafts. Do remember to stay hidden and use the 4 missiles onboard wisely - it will take very long time to rearm by different means.

''*The naming honor of the system is granted to the female chief engineer of Antelope, Dr. '''Hsia Yu-ling 夏幼羚''' with '''ling 羚''' literary meaning an Antelope.''

''** Ground air-defense vehicles belong to '''ROCAF Air Defense and Missile Command''' instead of ROCA''

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

The Antelope uses the chassis of a modified Toyota Dyna U100 truck, which is a very common Japanese truck with local CKD assembly line in Taiwan. It has a relatively small profile compared to the MBTs, but its tall radar mast significantly increases its visibility and makes it harder to find a proper cover. With only 4 mm thickness of hull armour overall, the Antelope can be penetrated by a 7.62 mm AP bullet from 500 m. Any hit from HE shells, artillery strikes, autocannons, and air attacks can be lethal. Thankfully, the Antelope has a relatively long hull, and the crew is in an independent compartment at the front of the vehicle. It also has no reserve ammo rack, and the transmission module is resistant to overpressure damage. Therefore, many HE shells and ATGMs may hit the unmanned turret without damage to the crew and movement ability.

'''Armour type:''' 

* Structural steel (Hull, windows, radar)
* Rubber-fabric screens (Fenders)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 4 mm (0° - 28°) || 4 mm 1 mm (0° - 60°) ''Windows'' || 4 mm || 4 mm
|-
| Turret || colspan="4" style="text-align: center;" | 4 mm
|-
| Radar || colspan="4" style="text-align: center;" | 15 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 

* Wheels are 10 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

As a workhorse of many transport companies in Taiwan, the Toyota Dyna U100 chassis used by Antelope has brilliant mobility, climbing, and off-roading capability. It has good acceleration on plain terrain that can reach 90 km/h maximum speed within 30 seconds and ~70 km/h on average. Its turn radius is quite small, allowing it to steer agilely in city terrain. However, due to its low floor chassis and tiny wheels, the Antelope can easily get stuck by rocks. Never try to drive over trenches as the wheelbase is not sufficient to cross those on maps i.e. Eastern Europe near the east town spawn.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=206|rbMinHp=128}}

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

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

{{main|TC-1L}}

The only armament of the Antelope is the TC-1L InfraRed guided missiles. The TC-1L was originally a 3rd generation WVRAAM that was modified and mounted on the Antelope as a surface-to-air missile. The TC-1L is like a mixture of [[AIM-9L]] and [[AIM-9M]], with IRCCM capability from 9M and a smoking rocket motor from 9L. Besides, the TC-1L has a better overload capability of 35 G and a larger explosive mass of 5.81 kg TNTe. These features make it very capable of hunting high-speed and manoeuvring jets. Furthermore, the seeker of the TC-1L can be slaved by the Antelope's radar, which is common in top-tier AAMs yet rare in SAMs in the current game. Such a feature, combined with the suspended animation type of IRCCM the TC-1L owns, helps the TC-1L correctly lock the aircraft that is spreading flares and chaffs.

However, the TC-1L also has many flaws that make it work poorly in its BR. First of all, the TC-1L doesn't have the capability of contrast-seeking guidance. With its infrared seeker, the TC-1L can only lock helicopters from 1.5 km and scout drones from 0.5 km. It is utterly useless against UCAVs and helicopters with HIRSS and DIRCM. Even when fighting jets, the 3 km all-aspect lock range also makes the Antelope very vulnerable to rockets and bombs from CAS. Aside from that, the TC-1L also has a long reaction time of ~0.5 seconds from launch to start steering to the target. It significantly ruins its performance against crossing jets at close range. There are plenty of [[A-10 (Family)|A-10]] and [[Su-25 (Family)|Su-25]] CAS around its BR, which have low infrared signals and can only get locked from 1 ~ 2 km for TC-1L's seeker. It's vital to use Antelope's IRST to help TC-1L lock the correct target. Nevertheless, experienced players can still easily dodge the TC-1L with proper evading movement and flares.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[TC-1L]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 4 (4) || rowspan="2" | -8°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 52.8 || 73.1 || 88.8 || 98.2 || 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 19.50 || rowspan="2" | 17.25 || rowspan="2" | 15.90 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:TC-1L/Ammunition|TC-1L}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 0 ''(+4)'' || No
|-
|}
{{Clear}}

=== Radar ===
Different from the foldable one in real life, the Antelope in War Thunder is equipped with a fixed tracking radar. Compared to other useless tracking radars on the IR-guided SAM launchers, the tracking radar on the Antelope has a unique capability to increase its combat performance. Because the seeker of the TC-1L can get slaved by the radar, the Antelope can use its decent tracking equipment to help the missile distinguish the right target and the flares. Its IRST is very brilliant for ignoring flares and stably locking flying objects except for missiles and rockets. On the other hand, its radar tracking is rather inferior and cannot lock scout drones and slow objects. It will only come in handy when the target is out of IRST's range or the player wants to check the distance of the target.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | Antelope - Target Tracking Radar/IRST
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| 10,000 m || __ m || __° || __° || __ m/s (__ km/h)
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

==== The Little Missile Bee ====
In both PLAGF and ROCA, there are terms to refer to mobile snack bars/food trucks that used trucks platforms to sell snacks or services to soldiers at exercise sites; but in ROCA's case, these trucks are colloquially known as the '''小蜜蜂 (''lit. Little Bee)''''' ''[In PLAGF's case, the '''强军战车 (lit. Strong Army Combat Vehicle)'''].'' While Antelope didn't provide instant noodles, fried chicken steaks, minced beef rice nor drinks for players, it does brings a specialty of its own - four TC-1L IR SAMs.

If players have experiences on JGSDF's [[Type 93]] which has a Toyota Mega Cruiser chassis, Antelope can be said as the oversize version of it to some extent for its Kuozui-Toyota Dyna U100 truck chassis for budget concerns on the ROCAF side. Instead of batteries of FIM-92 Stingers like Type 93 or Avenger, NCSIST designed a MIM-72 equivalent turret with an independent tracking radar and quad-mount SAMs; the appearance of TC-1L does resembles to previous AIM-9s but the missile is a domestic alternative to the Sidewinders in ROCAF service with upgraded IRCCM capabilities and much higher overload than the Chaparral. In reality, the vehicle has to be cooperated with a separated radar vehicle for early-warning; in-game, players have to rely on their knowledge to enemy aerial spawns and observation to the skies for any unwanted, fast-moving dots or jet engine noise level varied by the Doppler effect in terms of its audibility; this would be improved if players have researched TVD for the vehicle albeit at lower resolution than previous vehicles. Most people will notice its poor ammo amount and all-aspect lock range at first glance. In AB, it takes around 2 minutes to automatically receive the ammo reserves, but in a capture point, it only takes 20 ~ 30 seconds to do so; in RB case, be sure to find a safe capture zone if players are at frontline or building ammo crates behind safe covers. Thankfully, the Antelope has good mobility to swiftly translocate itself after launching the smoky TC-1L. It can also launch its missile at full speed, which gives it the capability to fool some low-tier helicopters with SACLOS ATGMs or bombs. Besides, the Antelope has a pretty high POV in binocular vision, which makes it a competent scout vehicle to help your allies. Although the abundance of UCAV and attack helicopters with long-range missiles, if players are confident on concealing themselves by the time they are within the all-aspect launch distance (i.e. around 2 km for helicopters), a sudden missile with very high overload can certain an antelope that kicks back to its predators.

Although the missile seeker performance and the lack of radar hinders some of its combat capabilities, as mentioned in the introduction of the paragraph, use it as a swift little bee and move to anywhere player's service is needed, hide and wait for the chance to sting back.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Agile IR-guided missile that is very capable of hunting jets
* Brilliant mobility and steering
* Gen 1 thermal sights that help it find the target
* High POV in binocular vision and can launch missiles on the move

'''Cons:'''

* Somewhat flawed weapon systems
** Rather low all-aspect range, especially against low heat-signature targets i.e helicopters and drones
** The four missiles are all the ammunitions available; can only be replenished in zones or building ammo crates
** No search radar
** Relatively long warm-up time for the seeker to engage targets
* Paper-thick armour, high profile, and no secondary armament lower its survivability
* Low-floor chassis that can bring trouble when crossing trenches and rocks

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
Antelope WT Wallpaper1.jpg
Antelope WT Wallpaper2.jpg
Antelope WT Wallpaper3.jpg
Antelope, back right angled view.jpeg
</gallery>

== See also ==

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

* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

AKD-10

2024-11-12T02:27:03Z

U4656018: Slight alteration to last paragraph on its current usage

== Description ==

The AKD-10 (Chinese: AKD-10反坦克导弹), known as Blue Arrow 7 when exported, is a Chinese air-to-ground missile developed by Institute 203 of NORINCO for ground attack operations, usually against armoured targets and sometimes fixed targets. With its rather long firing range and penetration, the missile will prove deadly to most ground targets without APS onboard.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|z_10}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 46 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Laser+IOG
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 345 m/s
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 36 secs
|-
| '''Firing range''' || 10 km
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 6.25 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 1,400 mm
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

With 6.25 kg TNT equivalent of explosive in the tandem warhead, the AKD-10 can cause overpressure damage on light vehicles or alternatively jet stream with shrapnel that cause damage to crew or components.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] and [[AGM-114K Hellfire II]]: The Hellfire family has better speed and explosive equivalent while having lesser range (8km max) and burn time than the AKD-10
* [[PARS 3 LR]]: Can launch fire-and-forget strikes on targets, although lacking in other aspects compared to the AKD-10
* [[9M120 Ataka]] : Faster than AKD-10s, but AKD-10s will outperform them in other regards.
* [[9K127 Vikhr]]: Vikhrs fly at a much faster speed (610m/s) and burn for longer, usually resulting in faster time to target. They are also able to fuse on aircraft, greatly increasing their versatility. The AKD-10 however penetrates over 600mm more armor with an even larger warhead, making it more lethal.
* [[9M123 Khrizantema]] : Shares a similar explosive equivalent, although also being outranged by the AKD-10 due to its 6km max range.

== Usage in battles ==

The AKD-10 is a high-penetrating AGM for the PLAGF in-game and also the weapon of choice for the Z-10, the guidance method of the missile makes it very similar to the AGM-114s as the missiles will fly on a lofting trajectory and usually hit enemy armor top-down. It might not have as much warhead explosive mass compared to some of its NATO counterparts, but it is more than enough to blast through even the toughest tank's frontal armor. Due to the relatively slow speed of the missile (barely supersonic) and drawbacks of top-down missiles (their inability to hit targets that are too close due to missile lofting), it is better to utilize the missile at a longer distance away from the battlefield while keeping your vehicle in the blindspot of SPAAs and enemy aircraft. If the skies are clear and no enemy anti-aircraft assistance mounts, keeping a minimum distance of at least 1.5 km from the target and pointing the nose down as much as possible to compensate for the trajectory may help with accuracy at those closer ranges.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Long firing range (up to 10 km, like the Russian [[9K127 Vikhr|9K127]])
* Has a longer booster time than most top-down missiles
* Very high penetration
* Moderate explosive mass

'''Cons:'''

* Slower flight speed than most helicopter-borne AGMs
* Warhead can be inconsistent with one-shots

== History ==
[[File:AKD-10 on Z-10.jpg|thumb|463x463px|AKD-10 and its quad pylon]]
Due to information on the development of the missile being highly classified, there is very little information on how the idea for top-down attack ATGMs was seemingly successfully developed out of the blue for the PLAGF; the development of AKD-10 is most likely to be the result of the Gulf War where the US Army's Apaches unleashed havoc upon the Iraqi forces with AGM-114 Hellfire ATGMs, sparking the need for a similar ATGM for the Project 941 (later Z-10). The missile was likely tested during the early 2000s and test-mounted on the first prototype of the Z-10. During an UAV exhibition in June 2010, NORINCO Institute 203 (Xi'an Modern Control Institute of Technology; 西安现代控制技术研究所) publicly showed off a new missile dubbed Blue Arrow 7 (BA-7) during the exhibition, and implied the domestic version of a certain model of missile has been in service with PLAGF Aviation Corps, later confirmed to be AKD-10 from photo comparisons and export catalogues. <ref>https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/akd-10.htm</ref><ref>Chen, Guangwen. “The Steel Current Blockade’- Chinese New Blue Arrow 7 Heavy ATGM.” ''Modern Weaponry'' , vol. 8, Institute 201, Beijing, 2010, pp. 22–24.</ref>

The missile was also served as the basis of its lightweight version: AKD-9 and Blue Arrow 9 (BA-9). BA-7 has been export to Middle East and North African countries with some scores over the skies of Libya by UAE.<ref>https://twitter.com/BenDoBrown/status/1299357652485578757?lang=en</ref> By present, AKD-10 can still be seen carried by Z-10s in various CCTV-7 reports thanks to its abundance while its potential replacement - CM-502KG has already entered PLAGF service.

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

== See also ==


* [[AKD-9]] (Blue Arrow 9) - The AKD-10's younger brother with lighter weight and an overall smaller size
* [[AGM-114K Hellfire II|AGM-114K]] - Its American counterpart and the inspiration for the AKD series AGMs
* [[L-UMTAS]] - Turkish ATGM with a similar guidance method

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

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

=== References ===
<references />

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Tor-M1

2024-11-06T14:22:33Z

U4656018: Revisions to playstyle

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_tor_m1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Tor-M1 ''(GRAU: '''9K331'''; NATO: '''SA-15 Gauntlet'''; commonly known in Chinese as '''道尔-M1''')'', or more precisely, the '''9A331''' launcher vehicle, was bought from Russia in late 1990s by PLAGF and PLAAF air-defense units to fulfill the demand for a field air-defense system and was later reverse-engineered and improved under the name of HQ-17 (红旗-17). The basis of the Tor was to replace earlier divisional SAM systems and also develop a VLS SAM for the Soviet Navy, the result of this project was the Tor systems and they have been deployed on multiple occasions through the 21st century.

Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]] as the first SAM system to receive Track-while-Scan functionality, the Tor-M1 offers valuable anti-aircraft capabilities for the Chinese tech tree and also marked the introduction of VLS systems for the game. While the 8 missiles have rather long intercept range and sustained speed before the motor burns out, as well as having a long-range search radar, players will still have to be extra careful for targets at very high azimuth (>75°), its enormous size and launch trail that will gives away its position right away.

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

The chassis of the Tor-M1 (GM-5955) is based on the GM-335 universal chassis, the same as the [[ZPRK 2S6]] in Soviet service. What makes it stands out is the huge size of the battery system; not only does it have overall large dimensions that are barely smaller than the German [[FlaRakRad]], the huge 9K330 "Scrum Half" radar system also easily gives it away during operation so fold down the search radar after confirmed detection for concealment. Its nature of a mobile SPAA battery also means that it does not have any protection against oncoming shots, the overall protection was only rated for rifle-calibre fire or shrapnel so hiding from enemies' guns and cannons is again crucial for its survival.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 9 mm ''Upper'' (45°) 9 mm ''Lower'' (37°)
| 9 mm ''Top'' 9 mm ''Bottom'' || 9 mm || 9 mm
|-
| Turret || 6 mm ''Turret front'' || 6 mm || 6 mm || 6 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick
* Tracking radar is 15 mm structural steel

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Thanks to the V12 V-46-1 diesel engine developing at most 780 hp and the 569A transmission with the same gear ratios on both directions, the Tor-M1 is one of the fastest tracked SPAAs, particularly in reversing (almost twice faster than the wheeled [[Type 93]]!). This allows the Tor-M1 to keep up with the team for field air-defense, while having more than enough speed to retreat into cover when necessary.

The Tor-M1 also has a controlled suspension, which allows it to adjust the vehicle's ground clearance. It can be useful for reducing the tall profile of the Tor-M1 or peeking above terrain features when necessary.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,193|rbMinHp=743}}

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

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

{{main|9M331}}

The Tor-M1 system has only one type of missile at its disposal - the eight 9M331 missiles inside its 8 VLS cells. Thanks to its sufficient speed and advanced electronics, along with the ability to track-while-scan and track 2 targets at once, the Tor-M1 is extremely efficient at long-range anti-aircraft operations. While it is one of the most advanced systems in the game, do bear in mind radar detection angle in case of high-altitude targets (scanning azimuth can be changed via multifunction menu) and the around 1 km dead-zone of the missiles due to the cold, vertical launch (the missiles are ejected from the launcher with compressed air and ignite mid-air) - attempt to terminate any aircraft as far away as possible.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[9M331]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 8 (8) || rowspan="2" | N/A || rowspan="2" | N/A || rowspan="2" | N/A || 70.4 || 97.5 || 118.4 || 130.9 || 139.3 || rowspan="2" | 19.50 || rowspan="2" | 17.25 || rowspan="2" | 15.90 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 47.6 || 56.0 || 68.0 || 75.2 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:9M331/Ammunition|9M331}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''1''' || 0 ''(+1)'' || No
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

==== The Missile Flakturm ====
If there is a suitable description of a Tor-M1, it can be said as a Flakturm (Flak tower) from WWII; although it lacks any autocannons for self defense, its fortress-like size can sometimes deter enemies and its impressive missiles can certainly turn the battlefield into no-fly zone, given the terrain is not complicated with hills surrounding the combat area.

As the long-awaited long-range SPAA for Chinese TT players, Tor-M1 also introduces some unique features from its counterparts in different countries - the most iconic feature is the unique cold-launch VLS cells onboard that ejects the missile vertically, which then turns and ignites its motor from a safe distance. While players can enjoy the aesthetic feature of the Tor-M1, this also means that it has a minimal firing range unlike its counterparts with "direct-fire" SAMs: a 1 km dead zone around the vehicle that can be embarrassing when aircrafts show up in the radius at tree-top altitude on very rare occasions. Do remember that Tor is not an SPAAG with guns, so players used to the PGZ04A will need to make extra sure nothing comes too close to handle; teaming up with friendly SPAA armed with cannons or "direct-fire" missiles is also viable for better efficiency. Though the high elevation of the sight can make sure targets that are high overhead (anywhere before 75°) will face a miserable end thanks to the radar system. The other feature of the Tor-M1 is the capability of TWS with up to 2 tracked targets. If there are multiple targets within a 15°x15° scan zone of the radar, locking the other target via the "Select Radar/IRST target to lock on" button after a missile has been launched will cause the missile to become guided by the radar towards the originally locked target, allowing the new target to be engaged simultaneously by manual guidance. Depending on the desired accuracy of acquisition, changing the scanning pattern of the radar may be necessary for targets at different altitudes at the cost of additional scans required to detect higher targets. At top tiers, as enemy jets have high aware for SPAAs and SAMs, they would likely take evasive maneuvers to dodge the oncoming missiles; in case the "direct-fire" friendlies have very low likelihood of a hit, switch to leading mode and aim directly on the target - to deplete their energy as much as possible or blasting the jets out of the skies straight away.

The speed of the GM-5955 chassis is very satisfactory for changing positions, while the extreme reverse speed can make sure the Tor-M1 can retreat to safety with ease. However, do remember that it is also a huge vehicle (one of the tallest even with radar mast folded, at 5.1 m), both ground vehicles or aircraft can see such a huge vehicle from a distance; so hide the vehicle at all costs and never move in plain open fields - the speed itself most likely won't save the vehicle, and hits from enemy explosives will very likely overpressure the crew.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

[[Drones|'''Drones''']] - They usually appear at around 2.5 to 3 km altitude from some distance (refer to the respawn map); while their maneuverability are nowhere close to the overload of the 9M331 missiles and would easily be disabled at once, keep an eye on the radar screen for other aerial targets which would take the chance the strike Tor-M1 when distracted.

'''Helicopters''' - Although the launch range is up to 12 km and able to deal with 2 targets at once (within the same scan zone), it's better for Tor-M1 to take them out straight from their bases for the least risk. While IRST tracker is available, it lacks rangefinding capabilities and might sometimes be distracted by enemy countermeasures. For helicopters with digital RWR and MAWS, they would still need some time to determine the most imminent threat on the battlefield since MAWS would sometimes trigger by missiles that are not coming at them; depending on their altitude to battlefield, use different search pattern accordingly via the multifunction tabs or hotkeys as desired, pick the most distracted enemy as possible and eliminate them for the good of the team.

'''Attackers with AGMs, LGBs or GNSS bombs''' - A very common situation for top-tier air-defense is that, due to the awareness or carefulness for possible SPAAs in operation, most attackers choose to opt for a very high entrance altitude for the best result against the team and often against Tor system itself; in most cases, those who fly straight into the battlefield or are concentrated on ground-attacking will often miss the trail of the 9M331. If players see very obvious launching trail smoke or aircrafts turning back without oncoming fire, finding a cover is the best possible idea to avoid total destruction from such armaments.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent mobility for such a huge vehicle with very high reverse speed
* 8 powerful, long-range SAMs
* Radar system with up to 30 km detection range
* Rather high overload for the missile, able to track targets at evading maneuvers
* Back-up IRST tracking for better concealment against enemy RWR

'''Cons:'''

* Lightly protection rated up to rifle-calibre fire, easily overpressured
* Huge size with radar raised
* Only NVD for driver available, no thermal or even NVD sights for gunner
* The missile system has launch dead zones within 1 km, due to trajectory and radar elevation limits.

== History ==

==== The Tor System ====
The Soviet Army developed a complete and extensive field air defense network to repel possible oncoming air assaults from their enemies, with a great variety of missile systems for short-range defense. Although there are SA-8 Gecko/9K33 Osa systems for the army, the Soviet Armed Force still requested a successor to the 9K33 system with land/sea-based systems for different platforms, tackled by the joint efforts of Antey, Fakel and Altair (now part of the Almaz-Antey). After extensive tests under the restrictions from the armed forces and the use of their latest electronics including PESA radar, the ground-based version Tor (9K330) entered service in March 1986. The -M1 variant (9K331) was a further improvement for the system including the capability of attacking 2 targets simultaneously, revised missiles, new FCS, as well as new electronics for complicated battlefields with electronic interferences. The new system joined the Soviet Army in 1991.

While they were used extensively by the succeeding countries of the Soviet Union and some export customers in various conflicts, the system was also involved in the accidental shoot-down of Ukrainian International Airlines flight 752 (PS/AUI752) in early 2020 over Tehran.

==== Chinese Purchase ====
Although the PLAGF had developed some systems of the HQ (HongQi 红旗; Red Banner) family of SAMs including HQ-7 (licensed French Crotale EDIR) and domestic HQ-61 for short-range field air-defense, the load per vehicle and range were deemed insufficient. Shortly after the fall of Soviet Union and the dire need for foreign exchange, Boris Yeltsin took Mainland China as potential buyer of the relics of Soviet Union, thus Russia held an exhibition exclusively for PLA at Beijing Nanyuan Airport (ZBNY, now closed) in April 1993 (thus earning its code, Project 934)<ref>An article introducing Yeltsin's military sales

https://military.china.com/important/64/20230106/44235173_all.html</ref>, the weapons for sales were ranging from tanks (T-80UK) to long range SAMs like S-300; not only the tri-service of PLA imported new weapons such as BM-30, Su-30MKK Flanker-H, gun-launched ATGM and Project 956EM destroyers, among these weapons, one of them stood out and happened to fit the needs for PLAGF's new short-range air-defense system: the latest Tor-M1 which was freshly introduced to Soviet Army in 1991. PLAGF signed the contract with Rosoboronexport for total of 35 systems and were delivered in 1997 and 1998<ref>[https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php SIPRI Arms Transfers Database]</ref>; these systems including the missiles were then reverse-engineered and improved with new domestic electronics around 2005 and later known as the HQ-17 system, distinguished by a shorter, rectangular "solid" PESA search radar and AESA tracking radar, as well as longer range (15 km) than the imported -M1 systems.

=== [[wt:en/news/7938-development-tor-m1-and-new-options-for-sam-based-spaags-en|Devblog]] ===
The "Tor" short-range surface-to-air missile system was put into service with the Soviet Army in 1986. At that time, "Tor" was one of the most advanced air defense missile systems in the world, but almost immediately after commissioning, the Antey Concern initiated an upgrade program. As a result of the modernization, "Tor" received an additional fire control channel, the kill ability of the missile warhead increased, and the algorithms for hitting low-flying targets were improved. The updated system designated Tor-M1 was successfully tested in 1989 and soon after entered service with the Russian army in 1991. At the moment, Tor-M1 is serving in the Russian army, as well as actively exporting.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_tor_m1 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 vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7938-development-tor-m1-and-new-options-for-sam-based-spaags-en|[Devblog] Tor-M1 and new options for SAM based SPAAGs]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

Antelope

2024-11-02T16:43:43Z

U4656018: Adding description and additions to some contents for previous edits

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_antelope_tc_1l_ads
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (捷羚*防空導彈系統), officially the '''車載劍一系統載具''' ''(Vehicular Tien Chien-1 Air-Defense System Carrier Vehicle)'', is one of the composition of modern day's ROCA air-defense network as the mobile SAM platform of the systems. By early 1990s, the completion of F-CK-1 project and the domestic TC-1 IR AAM marked the capability to develop such weapons on Taiwan Island; due to the future introduction of Mirage 2000-5Ei and [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16 Block 20]] with weaponry imported for these jets, the remaining 250 TC-1 missiles has to be utilized elsewhere with the abundance of AIM-9P4 in ROCAF service which are more than enough to arm the F-CK-1 fleets. To further boost the air-defense capabilities of ROCAF Air Defense and Missile Command for possible armed conflicts, NCSIST started the program in 1995 to deplete the TC-1 stockpile; first installed on CM31 APC, then HUMMEV, to further reduce the development cost, NCSIST decided to purchase Toyota Dyna U100 trucks as the carrier platform of the new ADS. First shown in the annual exercise of 1997, the Antelope ADS entered ROCAF service in 2005.

Introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"|Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as a new anti-aircraft vehicle from ROCAF; while the vehicle feels like a supersize Type 93 or a wheeled [[Imp.Chaparral|Improved Chaparral]] with similar capabilities in terms of acquisition, the TC-1L with IRCCM capabilities and very high overload can be a bad dream for enemy aircrafts. Do remember to stay hidden and use the 4 missiles onboard wisely - it will take very long time to rearm by different means.

''*The naming honor of the system is granted to the female chief engineer of Antelope, Dr. '''Hsia Yu-ling 夏幼羚''' with ling 羚 literary meaning an Antelope.''

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

The Antelope uses the chassis of a modified Toyota Dyna U100 truck, which is a very common Japanese truck with local CKD assembly line in Taiwan. It has a relatively small profile compared to the MBTs, but its tall radar mast significantly increases its visibility and makes it harder to find a proper cover. With only 4 mm thickness of hull armour overall, the Antelope can be penetrated by a 7.62 mm AP bullet from 500 m. Any hit from HE shells, artillery strikes, autocannons, and air attacks can be lethal. Thankfully, the Antelope has a relatively long hull, and the crew is in an independent compartment at the front of the vehicle. It also has no reserve ammo rack, and the transmission module is resistant to overpressure damage. Therefore, many HE shells and ATGMs may hit the unmanned turret without damage to the crew and movement ability.

'''Armour type:''' 

* Structural steel (Hull, windows, radar)
* Rubber-fabric screens (Fenders)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 4 mm (0° - 28°) || 4 mm 1 mm (0° - 60°) ''Windows'' || 4 mm || 4 mm
|-
| Turret || colspan="4" style="text-align: center;" | 4 mm
|-
| Radar || colspan="4" style="text-align: center;" | 15 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 

* Wheels are 10 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

As a workhorse of many transport companies in Taiwan, the Toyota Dyna U100 chassis used by Antelope has brilliant mobility, climbing, and off-roading capability. It has good acceleration on plain terrain that can reach 90 km/h maximum speed within 30 seconds and ~70 km/h on average. Its turn radius is quite small, allowing it to steer agilely in city terrain. However, due to its low clearance height and tiny wheels, the Antelope can easily get stuck by rocks. Never try to drive over trenches.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=206|rbMinHp=128}}

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

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

{{main|TC-1L}}

The only armament of the Antelope is the TC-1L InfraRed guided missiles. The TC-1L was originally a 3rd generation WVRAAM that was modified and mounted on the Antelope as a surface-to-air missile. The TC-1L is like a mixture of [[AIM-9L]] and [[AIM-9M]], with IRCCM capability from 9M and a smoking rocket motor from 9L. Besides, the TC-1L has a better overload capability of 35 G and a larger explosive mass of 5.81 kg TNTe. These features make it very capable of hunting high-speed and manoeuvring jets. Furthermore, the seeker of the TC-1L can be slaved by the Antelope's radar, which is common in top-tier AAMs yet rare in SAMs in the current game. Such a feature, combined with the suspended animation type of IRCCM the TC-1L owns, helps the TC-1L correctly lock the aircraft that is spreading flares and chaffs.

However, the TC-1L also has many flaws that make it work poorly in its BR. First of all, the TC-1L doesn't have the capability of contrast-seeking guidance. With its infrared seeker, the TC-1L can only lock helicopters from 1.5 km and scout drones from 0.5 km. It is utterly useless against UCAVs and helicopters with HIRSS and DIRCM. Even when fighting jets, the 3 km all-aspect lock range also makes the Antelope very vulnerable to rockets and bombs from CAS. Aside from that, the TC-1L also has a long reaction time of ~0.5 seconds from launch to start steering to the target. It significantly ruins its performance against crossing jets at close range. There are plenty of [[A-10 (Family)|A-10]] and [[Su-25 (Family)|Su-25]] CAS around its BR, which have low infrared signals and can only get locked from 1 ~ 2 km for TC-1L's seeker. It's vital to use Antelope's IRST to help TC-1L lock the correct target. Nevertheless, experienced players can still easily dodge the TC-1L with proper evading movement and flares.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[TC-1L]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 4 (4) || rowspan="2" | -8°/+90° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 52.8 || 73.1 || 88.8 || 98.2 || 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 19.50 || rowspan="2" | 17.25 || rowspan="2" | 15.90 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:TC-1L/Ammunition|TC-1L}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 0 ''(+4)'' || No
|-
|}
{{Clear}}

=== Radar ===
Different from the foldable one in real life, the Antelope in War Thunder is equipped with a fixed tracking radar. Compared to other useless tracking radars on the IR-guided SAM launchers, the tracking radar on the Antelope has a unique capability to increase its combat performance. Because the seeker of the TC-1L can get slaved by the radar, the Antelope can use its decent tracking equipment to help the missile distinguish the right target and the flares. Its IRST is very brilliant for ignoring flares and stably locking flying objects except for missiles and rockets. On the other hand, its radar tracking is rather inferior and cannot lock scout drones and slow objects. It will only come in handy when the target is out of IRST's range or the player wants to check the distance of the target.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | Antelope - Target Tracking Radar/IRST
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| 10,000 m || __ m || __° || __° || __ m/s (__ km/h)
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==
Most people will notice its poor ammo amount and all-aspect lock range at first glance. In AB, it takes around 2 minutes to automatically receive the ammo reserves, but in a capture point, it only takes 20 ~ 30 seconds to do so. Therefore, the Antelope needs to stay near a capture point without revealing its location to the enemy. Thankfully, the Antelope has good mobility to swiftly translocate itself after launching the smoky TC-1L. It can also launch its missile at full speed, which gives it the capability to fool some low-tier helicopters with SACLOS ATGMs or bombs. Besides, the Antelope has a pretty high POV in binocular vision, which makes it a competent scout vehicle to help your allies.

Unfortunately, the UCAVs are available around its BR, so avoid revealing yourself and call for help when you notice an enemy UCAV. Helicopters with good avionics and long-range ATGMs such as [[9M114 Shturm]] and [[AGM-114B Hellfire]] are also common around its BR.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Agile IR-guided missile with radar slaving for tracking targets
* Brilliant mobility and steering
* Gen 1 thermal sights that help it find the target
* High POV in binocular vision and can launch missiles on the move
* The crew compartment is enclosed and remote from the center which helps it survive some HE and ATGM hits

'''Cons:'''

* Can only lock helicopters from 1.5 km and scout drones from 0.5 km. Useless against UCAVs and helicopters with HIRSS and DIRCM
* No search radar
* Long reaction time of ~0.5 s and relatively short head-on lock range of 3 km significantly ruin its close-range performance
* Rather magnified gunner sight that might hinder close-range acquisition
* Paper-thick armour, high profile, and no secondary armament lower its survivability
* Low-floor chassis that can bring trouble when crossing trenches and rocks

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
Antelope WT Wallpaper1.jpg
Antelope WT Wallpaper2.jpg
Antelope WT Wallpaper3.jpg
Antelope, back right angled view.jpeg
</gallery>

== See also ==

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

* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Fakour-90

2024-10-31T19:38:19Z

U4656018: Adding description, comparisons and playstyle

== Description ==
Likely due to the depletion of AIM-54 in Iran's arsenal while the demand for BVR AAMs still persists, to keep the stockpile of missiles for the remaining fleet of F-14A, the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics has likely been developing a compatible missile based on US designs by the 2000s. With a large stockpile of MIM-23 Hawk at their arsenal during the Pahlavi's throne which has been phrased out by Russian or Chinese equivalents, the engineers retained the overall design of AIM-54 while replacing the rocket motor and warhead from Hawk, eventually leading to the '''Fakour-90''' ('''فکور ۹۰*''', Wisdom-90) first announced in 2011.

Introduced to the game during the '''2024 Persian Tomcat''' event in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]], Fakour-90 introduced itself as the Iranian domestic alternative to the infamous AIM-54A in their arsenal; while the missile is much heavier than the AIM-54A, the rocket motor from Hawk will send it to much farther distance at ideal scenarios while retaining sufficient explosive content to blast enemy targets out of the skies.

'''''*Editor's note: Persian reads from right to left'''''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|f_14a_iriaf}}

== General info ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 637.3 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || ARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW, Band I
|-
| '''Shoot down''' || Front aspect
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 16 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 150 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 4 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 20 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 150 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 46.45 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
With 46.45 kg TNTe of explosive, although being less than conventional AIM-54A, an explosion within the blast radius of warhead can cause explosive and sharapnel damage upon enemy aircrafts, disabling their control columns or blasting off parts of their airframe right away.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
[[AIM-54A]] and [[AIM-54C Phoenix|C]] - both part of the AIM-54 family with lower overload while having higher explosive content.

[[AIM-120A|AIM-120]] series, [[R-77]], [[MICA-EM]], [[R-Darter]], [[PL-12]], [[AAM-4]] - all these missiles have much lower explosive content and range, while having much better overload.

== Usage in battles ==
When players have been used to the playstyle of AIM-54A since stock, they will take the Fakour-90 as a knock-off version of the Phoenix; this is somewhat true due to the design features of Fakour is very similar to AIM-54 while having spare parts sourcing from MIM-23 Hawk (which were both product of Hughes); all tactics from Phoenix applies to Fakour as well - in more detailed explanation: players have to keep some altitude and speed advantages before hunting down for enemy targets with the powerful radar on F-14A, due to the radar modes, players can only search for head-on targets in most cases due to lacking all-aspect PD mode. When enemy targets entered the "no escape zone" displayed in radar UI and having launching cue, they can launch the Fakour upon the targets while keeping track on them with the help of TWS mode. Once it entered the 16 km radius of seeker activation or solid line shown in radar UI, players can safely evade from enemy radars as the missile will do the work; but once again, "no escape zone" doesn't equal to certain kills, so players are advised to seek for the most careless targets who pay less attention to the obvious smoke trails of Fakour to engage for maximum efficiency.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has an active radar homing (ARH) seeker, which gives it fire-and-forget capability
* Extended range than AIM-54 Phoenix

'''Cons:'''

* Can easily be evaded by multipathing at lower altitude
* Lesser explosive content than AIM-54 Phoenix
* Rather observable engine smoke due to its long burn time

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

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

JH-7A

2024-10-31T19:21:52Z

U4656018: Adding GNSS bombs and playstyle for these bombs; but could need some support on source code editing with the armaments table

{{Specs-Card
|code=jh_7a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Due to the advent of the latest US and Russian strike aircraft projects of the time, such as the F-15E and the Su-34, China quickly realized their Q-5 fleet was technologically behind. Building a new supersonic heavy strike aircraft was no easy task, especially for China which had started the program lacking the required technological advancements to complete it. The development program began in the late 1980s as China aimed to bolster its naval aviation capabilities. This twin-engine, two-seat fighter-bomber was designed by the Nanchang Aircraft Corporation and later upgraded by the Xi'an Aircraft Corporation. The initial variant, the JH-7, first flew in 1988. It was equipped with a variety of systems, including the JL-10A radar and various electronic countermeasures, making it a versatile platform for ground attack and maritime strike missions. The JH-7 program faced many challenges, but by 1992, the first serial production variant of the JH-7, the '''JH-7A''', officially entered service, where it played a significant role in modernizing China's naval air forces and showcasing their ambitions in the world of military aviation. While not as famous as other strike aircraft of its era, the JH-7 series is a noteworthy example of China's incredible strides in defense technology.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼轰-7A型歼击轰炸机; unified NATO reporting name: ''Flounder'') was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. Being a dedicated strike-fighter, the JH-7A specializes in the ground-strike role, and suffers in dedicated air-to-air combat at its battle rating, despite having access to the formidable [[PL-8]] and [[PL-5C]] all aspect missiles. As such, this aircraft can struggle in dedicated air modes, and instead shines the brightest in mixed battles thanks to its selection of precision ground ordnance and powerful targeting pod. The strong radar and all-aspect missiles can prove to be a strong form of self-defence in mixed battles if the need arises. All in all, the JH-7A serves as a major upgrade in technology and capability over its predecessors in the tech tree, namely the Q-5 family.

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

At first glance, players will see some similarities between the JH-7A and Jaguar, the latter being one of the targets the JH-7 aimed for during design (the other is Tornado IDS for its great payload). Due to the need to carry heavy ordnance such as AShMs and future provisions for AGMs, the JH-7A's size is still one of the largest among domestically designed PLANAF/PLAAF jets (even the largest J-20 is shorter than JH-7A by 2 metres). To mitigate the possible problems from its sheer size, the JH-7 series are powered by two FWS-9 Qinling turbofan engines (licensed Rolls-Royce Spey RB.168 Mk.202), with the JH-7A eventually using the completely domestic version. As such, it not only provides very high acceleration at any altitude, it can also maintain manoeuvrability when it has the need for occasional dogfights; thanks to the high wing design, it does have higher instantaneous AoA when facing manoeuvring targets. The very high acceleration also helps to push the jet to up to Mach 1.6 with only AAMs. It can still fly at supersonic speeds even at full-load; this also enables JH-7A to get to enemy bases as fast as it possible with sufficient payload for 2 bases.

However, the high wing design also brings a potentially fatal trait: poor low-speed and low-altitude manoeuvrability. This is a trait that also costed lives of PLAAF/PLANAF pilots as high wing jets will lose lift in the aforementioned scenarios, mostly during recovery from ground attacks or landing, thus players have to be more careful during such cases; if the terrain doesn't allow for a safe attack run, it's better to recover earlier and do not pull too much when doing so.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || 1,791 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || 30.2 || __._ || 148.6 || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || 1,870 || __._ || 29.0 || __._ || 190.0
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,331  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 717 || 673 || 450 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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}}

Aside from self-sealing fuel tanks which are common for jets after the 1950s, due to the need for ground attack and potential AA threats, the cockpit is surrounded by armour plates at 10-16 mm (albeit not up front); while the front fuselage tank is also protected by an armour plate at 10 mm by the belly.

Meanwhile, the JH-7A has 84 countermeasures installed; for most cases, these large calibre countermeasures can allow it to easily evade incoming missiles, but players will still have to plan ahead and manoeuvre to maximize the efficiency of CMs.

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

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

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 84 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | 
|-
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
| || 1 || 4 || 6 || || || 6 || 4 || 1 ||
|-
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
| || 1 || 4 || 6 || || || 6 || 4 || 1 ||
|-
! [[LS-6 250 (290 kg)|290 kg LS-6]] bombs
| || || 1 ||1 || || ||1 ||1 || ||
|-
|-
! [[500-3 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-3]] bombs
| || || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
! [[500-4 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-4]] bombs
| || || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
! [[LS-6 500 (630 kg)|630 kg LS-6]] bombs
| || || 1 ||1 || || ||1 ||1 || ||
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
|-
! [[GB250 (260 kg)|260 kg GB250]] bombs
| || 1* || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || 1* ||
|-
! [[GB500 (570 kg)|570 kg GB500]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[GB1000 (1,090 kg)|1,090 kg GB1000]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
| || 7 || 7 || 7 || || || 7 || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! [[Type 130-2]] rockets
| || || 4 || 4 || || || 4 || 4 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || 1 || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[PL-5B]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-5C]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-8]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! K/ADC03A targeting pod
| || || || || || 1* || || || ||
|-
! 1,400 l drop tanks
| || || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * The K/ADC03A targeting pod must be carried when equipping laser-guided bombs
|-
|}

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

* 3 x 1,400 l drop tanks
* 2 x PL-5C missiles
* 12 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x PL-5B missiles
* 4 x PL-5C missiles
* 2 x PL-8 missiles
* 42 x Type 90-1 rockets
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
* 22 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (5,500 kg total)
* 22 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (5,500 kg total)
* 4 X 290 kg LS-6 bombs (1,160 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 4 X 630 kg LS-6 bombs (2,520 kg total)
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 6 x 260 kg GB250 bombs (1,560 kg total)
* 4 x 570 kg GB500 bombs (2,280 kg total)
* 4 x 1,090 kg GB1000 bombs (4,360 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

As a fighter-bomber modernized into a precision strike fighter, the JH-7A has a wide variety of ordnance available to it.

Three types of air-to-air missiles are available. The familiar PL-5B returns as a highly manoeuvrable short-range IR missile with fantastic acceleration, but since it is only rear-aspect, the pilot may need to put in some manoeuvring work to get in a firing position. The PL-5C is an all-aspect variant that fixes this flaw, although it has a very sensitive seeker that is easy to spoof with flares. The PL-8 as seen on the [[J-8F]] is a heavier IR missile with a superior seeker, a higher top speed, and better manoeuvrability. However, the PL-8 is not available on the wingtip pylons. The optimal air-to-air loadout thus consists of 2 x PL-8 and 2 x PL-5C. The latter are best used in situations that can take advantage of the PL-5's acceleration and short burn time (sneak attacks or brief snapshots) and the former are general purpose.

The two types of unguided rockets are the standard Type 90-1 HEAT and the Type 130-2 HE. The former are available on all six underwing pylons while the latter are limited to the middle and inboard pylons. At the JH-7A's battle rating, the HEAT rockets do not have enough penetration or capacity to be serious options for ground attack, but the HE rockets can still be used to blast lightly armoured ground targets when precision weapons are unavailable.

Unguided bombs are available in 250 kg and 500 kg sizes and the JH-7A can carry them in large numbers. The 500-4 high drag bombs have the highest explosive yield (325 kg of TNT) for their weight and are the best options for ground attack from a damage potential.

The JH-7A's signature ground attack weapons are its smart bombs (LGB and GNSS guided), available in three sizes. The 250 kg GB250 bombs return from the [[Q-5L]], and although they are not very powerful, they can be carried on all underwing pylons for a total of six. They also have an inertial guidance (IOG) capability that helps maintain their trajectory even when the laser designation is temporarily interrupted by clouds or terrain. The 500 kg GB500 bombs also return from the Q-5L and pack a bigger punch, but lack IOG and have a somewhat shorter guidance time. The real star of the show is the 1,000 kg GB1000, which boasts 537.6 kg of TNT equivalent, a very long 105 second guidance time, and IOG capability. Note that the 500 kg and 1,000 kg LGBs can only be mounted on the middle and inboard wing pylons for a maximum capacity of 4. By [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]], the game also introduced the GNSS guided LS-6 series bombs for both the 250 or 500-3 bombs; while the bombs can only hit stationary targets due to its nature from guiding from GNSS coordinates, this also enables JH-7 to drop bombs at much farther range, sometimes even outside from SPAA's combat radius while being able to hit multiple targets as every single bombs fly according to their designated coordinates at more experienced players' desire.

The JH-7A also has access to the Soviet/Russian Kh-29T TV-guided air-to-ground missile. It is a bulky, heavy missile mounted on the inboard pylons for a maximum capacity of two. With a long flight range, a huge HE warhead, and fire-and-forget capabilities, it's a good choice for attacking SPAAs. Since it is a self-powered munition, it is not as reliant on the kinetics of the launch aircraft and is easier to use at low speeds and altitudes than LGBs. Compared to Soviet aircraft like the [[MiG-27K]] and [[MiG-29SMT]], the JH-7A enjoys having a dedicated targeting pod with thermal optics to make acquiring targets for the Kh-29T much easier.

== Usage in battles ==

The JH-7A vastly upgrades the arsenal of the PLAAF/PLANAF with its great selection of bombs and self-defense IR AAMs, as well as its great manoeuvrability thanks to its aerodynamic design and powerful turbofan engines. While pilots will need to be careful of the aircraft's sheer size and poor low-altitude manoeuvrability, most of the time both ground and aerial targets will have quite a bad day facing a well-piloted JH-7A.

==== Supersonic bomb truck ====
The JH-7A can be said to be the one and only dedicated attacker of the PLANAF/PLAAF that fits the description of a "bomb truck". While primarily designed to target surface warships, ground attack missions are also within its scope, boasting the highest payload of all Chinese domestic jets ''(up to 22 x 250 kg unguided bombs; the record in terms of quantity is held by, ironically an interceptor, [[J-11]][<nowiki/>[[J-11A|A]]] with up to 38 x 100 kg bombs)''. This high payload, combined with its speed, makes base bombing a breeze.

However, the JH-7 is also able to operate well in its dual role as a fighter, do remember the J-prefix in its name means 歼击机 ''(jiān jī jī; Interceptor/fighter)''; thanks to new composite materials, FBW, and its mostly well-designed aerodynamic features. While it will often encounter more advanced fighters like the MiG-29 series and F-16 series, which pose significant threats from longer ranges, the JH-7A excels against adversaries at its tier. Despite its considerable size, it has the ability to stick on the tail of enemy jets, pulling AoA for increased firing opportunities, while having the acceleration recover or disengage when necessary. The PL-5C and PL-8 IR AAMs are both strong missiles. However, only being able to carry two PL-8, it can be recommended to reserve them for engaging longer-range targets, and using the PL-5Cs for most other scenarios. The PL-5B, a rear-aspect missile, can also be effective against careless targets thanks to its impressive thrust and range at early stages.

To maximize the JH-7A's capabilities, it is crucial to bear in mind the manoeuvrability limitations inherent in high-wing aircraft. Pilots should exercise caution regarding altitude when engaging both ground and aerial targets, particularly during dogfights, where the JH-7A requires additional altitude for recovery.

====The taste of one's own medicine ====
In combined battles, the JH-7A presents some advantages over alternative options such as the F-16A MLU and Q-5L. It has a vast arsenal of weaponry, including up to six player-selected LGBs, scaling from 250 kg, 500 kg, and one ton-class bombs, along with up to 22 unguided bombs for numerous devastating strikes. It can also carry up to two [[Kh-29T]] AGM, which further boosts its engagement range and stand-off strike capability; lastly, 90 mm or 130 mm rocket pods remain an option as well.

For Chinese tech-tree players, the JH-7A presents the opportunity to give enemies with more advanced multirole jets a taste of their own medicine. Equipped with the advanced K/ADC03A targeting pod with high-definition and zoom and a 2nd gen TVD for target acquisition, the JH-7A's life is made considerably easier when locating ground targets. Diving for the target and tossing bombs is effective, but for increased safety, pulling up after dropping bombs and flying sideways while maintaining a lock on the target is recommended. Depending on the quantity of enemy vehicles and their location, players can either pick six GB 250 for maximum efficiency, and precise hits within a 3 m radius of the enemy can terminate their service immediately; while bringing heavier GB 500/1000 will make sure enemies in a certain radius can face their ultimate demise, especially with GB 1000, which can be said as the ultimate solution against the toughest MBTs of its BR. By [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] and the introduction of GNSS bombs, the LS-6 with different yield is also at player's disposal; the nature of such bombs are for striking stationary targets from much safer distance away from SAM threats or possible interception from enemy jets, this rule also applies to JH-7A as it does not have sufficient missile payload against ground targets; for targets like most SAM systems at its tier, thanks to the targeting pod, players can spot them relatively easily due to their position mostly near the respawn, a big mistake for anyone who expect to extend their service life as long as possible. If enemy SAMs missed to tell the evasive maneuver of JH-7A or a tiny spot of heat signature flying towards their teammates with some velocity, they are very likely earn a lesson not being stationary in battles. Alternatively, thanks to FCS upgrades, JH-7A can also equip Russian Kh-29T; instead of HEAT warhead, Kh-29T is filled with explosives for maximum efficiency against ground targets, it is more akin to an universal missile against stationary targets and slow-moving vehicles. Make sure to check the weather of the map as TV cameras can be interfered by clouds and smog, as long as enemy targets did not take cover, a precise hit from the high ballistics of this missile can make sure it can neutralize designated targets.

Utilizing unguided bombs from low altitudes also remains a viable strategy; be sure to know where the locations of the enemy's major forces and avoid SPAAs, anti-air capable attack helicopters, and other jets at all costs. CCRP can aid in destroying stationary targets, provided the area is locked before bombs are released. Despite only two Kh-29Ts can be carried each flight which does hinders long-range engagement capabilities, the JH-7A can also employ unguided rockets as a little extra firepower against unaware SPAAs or light vehicles after the more precious A2G weapons are depleted, supporting friendly jets and helicopters by eliminating potential threats.

The JH-7A can equip its full complement of air-to-air missiles with minimal overlap with bomb and rocket pylons, allowing it to defend against menacing enemy jets. The tactics will be very similar to air battles, while also having to be wary of enemy SPAAs: sneak up on enemies to deliver the fatal blow.

A crucial operational note for the JH-7A is to never even have the potential for close calls when evading terrain. The high-wing design necessitates additional altitude for recovery during ground assaults; it's better to abort the assault sooner rather than later, as a surviving jet can do way more damage than a jet that has slapped itself into the terrain.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent payload with varieties of bombs, AGM and rockets
* Great self-defense IR AAM options
* Great acceleration thanks to the FWS-9 turbofan engines
* Manoeuvrable for such a huge jet
* Advanced avionics
** KJ8602 RWR and MAWS for maximum situational awareness
** Digitalized cockpit with high integration for simulation battles
** Aerial-combat-capable multifunction Pulse-Doppler radar

'''Cons:'''

* Rather huge target
* Needs more altitude to recover due to high wing design
* Long learning curve for the placement of 23 mm autocannon
* Only two AGMs available per flight

== History ==

==== What the Aviation Forces Lack ====
As Mainland China has already developed domestic attacker, namely the [[Q-5 (Family)|Q-5 series]] from Nanchang, there were already needs for a land-based naval aircraft for ship attacking operations i.e. Q-5Yi (强-5乙), probably the very last torpedo bomber ever designed. Soon after the Sino-Vietnamese (with RVN) conflicts of 1974, PLAN found a major piece of puzzle lacking for their South China Sea composition: an attacker capable of launching AShM for standoff operations while able to fly supersonic; while PLAAF also called for a new supersonic attacker to replace the H-5 fleet against the menacing Soviet forces. Thus Chinese military commands listed their requirements for the new attacker by 1976 where the CMC called for a new jet for both aviation forces under the same airframe and capable to defend itself from enemy interceptors while maintaining sufficiently high payload; with Chen Yijian 陈一坚 in lead, XAC was approved for the new bomber on October 1977, while the requirements were also given to SAC and NAMC respectively ''(note from editor: CAC was working on the J-9 program led by Song Wencong 宋文骢, future chief engineer of J-10)'', leading to probably the very first competition of aircrafts between Chinese manufacturers.

==== The Winner of the trio : JH-7 ====
As the program for new supersonic attacker went on, there were 3 schemes for PLAAF and PLAN command: the first one was the '''H-7 (轰-7)''' led by Chen Yijian with the design of JH-7 for the time being ''(the first series of JH-7 of 1990s)''; '''JH-8 (歼轰-8)''' by SAC led by Gu Songfeng ''(顾诵芬, chief designer of [[J-8 (Family)|J-8]] series)'' with the iconic side intake of what-would-become J-8II in 1984 and the ambitious '''Q-6 (强-6)''' by Lu Xiaopeng ''(陆孝鹏, designer of [[Q-5 (Family)|Q-5]] and J-12)'' with side intakes and variable swept wings inspired from the MiG-23MS acquired from Egypt ''(No. 9501, now an exhibit of China Aviation Museum)''. As for JH-8, the design would decrease its ceiling, radius - contradicted to CMC's requirements; while Q-6 was way too ambitious with its powerplant and structure, especially the VSW design which were deemed not possible for Mainland China for the era, especially during economic reforms where many new technologies have to give the way for the economy. Thus, the design from XAC, H-7, eventually won the competition with lower subsonic drag than the JH-8 design.

Due to the design philosophy differences between PLAAF and PLANAF (Side-by-side vs tandem cockpit), PLAAF eventually quit the H-7 program and PLANAF's scheme won the overall design for the new jet. The new jet would utilize the 50 imported, used RR Spey RB.168 MK.202 from Great Britain as the new powerplant ''(which was intended for the J-13 program)''; while a H-5 named "Eagle" (鹰式武器试验机) would test the Type 232H PD radar and the AShM for future aircrafts. By a certain exhibition in 1988, Ministry of Aviation Industry ''(soon AVIC)'' exhibited the B-7 prototype to the public at its 1/100th prototype; while its prototypes made it to the skies in 1990s with fatalities during test flight ''(085 prototype with the pilot duo)'', the new JH-7 entered service with PLANAF by late 1990s during a certain Zhuhai Airshow as the '''FBC-1''' fighter-bomber with only provisions of 18 production aircrafts due to the engine supplies.

==== The Ultimate Form - JH-7A ====
As the introduction of Su-30MKK Flanker-H to PLANAF by late 1990s, PLANAF sought for utilizing the JH-7 platform for their latest AShM as well as provisions for BVR capabilities to fulfill the abbreviation "J" ''(歼, '''interceptors''')''; as well as the testbed of JL-10A radar as the alternative to CAC's J-10 program ''(which the Type 1473 was certified)''. This was also one of the new jets to utilize the PLAAF equivalent of NATO MIL-STD-1553B main data bus, MFDs and HUD; as well as a new FBW control as the backup for J-10, these features eventually become the foundations of the new JH-7A fighter-bomber utilizing CAD design via Dassault CATID V3, new pair of tail fins, as well as removed wing fences. First flown by early 2000s, JH-7A earned both the orders from PLANAF and PLAAF, distinguished by the red numberings (PLANAF) and yellow numbering (PLAAF) thanks to its multirole missions; although incidents have caused lives of PLA pilots through its service up to this date, it has still been a humble yet effective fighter-bomber for the aviation forces of PLA and a delivery platform (under the JH-7AII upgrade) of some latest airborne AShM, AGM or ALCM ''(air-launched cruise missile)'' platforms.

=== [[wt:en/news/8546-development-jh-7a-the-flying-leopard-en|Devblog]] ===
After several years of development, China finalized the development of its own fighter-bomber, the JH-7, which ticked all of the boxes that were set out by PLA command for an aircraft to replace the outdated Q-5. In 1999, following orders from the Central Military Committee, work began on creating an improved version of the JH-7. This extensive modernization program included 303 changes, which included improving the fire control system with the introduction of a digital electronic sighting system, as well as increasing the range of its suspended weapons. This updated fighter-bomber, now designated JH-7A made its first flight in 2002, and began entering service in October 2004. JH-7A aircraft are still currently serving in the Chinese Air Force.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jh_7a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|QjkKhVqNmfY|'''The Shooting Range #381''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:16 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|-Tw-uOo1pMg|'''The Shooting Range #380''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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/8546-development-jh-7a-the-flying-leopard-en|[Devblog] JH-7A: The Flying Leopard!]]

{{AirManufacturer Xi'an}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

PL-12

2024-10-30T07:56:24Z

U4656018: /* Usage in battles */ Deleted the line about J-8F as more domestic jets have been added

== Description ==
The PL-12 (霹雳-12主动式中距离空对空导弹) is the first domestic ARH AAM developed by Mainland China and the third to be developed in Asia ''(First by NCSIST as the TC-2 and the second by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the [[AAM-4|AAM-4 [Type 99]]])'' as part of the efforts to modernize PLAAF into the 21st century. By 1990s, the utilization of ARH AAM in battle has already been evolving thanks to the scaling-down of electronics; USAF and most NATO countries acquired the AIM-120 series while a major threat to southeastern China, ROCAF would soon acquire French MICA and indigenous TC-2 against the growing fleet of Su-27SK/J-11 interceptors. The need for a domestic alternative also rose as J-8F and future J-10 series would need to carry such missiles to upgrade the air force, thus leading to Project No.12 (十二号工程) and further evaluations tested on J-8F in early 2000s. The new missile, now goes by the name PL-12 joined PLAAF service by 2006 and been carried by all new interceptors post-2010.

As one of the earliest accessible ARH AAM in game as part of J-8F's armaments, the late introduction of this missile and good carriers with modern avionics can utilize its overall capability very well even at long-ranges; but be sure to leave the missile for the most valuable or careless targets to help securing the victory.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|j_8f}}
* {{Specs-Link|j_10a}}

== General info ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 198 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || ARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Band''' || I
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 16 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 80 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 4.0 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 38 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 80 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 11.78 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
With around 11.8 kg TNTe of explosive filler in the warhead, while it might not have as large blast radius as some of its competitors, thanks to the proximity fuse onboard any missile approaching and hitting aircraft is very likely to disable enemy jets for good, if not blasting them back to the hanger right away.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

* [[AIM-120A]]/[[AIM-120B|B]] - Less powerful rocket engine, overload and warhead
* [[R-77]] - A missile also in PLAAF service with higher overload and slightly higher overall burn time
* [[MICA-EM]] - Much higher overload while having much less explosive content
* [[Derby]] and [[R-Darter]] - Lesser explosive content while having higher overall thrust
* [[AAM-4]] -Very high explosive content and slightly higher overall thrust, while having much less overload

== Usage in battles ==
When players are newcomers to the era of active radar homing, players need to consider one major factor: the carrier's speed. As physics always prove that the carrier which has much more initial velocity can reach out farther, this is also the case for PL-12; for the main feature of most of its carriers, be sure to go high and seeking for any targets which are within 40 km radius from the missile both for high or low targets. This also called for the situational awareness of players if they happen to spot the contrails of enemy interceptors or being to identify targets on the radar screen, let the datalink to do the work once the target has been locked and fired upon - guide the missile as far as possible before the onboard seeker turns on and track the intended target, depending on the action of the enemy, but in most cases they will meet a miserable end from the missile itself.

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

* Long engage range than any previous SARH missiles
* Extremely high thrust
* Do not require further guidance once the seeker head is engaged
* Sufficient explosive content to cause extensive damage against enemy targets when near-miss

'''Cons:'''

* Relative short range to certain missiles
* Depending on the carrier, sometime only 2 missiles can be carried per flight

== History ==
After the failure of PL-4, PL-5A SARH AAM and the introduction of Aspide-1A (or commonly known as '''''A弹''''' [A-Missile] to Chinese community) for J-8II, Dong Bingyin ('''董秉印''', 1939/8-2000/6/30), the new vice-director of Institute 014 (now ''China Air-to-Air Guided Missile Research Institute '''中国空空导弹研究院''''' ) started the pre-development of a medium-range ARH AAM as the effort to keep the operation of radar development team of the institute; with only 800k CNY for budget, the institute brought in their new missile mock-up: the MR missile. The conclusion from a certification ceremony on December 1989 approved the further development of domestic BVRAAM by 1990; with some persuasion efforts to leaderships of armed forces and to the Chairman himself, as well as cooperation with CAC to have the missile as part of the weapon system for Project No.10 (十号工程, the future J-10).<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604511</ref> While the project faces challenges from Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (colloquially knows as '''''航天八院;''''' CASC Institute Eight), the fall of the Soviet Union gave the chance for Institute 014 to overtake the project: after confirmation for the development of missile combined with pre-developments from MR missile and outsourcing components from foreign countries, Russia's Vympel (lit. Signal Flag) became the target for a visit of cooperation in July 1992 as the design bureau and their suppliers were in dire need for funding to their projects, as well as the salaries for their engineers; this was also the time when Dong decided to visit the suppliers instead, notably the Agat (lit. Agate; a gemstone) and eventually noticed the existence of the state-of-the-art BVRAAM of Russia: [[R-77]]. Knowing that the design features of R-77 was not the most ideal solution for BVRAAMs and facing Shanghai's challenges, the team has to lower the performance of key components for the time being to achieve combat capability and eventually earned the order by 1993, with key components imported from Russia before domestic alternatives were developed. Although facing overpriced quotations from Vympel, the investigation for downstream suppliers beforehand eventually led to a much economic quotation, to 2/7 of the original one.<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604514</ref>

The efforts for the import eventually fruited in 1997 with the project approved after a state experts evaluation as the Project No.12 (十二号工程). Instead of using the 9B-1348E seeker on R-77/RVV-AE, the team opted for the design of 9B-1103M seeker which would eventually used by R-77-1 in future as Agat still need further funding for their research while revising the circuit with intergraded circuit for better reliability and performance; way before the official commence of the project, the seeker was tested on November 1996. The aerodynamic design was also approved by Russian engineers even though 4 design schemes from them were provided.<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604516</ref> However the ground tests in 1997 proved the missile still needs further refinement and a deadline was set at 2003; Dong Bingyin, after almost a decade of efforts and restless lifestyle for the project, has used his single-way ticket to eternal rest due to heart attack in the morning of 2000/6/30, just after having a briefing for the project until midnight*. The new chief designer, Fan Huitao (樊会涛) did saw the finalization of Project No.12 on November 2005 with the successful dual target test on [[J-8F]]; although rumored to have production problems since its introduction in 2006, PL-12 eventually become the staple of modern time PLAAF/PLANAF since 2010s and now have been exported under the name SD-10.<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604517</ref>

'''''*Note: according to records from colleagues, Dong travelled between Luoyang, Beijing, Chengdu and Zhengzhou between the 9 days from 6/21 to 6/29 for briefings and coordinating with CAC for J-10; a 1627 km route from north to south, multiple times in consecutive flights/rides between these cities.'''''

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]
<references />

J-11

2024-10-26T15:28:02Z

U4656018: Additions to playstyle as per current battle rating

{{Specs-Card
|code=j_11
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼-11型歼击机; NATO Codename: Flanker-B), aka '''Su-27SK''' by Sukhoi or '''苏-27''' in PLAAF manuals, is one of the main composition of the PLAAF's modern interceptor fleet since the early 1990s as the overseas solution to upgrade the outdated PLAAF. By 1989, soon after the improving of Sino-Soviet relationships and the nationwide riots during the economic reform, the only viable solution to upgrade PLAAF was from USSR due to the subsequent embargo imposed by NATO countries; a group of military staffs of PLAAF soon departed for the USSR to import the latest Soviet interceptors on May 1990. Initially, the VVS promoted the [[MiG-29]] to Chinese generals during their visit to Kubinka Airbase, but the generals soon spotted the state-of-the-art interceptor [[Su-27|Su-27S]] at the airbase made the PLAAF go for the Flanker. After a series of meetings since during June to September of 1990, the deal was set to purchase the 38th batches at around USD $1 Billion for 24 jets (18 Su-27SK and 6 UBK twin-seater) by March 1991 and 39th batches of 22 Su-27S respectively. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the PLAAF saw the possibility to purchase the production license of the Su-27SK in 1993. After threats that no further jets would be ordered from KnAAPO and a long negotiation with the now-Russian Federation, the new deal was set for 200 Su-27SK assembled by SAC within 15 years since 1996. The licensed Su-27SK, now called J-11A would increase domestic production rate through the 5 batches. The design of Flanker alongside with its blueprints and punched tapes were further refined by Chinese engineers with the help of CAD that was first used on J-10 and later JH-7A, revising the redundancies of the original design and eventually set the foundation for the J-11B (Flanker-L) and future Flanker derivatives.

Introduced in [[Update "Air Superiority"]] as part of the upgrade, the J-11 shares a close to identical performance to its Soviet counterpart (while 570 kg heavier). Thanks to its well refined aerodynamic design, power engines, loads of A-A weaponries and sufficiently powerful radar/IRST, the J-11 leads the PLAAF into the current apex of air battles. While its sheer size and inferior electronics can be a problem in different occasions, the J-11 will not disappoint players with Flanker's iconic features.

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

In short words: the overall flight performance is close to identical to Soviet's Su-27. Thanks to the well-refined airframe which took almost a decade to design, the Su-27 series is famous for its great manoeuvrability even at its huge size. To put it in perspective: the Su-27/J-11 is almost 4 m longer than MiG-29 series at 21 m, while it is at very similar length to PLAAF's own J-8II series, the large, trapezium wing still makes it the overall largest PLAAF interceptor up to present day (including the domestic refined J-11B and later variants). In first glance, players might consider such a huge jet doesn't have as much manoeuvrability as MiG-29 series; when they eventually have the chance to fight the J-11, they will soon know that it will be a hassle to handle, thanks to the FBW systems, airframe designs and two powerful AL-31F engine that gives almost average T/W ratio at 1.0, most earlier jets from lower BR will have major problem handling the J-11. When players expect to see an stall-out Flanker, what they might see is that: their own jet will be the first one to stall out before the Flanker eventually stalls out, sometimes even performing the iconic Pugachev's Cobra - where the jet can achieve up to 110° AoA at such speed while pulling the control stick and level out at the same altitude, therefore players might want to think twice before engaging the J-11.

But just like what the introduction mentioned, the problem is also its sheer size. Considering for its 21x14 m size, it is also easy to land shots or missiles upon the J-11 if players make an error during aerial dogfights; any damaged part of the airframe will significantly increase drag of Flanker and thus higher risk of being shot down. Be sure to utilize its manoeuvrability in solo fights, not gang fights with very little reaction time and room for errors - one wrong move can be its demise. As for the Pugachev's Cobra, it is more of aerobatics than a tactic to reverse the battle, it is never a good idea to show the largest possible surface area to enemy guns.

{| 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" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,540  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 652 || 600 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== 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" | Saturn AL-31F || 2
| colspan="2" | 16,990 kg || colspan="3" | 426 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,520 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 19,810 kg || 21,184 kg || 23,281 kg || 26,390 kg || 34,489 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
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,220 kgf || 11,660 kgf
| 1.18 || 1.10 || 1.00 || 0.88 || 0.68
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,220 kgf (0 km/h) || 15,640 kgf (1,540 km/h)
| 1.58 || 1.48 || 1.34 || 1.19 || 0.91
|-
|}

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

By 1980s, to further reduce the weight, most interceptors were not equipped with extra armor plates for both the pilot and critical components; this is no exception for the Flanker series, thus the pilot can face fatal hits from both autocannons or missile shrapnel.

Meanwhile, all the 5 fuel tanks onboard are self-sealed, meaning that with the help of researchable fire extinguishers, the J-11 can save itself from fatal structural failure in case of a fire.

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

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

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
* 96 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-27.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250-270 (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250-270]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2, 6 || 1, 5 || 1, 4 || 1, 2 || 1, 5 || 1, 2, 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || || 20, 40 || || || || || 20, 40 || ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || || 5, 10 || || || || || 5, 10 || ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ER1]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ET1]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R1]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T1]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-73E]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x R-73E missiles
* 6 x R-73E missiles
* 2 x R-27T1 missiles
* 6 x R-27R1 missiles
* 2 x R-27ET1 missiles
* 6 x R-27ER1 missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x S-25O rockets
* 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
* 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The J-11's arsenal is entirely Soviet, which presents interesting new opportunities for pilots used to Chinese top-tier aircraft. It is oriented as an air superiority fighter, lacking any guided air-to-ground munitions, but it has some tricks up its sleeve when the airspace is more permissive to CAS.

Two families of air-to-air missiles are available, the R-73 and the R-27. The R-73E is a functionally identical export version of the R-73 short-range, IR-guided missile seen on later Soviet aircraft like the [[MiG-29SMT]] and the [[Su-25T]]. It has a great 40 G overload, a thrust vectoring system that helps it maintain sustained hard turns, and ECCM to help resist flares. Compared to the domestic [[PL-8]], it's generally an all-round improvement aside from the lower top speed. R-73s can be mounted on any of the six wing hardpoints.

The R-27 comes in radar-guided (R-27R1 standard, R-27ER1 extended-range) and IR-guided (R-27T1 standard, R-27ET1 extended-range) flavors and are the J-11's main armament for medium and long range combat. The "1" suffix denotes export variants, but again they happen to perform identically. The R-27ER1 is the J-11's best weapon for BVR combat, as its extreme speed and long range allow it to win jousts against targets with slower missiles. The R-27ET1 is a great option for distant sneak attacks as it does not give any RWR warning to its target. R-27s can be mounted on any of the four fuselage pylons and also the inboard wing pylons, but the catch is that the IR-guided -T1 and -ET1 can only be mounted on the inboard wing pylons, and are thus limited to at most 2.

Three types of unguided rockets are available, all carried as double racks on the inboard wing pylons. The S-8KO HEAT rocket comes in large pods and is significantly better than its domestic Chinese equivalent (Type 90-1) with greater penetration, flight speed, and capacity. However at the J-11's battle rating, such weapons are rather questionable for jet fighters as they have issues harming MBTs from the front and have a limited effective range. The S-13OF can be considered a heavier and more powerful cousin to the Type 130-2 HE rocket with a bonus of one extra rocket per pod; it can destroy light targets through splash damage at fair distances and direct hits can still crack open MBTs with some luck. The S-25O heavy bunker-buster previously featured on the [[Su-25]] is a unique tool lacking any equivalent in the domestic Chinese arsenal; it carries only one shot per pod and packs more explosive content than a 100 kg bomb. It may seem like a crude weapon for an elegant air-superiority fighter, but in typical Soviet ground attack fashion the S-25O can blow anything on the ground to smithereens through brute force.

The J-11 is also an impressive bomb truck, ironically outclassing or matching the [[JH-7A]] fighter-bomber. Iron bombs are available in sizes of 100, 250, and 500 kg. Incendiary and high-drag bombs are available in the 500 kg size.

== Usage in battles ==

Although PLAAF deemed Su-27SK, aka J-11 as the main composition of PLAAF in 1990s and early 2000s, they did have plans to introduce the more advanced domestic avionics to replace the OEM equipment. As for J-11, although it has flawed avionics with inferior RWR and unreliable radar, the sheer payload and maneuverability can make it a great alternative to [[F-16A MLU (China)|ROCAF's F-16A]] in air battles while retaining sufficient but less advanced means for ground attack operations.

; Air Battle - The Far East Flanker

The concept of Flanker series are solely for air-interception missions; just looking to the overall payload of J-11, it still leave the trace of Soviet air-defense doctrine of intercepting enemy bombers with SARH missiles. But before players can unleash missile hell against enemy jets, R-27T1 and R-73E will be the only options for the J-11 at early stages; while R-73E is known for their maneuverability even at close distance and sufficient tracking radius against enemy targets, players will need to get used to a major rule of top-tier battles: always aim for those who didn't launch flares to interfere with the missile seeker. In most cases, jets within the 4 km radius of J-11 can be potential prey of R-73E as they are likely be concentrated on taking out friendly jets; thanks to the HMD on J-11 and great overload of R-73E, players can employ some of the most impressive maneuvers to make sure the missile is within the firing range. In most cases, unless enemy jets launched flares in very short interval, they will become easy prey for the missile. As for the R-27 series, both the E and R series with IR/radar seeker are the the best friends of J-11 thanks to their impressive thrust and overload at long distance; as long as the missile can keep on the track with enemy targets, both high and low-altitude targets will become an easy prey for players while earning more experiences for other usages. By current battle rating at 13.0, due to its appearance at sometimes high tier battles, the lack of ARH AAMs is a major problem for J-11 where players have to approach into 20 km for HMS /ACM vertical scan lock onto enemy jets which is already the activation range of any ARH AAMs above its tier, thus players have to be very careful on planning assault routes. Avoid where the main forces will appear at all cost by the early stage of battle and also conserve missiles for these cases; when the situation turns into a turmoil for some quick and easy victories, players can take low-altitude approach around 50 m height (for the "multi-pathing") and avoid radar acquisitions, then leap into the main battlefield with HMS mode for any visible targets - this will be the scenario where the R-27ER1/ET1 excels thanks to their impressive acceleration and velocity; targets within this radius will likely meet a miserable end from the R-27 series while players can save friendly jets from their ultimate demise.

But when players have the need to gun down enemy jets in dogfights, while the powerplants and design of J-11 can make sure it can sustain long enough dogfight before it took out enemies or the arrival of friendly jets, as mentioned in previous paragraph, it is better leave the J-11 as an interceptor to take out any high-altitude targets who also planned to take out the friendly targets with SARH or ARH missiles (i.e. F-14B), thus players have to keep a keen eye on any radar signals on the SPO-15LM RWR or from its N001E radar. Make sure to pick the best possible target to dealt with as this can also help friendlies to secure the victory of battle, as well as evading enemy tracking radar as much as possible which gives them as little reaction time as possible - it is always better to take out enemy targets before they even have the chance to fire upon friendly targets, which can in turn affect the morality of enemy team as well.

; Ground Battle - The Long-time Tradition

Among the Chinese community, there were a saying that ''"Anything in PLAAF must come with ground-attack capabilities using unguided rockets"''. This is in fact true for J-11 in this case as there are many images from PLAAF showing Su-27SK or future J-11B series carrying Russian/domestic rocket pods for ground attacks. The Flanker family is known for their interception capabilities but the rather abundant payload is also a good platform for ground-attack operations albeit lacking any precision munitions; pylons on J-11 is totally identical to Su-27S with multiple payload point, when players think a Flanker is nowhere an attacker, it does in fact have even more bombs in quantity to Chinese domestic JH-7A (30 x 250 kg bombs vs. 22 x 250 kg bombs) in case players want to cause extensive damage to enemy armored column. Players can also go for even more bombs with 100 kg bombs or better kill radius with 500 kg bombs, depending on the playstyle and the composition of enemy vehicles, it is always a good idea to carry varieties of bombs for heavy targets while leaving the rocket pods (twin pods) to handle light vehicles; for example, the FAB-500 series is a good idea to take out heavy targets in stationary or armored columns, while leaving B-8 or B-13 rocket pods against light vehicles or SPAAs. But as a thumb of rule of Flanker family in-game: always plan for your assault when entering the battlefield as enemy SPAAs or fighters would want to hunt down enemy jets as well. Thanks to the CCIP and CCRP onboard, the J-11 can employ both high-altitude or low-altitude approach against enemy targets, either by bombing a certain area filled with enemy vehicles or evading SPAAs before unleashing hell against enemy players. If the skies are full of enemy jets which SPAA systems could not handle, it will also be a good time to utilize the great missiles on J-11 ranging from R-73E up to the devastating R-27ER1; it is always a good idea to pick careless players that are too concentrated on ground-attacks.

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

* Impressive maneuverability
** Powerful AL-31F engine for maximum thrust and acceleration
** FBW control with great maneuverability even at low speeds
* Up to 10 missiles at once with flexibility for both long and short range combats
* IRST and TWS scan for concealed detection of enemies
* Large fuel tanks without the need for drop tanks
* Devastating 30 mm autocannon to tear down enemy targets
* Large pool of air-to-ground ordnance with up to bombs or rocket pods

'''Cons:'''

* Huge target
* Inferior electronics especially the RWR and radar
* Relative low ammo pool for the autocannon
* Lacks precision weapons for safer ground attacks appoaches

== History ==

==== The Dire Situation ====
By late 1980s, both the J-8II series has already finalize the design and JH-7 were in development process; it was still the time of Sino-Vietnamese War which can be said as a war without air forces, PLAAF concerned about the fleet of Su-22 of VPAF while the latter concerned for the extensive air defense network of PLAAF. Although the need for new interceptor can be fulfilled by future J-8II, the Johnson South Reef skirmish rose the question to Chinese military commands: the lack of advanced interceptors to intercept enemy jets with AShM ''(namely, Su-22UM3K/M4)''; although the skirmish saw the total victory of PLAN with only one soldier injured and four VPAN vessels sunk, AShM was still the major concern for the PLAN fleet. This eventually led to a debate for whether introducing the production line of foreign jet fighters were viable - for PLAAF general staffs, this can improve the air force rapidly; while this also meant death sentence for any further domestic designs by domestic aircraft designers. The PLAAF at the time were threaten by USAF and JASDF's [[F-15 (Family)|F-15]] series, the future ROCAF domestic F-CK-1 IDF, imported Mirage 2000-5Ei and [[F-16A MLU (China)|F-16A Blk. 20]], as well as [[MiG-29 (Family)|Fulcrum]] and namely, [[Su-27|Su-27 Flanker]] from Soviet Union.

==== The Komsomolets from Far East ====
The [[Su-27]] (NATO: Flanker) series were one of the top secrets of the Soviet Union since its introduction in 1985 with the PVO (Su-27P interceptor), although plans to export Su-27 has been in development since 1987, due to the dire need for funding to further develop the Flanker family, Soviet Government revoked the 1988 certification with downgraded electronics and ECM equipment after listening to the suggestions from Sukhoi engineers, instead, the new revision with only the removal of R-27E started on November 1989 and passed for export certifications on 12 February 1990. Just a few months earlier on May 1989, Mikhail Gobachev made his historical visit to Mainland China amid Chinese's nationwide protests for reform; however, the protests soon escalated to riots and resulted with the sanctions from NATO countries for any further military projects. After the halt of [[J-8B|J-8II]] Project 8-2 and the commence of Project 8-3, PLAAF has dire need for new interceptors to fill in the gap; a team of general staff led by Liu Huaqing (刘华清) went to USSR in May 1990 for the purchase of Soviet fighter jets, the two countries held a conference on 31 May where the general staffs eventually knew the existence of Su-27 from the mouth of Yevgeny Shaposhnikov, the last Minister of Defense in future, the approval of negotiations and import of Soviet jet fighters was then codednamed the Project 906 (906工程). During the talks, Soviet general staffs originally only opted MiG-29 as the export product and deemed PLAAF not able to reverse-engineer the aircraft in short time, while PLAAF officials saw the inferior range and electronics of MiG-29 as the deal-breaker; however, Shaposhnikov saw the possibilities to sell their most advanced fighter jets to Mainland China despite the pressure from Soviet officials. By the time Chinese general staffs departed for Mainland China, Soviet government has approved the sales in principle.

Soon after the negotiations and the impressive demonstration for PLA general staffs on August and September of 1990 at the Kubinka Airbase performed by Viktor Pugachev himself ''(the namesake of Pugachev's Cobra)'', USSR general staffs authorized the export of Flankers to Mainland China by October 1990; however Soviet officials originally decided to export the 1st revision with downgraded electronics, this of course cause outrages to PLA officials. Soviet officials arrived in Beijing on December 1990 for the final negotiations and eventually, Soviet Union officially approved for the sale of 18 Su-27SK and 6 of its twin-seater variant, Su-27UBK at US $1 billion as the 38th batch of Su-27 produced by KnAAPO ''(Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant)'' and Irkut at Irkutsk on 28 December. To pay these 24+2 ''(Note: 2 more used Su-27UBKs and engine parts were acquired at discounted rates straight from Sukhoi, purchased solely with goods trading)'' jets from Soviet Union, both country agreed for partial payment at 35% ''(5% from State Council, 30% from arms trades approved by CMC)'' with USD while the remaining would be industrial products from China, namely water kettles, blankets and hide coats; which rose fights for this deal between Chinese factories. The first two Su-27UBKs from Sukhoi arrived on 30th May way before the official delivery of the first 12 jets (eight SK and four UBK) delivered from Dzhida Airbase in Buryatia, to Wuhu Wanli Airbase, Anhui on the morning of 27th June, 1991; the remaining jets were all delivered in 25th November 1992 straight from Komosomolsk-on-Amur, where they were manufactured. <ref>https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1wi4y1k7pq/

A video on the purchase of Flankers</ref>

''Trivia 1: Just before the intended delivery of the first 10 Flankers in 1992, due to the collapse of Soviet Union, Rostec has to pay extra '''USD $200K''' for crossing the airspace of Mongolia.<ref name=":0">https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1SY411B75K/

A video on the trivia of the delivery of Flankers</ref>''

''Trivia 2: Russian pilots flew even faster than PLAAF general staffs who departed from Beijing during the June delivery, thus the jets and pilots would have to wait for the general staffs instead of opposite; all Soviet and Chinese pilots, as well as interpreters involved received USD$ 2000 bonus for their mission.''<ref name=":0" />

Soon after the introduction of Flankers in PLAAF service, PLAAF went for the production license of Su-27S and threatened the Russians with no further orders after the 39th batch ''(22 jets; totaled at 48 Su-27 series)''; this later led to a long negotiation since August 1993 and eventually set the deal in December 1996, where 200 Su-27SK would be assembled or produced by SAC within 15 years with 2 batches (105; 95 jets). SAC would receive the CKD kits of Su-27SK from KnAAPO to be assembled locally, while future jets would be SKD kits with progressive replacement with domestic parts; the Project 11 (11号工程) lead by Li Ming ''(李明; chief engineer of J-8II)'' soon received the documents in 1995 for the preparation of domestic assembly, the engineer team translated the documents for a year. With the manufacture equipment and SKD kits delivered to Shenyang in Spring of 1998, SAC assembled a complete jet with the help of Russian engineers and the first domestic assembled Su-27SK, now J-11(A) "Blue 49" with batch number 0001, soared into the skies on 1st September, 1998, marking one of the page of cooperation between Mainland China and Russia 4 decades after the split.

The J-11(A) series would be produced for another 4 batches (01xx to 04xx) before SAC finalized and digitalized the design documents of Flanker for domestic improvements, which would later known as the J-11B (Flanker-L) since 2006; while some J-11A received domestic and Belarusian upgrades for upgraded FCS with ARH missile capabilities and new avionics (most notably the original command datalink screen was replaced by a MFI-55 MFD and a few installed domestic UV MAWS). The Su-27SK and J-11A have been decommissioned by 2020s, likely been replaced by Chinese Flankers; while the Su-27UBK are still in service in small quantities as lead-in trainers for units operating Flankers.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j_11 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 ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Shenyang}}
{{China jet aircraft}}
<references />

Churchill AVRE Petard

2024-10-25T18:33:22Z

U4656018: Adding usage in battle

{{About
| about = British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = Churchill (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_churchill_avre
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=id50272_churchill_avre_petard_great_britain
}}

== Description ==

The {{Specs|name}}, officially the "Mortar, Recoiling, Spigot, 29mm, Mk I", was the first vehicle to bear the name "AVRE" (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineer) as a breakthrough tank for the British Army's Royal Engineers. The 1942 Dieppe Raid revealed a dire need for a vehicle that could assist in breaching extensive bunker/pillbox defences, particularly when attempting to break through enemy lines from new beachheads. This vehicle would serve as a mobile cover for Royal Engineers while operating in the battlefield. After evaluations of several tanks, the Churchill infantry tank became the chosen vehicle for this mission. Aside from some components being replaced by engineering supplies and having larger side doors for infantry operation, a new 290 mm spigot mortar, dubbed the "flying dustbin", was also installed in the turret to launch ranged demolition charges without having to leave the vehicle during crossfire. After trials in 1943, the new vehicle, now known as the Churchill AVRE, was ready for service and proved very successful during the breakthrough stage in the Normandy Landings in June 1944. The 79th Armoured Division, with their "Hobart's Funnies" vehicles, successfully provided reliable support for the first wave of assault groups. The AVRE name would also be retained for all new vehicles designed for these purposes, including the [[Centurion Mk.5 AVRE]] which was still in service during the Gulf War of the 1990s.

Introduced during [[Update "Alpha Strike"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8912-event-earn-the-churchill-avre-in-the-operation-overlord-event-en|2024 Operation Overlord event]], the Churchill AVRE plays similarly to the German [[38 cm Sturmmörser|Sturmtiger]], as instead of a cannon it has a 230 mm Petard mortar, which launches huge 18 kg projectiles. However, such a weapon requires special skill: aiming is not easy due to the low initial velocity of the projectile. For the same reason, the effective range of the mortar's flight does not exceed 100 metres, so the Churchill AVRE is effective only at short combat distances, such as in urban areas. The outstanding protection of the Churchill will be very useful to get close enough to enemy vehicles, allowing it to survive several hits. However, it should be noted that the gun has a long reload time, and the loaded shell in the barrel can be easily detonated with even machine gun fire.

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

The Churchill AVRE's protection is identical to that of a baseline [[Churchill III]]. For its rank, the Churchill has relatively reliable protection thanks to its true identity - a heavy tank (although officially an infantry tank). However, remember that "reliable" does not equate to "invincible"; there are still some cannons that can penetrate the III series, for example, the Soviet F-34 and German Kwk 42, as well as US 3-inch guns. In most cases, if their shot lands on sloped parts of the hull, the AVRE will very unlikely be harmed at all. Be sure to keep the flanks clear, even if this means being less aggressive than one would normally indulge with the Churchill series to avoid being overwhelmed while reloading.

As for the crew and internal compartments, the overall layout is mostly identical to a Churchill III, but the major difference lies in the remaining demolition charges stored inside the vehicle. While the sufficiently spacious interior might mitigate some damage, a direct hit on those charges will certainly blow the turret to the height of Big Ben. Therefore, pointing the hull at oncoming fire is essential for the Churchill AVRE's service.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
|Hull||89 mm ''Front plate'' 89 + 89 mm ''Front plate (MG Port)'' 38 mm (63°) ''Front glacis'' 76.2 mm (19°) ''Lower glacis''
|63.5 mm ''Overall side armour'' 76.2 mm ''Side hatch'' 38.1 mm ''Side edge''
|50.8 mm 25.4 mm (60-69°) ''Bottom''
|19.05 mm ''Front'' 15.87 mm ''Rear''
|-
|Turret||89 mm (0-49°) ''Turret front'' 89 mm (0-30°) ''Gun mantlet'' 19.05 mm (77°) ''Roof area''
|76.2 mm (0-47°)||76.2 + 7 mm||19.05 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

The Churchill III uses the same engine as any previous or later production of the Churchill series, namely the Belford "Flat Twelve" 12-cylinder, horizontal petrol engine. Although it can drive the vehicle, it will never be the first to hit the frontline due to its rather slow acceleration and a top speed of 24 km/h.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=452|rbMinHp=310}}

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

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

{{main|Petard (230 mm)}}

The 29 mm of the tank's designation refers to the spigot (the tube that the ammunition is inserted onto); the ammunition itself is 230 mm and known as the "Petard", or commonly as the "flying dustbin" referring to its dustbin-like appearance. With around 17.8 kg of TNT explosive charge, a single hit can demolish most, if not all, targets the AVRE will face at its tier. Be careful of its rather long reload time (reloaded by the driver from an overhead hatch into the barrel) and damage to the ammunition itself, even from machine gun fire.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Petard (230 mm)|230 mm Petard]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 16 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 19.4 || 26.9 || 32.6 || 36.1 || 38.4 || rowspan="2" | 26.00 || rowspan="2" | 23.00 || rowspan="2" | 21.20 || rowspan="2" | 20.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 14.3 || 16.8 || 20.4 || 22.6 || 24.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Petard (230 mm)/Ammunition|No.1 Demolition Bomb}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''16''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

All British-built tanks in WWII mount a .303 BESA machine gun; in this case, the machine gun is mounted in the turret for taking out exposed crews of enemy vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 9,450 (225) || 600 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Unlike common Churchill series with 75 mm gun, AVRE is equipped with a "29 mm Spigot" instead for breaching defense lines; the caliber itself is indeed harmless at first glance, but do remember spigot means the base tube of the weapon - the diameter of the projectile itself is 230 mm, second largest to Sturmtiger's 38 cm rocket in ground battle. To say at least, at its tier, nothing can survive a direct hit from that demolition charge. While the charge sounds invincible against any targets, if players underestimate any potential enemies, they can often find ways to sent the AVRE to its kingdom come. Thus it has to use with caution while holding devastating power.

A thumb rule for any petard mortars is - it will never fly straight. For players who might have experiences or knowledge on such type of weapon, it can be said as an oversized PIAT anti-tank launcher. Due to the supersize of the demolition charge and method of launching, even with the propellent charges ignited, the 40 lbs (or, 18.2 kg) charge can only fly at most 150 meters; in reality during WWII, the vehicle was usually used for breaching enemy fortifications or fortified buildings at very close range without risking the lives of Royal Engineers, which also means the vehicle is designed for scenario with very few or none AT weapon from the enemy. In most cases in game, around the tier of AVRE, most tanks with low caliber guns or short barrel are powerless against the AVRE; this do applies to tanks with only full-caliber kinetic shells, sometimes players might run into tank destroyers with long-barrel gun or tanks with HEAT and even APDS shells (exclusive to Swedish tanks). Churchill III (its chassis) by itself is certainly durable by this tier with 89 mm of armor up front, this time even with spare tracks as applique armor; do remember that is perpendicular to the ground, thus enemy guns just only need to get in range with sufficient penetration to hit the tank, those aforementioned guns will not have problem doing so given the tank is not angled at all; angling on a Churchill is quite an experience due to the tank design - since the tank has a somewhat complicated side layout and the tracks are covered by steel plates, by just angling the tank by some extent, the ballistics of enemy shells will become very complicated upon penetration, thus bouncing the shell or not having enough penetration to harm the combat compartment. As long as players can keep the vehicle operational and reach firing radius, aiming for the closest enemy is a good idea to earn income as it doesn't require gun sight adjustments before firing, due to the rather curve ballistics and extremely slow velocity, the demolition charge can only travel up to 150 m at most; this is also risky without any support from friendly vehicles to defend against flanking or eliminating high-threat targets with high-penetration gun, any misses on enemy also leads to a up-to 26 second reload - more than enough for any tanks at its tier to fire 4 times. For most targets, landing the charge on them is already a certain death sentence to them or at least disable them enough for another shot, hitting heavy targets i.e KVs or StuGs needs the player to aim for their top plates as close as possible to overpressure them for good.

The AVRE is a quite unique experience for a combat vehicle at its tier: while it has the most devastating firepower, the ballistics become a major drawback of the vehicle. But when players can advance the vehicle with caution for flanking enemies and only advances to vantage points with sufficient cover for retreat, enemy will have very hard time dealing with the "flying dustbin" and its demolition charge. Plan wisely for advance while being a spearhead to break through enemy lines.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Huge explosive filler in mortar shell can obliterate anything it touches, even above its BR
* Due to curved arc of the mortar, it can be easily lobbed over obstacles or terrain to hit target hiding behind them
* Extremely thick armour, especially for its BR

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely terrible shell velocity; cannot shoot further than 10 meters in a straight line, and has a maximum range of only 150 meters
* Being a mortar shell, the shell takes very long time to lob and descend onto the target if shooting at range, making it very difficult to hit moving targets
* Due to very limited range of the mortar, the tank struggle to perform in open terrain where virtually all enemies can outrange it
* Mortar shell can be detonated inside the barrel, potentially causing lethal damage
* Very poor top speed and mobility, highly vulnerable to airstrike

== History ==

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

== 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 vehicles;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Britain heavy tanks}}
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

JF-17

2024-10-19T22:02:51Z

U4656018: Adding introduction, protection and history of aircraft

{{Specs-Card
|code=jf_17
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

By 1980s, due to the need for an economic, domestic multirole jet to replace the fleet of F-6 (J-6) in their service, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) issued the requirements for a new fighter which would be based on the well-used F-7M Skybolt, an upgrade on CAC's J-7B with Western avionics. Although having the support from Grumman and CAC which came up with a radically revised design with a pair of side intake and revised onboard equipment from Western sources, due to the political complications by the end of Cold War, the Project Sabre II/Super-7 bit the dust after the quit of US companies. Some time near the fall of Soviet Union, CAC seek for Soviet (Russian) consult where Mikoyan gave assistance in terms of the powerplant of Super-7; with powerplant problem been solved, CATIC seek Pakistani authorities again for the restart of the program, with conferences between Mainland China and Pakistan during the mid-1990s, the revised aircraft which has to rely on both Mainland China and Pakistani engineers for the avionics and weaponry systems. By 2003, the new FC-1 took its first flight by August and been revised for 3 more years with revised aerodynamic designs, featuring its most iconic DSI air intake and LERX; after 6 prototypes and 8 years of efforts, the Block 1 aircrafts were delivered since March 2007 until 2013 where the Block 2 aircrafts replaced the production line.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or by its Chinese designation '''FC-1枭龙''' (Fierce Dragon), represents the Block 1 delivery of JF-17 since 2007 until 2013, is a squadron attack aircraft introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as one of the namesake of the patch. While players might notice its small airframe and consider the payload is low, when they eventually researched and aced the aircraft, both the A2A or A2G payload can unleash nightmare to enemy team; underestimate any aircraft at this tier can be a death sentence to themselves.

== 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 || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || - || 450 || 450 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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" | Klimov RD-93 || 1
| 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
|-
| 1,050 kg || colspan="2" | Jet
| _,___ 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'' || 3,630 kgf || 6,590 kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

While the aircraft does not have extra armor plates to protect the pilot due to its lightweight; for most aircrafts in after Cold-War, onboard nitrogen fire suppression system has been standard issue equipment for all internal fuel tanks. But this is not the case for any external drop tanks, thus drop the tanks immediately once being ignited to minimize the damage to the airframe.

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

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

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 64 x large calibre countermeasures

The JF-17 is armed with a copy of the Soviet GSh-23L autocannon with 200 rounds of ammunition, familiar to any pilots who have flown the MiG-23 Flogger or J-8 Finback. It has a quick rate of fire with no spool-up time, but its low muzzle velocity and ammo count leaves something to be desired on an aircraft that routinely fights agile fourth-generation fighters. Making matters more difficult is that the gun placement underneath the left air intake is quite off-center and the JF-17 currently does not have an EEGS system like the [[J-8F]]. Less experienced users may be better off reserving the gun for low-speed engagements or anti-helicopter/anti-ground activities.

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


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

* 1 x 800 l drop tank + 2 x 1,100 l drop tanks
* 2 x PL-5EII missiles + 2 x SD-10(A) missiles
* 4 x PL-5EII missiles
* 4 x SD-10(A) missiles
* 114 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 64 x Fire Snake 90A missiles
* 7 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 6 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,662 kg total)
* 4 x 1,092 lb GBU-16 Paveway II bombs (4,368 lb total)
* 2 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (1,914 kg total)
* 4 x 290 kg LS-6 250 bombs (1,160 kg total)
* 4 x 630 kg LS-6 500 bombs (2,520 kg total)
* 4 x 260 kg GB250 bombs (1,040 kg total)
* 4 x 570 kg GB500 bombs (2,280 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

While the JF-17 as an aircraft can't be said to have remarkable performance or features, the JF-17's arsenal is very impressive in capabilities and variety. As with the [[A-5C]], the Pakistani-operated JF-17 has a mix of Chinese and American weapons, and interestingly uses a Turkish ASELPOD targeting pod for precision strike.

The air-to-air arsenal is very simple with only two options for missiles. The IR offering is the PL-5EII, a later descendant of the [[PL-5B]] and [[PL-5C]] missiles arming previous Chinese aircraft. The EII model retains the well-loved high acceleration and short motor burn time of the PL-5C, and in fact has a slightly higher top speed and overload to boot, but most notably features a modern seeker with IRCCM capabilities. The IRCCM is modeled with the same gate-width method as the [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic 2]] and [[R-73]] instead of the seeker-shutoff method of the [[AIM-9M]]. This fixes the PL-5C's flaw of being easily spoofed by flares and the PL-5EII is a very solid counterpart overall to the Magic 2 and AIM-9M for dogfights and sneak attacks. It can be mounted on the reserved wingtip hardpoints and also on the outer underwing hardpoints for a maximum capacity of four.

For medium and long range attacks, the SD10(A) active-radar missile, essentially an export version of the [[PL-12]] with identical performance, is a competitive offering to its peers and should be familiar to pilots who have used the J-8F. The SD-10A is only available on the outer underwing hardpoints but can be double-racked for a maximum capacity of four.

The rest of the weapons are for ground attack. Unguided weapons are all American and consist of iron bombs ranging from 500 to 2000 lbs (in decent quantities but not matching the [[F-16A]]) and Hydra-70 M247 unguided rockets. The precision weapons are more numerous and more interesting. The JF-17 has access to both Chinese and American laser-guided bombs mounted on the four underwing pylons. Ordered from lowest to highest TNT equivalent, they are:

* GB250 - Chinese lightweight LGB with only 91 kg TNT, but IOG capability and an extra long 80 second guidance time
* GBU-12 Paveway II - American lightweight LGB with 117.59 kg TNT, can be double-racked on the mid-wing pylons
* GB500 - Chinese medium weight LGB with 220 kg TNT
* GBU-16 Paveway II - American medium weight LGB with 272.43 kg TNT
* GBU-10 Paveway II - American heavy weight LGB with 578.75 kg TNT

The GB500 is outperformed by the GBU-16. The GB250 and GBU-12 have different tradeoffs of better guidance versus better capacity.

The JF-17 brings a couple of new Chinese precision weapons to the table as well. The Fire Snake 70A (also designated BRM1) laser-guided HEAT rockets are comparable to [[CIRIT]] rockets used by the [[T129]] attack helicopter but come in generous pods of 16 rounds each and have an effective range of around 8 km. They hit hard enough to dispatch light vehicles in several strikes and can be salvo fired such that SPAAs will have difficulties intercepting them. BRM1s may not be fast enough to reliably joust long-range SAMs, but they are good supplements for other CAS weapons.

The LS-6 glide bombs with satellite guidance are a very different type of weapon. They come in 250 kg and 500 kg sizes and feature unfolding wings that extend their range and increase their maneuverability compared to other satellite-guided bombs such as the American JDAM or the Russian KAB-500S. It's possible to lob LS-6s towards the battlefield well outside of the range of enemy air defense, as the battery lasts for up to 5 minutes, and then turn around and return to base. While this sounds very impressive on paper, the complete inability of satellite-guided bombs to adjust their destination after release means that they're only effective for hitting inattentive, static targets. Teammate assistance is helpful for identifying targets, especially from long distances where tanks may not render properly even through the targeting pod.
== Usage in battles ==

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High agility and good acceleration, pleasant flying qualities
* Good radar
* Powerful IR and active radar missiles
* Wide variety of ground-attack weapons, including unique laser-guided rockets and satellite glide bombs

'''Cons:'''

* Lower top speed compared to peers, cannot reach Mach 2
* No EEGS or HMS, technological disadvantage in dogfights
* No air-to-ground missiles

== History ==

==== The Broken Sabre ====
By the 1980s, although having losses during Indo-Pakistani conflicts, the '''Pakistan Air Force (PAF)''' has performed exceptionally well during the two battles even with an air force comprised from multiple sources like US, France and namely, Mainland China. Thanks to the common interest and rather economic price of Chinese jet fighters/attackers, the earlier F-6 (J-6) successfully initiated the aircraft industry in Pakistani with an assembly line in Peshawar; however, Pakistan would also face a common problem for any air force by 1980s - the need to upgrade to new generation jet fighter. In Pakistan's case, PAF has acquired some amount of [[F-16A]] since 1983 as a mean to defend against the menacing Soviet forces in Afghanistan; the price of a F-16 was ''(and still is)'' rather expensive for Pakistan. Pakistani authorities did foresaw the possibilities of sanctions or embargo from superpowers that would eventually lead to the depletion of spare parts for PAF's fleet. Since PAF has extensive experiences and good impression on their F-7M Skybolt ''(upgraded J-7B with Western avionics exclusive for export)'' fleet, the Air Headquarters issued the demand for a domestic jet fighter in view of the import of MiG-29A 9.12B by early-1980s; the plan for the new jet fighter, dubbed as '''Project Sabre II''' '''(or by CAC as Super-7 超七工程)''' was aimed to be low-cost and multirole. Due to the complete lack of experience on aircraft design, PAF seek for the assistance from Grumman which has having business with Mainland China's aircraft factories, as well as the manufacturer Chengdu Aircraft Corp. (CAC) for the feasibility of project in 1987. Although the months-long assessment on the project suggested for import of foreign aircrafts less risky than technology transfer to '''Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC)''' for the new project, Sabre II still continued as a three-party ''(Sino-US-Pakistani)'' project to upgrade the Fishcan airframe into a side-intakes, single engine fighter with new avionics to suit the aircraft; sourcing from mostly US companies to vastly this airframe to modern standards. Although a scale model of the aircraft was made, due to the political complications of late-1980s, CAC could not source from US companies and Grumman has to withdrew from the project; to make situation much worse, the embargo from Project 706 nuclear test against Pakistani caused the delay of future F-16 delivery to PAF in 1990. Although PAF has already acquired the more advanced F-7P with the iconic double delta wing and Project ROSE upgrades/acquisition of Mirage 3/5 with Israeli upgrade, the dire need for a multirole jet fighter still exists.

While Sabre II bit the dust on the Pakistani side, CAC, which still saw the potentials of a fully evolved J-7 with modern avionics, kept the files of Super-7 for future use; not much later, the turning point came.

==== The Rebirth ====
By 1990, near the fall of the Red Giant, Soviet Union restarted military exports to Mainland China, in this case the [[J-11|Su-27SK]]; soon after the dissolution, the export of more Soviet/Russian equipment was also made possible due to the dire need for foreign exchange and the high demand from PLA's modernization. Exactly on the last month of Soviet Union, CATIC approached Mikoyan for consulting the future of Super-7, out of expectation, the design bureau brought in their vain MiG '''''Izdeliye 33''''' design as a reference; the Izdeliye 33 was designed as the competitor of F-16 with a light airframe and most importantly, a new Klimov RD-93 engine to power the jet. In this case, Mikoyan become the agent between CAC and Klimov, leading to the use of RD-93 for the undergoing Super-7. Meanwhile, CATIC contacted PAF for further development of the project in 1992; with the President's approval, PAF sent officials to Chengdu in May for a two-month conference which the result was approved at late 1992. With provisions for 21st century battlefield, debates arose for a complete European avionics or Chinese alternatives which were still under development by CETC/CEC; while the requirements has been set by 1996, but as soon as the Chagai-I test in 1998 was conducted, the option for European avionics was eliminated as well. This resulted in the delay on the project for more than a year; with the contract officially signed in 1999, Yang Wei (杨伟, the future chief engineer of J-20) took on the project now under the name '''FC-1 (Fighter China-1)'''. CAC restarted the project by September 2001 for detailed design and just 23 months later, FC-1PT-01 soared into the skies on 25th August, 2003 albeit delayed by the SARS pandemic of the era. The reason behind the appearance of JF-17 as what the world sees today has to trace back to the PT-04; after the first three prototypes for different purposes were built by 2004, under the phrase two of CAC's scheme, the later prototypes would install the latest domestic avionics, FADEC and FBW control, as well as aerodynamic revisions, namely the Diverterless Supersonic Inlet (DSI) and revised vertical stabilizer. Three more prototypes later, the first two jets (07-101 and 07-102) were delivered from CAC to PAC on March 2007, serving as the evaluation aircraft and assembly guide for future assemblies in Pakistan by PAC. Flown over the skies of Islamabad on the National Day on 23rd March, this marked the new page of Pakistan aviation industry and also further improvement of Sino-Pakistani relationship.

By 2013, with suggestions and evaluations of Block 1 delivery received, CAC debuted the Block 2 with improved radar while Block 3 since 2022 introduced AESA radar, provisions for Chinese domestic jet engine and further improved avionics to evolve the Fierce Dragon into the future battlefield, serving not only Pakistan but also their several export users and any potential users.

== 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/9040-development-squadron-vehicles-jf-17-thunder-en|[Devblog] Squadron Vehicles: JF-17 Thunder]]

{{AirManufacturer PAC}}
{{China jet aircraft}}
{{Squadron aircraft}}

ZSL92

2024-09-24T10:15:19Z

U4656018: Adding playstyle description

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_zsl_92
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (ZSL92式轮式装甲输送车; industrial code WZ551) was the first mass-produced in-service variant of the [[WZ551 (Family)|WZ551 vehicle family]]. Although there had been earlier attempts to produce a new wheeled APC for the PLAGF as early as 1970, the eventual cancellation of the vehicles under Campaign 704 halted the development of wheeled APCs for almost a decade until Factory 256 (NORINCO Chongqing Tiema Industries) unveiled plans to modify Mercedes-Benz NG 2026 trucks into the new APC program. Evaluations in the 1980s established a 25 mm weapons system and a revised APC chassis. The earliest variant entered PLAGF evaluation as the ZSL90, while the revised and improved variant entered service as ZSL92. The ZSL92 also set the foundation for the future [[AFT09]] and the [[PTL02]]/[[WMA301]] series which are still in PLAGF service to this day.

Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]], the ZSL92 has sufficient elevation limits to gun down enemy aircraft with its main cannon inherited from the [[ZSD63/PG87]] while having sufficient penetration to end the service of vehicles at its tier from their sides. However, players must be extremely cautious about the minimal protection of ZSL92 and plan carefully for any assaults, as the poor reverse speed will not allow the vehicle to retreat quickly in a pinch.

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

''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.''

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=455|rbMinHp=283|AoAweight=}}

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

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

{{main|ZPT90 (25 mm)}}

During the early stage of evaluation of WZ551, PLAGF has once opted for PLAN's 25 mm autocannon (Type 61/[[2M-3 (25 mm)|2M-3]]) as the designated gun for the future wheeled APC; the overall recoil hindered its further development. However, once PLAGF has acquired Soviet's ZU-23-2 and reverse-engineer then upsized to PG87, the new gun with 25x183B mm caliber shell became the selected ammunition for the future ZSL92. Players will soon have deja vu from [[ZSD63/PG87]] but with only a single gun this time - while the penetration is insufficient against HTs at its tier, with careful aiming onto enemies' lower hull from the sides, it can still cause havoc to them; light vehicles would also have to thing twice before engaging ZSL92 since the autocannon is more than enough to take down any light vehicles at its tier.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[ZPT90 (25 mm)|25 mm ZPT90]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 400 (200) || rowspan="2" | 500 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+52° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || 39.6 || 54.8 || 66.6 || 73.6 || 78.4 || rowspan="2" | 32.50 || rowspan="2" | 28.75 || rowspan="2" | 26.50 || rowspan="2" | 25.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 26.8 || 31.5 || 38.2 || 42.3 || 45.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|FI-T*|Fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''Type 87 HE:''' {{Annotation|FI-T*|Fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''Type 87 AP:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}

{{:ZPT90 (25 mm)/Ammunition|FI-T*, AP-T}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''2''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 86 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 86]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (250) || 700 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

===== The Chongqing Noodles Truck =====
Chongqing, where the ZSL92 was born, has been a widespread food throughout Mainland China - its noodles (or '''重庆小面''') which are known to be adaptive to its ingredients; but one feature is more well-known - its hot spices, telling players to be adaptive to the battlefield for maximum efficiency while delivering the "hotness" of the vehicle; while it is nowhere as low-profile as the Fiat CM6614 series which are nicknamed "pizza truck" to players, the 25 mm autocannon can keep sufficient combat efficiency.

Before players have access to any other WZ551 chassis vehicles in game, there is a major thumb-of-rule for any vehicle based on this chassis: never, ever be the first one to hit the frontline. Do remember that WZ551 has been, and always been an APC; a major difference to any IFV with some protection against shrapnel or bullets, in most cases, due to the rather thin protection of WZ551, any enemies with .50 cal ammunition is more than enough to gun down the crews before they could even harm any components at the first place, even rifle caliber bullets can penetrate the sides (at only 8 mm). This will be a major problem for any WZ551-based vehicles, therefore players would have to think not twice, but three times before heading out for a hunt; the speed of ZSL92 is sufficient to hit vantage points for scouting or occasional flanking, however players should also take retreating routes into consideration as the transmission doesn't allow for the easiest way - going in reverse, so players would have to seek for a point with enough turning radius to turn and run from the main enemy column. If players are also aware of the turret itself, the 25 mm gun is in fact mostly identical to PG87 for ZSD63/PG87 but now minus a barrel; if the gun is powerful in terms of previous vehicle, in ZSL92's case, due to lacking the Type 94 APDS and abundance of HTs around its tier, this limits the target for ZSL92 as well as the aforementioned has at least 80 mm armor on sides. While terminate their service is not viable, it is always a good idea to stall the enemies by taking down their tracks and seek for LTs for extra income as they're not rated for autocannon shots in this case; in terms of its designated role in-game, SPAA, the gun itself is devastating at any tier to any aircrafts within 2.5 km radius as intended. Although the 52° elevation angle hinders from finishing off high-diving targets, such angle is more than enough to make strafing aircrafts to think twice before engaging, at best if having any indestructible covers - the RoF and caliber can take down any attackers at short bursts hitting their wings, always find a good cover and lure aircrafts into the radius.

Overall, while lacking higher penetration to become an so-called IFV and somewhat inferior flexibility in terms of reverse, ZSL92 can always be considered as a support vehicle, helping more capable friendly scout vehicles, stalling enemy's advance and gunning down aircrafts are some tactics to employ; while it is nowhere the best around its tier, playing supportively can give vantage to teammates and help the team to secure victory.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* 25 mm autocannon with a high rate of fire and sufficient armor penetration for its tier
* Sufficiently mobile for flanking operations
* Sufficient gun elevation to attack incoming aircraft
* Generous ammunition pool
* Roof weapon mounting in unmanned turret, allowing the vehicle to be positioned hull-down
* Smoke grenades
* Amphibious

'''Cons:'''

* Large chassis
* Thin armor
* Relatively low reverse speed for its class
* Lacks high penetration rounds for use against heavy tanks
* Crew of three: higher likelihood of being knocked-out quickly by enemy fire

== History ==

In the 1970s, in view of a possible invasion by the Soviet Union and realising the lag in development of armoured vehicles, the Central Military Commission issued a number of different campaigns to develop new vehicles ranging from medium tanks to wheeled APCs. However, circumstances of the time caused many of these, including the WZ522 project with influences from the BTR-60 and a BTR-70 from Romania, to be cancelled.

However, the need for a wheeled APC to serve as part of a quick-response unit and the modernisation of PLAGF units again called for the development of such a vehicle in the early 1980s. While the Second Automotive Works (now Dongfeng Motors) developed WZ522 with a domestic truck chassis as the future ZSL93, the Factory 256 ''(NORINCO Chongqing Tiema Industries)'' opted for the chassis of the Mercedes-Benz NG 2026 truck both for reverse engineering and evaluation of wheeled vehicles. This also led to the extension of the chassis of Factory 256's prototype for the overall layout of the new APC with a 6x6 layout, which showed vastly improved performance compared to Dongfeng's solution, but some flaws were still present in the prototype. Thanks to the efforts of the engineer team to persuade the vehicle to be included in the next Five-Year Plan as part of national defence upgrades, the vehicle with a revised suspension for simplified yet reliable maintenance could now be evaluated with three different schemes: one with the turret of the [[ZBD86]] (aka WZ551F), one with a 25 mm autocannon, and a .50 calibre turret solution. Although there were also solutions provided from NATO countries i.e France, UK and US, sanctions in the late 1980s eliminated any possibilities of foreign solutions.

Meanwhile, the 25 mm calibre turret was revised after the introduction of the PG87-25, as part of the would-be Project 8910 (40th Anniversary), which was certified as the ZSL90 in 1990. However, it would be two years later when the PLAGF eventually adopted WZ551 as their new wheeled APC, which is now known as ZSL92 and was first spotted in the 1999 National Day parade. Thanks to the reliable chassis, NORINCO also developed various vehicles under this chassis, such as the [[PTL02]]/[[WMA301]] wheeled assault gun, [[AFT09]] ATGM launcher, PLL05 gun-mortar system, ZSL92A with a .50 calibre turret and ZSL92B with a ZPT99 turret as well as HJ-73 ATGMs.

=== [[wt:en/news/8924-development-zsl92-rapid-firepower-en|Devblog]] ===
In the early 1980s, the PLA recognized the need for the development of a new IFV design to meet the requirements of more dynamic warfare tactics. This led to the development of a new wheeled armored vehicle under the designation WZ551, based on a licensed chassis of the Mercedes-Benz 2060 truck. Development and testing of prototypes with various armament options continued throughout the '80s until the vehicle was officially adopted by the PLA in 1988 under the designation ZSL-90, in both an IFV and APC configuration.

Despite entering service, development on the vehicle continued, especially as the first model was plagued by teething issues chiefly surrounding its engine. The succeeding variant, designated ZSL-92, introduced a new water-cooled diesel engine as well as improvements to the vehicle's chassis in 1994. As a result, performance and reliability improved drastically, leading to the vehicle being ordered in much greater numbers by both the PLA as well as foreign operators. Furthermore, the chassis was a popular platform for the development of several spinoff variants, including missile carriers and assault guns. The ZSL-92 equips the PLA's mechanized units and is still in active service to this date.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

'''Related development'''

* [[WZ551 (Family)]]

'''Vehicles of similar configuration or role'''

* [[BTR-80A]]
* [[Type 87 (Disambiguation)|Type 87 RCV]]
* [[Freccia (Disambiguation)|Freccia IFV]]
* [[XM800T]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8924-development-zsl92-rapid-firepower-en|ZSL92: Rapid Firepower! [Devblog]]]

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

ZSU-23-4M2

2024-09-22T20:35:56Z

U4656018: Updated description and usage in battle with references from previous edit

{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_zsu_23_4m2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''', sometimes referred as an "Afghan Shilka", was a modification of the infamous ZSU-23-4 Shilka family specifically for the Afghanistan battlefield for the Soviet Army during the Soviet-Afghan War. By 1978, Soviet forces in Afghanistan faced a major problem from the insurgents - their terrain advantages thanks to the very complicated plateau and hilly terrain of battlefield. Due to the lack of elevation angle from Soviet vehicles, the insurgents caused havoc to the Soviets, especially the mechanized troops; the only solution for these well-covered insurgents was ZU-23-2 or its SPAA cousin, Shilka; considering that insurgents have next-to-none air threats against Soviet forces, a certain number of Shilkas were converted in Soviet Union and delivered to the Soviet troops in Afghanistan with removed electronics for extra ammunition against insurgents, as well as extra NVD for night operations.

Introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as a new SPAA for Soviet/Russian tech tree. It is a modification of the [[ZSU-23-4]], aimed at improving its effectiveness against infantry. It had its [[1RL33]] radar removed, and in its place it has double the ammunition load. This makes it capable of using its insane fire rate more effectively, but removed its anti-air targeting system. Additionally, a night sight was added. Although it might sound tedious in-game, but considering for its battle rating with late-WWII or Korean War propellers/jets, it can do surprising well on intercepting these targets with more than enough ammunition to tear them into pieces, while the 23 mm autocannon could still harass enemy targets or sometimes shatter them.

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

Like any Shilka, the overall protection is next to none. As a SPAA, in most cases the vehicle would not likely need to advance to the most heated frontline, thus the overall protection is nowhere sufficient to stop any bullets above .50 cal, let alone cannon or autocannon shells. Protection is not improved on the ZSU-23-4M2, thus it retains little protection like other Shilkas with armour plates less thick than 10 mm RHA.

The M2 variant also still retains mostly identical interior design of other Shilka with a crew of four inside, the ASU-85 based chassis and turret systems, except for the extra ammo storage. In many cases, any penetrating shots on the Shilka will lead to critical damage to the turret system if not to a sudden detonation due to the huge ammo storage with around 4,000 x 23 mm shells onboard.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 9.4 mm (57°) || 9.4 mm || 9.4 mm (46°) ''Upper'' 9.4 mm (22°) ''Lower'' || 9.4 mm
|-
| Turret || 8.9 mm (23°) || 8.9 mm (8-10°) || 8.9 mm (1°) || 8.9 mm
|-
| Cupola || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm || 8.9 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick while tracks are 15 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 9.4 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

The ZSU-23-4M2 has an average speed comparable to other vehicles, but it struggles with hills due to its weak power-to-weight ratio.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=398|rbMinHp=248}}

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

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

{{main|AZP-23 (23 mm)}}

The ZSU-23-4M2 is armed with the AZP-23 quad-mount autocannons, known as the sewing machine due to its iconic firing sound. Although the sound from the firing can sometimes deter enemy aircraft, players who understand the rather curved trajectory of the 23 mm autocannon will have an easy time taking down the Shilka. Sudden attack with the autocannons is always the best idea to use the vehicle. Leave the shells for aircraft instead as the penetration of 23 mm shells are rather disappointing, sometimes barely able to penetrate NATO tanks from their sides.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[AZP-23 (23 mm)|23 mm AZP-23]] (x4) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 4,000 (500) || rowspan="2" | 850 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 61.6 || 85.3 || 103.6 || 114.6 || 121.9 || rowspan="2" | 5.20 || rowspan="2" | 4.60 || rowspan="2" | 4.24 || rowspan="2" | 4.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 41.6 || 49.0 || 59.5 || 65.8 || 70.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}
* '''HEFI-T:''' {{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-I|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}

{{:AZP-23 (23 mm)/Ammunition|HEF-I, API-T, HEFI-T}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
!Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''8''' || 0 ''(+8)'' || 0 (+8)|| 0 (+8)|| No
|-
|}
{{Clear}}
== Usage in battles ==

==== The Mudrock Grinder ====
Before players have access to the more air-defense-capable variant of Shilka, players will have to remember a thumb of rule - the ZSU-23-4M2 ''(hereafter, '''4M2''')'' is not the greatest anti-tank vehicle, any variant of them. Although the 23 mm autocannon has rather disappointing penetration against well-armor targets, they are extremely lethal to any aircrafts within 2 km radius, as well as light vehicles; this will also be a good idea to take the 4M2 variant as the lead-in vehicle to Shilka or any Soviet SPAA before Strela-10M2 or 2S6 as it requires luring to be most efficient against any targets that have to utilize its elevation angle.

As infantry is not part of targets in-game, 4M2 will have to face armored targets from time to time; for its battle rating, this translates to "doomsday tanks" with rather thick side protection even against high-caliber cannon ''i.e'' [[T29 Heavy Tank (Family)|T29/30/34]] series and [[Tiger II (Family)|Tiger II]] series, sometimes even the [[Maus]] or [[M103]]. The penetration of 23 mm autocannon is nowhere close to the protection of any of these vehicles, thus taking the 4M2 as a flanking fire support vehicle isn't too viable; while the gun can shatter lighter targets, but in most cases it will take players some time to gun down MTs, especially those with oval hull or sufficient protection, this also means enemy players can come up and gun down 4M2 with relatively ease to save their teammate. MG34 or MG3 might not be a threat for the vehicle, but any vehicle with .50 caliber machine gun and above will have easy time damaging M2 with relatively ease even at UFP; considering that there are 4000 rounds of 23 mm shells onboard (the magazines and spares behind the turret), any explosive shells with direct hits on the vehicle is more than enough to set a major firework show for the enemy team. While taking out MT/HT tracks are always a viable option for kill assists or stalling their advance, it is better to hunt down light vehicles instead as they are nowhere sufficient to save themselves from the fearsome RoF from a quad 23 mm autocannon, any LT/IFV/APCs or fellow SPAAs would be a good prey for 4M2. For its previously intended role - SPAA, due to the lack of radar system that was traded for the extra ammo belts onboard, players can take 4M2 as a "Wirbelwind on steroids" with very similar characteristics - quad-mount gun and loads of ammunition; but most of all, be sure to lure enemy aircrafts into 2 km radius, while the muzzle velocity of AZP-23 cannon needs some time to get used to due to its curved trajectory, the sheer firing sound that earned its nickname "sewing machine" and the caliber themselves are more than enough to keep the sky clear from CAS assaults, sometimes even the buzzing sound of gun fire can deter enemy assaults.

As a field-modification, ZSU-23-4M2 changes its role from SPAA into a fire-support vehicle. While this holds back some of its capabilities where players have rely on their experience to lead-in onto enemy targets, this will also be the trainer for any future Shilkas - once being used to the playstyle even without the radar, 4M2 could still be a fearsome existence to beginning with; by gunning down scouts, stalling enemy columns and gunning any "flying bugs", it can still prove its worthy at this tier.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* High rate of fire, allows for area saturation
* Relatively high top speed
* Very high ammo count
* Fast turret traverse speed
* Can penetrate lightly armoured vehicles

'''Cons:'''

* Thin armour, aircraft cannons will cause severe damage
* Low power-to-weight ratio, struggles with slopes and off-road
* Low penetration for 23 mm cannon, has trouble penetrating tanks from the side

== History ==

The ZSU-23-4M2 was a field modification performed during the Afghanistan war. It was made to utilize its powerful cannons against infantry targets.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[ZSU-23-4 (Family)]]

;Vehicles with similar weapon systems

* [[BTR-ZD]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{USSR anti-aircraft vehicles}}

R-27ER

2024-09-21T03:19:54Z

U4656018: Adding description and brief history

{{About
| about = semi-active radar homing missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = R-27 (Family)
}}
== Description ==
[[File:WeaponImage R-27ER.png|none|thumb|400x400px|The R-27ER missile]]
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' (and its export version '''R-27ER1'''), known as ''Izdelie 470-1E (Product 470-1E)'' or by its NATO codename '''AA-10 Alamo-C''' is a Soviet [[Air-to-air missiles#Semi-Active Radar Homing .28SARH.29 missiles|Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missile]] first introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. During the development of K-27 (later R-27R), engineers have also planned for an engine and seeker upgrade for the R series missile; however the improvements of 9-B-1101K seeker and new RDTT-300E rocket engine would still need further refinement until 1990, where the extended range missile entered service with VVS/PVO alongside with its thermal-seeker variant, [[R-27ET|R-27ET(1)]] which both have also been exported to multiple foreign customers.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


;R-27ER

* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_13}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}
* {{Specs-Link|yak_141}}
* {{Specs-Link|su_27}}

;R-27ER1

* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12_germany}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12g}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12b_hungary}}
* {{Specs-Link|j_11}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 350 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || SARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 25 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 100 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 5.8 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 24 kg TNTe
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The high-explosive mass usually destroys any aircraft if hit directly. It is hard to dodge as well, since it is very fast, thus the target has very little time to react.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The R-27ER is considered to be the single best SARH missile in the game. It is incredibly fast especially at higher altitudes and maneuvers really well. The closest SARH equivalent to this missile are AIM-7F/M Sparrows, and this missile outclasses them in pretty much every way. Its practical range is almost comparable to the AIM-54 Phoenix while being much harder to evade.

Thanks to it being much faster than its counterparts, it is possible to win a missile joust against an enemy AIM-7/Super-530 type of missiles even when fired later than them.

== Usage in battles ==

Since the missile is a long-range BVR weapon, it is best used in a range of 20-50 km. Before firing the missile off, the player should also climb to a higher altitude than the target and exceed Mach 1, as this will provide the missile more speed when being fired.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Incredibly fast
* Ability to relock a target after firing and losing lock while maneuvering accordingly when the lock is lost
* Very manoeuvrable
* Large explosive mass
* Very long range especially when fired up at high altitudes

'''Cons:'''

* Requires carrier aircraft to guide it in all the way to impact, giving stable lock tone to the target
* The radars it is attached to isn't exactly the best in terms of pure power
* May have a hard time tracking at close ranges since it's too fast

== History ==
See also: '''[[R-27R#History]]'''

During the initial development of K-27, the predecessor, there would be an "energy" variant for the Su-27 interceptors in PVO (and later, VVS) service with new RDTT-300E rocket motor, revised missile logic and new radar-homing seeker for the K-27E variant. The development of 9-B-1101K seeker actually began way before in 1976 by the future OAO Agat; after the technological difficulties have been addressed by the decade of 1980s, the new R-27ER entered VVS service in 1990 alongside with its thermal-seeker variant R-27ET, as well as exporting to different customers since late-1990s with the suffix "1" (R-27ER1 in this case).

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|vmtHVaxxXEY|'''R-27ER is here!!! The best BVR missile in the game?''' - ''MatAWG''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[R-27 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:R-27_(air-to-air_missile)|[Wikipedia] R-27 (air-to-air missile)]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/572009-vympel-r-27-history-design-performance-dissection/ Vympel R-27 - History, Design, Performance & Dissection]

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

R-27R

2024-09-20T18:48:40Z

U4656018: Adding the NATO codename for the missile

{{About
| about = semi-active radar homing missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = R-27 (Family)
}}
== Description ==
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' (and its export version '''R-27R1'''), known as ''Izdelie 470-1 (Product 470-1)'', GRAU code '''9-A-1101''' or by its NATO codename '''AA-10 Alamo-A''''','' is a Soviet [[Air-to-air missiles#Semi-Active Radar Homing .28SARH.29 missiles|Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missile]] first introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. As part of the Soviet's new generation interceptors, MiG-29 and Su-27 series, Vympel Design Bureau was granted the development of K-27 missile with provisions for a radar-homing and infrared-homing variant for both interceptors by 1974; the overall development of the missile was rather long with first flight test in 1979, then live-fire test in 1980 and eventually certified in 1984 for VVS/PVO service. Likely due to the overall performance of the missile was vastly outdated by its introduction, Vympel eventually introduced the improved R-27ER(1) for Soviet air forces, Warsaw-Pact countries, as well as customers like Mainland China and India on their Russian-built jets.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


;R-27R

* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_13}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}
* {{Specs-Link|su_27}}
* {{Specs-Link|yak_141}}

;R-27R1

* [[F-14A IRIAF (USA)]]

* {{Specs-Link|j_11}}
* {{Specs-Link|j_11a}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_bison}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12_germany}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12g}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12b_hungary}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 253 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || SARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 25 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 55 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 3.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 24 kg TNTe
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The R-27R is equipped with a very powerful 24 kg TNT warhead, which will almost always destroy any aircraft if hit directly.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The R-27R is a very powerful and reliable SARH missile. It is very fast and has great manoeuvrability - comparable to the [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7F]] - which makes the missile very hard to dodge. But still, it is less powerful and slower then the [[R-27ER]], and the American counterparts AIM-7F and [[AIM-7M Sparrow|AIM-7M]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! || R-27R || R-27ER
|-
| '''Mass''' || 253 kg || 350 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || SARH+IOG+DL || SARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW || CW
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 25 km || 25 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 55 km || 100 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 3.5 M || 5.8 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 24 kg TNTe || 24 kg TNTe
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The R-27R is best suited for high-altitude, long-range engagements and can be launched from over 20 km. Before firing the missile off, the player should climb to a higher altitude than the target and exceed Mach 1, as this will provide the missile more speed when being fired. But since the missile is slower than most of its counterparts, it is not advisable to use it in a head-on when engaging a [[MiG-29]], [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]], or [[F-14 (Family)|F-14]].

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very fast
* Large warhead
* Very manoeuvrable
* Long range
* Keeps its energy well

'''Cons:'''

* Slower than most counterparts
* You need to keep a radar lock on the target until the missile hits, since it's not fire-and-forget

== History ==
As the development of F-15 and F-16 series that would have threaten Soviet Armed Forces by late-1970s, the two air forces in Red Army (VVS and PVO) also commenced their equivalent to USAF's new threats since 1969 under the '''''Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel''''' (lit. "Advanced Frontline Fighter"; leading to '''Su-27''') and '''''Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel''''' (lit. "Advanced Lightweight Frontline Fighter"; leading to '''MiG-29''') program. This program also called for a new missile family for both jets to replace the earlier [[R-23R|R-23]]/[[R-24R|24]] series; by 1972, Vympel Design Bureau brought in their preliminary design, K-27 while Sukhoi and GosNIIAS (State Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Systems) considered for different ranges on the same missile platform. This concept was then certified by different party of developers in 1973 where the missile would be develop into a family of missiles, of which Vympel was granted the contract for the new AAM in 1975. K-27, now oversaw by a special council for the development of this missile, eventually led to two different missiles, the K-27 and K-27E with extended range in 1977 for MiG-29 and Su-27 respectively which the results of the former would become the basis for the E series. For better performance of the missile, Vympel brought in its very unique "butterfly", inverted trapezium wing design while NIIP brought in three-axis stabilization antenna for the homing head, analogue computer for ECCM, as well as redesigned flight logic where the missile would be guided by the aircraft before entering 25 km radius from the target, then the homing head would fire up and tracks on the target, further increasing the range to around 60 km with new logic.<ref>http://www.brazd.ru/av/r-27.html</ref>

After two years since K-27 was approved by VVS Commission in 1977, a modified MiG-23ML became the testbed of K-27 which conducted its live-firing test in 1980; then development works continued on the prototypes of MiG-29 while the R-27R and [[R-27T|T]] would be produced by Artem Production Association in Ukrainian SSR, eventually entering VVS/PVO service in 1984.<ref>http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-103.html</ref> It was also exported to different countries under the R1 designation, for example, Mainland China, Iran (which were spotted on [[F-14A IRIAF (USA)|IRIAF F-14As]] with modified adapter for the AKU-470 pylon) and Warsaw Pact countries.

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[R-27 (Family)]]

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]
<references />

R-27T

2024-09-20T18:47:42Z

U4656018: Adding description and brief history

{{About
| about = infrared homing missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = R-27 (Family)
}}
== Description ==

The '''R-27T''' (and its export version '''R-27T1'''), known as ''Izdelie 470-1 (Product 470-3),'' GRAU code '''9-A-1023''' or by its NATO codename '''AA-10 Alamo-B''', is a Soviet [[Air-to-air missiles#Infrared homing .28heat-seeking.29 missiles|infrared homing air-to-air missile]]. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. Parallel to the R-27R series developed for new generation Soviet interceptors in 1970s (the later MiG-29 and Su-27 family), to utilize the HMD and IRST system on the two designs, an infrared homing variant of R-27 was also developed for both interceptors which could be considered as a "supersize IR AAM" with very long engage range and concealment from enemy RWR systems.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


;R-27T

* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_13}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}
* {{Specs-Link|yak_141}}
* {{Specs-Link|su_27}}
* {{Specs-Link|su_27sm}}

;R-27T1

* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_bison}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12_germany}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12b_hungary}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12g}}
* {{Specs-Link|j_11}}
* {{Specs-Link|j_11a}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 245.5 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || IR
|-
| '''Aspect''' || All-aspects
|-
| '''Lock range (rear-aspect)''' || 18 km
|-
| '''Lock range (all-aspect)''' || 4.8 km
|-
| '''IRCCM''' || Yes
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 50 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 3.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 24 kg TNTe
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The R-27T has the same damage as its SARH contemporary, the R-27R. One missile will often be enough to destroy an aircraft entirely, and rarely does the R-27T only critically damage an aircraft.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

Its most common contemporaries are the AIM-9L, PL-8, and Python-3, though all of these missiles are better at shorter ranges due to the R-27T's long acceleration, which makes it sluggish during the burner's duration; so it's best used when in engagements beyond 1.5 km. The PL-8 and Python-3 will outmanoeuvre the R-27T by a long shot, but their shorter burn time makes them poorer at longer range IR scenarios. The R-27T is also unique in its ability to counteract the Su-25T/Su-39s Infrared Countermeasure system, making it useful for rear aspect engagements against those aircraft.

== Usage in battles ==

The R-27T is useful while engaging unaware opponents who are either preoccupied with other engagements or are not good at their surroundings. The R-27T offers some of the best IR tracking in the game, able to lock all-aspect from 6 km away and from a rear-aspect shot, it can be almost impossible to flare off.

The proper use of the R-27T depends on the skill of the player using it. As an IR tracking missile, it will engage a friendly's engine or flares just as easily as it engages an enemy's so proper positioning as to decrease the chance of the missile engaging a friendly is paramount to its success. Best used with the IRST function, it can silently lock onto any heat signature without an RWR notification. While possible to do front or side aspect shots, it is more liable to being flared off, but is still certainly able to get kills if the pilot knows what they are doing.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* All-aspect targeting ability
* The aircraft fired upon has no RWR indicator of the incoming missile
* Very high overload
* Large explosive mass

'''Cons:'''

* Bleeds energy fairly quickly

== History ==
'''See also: [[R-27R#History]]'''

The R-27T was the parallel project of R-27R, which was also designed for the '''''Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel''''' (lit. "Advanced Frontline Fighter"; leading to '''Su-27''') and '''''Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel''''' (lit. "Advanced Lightweight Frontline Fighter"; leading to '''MiG-29'''). The overall development history is mostly identical to R-27R but now installed with TGS-36T IR seeker and new set of nitrogen coolant tanks with 3 hours worth of coolant for the probe; both missiles entered VVS/PVO service by 1984.<ref>http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-103.html</ref><ref>https://www.bilibili.com/read/cv35122066/</ref>

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[R-27 (Family)]]

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

R-27R

2024-09-20T18:25:44Z

U4656018: Updated description and history

{{About
| about = semi-active radar homing missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = R-27 (Family)
}}
== Description ==
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' (and its export version '''R-27R1'''), known as ''Izdelie 470-1 (Product 470-1)'' or by its GRAU code '''9-A-1101''''','' is a Soviet [[Air-to-air missiles#Semi-Active Radar Homing .28SARH.29 missiles|Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missile]] first introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]. As part of the Soviet's new generation interceptors, MiG-29 and Su-27 series, Vympel Design Bureau was granted the development of K-27 missile with provisions for a radar-homing and infrared-homing variant for both interceptors by 1974; the overall development of the missile was rather long with first flight test in 1979, then live-fire test in 1980 and eventually certified in 1984 for VVS/PVO service. Likely due to the overall performance of the missile was vastly outdated by its introduction, Vympel eventually introduced the improved R-27ER(1) for Soviet air forces, Warsaw-Pact countries, as well as customers like Mainland China and India on their Russian-built jets.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


;R-27R

* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_13}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}
* {{Specs-Link|su_27}}
* {{Specs-Link|yak_141}}

;R-27R1

* [[F-14A IRIAF (USA)]]

* {{Specs-Link|j_11}}
* {{Specs-Link|j_11a}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig-21_bison}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12_germany}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12g}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29_9_12b_hungary}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 253 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || SARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 25 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 55 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 3.5 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 24 kg TNTe
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The R-27R is equipped with a very powerful 24 kg TNT warhead, which will almost always destroy any aircraft if hit directly.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The R-27R is a very powerful and reliable SARH missile. It is very fast and has great manoeuvrability - comparable to the [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7F]] - which makes the missile very hard to dodge. But still, it is less powerful and slower then the [[R-27ER]], and the American counterparts AIM-7F and [[AIM-7M Sparrow|AIM-7M]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! || R-27R || R-27ER
|-
| '''Mass''' || 253 kg || 350 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || SARH+IOG+DL || SARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW || CW
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 25 km || 25 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 55 km || 100 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 3.5 M || 5.8 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 35 G || 35 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 60 secs || 60 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 24 kg TNTe || 24 kg TNTe
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The R-27R is best suited for high-altitude, long-range engagements and can be launched from over 20 km. Before firing the missile off, the player should climb to a higher altitude than the target and exceed Mach 1, as this will provide the missile more speed when being fired. But since the missile is slower than most of its counterparts, it is not advisable to use it in a head-on when engaging a [[MiG-29]], [[F-16 (Family)|F-16]], or [[F-14 (Family)|F-14]].

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very fast
* Large warhead
* Very manoeuvrable
* Long range
* Keeps its energy well

'''Cons:'''

* Slower than most counterparts
* You need to keep a radar lock on the target until the missile hits, since it's not fire-and-forget

== History ==
As the development of F-15 and F-16 series that would have threaten Soviet Armed Forces by late-1970s, the two air forces in Red Army (VVS and PVO) also commenced their equivalent to USAF's new threats since 1969 under the '''''Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel''''' (lit. "Advanced Frontline Fighter"; leading to '''Su-27''') and '''''Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel''''' (lit. "Advanced Lightweight Frontline Fighter"; leading to '''MiG-29''') program. This program also called for a new missile family for both jets to replace the earlier [[R-23R|R-23]]/[[R-24R|24]] series; by 1972, Vympel Design Bureau brought in their preliminary design, K-27 while Sukhoi and GosNIIAS (State Scientific Research Institute of Aviation Systems) considered for different ranges on the same missile platform. This concept was then certified by different party of developers in 1973 where the missile would be develop into a family of missiles, of which Vympel was granted the contract for the new AAM in 1975. K-27, now oversaw by a special council for the development of this missile, eventually led to two different missiles, the K-27 and K-27E with extended range in 1977 for MiG-29 and Su-27 respectively which the results of the former would become the basis for the E series. For better performance of the missile, Vympel brought in its very unique "butterfly", inverted trapezium wing design while NIIP brought in three-axis stabilization antenna for the homing head, analogue computer for ECCM, as well as redesigned flight logic where the missile would be guided by the aircraft before entering 25 km radius from the target, then the homing head would fire up and tracks on the target, further increasing the range to around 60 km with new logic.<ref>http://www.brazd.ru/av/r-27.html</ref>

After two years since K-27 was approved by VVS Commission in 1977, a modified MiG-23ML became the testbed of K-27 which conducted its live-firing test in 1980; then development works continued on the prototypes of MiG-29 while the R-27R and [[R-27T|T]] would be produced by Artem Production Association in Ukrainian SSR, eventually entering VVS/PVO service in 1984.<ref>http://militaryrussia.ru/blog/topic-103.html</ref> It was also exported to different countries under the R1 designation, for example, Mainland China, Iran (which were spotted on [[F-14A IRIAF (USA)|IRIAF F-14As]] with modified adapter for the AKU-470 pylon) and Warsaw Pact countries.

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[R-27 (Family)]]

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

TC-1L

2024-09-18T17:51:04Z

U4656018: Page update for more in-depth contents

== Description ==
The '''Tien Chien-1L''' (陸射天劍一型飛彈) is the land-based variant of '''NCSIST TC-1''' IR AAM specifically for the [[Antelope|Antelope ADS]] of ROCA; as part of the "Indigenous Defense Fighter" program started in 1982, NCSIST developed a domestic alternative to the US-built AIM-9 family for the new jet fighter likely in view of any potential political changes in future by 1983. The new missile was tested on an [[F-5E (China)|AIDC-assembled F-5E]] way before the future F-CK-1 joined ROCAF service by 1993; meanwhile, to further enhance field air-defense capabilities, reusing the over-produced TC-1 for ROCAF and minimize logistical pressure, many of the 250 TC-1 missiles were converted for ground-based platforms. This conversion also led to a sea-based platform for ROCN FFGs as the final layer of CIWS.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|cn_antelope_tc_1l_ads}}

== General info ==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Missile characteristics
|-
|'''Calibre'''
|127 mm
|-
|'''Mass'''
|90 kg
|-
|'''Maximum speed'''
|745 m/s
|-
|'''Maximum overload'''
|35 G
|-
|'''Guidance'''
|IR
|-
|'''Aspect'''
|All-aspect
|-
|'''Lock range (rear-aspect)'''
|11 km
|-
|'''Lock range (all-aspect)'''
|3.0 km
|-
|'''Launch range'''
|6 km
|-
|'''Missile guidance time'''
|60 secs
|-
|'''Explosive mass'''
|5.81 kg TNTe
|-
|'''Fuse delay'''
|1 m
|-
|'''Fuse sensitivity'''
|0.3 mm
|-
|'''Trigger radius'''
|5 m
|}

=== Effective damage ===
TC-1L has 5.81 kg TNTe of explosive on its warhead, which would cause extensive shrapnel and explosive damage to enemy aircrafts/rotorcrafts within the explosion proximity of the missile.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
[[MIM-72|MIM-72G]] - Its intended analogue, while both being all-aspect IR AAM, TC-1L has higher speed (at 745 m/s), overload (twice, at 35G) and being heavier.

[[9M37M]] - Soviet field IR AAM; while TC-1L outperforms 9M37M in most aspects, 9M37M has image-locking for reliable lock-on to enemy targets

== Usage in battles ==
For the time being ''(and possibly near future)'', Antelope would be the only carrier of TC-1L; for players who have leveled up from PGZ04A to Antelope, these 4 missiles will be the only option for the vehicle. But thanks to its overload and IRCCM capabilities, as well as its late AIM-9 equivalent performance, players can utilize a more stealthy approach to use the missiles - use any means possible to detect enemy aircrafts, either from friendly reports or by the IR cameras onboard; then lure them into all-aspect range and delivery the fatal blow to them, the 35G overload is more than enough to finish off even some of the most maneuverable jets at its tier, be sure to leave enough clearance in case of trajectory drops after launch as it is rather heavy for its class.

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

* Rather high overload at 35G
* Sufficient explosive content to blast aircrafts/rotorcrafts even from a near-miss
* IRCCM capabilities for ignoring enemy flares

*

'''Cons:'''

* Very dependent on platform's ammo reserve, in current case, only four missiles
* Missile is quite heavy and requires some clearance for a launch

*

== History ==
By 1980s, after the the recognition of Mainland China by United States and halt of military trades, AIDC and ROCAF started the "Indigenous Defense Fighter" (自主防禦戰鬥機) program as the possible future solution to replace the aging fleet of ROCAF interceptors; which also led to the development of a domestic AAM in view of possible halt of supply. The development team led by Yang Chingyu (楊景槱) started the Project Tien Chiang (天翔計劃) for the missile weaponry of IDF in 1983; after tests in April 1986 proved its combat capabilities on the testbed F-5E and the finalization by 1993, the new missile now known as Tien Chien-1 faced an embarrassing problem from Ministry of National Defense - the abundance of AIM-9P4 and future AIM-9Ls for ROCAF jets, due to the compatibility of the now F-CK-1's pylon for TC-1 and AIM-9 series on certain weapon stations, the produced TC-1s at around 250 missiles became a logistical issue for ROCAF; meanwhile, for further enhancing air-defense capabilities and additions to the existing MIM-72 fleet in ROCA, these missiles were then converted as the land-based variant, TC-1L by late-1990s during the heat of cross-strait crisis and were tested on multiple platforms including CM-31 APC, HUMMEV. To further reduce the operational and conversion cost of the system, ROCA eventually opted for Kuozui Motors-Toyota '''Dyna U100''' as the chassis and leading to the Antelope system debuted in June 1999's Han Kuang 13th Exercise.

The TC-1L was eventually developed into the Sea Oryx (海劍羚) system for ROCN as their final layer of CIWS, which still need further evaluation to pass for commission for ROCN.

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

== See also ==

* 9A35M2 [[Strela-10M2]]

* MIM-72 Chaparral - also in ROCA service
** [[Improved Chaparral|Improved Chaparral (US)]]; [[Imp.Chaparral (Israel)|(IL)]]

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Template:TankManufacturer Toyota

2024-09-13T09:25:49Z

U4656018: Adding note to Antelope's Dyna chassis assembled in Taiwan by local factories

{{Navigation-Start|Toyota Motor Corporation ({{Annotation|トヨタ自動車株式会社|Toyota Jidōsha Kabushiki-Kaisha}})}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''{{Annotation|SAM|Surface-to-Air Missile}}'''}}
{{Navigation-Line|Mega Cruiser}}{{Specs-Link|jp_type_93}}
{{Navigation-Line|Dyna}}{{Specs-Link|cn_antelope_tc_1l_ads}}*
{{Navigation-First-Line|Notes}}*Licensed production to Kuozui Motors
{{Navigation-End}}<noinclude>
[[Category:Japan vehicles]]
[[Category:Tank manufacturers]]
</noinclude>

J-10A

2024-09-13T09:16:22Z

U4656018: /* Description */ Adding brief description for the page

{{Specs-Card
|code=j_10a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}'''（歼-10A型歼击机), officially the K/AJJ10A, known by its nickname '''"Vigorous Dragon 猛龙"''' or by its NATO codename ''"Firebird"'', is the new generation single-seater multirole fighter for PLAAF since 2006 as the replacement of previous fleets of J-6 to J-8I series. Foreseeing the limitations of 2nd generation interceptors in the aerial combats of 1980s, engineers of Chengdu Aircraft Corporation has been working on a new generation jet fighter with some designs deemed innovative to Mainland China in 1960s all the way to 1978; although this program dubbed "J-9" bit the dust, one of its designs, J-9-VI series, which were known by their iconic canard design, were retained for further development in near future. By 1982, Song Wencong (宋文骢) brought in the J-9-VI aerodynamic model and impressed the officials during the hearing for the development of new interceptor; after the aerodynamic issues and further refinement on the J-9-VI design, the new aircraft would soon be named Project No. 10 (十号工程) and commence in 1986. This also brought in a major issue for the program: extremely high percentage of new components with very low compatibility to any previous interceptors, especially the digital FBW control which wasn't even been introduced to Mainland China at all; after addressing on the manufacturing difficulties and programmed for any possibility of scenarios for the FBW system, the J-10 rolled of the production line in 1997 and soared to the skies on March 23rd, 1998. With flight tests conducted successfully without any crashes and further refinements made to the design, J-10 delivered its lead-in series to PLAAF on March 2003 was certified for commission in 2004; by 2006, the new fighter was officially introduced in the year's national defense white paper.

It was introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as the end-on-the-line fighter for Chinese tech tree, J-10A brought in many much-appreciated features as an all-in-one multirole fighter which was lacking for the tech-tree; now featuring a Su-27 equivalent of BVR AAMs and selections of guided air-to-ground munitions which was once only available on JH-7A, J-10A can become a very formidable foe in battle with excellent maneuverability and impressive payload for its size.

== 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
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 72 x large calibre countermeasures

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

''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''

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

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks
* 2 x PL-5EII missiles + 2 x PL-12 missiles
* 6 x PL-5EII missiles
* 6 x PL-8 missiles
* 6 x PL-12 missiles
* 28 x Type 90-1 rockets
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
* 11 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (2,750 kg total)
* 5 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 11 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (2,750 kg total)
* 5 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (2,500 kg total)
* 2 x 260 kg GB250 bombs (520 kg total)
* 2 x 570 kg GB500 bombs (1,140 kg total)
* 2 x 290 kg LS-6 250 bombs (580 kg total)
* 2 x 630 kg LS-6 500 bombs (1,260 kg total)
{{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 ==

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

== 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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{China jet aircraft}}

Template:China anti-aircraft vehicles

2024-09-13T09:14:07Z

U4656018: Adding Antelope to the table

{{Navigation-Start|China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

{{Navigation-Line|Radar SPAAG}}{{Specs-Link|cn_pgz_09}}

{{Navigation-Line|Gun and Missile SPAAG}}{{Specs-Link|cn_pgz_04a}}

{{Navigation-Line|Missile SPAA}}{{Specs-Link|cn_antelope_tc_1l_ads}}

{{Navigation-Line|Other}}{{Specs-Link|cn_zsd63_pg87}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_zsl_92}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_wz_305}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Germany'''}}{{Specs-Link|cn_sdkfz_222_early}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''North Vietnam'''}}{{Specs-Link|cn_type_65_aa}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''USA'''}}{{Specs-Link|cn_gmc_cckw_353_m45_quad}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|cn_m42_duster}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''USSR'''}}{{Specs-Link|cn_tor_m1}}

{{Navigation-End}}<noinclude>
[[Category:China vehicles]]
</noinclude>

Al-Khalid-I

2024-09-13T09:11:36Z

U4656018: Adding description, armaments (parts from MBT2k's page) and pros/cons

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_al_khalid_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Urdu: الخال; lit. eternal) is the Pakistani upgraded variant of NORINCO's [[MBT-2000|MBT2000]] MBT by 2020s retrofitted by Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT). After the development of Sino-Pakistani MBT2000 passed for certification by both PLAGF and Pakistan Army, the first series Al-Khalid joined Pakistan Army in 2001 as their new MBT alongside with imported Ukrainian T-80UD against foes; while the MBT received very positive opinion from its operators, the tank would still require further upgrades to keep up with the mainstream of MBT development, especially against Indian Army which have received [[Bhishma TWMP|T-90S]] and planned for the T-90SM. With sufficient supply engine pack from Ukrainian KMDB and experiences gained on T 85-IIAP's production, Al-Khalid-I eventually received FCS and ergonomic upgrades by 2010s; officially introduced on 28th July 2020, the upgraded tank is now replacing the previous fleet of T 59/69 and further boosting the national defense capability of Pakistan with plans to further upgrade the vehicle with Chinese powerpack and redesigned turret in progress.

Introduced in [[Update "Dance of Dragons"]] as a new premium pack for Chinese tech tree, players of MBT2000 would soon get the grip on Al-Khalid-I with identical handling, firepower and protection. For new players, the tank features a powerful 1200 hp engine with great reverse speed, while the mobility can make sure players can invade the flanks of enemies and delivery fatal blow to them; while the protection might not be the best of its tier, it can still sometimes save the tank from total destruction.

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

''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

During the development, MBT2000 has selected Ukrainian Kharkov 6TD-2 engine pack as its power source; this feature is also retained on Al-Khalid-I for mobility and logistical reasons. Thanks to the revised transmission with additional side gears, they enables the tank to reverse at up to -31 km/h, more than enough to retreat from danger.

{{tankMobility}}

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

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

{{main|ZPT98 (125 mm)}}

As 125 mm caliber has been selected as the caliber for Pakistan Army and the vehicle was developed mostly by NORINCO of Mainland China, Al-Khalid-I also selected the same cannon as ZTZ99 series - the ZPT98 cannon. All the specifications and ammunition options are totally identical to its Chinese cousins aside from having 49 spare ammo like MBT2000 as demanded by Pakistan; while the traverse is sufficient at its tier at a much higher speed than Soviet/Russian serial production MBTs, be sure to turn the turret beforehand just in case - NATO tanks mostly have better traverse rate than Al-Khalid.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[ZPT98 (125 mm)|125 mm ZPT98]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 49 || rowspan="2" | -6°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane ||28.6||39.5||48.0||53.1||56.5|| rowspan="2" |7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
|17.9||21.0||25.5||28.2||30.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:ZPT98 (125 mm)/Ammunition|DTP-125, DTB-125, Type 1985-I APFSDS, DTC10-125, DTB12-125}}'''''Note: As premium vehicle, all ammunition is researched once purchased'''''

'''DTP-125, HEAT-FS, Stock''' - DTP-125 has been a long-time friend to the Chinese 125 mm gun and is one of the stock shells for the Al-Khalid-I; like many HEATFS of its tier, due to ERA and composite armour being commonplace at its tier, hitting enemies from the front would very likely be fruitless. So if opting for HEATFS to take out enemies, make sure to aim for non-ERA/composite covered parts or by flanking enemies if possible; remembering where their ammunition is located can earn players a quick kill against enemies. It is still a versatile shell to have against all types of ground target.

'''DTB-125, HE-FS, Stock''' - DTB-125 is also available as the other stock shell; HEFS can serve as a makeshift anti-tank shell by hitting enemy optics or top plates with low protection and possibly triggering overpressure, dooming the crew and internal compartments of enemy vehicles. This also enables the tank to do "top-down" attacks against tanks behind cover, notably NATO tanks with higher profile and CITV. Thanks to the high explosive content, it is also a better option to knock-out light vehicles right away than the HEATFS.

'''125-I, APFSDS, Tier I''' - 125-I (aka '''一期弹''' or officially, the '''一步弹'''; Phrase/Stage I ammunition) has already been a familiar APFSDS for Chinese MBTs with 125 mm gun, players from ZTZ96 series can soon get on hand with the APFSDS with its good ballistic performance and penetration (the highest for 125 mm APFSDS <500 mm penetration), helping players to go through the stock stages; aim for different weak spots accordingly if facing higher-tier NATO/Warsaw-Pact tanks.

'''DTC10-125, APFSDS, Tier IV''' - as the main APFSDS of PLAGF and one of the highest-penetration (non-DU) export APFSDS for 125 mm guns, DTC10-125 (aka '''三期弹''' or officially, the '''三步弹'''; Phrase/Stage III ammunition; DTC10E when export) can make sure it can also utilize its very high velocity to defeat most enemies it face without problem, this also enables Al-Khalid-I to defeat more advanced MBTs at higher-tier even at long range.

'''DTB12-125, HE-FS (VT), Tier IV''' - Unlike Soviet/Russian HE-FS with timed fuse, DTB12 is currently the only HE-VT for its calibre; not only can it still be used as "anti-tank" shells like its stock counterpart albeit with lesser explosive content, enemy aircraft will have to face a 125 mm makeshift AA gun with 7 m trigger radius - it is never a good idea getting hit by such a huge shell.

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
!'''Fullammo'''
!'''1strack empty'''
!'''2ndrack empty'''
!'''3rdrack empty'''
!'''4thrack empty'''
!'''5thrack empty'''
!'''6thrack empty'''
!'''7thrack empty'''
!'''8thrack empty'''
!'''9thrack empty'''
!'''10thrack empty'''
!'''11thrack empty'''
!'''Visualdiscrepancy'''
|-
|'''49'''||48 ''(+1)''||45 ''(+4)''||42 ''(+7)''||38 ''(+11)''||35 ''(+14)''||32 ''(+17)''||29 ''(+20)''
|25 ''(+24)''
|24 ''(+25)''
|23 ''(+26)''
|1 ''(+48)''
|No
|-
|}
Like MBT2000, for sustained combat endurance and demands from Pakistan, Al-Khalid-I has 49 shells and its propellent onboard scattered around the chassis, mostly concentrated around the turret carousel; while having so many ammunitions means missed shots can be compensated by subsequence shots (given the autoloader is not damaged), this also turns the tank into a walking powder keg at full-load, turning the tank into a firework show is never the best idea to end a battle; the 22+1 shells for autoloader and pre-load of breech is more than enough to finish the battle with relatively ease.

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

{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" |[[QJC88A (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJC88A]]
|-
!Mount!!Capacity (Belt)!!Fire rate!!Vertical!!Horizontal
|-
|Pintle||750 (150)||600||-6°/+85°||±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 86 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 86]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
|Coaxial||4,000 (250)||700||-||-
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the 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. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

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

* Slightly improved protection with larger ERA coverage at turret front and additions on turret baskets
* Powerful main cannon with varieties of ammunition
* Commander override of turret for retaliation
* Identical, excellent mobility like MBT2000
** 1200 hp engine with sufficient T/W ratio for flanking tactics
** Revised transmission enables pseudo-neutral steering and high reverse speed
* Two different magnifications for different engage range with large FOV
* Upgraded with Sagem ''(now Safran)'' 3rd generation TVD for both gunner and CITV
* Thick turret protection

*

'''Cons:'''

* Fixed 7.1 second reload and infamous AZ-172 autoloader with high detonation rate once being hit

* Inconsistent protection
** Cast-welded mantle still haunts the frontal protection
** Insufficient protection at its tier, especially compare to ZTZ99 or T-90 series
* Slow gun vertical traverse due to hydraulic drive
* Engine deck with raised-up plates that blocks rear arc of fire
* Cramped crew layout and having densely packed ammunition onboard

*

== History ==

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

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


* [[MBT-2000|MBT2000]] - its ancestor, aka '''Al-Khalid''' or VT-1

== External links ==

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

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

{{China medium tanks}}
{{China premium ground vehicles}}

Tu-4 (China)

2024-09-09T14:58:44Z

U4656018: /* Shadow Aircraft 影機 */ Revision as per potential copyright infringements

{{About
| about = Chinese heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = B-29/Tu-4 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=tu_4_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (commonly known as 图-4轰炸机 in Chinese; or by its NATO Codename Bull 公牛) was one of the earliest strategic bomber of the PLAAF acquired from the Soviet Union as a birthday gift for Chairman Mao Zedong when 10 of them flew to China on his birthday in 1953 as the demand for bombers to take the remaining lands from Nationalist forces arose. Although they have not been used on outbound missions, they have been one of the cornerstones of the PLA during the assaults on the Tibetan Plateau thanks to its good high-altitude performance and excellent firepower against rebels with US-made M2HB which caused havoc to the previous [[Tu-2S-44 (China)|Tu-2]] fleet. One of the Tu-4s was then converted as an anti-aircraft gunship to hunt down ROCAF recon planes in the 1960s and one was experimentally converted to the very first AECWS in Asia, KJ-1 with upgraded engine and new radar for early-warning. These bombers were retired in 1988 due to being obsolete and the production pace of H-6 series went smoothly after the manufacture flaws and difficulties have been solved.

Introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] as one of the bombers of the newly-introduced Chinese air tech-tree, the overall appearance of Tu-4 in PLAAF service is totally identical to its [[Tu-4|Soviet cousin]] which was based on the USAF's [[B-29/Tu-4 (Family)|B-29]]. While it provided extensive self-defense firepower and sufficient performance at high-altitude with devastating GP bombs which are more than enough to flatten city blocks in a single bombing run, players have to be extremely careful on enemy jets with equally devastating firepower or those with early AAMs as they can make sure Tu-4 would never made it to the designated target with ease.

== 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 9,100 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
| 618 || 604 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.4 || 35.0 || 4.7 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 1,500
|-
! Upgraded
| 665 || 641 || 30.4 || 32.0 || 10.5 || 6.5
|-
|}

For a piston-engined bomber of this size, the Chinese Tu-4 has a decent performance, with sluggish but manageable turn rate and reasonable flatline energy retention and top speed. However, being one of the only few piston-engined aircraft in the midst of Korean War jets, the Tu-4 is hopelessly outclassed in every aspects. Almost every jet aircraft the Tu-4 will face has twice the top speed of an average speed that the Tu-4 can reach, and can easily catches up with the Tu-4 in a minute or less. Even enemy jet bombers are a huge threat to the Tu-4, as they can also try and hunt you down after they've finished the bombing run.

However due to how agonizingly slow the Tu-4 is compared to any other planes at its BR, this can be both a blessing and a curse. A sortie with the Tu-4 would either ended with you getting shot down as soon as you were detected, or that most (if not all) of the enemy team would descend into the lower altitude to fight your teammates below while your lumbering plane only covers a quarter of distance between the spawn point and the base, thus giving you a plenty of time to take down enemy bases. As such, it is recommended to sideclimb a bit at the start of the match, so that even though you would never outclimb any of the enemies, your teammates would act as a distraction long enough for you to begin the bombing run.

Situational awareness is a key to survive in the Tu-4, as any enemy who detect and attempting to catch up with you will be able to easily do so within a minute, even if they are over 10 km away. As soon as you noticed that someone is heading towards you, turn your plane back ''immediately'' to prepare to defend yourself, or else you will be easily shot down from the sky.

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 609  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 332 || 322 || 270 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 340 || < 350 || < 290 || > 400
|-
|}

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


* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilots.
* 6.5 mm Steel plates in front of the pilots.
* 6.5 mm Steel plates behind the pilots.
* 6.5 mm Steel plates in front of tail control tractions.
* 6.5 mm Steel plates boxing around rear dorsal gunner and beam gunners.
* 6.5 mm Steel plate behind the rear ventral turret.
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
* 6.5 mm Steel plate in front of tail gunner.

The Tu-4 is a monster of an aircraft in terms of its profile and size, making it very easy to hit. Wings and the tail control are weak spots, so hitting the wings will result in severe wing damage on the Tu-4, forcing it to return to base or even sending it back to the hangar.

For Tu-4 pilots, situational awareness is a '''must''' in keeping the plane in the air, as any enemy can easily catches up with you and leaving little time for you to prepare the defense.

Despite the lack of countermeasures against air-to-air missile, the Tu-4 can protect itself against IR missile by turning off its engines to prevent the missile from acquiring the target. This effectively renders any missile of the [[Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2|Sea Vixen]] useless, and even capable of preventing the lock of the [[AIM-9B]] that is quite common in uptiers in some case.

;Against the Tu-4

For those who wanted to take down this giant of an aircraft, do not be intimidated with its powerful defensive armament. The Tu-4's most obvious weakness is its massive size, which means it can be hit even from up to 2 km away. The lack of any countermeasures also means the Tu-4 will be vulnerable against variety of non-IR anti-air missiles.

While playing the Hunter F.1 or the Vautour IIA, it is easy to send this monster of an aircraft back to base with just one burst or simply using the missile. Engaging in a head-on is recommended, as the pilots have little protection, usually knocking them both out.

While flying the Sabres, try to aim for the fuel tanks in the wings. Most of the time, just set the fuel tanks ablaze, or even blowing off the wing, sending the foe back to the hangar.

'''Do not engage the Tu-4 from the six!''' Engaging the Tu-4 at its tail, especially from below, '''is''' asking for trouble. Always try to engage the Tu-4 from the top, or in head-ons, the fuselage turrets have dead zones when engaging from >~70 degrees.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}
The stock payload of 40 x 100 kg bombs is rather mediocre, as it can take out only two bases. Unlocking the 20 x 500 kg bombs by researching the "KD-3" modification at rank 2 should be your first priority. Then unlock the full FI-T belts for the 23 mm cannons to improve its damage output. The rest can be chosen at your liking.
== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250M-46 (250 kg)|FAB-500M-46 (500 kg)}}
{{main|FAB-1000M-44 (1,000 kg)|FAB-1500M-46 (1,500 kg)|FAB-3000M-46 (3,000 kg)}}

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

* 40 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 40 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bombs (10,000 kg total)
* 12 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (6,000 kg total)
* 20 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (10,000 kg total)
* 8 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000M-44 bombs (8,000 kg total)
* 8 x 1,500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bombs (12,000 kg total)
* 4 x 3,000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bombs (12,000 kg total)

The Chinese Tu-4 has the same bomb loadouts as its Soviet counterpart, giving it a very impressive maximum load of 12,000 kg, with a wide selection of different bomb sizes. If you are looking to destroy bases in air battles then the 20 x 500 kg option is best as it allows up to 5 bases to be destroyed. If you are looking to do damage to the main airfield then the 4 x 3,000 kg option will give you slightly more TNT equivalent, but offers less flexibility.

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|Type 23-1 (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons, front dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons, rear dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons, front ventral turret (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons, rear ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons, tail turret (275 rpg = 550 total)

Like the bomb load, the defensive armament of the Chinese Tu-4 remains unchanged from the Soviet model, with a total of 10 [[Type 23-1 (23 mm)|23 mm Type 23-1 cannons]] providing all-round coverage. While the defensive armament is excellent, you need to engage targets manually as the AI gunners do not engage at sufficient range to take out threats.

The utility of the turrets is also lessened when facing missile-armed jets, which can engage you from longer ranges. In these cases you want to throttle down or even turn off your engines to make it harder for them to get a missile lock, and so draw them into range of your guns.

Depending on your preference, you may chose not install the "New 23 mm cannons" modification, as this will increase the spread of the shell and as such allowed you a better chance at "spray & pray" and trap the enemy into a cloud of lead, especially at longer ranges.

== Usage in battles ==


The below tactics can be used in all games modes:

Like most planes of its class, the Tu-4 relies on its defensive turrets for aerial combat. A few good hits from its 10 x 23 mm guns can send an attacker back to base, with critical damage or, if not, credit the player with the victory. Maxing out the crew stats is a good idea, it will allow the player to focus more on flying while the AI does the gunning. Don't get too arrogant, remember, the Tu-4 is a huge plane. It is easy to hit, and as mentioned above, especially when the opponents could be jets.

All in all, pay attention to the aircraft's surroundings. The Tu-4 can easily net the team a win so don't let the feeling of invincibility get imbued, or the only reward will be a fiery end.

With this bomber's high battle rating, you should be actively looking out for enemy vehicles. It is possible for an attacker to have a relative closing speed of over 1,000 km/h. Relying solely on the spotting system will allow some fighters to get so close it will be impossible for you to react. It is especially common for the enemy to approach either in a 30° cone straight ahead or to trail behind and below you, generally outside gun range before pulling up sharply.

When first starting with this aircraft, the payload option is 40 x 100 kg bombs which are able to destroy numerous bases. One of the best ways to maximize the payload's effectiveness, 15 x 100 kg bombs are needed for one base. The A.I. gunners will be able to defend the plane as bombs are dropped from the bombsight until switching back to the pilot seat, ready to head to next objective. The best option for base bombing is the 8 x 1,500 kg payload. A single bomb will be enough to destroy a base, provided you do not miss.

Once the Tu-4's bombing run is complete, start descending towards the friendly airfield; enemy fighters will be hunting for the Tu-4, so be more alert. The Tu-4 has a very powerful defensive system installed with 5 turrets, each with two 2 x 23 mm cannons, so the Tu-4 should be able to defend itself reasonably well. If you believe that landing would be putting the aircraft in grave danger, it is worth considering to instead stay high and shoot down approaching fighters, calling out your position will often lower the stigma associated with this action.

Do not rely on the AI gunners. Most of the time the Tu-4 will face top rank jets including [[Hunter F 1|Hunter F 1s]] and [[F-86F-2|F2 Sabres]]. These adversaries are usually experienced and will not foolishly tail the bomber for long and try to engage at ranges greater than 1 km or engage in a head-on pass. These manoeuvres render the AI gunners largely useless. Laying down a stream of 23 mm rounds is recommended, but beware of jamming. Hits can be scored within 1.5 - 2 km, if somebody is tailing the Tu-4 or engaging in a head-on pass, they can also occur at greater ranges. Combine the turret shooting with a defensive style of flying to utilize it to its full potential; the Tu-4 offers good handling for its size. Be very careful when putting the Tu-4 into a dive. It is just as prone as any other aircraft to suffering structural damage if its limitations are exceeded. Do not rely on flaps to slow down, their weak construction will let you down.

The two most dangerous opponents of the Tu-4 are the [[S.O.4050 Vautour IIA]] and the [[Hunter F 1]]. With their 30 mm cannons and missiles, one burst will be devastating against the Tu-4. The [[F-86F-2]] is also a dangerous opponent, with four 20 mm cannons with a very high velocity and rate of fire.

When down tiered, the most dangerous opponents are the [[Su-11]], the [[Me 262 C-2b]] and the [[R2Y (Family)|R2Y2 KAIs]]. All equipped with 30 mm cannons, they are able to send the Tu-4 back to the hangar within one burst. The 163s and Ki-200 extreme mobility are something to be wary of. It isn't uncommon for bomber pilots to lose track of the attacker after a fly-by.

Don't underestimate the other Sabres, such as the [[F-86F-40 (Japan)|F-86F-40]] and the [[CL-13A Mk 5|CL-13A]]. Their 12.7 mm machine guns can do a lot of damage, crippling or setting the Tu-4 afire, which could end the match for the plane there.

Do not consider any enemy bomber or attacker as a neutral or even friendly party. It is quite common for [[Canberra B (I) Mk 6|Canberras]] or even [[B-57B|B-57s]] to try and engage you if the opportunity presents itself.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable 1 gear || Auto controlled
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Second highest payload in the game (after the [[F-111A]]) of up to 12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
* Decent climber once flight performance modifications have been purchased (compressor, engine, and engine injection)
* Very effective defensive 23 mm turrets that have little dead zones, lots of ammo and great damage
* Gunners are located separately from the gun turret with the exception of the tail turret, increasing their survivability
* Tricycle landing gears, does not have to worry about propeller strike
* The plane is so slow that most enemies would often descended to fight your teammates while you're underway, leaving a plenty of space and time for you to perform a bombing run

'''Cons:'''

* Agonizingly slow and sluggish, took awhile to reach the targets and can be easily intercepted even by jet bombers
* Huge aircraft, making it easy to spot from distance and making it close to impossible to miss
* Prone to fires and wing damage, hindering the plane's control
* Can face supersonic jets or air-to-air missile, the latter of which the plane is almost completely defenseless against
* Unable to reliably defend itself from opponents attacking at once from multiple directions
* Hard to handle/correct direction during landing, due to its low roll rate, slow-responding rudder and slow landing gear movement

== History ==


It's known that at least twelve Tu-4s were aided to People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by USSR since 1953, making China the only Tu-4 operator outside of the USSR. Ten Tu-4s delivered by the end of 1953 were operated by the Fourth Independent Regiment of PLAAF and later, in 1960, two additional aircraft were aided and served as navigational training aircraft; Tu-4 were saw during the riot-suppression operations over the Tibetan Plateau as a gunship and the Sino-Indo Border War, and sometimes bombing the frozen Yellow River to reopen shipping routes.

===Shadow Aircraft 影機 ===
At late 1950s, in view of the harassment and reconnaissance missions from the '''34th "Black Bat" Squadron''' (第34"黑蝙蝠"中隊) '''of ROCAF''' stationed at Hsinchu Airbase, PLAAF had plans for modifying Tu-2 into night-time interceptors and had attempted to hunt down P2V-7U flown by the aforementioned squadron, but ROCAF managed to bait that Tu-2 into terrain thus giving a death sentence to this project. By the 1960s, a commander of PLAAF HQ named Han Zhiming (韩志明) suggested a plan to modify a Tu-4 (aka Tu-4P in this case; No. 0049) into an anti-aircraft gunship as both Tu-4 and P2V shared similar service radius. The aircraft had installed a PSBN-M "Cobalt" radar from IL-28 by the upper front turret which can detect targets within 3 km, the gunner sights were also upgraded into infrared sights and the bomb bay was also modified into a command station where it could serve as an airborne control plane for the jet interceptors. This Tu-4 was dubbed "'''the Shadow Aircraft ''影機'''''" by ROCAF.

A detailed information on the very first interception operations conducted by the "Shadow Aircraft" could be found in the Black Bat Squadron Memorial Hall in Hsinchu, their home base. According to the records from General Lin Hu (林虎, 1927-2018) and the flight path records from the Memorial Hall, the crew of thirteen, commanded and piloted by Lt. Col. Chao Chin (趙欽) of this P2V flight took off from Gunsan, South Korea at the evening of 19 December, 1960; likely been detected by PLAAF's radar troops, the Shadow Aircraft took off from Cangzhou, Hebei (河北省沧州市) and been searching for the flight around 8 PM that day, eventually intercepted the flight by 9 PM near Chengde, Hubei (承德) where the gunboat strafed the PV-2 from below, then by the all-weather J-5A at near Chifeng, Inner Mongolia (赤峰). With the help of terrain and low altitude, the crew eventually evaded the gunboat and PLAAF forces for 3 1/2 hours; by the time they entered Shandong after they took detours in 5 provinces/autonomous regions (Hebei, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi, Shanxi and Henan), the gunboat intercepted them again and now been joined by ground AAA around 2 AM of 20th December, with extreme luck and the cover of night, the crew eventually from all these interception forces and returned to Hsinchu at 8 AM; only to knew the existence of such aircraft a year later after multiple interception by this aircraft. While the records from PLAAF mentioned that the gunship was first flown in 1st March, the mission was only for tracking instead of a head-to-head interception.

After the attempts proved fruitless and the halt on recon flights to Mainland China, the aircraft was converted backed into a conventional bomber and lost in the river of history afterwards.
=== A Brand-New Platform ===
[[File:KJ-1 (Tupolev Tu-4).jpg|thumb|right|380x380px|KJ-1 in public display in Beijing Aviation Museum.]]
Due to the lack of endurance of the original Ash-73TK piston engine, in the 1970s the remaining Chinese Tu-4s installed new WJ-6 ("渦槳-6", Turboprop-6) turboprop engines and J17G-13 four-bladed propellers (domestic imitation of AI-20 engine and AV-68 propeller). The 4250 horsepower WJ-6 is more powerful than the original piston engine and a one-piece ventral fin or two small endplate fins at the tips of the horizontal tail were mounted to improve horizontal stability of manoeuvre characteristic. Meanwhile, all of the defensive turrets on these modified Tu-4s were removed for better performance.

At that time, the Tu-4 is the optimal heavy-weight long-range air platform operated by PLAAF, so a turboprop Tu-4 (series number 2806501, Red 4114) was chosen as the airframe of 'Plane 926', first airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) plane of PLAAF. A huge rotodome, holding the Type 843 radar, was mounted on its center station of the wings and some small antennas were installed on the fuselage, The project started at 1969 and later be called as KJ-1 ("空警一號", AWACS No.1). The KJ-1 ushered its first test flight in November, 1971. However, the Type 843 radar was found to be lacking in the ability to detect and track low altitude flying objects during the test, so the whole KJ program was disbanded by 1979. Currently the KJ-1 is in public display in the Chinese Aviation Museum, Beijing. Another three Tu-4s with turboprop engines were modified as ECM plane or ELINT planes.
[[File:Tu-4 with BQM-34 underwing.jpg|left|thumb|390x390px|Chinese Tu-4 with DR-5 drone underwing in 1986.]]

During the Vietnam War, China captured serval wrecks of Ryan BQM-34 reconnaissance drones and one of them was fixed, becoming the sample of reverse-engineering. The resulting product, called Changhong-1 ("長虹一號", Skylight No.1) or WZ-5 ("無偵-5", Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft No.5) was built based on the BQM-34. A modified Tu-4 (series number 225008, Red 4134) with turboprop engines was converted into a drone carrier platform. The red 4131 drone platform is capable carry two Changhong-1s under the pylons mounted underwing. It can also carry two La-17K UAV.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=tu_4_china 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/315758-tupolev-tu-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Tupolev}}
{{China bombers}}
<references />

Ki-45 hei/tei (China)

2024-09-09T11:08:19Z

U4656018: /* Description */ Slight addition to the naming of aircraft to be more precise

{{About
| about = premium twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Ki-45 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=ki-45_hei_tei_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Ki-45_hei_tei_(China).jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' , more precisely, a キ45改丙丁装備 based on Ki-45 hei with the two "Schräge Musik" 20 mm autocannon from the tei modification, known to the Chinese forces by the name 重战 (Heavy fighter), represented the combination of three captured Ki-45 series in Northeastern China by the Communist forces by the end of WWII. IJAAS deployed some quantities of Ki-45 to Northeastern China to defend their assets in the area, most notably their steel mill; as well as the last-ditch weapon against Soviet forces near the Chinese borders. Three of these Ki-45 which included both hei and tei variants were eventually rebuilt into a single aircraft for evaluation and teaching, leaving them practically useless during the later Civil War.

Introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as one of the GE aircraft available, the Ki-45 was classified as a heavy fighter. The Ki-45 isn't the best in the manoeuvrability category. However, for a heavy fighter, it manoeuvres very well. It is even capable of out-turning aircraft such as the [[P-47D-25]]. Unlike heavy fighters of other nations, the Ki-45 series does not feature aircraft with large amounts of heavy weaponry. This is a major downside, considering how heavy fighters traditionally give up manoeuvrability and speed for armament. Instead, the Ki-45s utilize more of an equilibrium between manoeuvrability, speed, and armament. These are what makes the Ki-45 both a capable dogfighter, and bomber hunter.

This variant is a unusual hybrid between the [[Ki-45 hei|hei]] and [[Ki-45 tei|tei]] variants of the Ki-45. It has the fuselage mounted 20 mm Ho-3 cannon and lack of ordnance options of the former and the twin 20 mm Ho-5 cannons mounted behind the pilot in the "Schrage Musik" style of the latter. This makes it the most heavily armed Ki-45 currently available in the game, though it pays for this with a significantly higher battle rating. A great choice for bomber hunting, the low ammunition supplies make it unforgiving against fighters.

== 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 6,300 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
| 551 || 533 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.9 || 25.5 || 16.4 || 16.4 || rowspan="2" | 520
|-
! Upgraded
| 593 || 570 || 23.2 || 24.0 || 23.1 || 19.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 450 || 444 || 308 || ~11 || ~7
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 360 || < 320 || < 450 || > 330
|-
|}

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


* 16 mm steel - behind pilot
* 16 mm steel - headrest

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

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

{{main|Ho-203 (37 mm)|Ho-3 (20 mm)|Ho-5 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 37 mm Ho-203 cannon, nose-mounted (15 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Ho-3 cannon, belly-mounted (100 rpg)
* 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons, Schräge-Musik style (100 rpg = 200 total)

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

{{main|Type 98 (7.92 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,050 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


This variant of the Ki-45, the Ki-45 tei, features the first "Schräge Musik" armament of the series. Wielding one Ho-204 37 mm cannon and two Ho-5 20 mm cannons, the Ki-45 tei is the definition of a bomber hunter. Its 37 mm cannon allows the Toryu to take down bombers with ease, and its dual 20 mm cannons allow for even more flexibility in the bomber hunting department. Although deadly, the 37 mm cannon only holds 15 rounds, so shot placement is crucial. The round itself also travels fairly slowly in the air, making it hard to hit fast-moving enemy fighters. The 20 mm cannons are best used in a secondary weapon role, as they are fixed at an upward angle. To use these weapons, one must bind a key to them via the in-game controls menu (it is on the first page that comes up, basic).

The Ki-45 tei also retains its impressive turn rate from the [[Ki-45 otsu]]. Although the aircraft itself is large and presents an "easy target" in many players' minds, the Ki-45 is rather nimble. Use this to your advantage when engaging enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the Ki-45 is a heavy fighter, meaning its turn time is still not on par with other aircraft such as the [[F2A-3]]. In certain cases, the Ki-45 pilot may have to rely on his or her tail gunner to get the job done. The "tei" version of the Ki-45 features a 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun with 1050 rounds. Although lacklustre, with shot placement it is possible to destroy enemies on the aircraft's tail. Aim for the pilot or the engine, as those are generally the weakest points on most aircraft. If the tailing enemy is a biplane, aim for the wings since they are very fragile.

The Toryu is also rather fragile for a heavy fighter. Although it does feature two engines, the Ki-45 does not have very much armour protection. Only the back of the pilot's seat and the nose has armour, leaving both the gunner and engines unprotected. This can prove costly in a fight. If one does find him or herself tailed, call upon teammates for assistance.

* In simulator, the Ki-45 has a decent frontal view with large pieces of glass in front, on top and to the sides, ensuring great visibility. The gun sight has enough room under, allowing easy tracking and leading of targets. However the side views are terrible as the wings & engines block out most of the view downwards, and a thick frame blocks out the upper area, as a result, the common way of circling above an area to spot something is extremely limited. Rear visibility is almost non-existent with the entire tail obstructed by the headset.
* If a bomber is flying above your level, your Schräge Musik cannons will become very handy and give them a fatal surprise. The Schräge Musik is easy to learn but takes time and practice to use it to its full potential. First, position your Ki-45 under the bomber's belly and make sure you are at least 500 m above the ground. Then, as you are about to be directly under it, switch to Schräge Musik mode and align the reticle to the centre axis of the target fuselage. Now because there is no fixed distance on how far below the target you should be, the shells might not always land at where the reticle points at, so fire a few short bursts first to see if your lead is accurate. Fix the vertical lead by pitching the plane or adjust your speed. When adjusting the pitch, you must pay constant attention to your altimeter because in Schräge Musik mode, you are staring at the blank sky above, thus you are likely to lose sense of direction and will have no idea if you are diving towards the ground or climbing to a stall. If your pitch is too important (regardless of diving or climbing), get out of Schräge Musik mode and reposition the plane. Aiming the Schräge Musik cannons sideways require a combination of elevator and rudder finesse which can be overwhelming at first, but be patient and practice. The Ki-45 is more manoeuvrable than the Do 217 N-2, making it easier to use the Schräge Musik. The 2 x 20 mm cannons deal considerable damage to most bomber's underside, however control your trigger as 100 rounds per gun is quickly spent if your shots miss.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Highly powerful cannon combinations allow it to hunt down most bombers easily
* Good manoeuvrability and climb rate for a heavy fighter; can out-turn aircraft like P-47
* Acceptable top speed
* 16.5 mm of armour in pilot's seat and added armour in the nose around cannon barrel
* Twin-engine design- can fly back to base even with one engine damaged/destroyed

'''Cons:'''

* Beat in turn fights by some aircraft like Bf 109 F-4, A6M2 / 3
* Prone to fuel and engine fires
* Locks up at high speeds
* Mediocre roll rate, gets worse as speed increases
* Limited ammunition for all weapons
* Lack of protection around fuel tanks, engines, and gunner
* Long cannon reload for arcade
* Pilot is exposed in head-ons
* Very little anti-fighter capabilities

== History ==

The documents regarding of the service of the Ki-45 series in Mainland China are rather sparse. Some of the known records of their operation were bomber interception operations against the USAAF during their bombardment on Anshan (鞍山; for the steel mill) and during the last days of the Empire as a last ditch weapon to take down the masses of Soviet tanks assaulting Northeastern China with its 37 mm cannon.

There were records suggesting that the Chinese Red Army Air Force (before the official establishment of PLAAF on 1949/11/11) flew Ki-45; but current evidence showed another story instead: The Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army (东北民主抗日联军;东北抗联) found 3 modified Ki-45s (modified from a certain model to Tei 丁 variant) at Sunjia Airfield, Harbin in 1946, but all these 3 aircrafts were damaged and only one of them could be assembled for flight, likely never been used by the Air Force.<ref>https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1746466274067723349&wfr=spider&for=pc</ref>

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ki-45_hei_tei_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|zu-JuEfl9ro|'''Premium Review, Chinese Ki-45 Hei/Tei. Best used in a Squad''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Ki-45 (Family)]]

;Other aircraft equipped with Schräge Musik

* [[Bf 110 G-4]]{{-}}[[Bf 110 G-4 (Italy)]]
* [[Do 217 N-2]]
* [[Ki-45 tei]]

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Kawasaki}}
{{China twin-engine fighters and attackers}}
{{China premium aircraft}}
<references />

F-47N-25-RE (China)

2024-09-08T10:45:34Z

U4656018: Updated description and history; minor addition to weaponry

{{About
| about = Chinese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = P-47 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_47n_25_re_china
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' represented the later series P-47N (''or F-47N, after USAF nomenclature revisions by early 1950s'') delivered to ROCAF. After the previous P-47D series proved fruitless to the outcome of Chinese Civil War and the stop of military aid to Nationalist forces after their retreat to Taiwan Island, the outbreak of Korean War gave some time for a rest for Nationalists but this also called for supply of jet fighters after ROCAF spotted PLAAF has already been upgraded with more advanced jet fighters. But before USAF can even supply F-84 or future F-86s to Nationalist forces, the latest aircrafts they received were 43 F-47Ns from a certain Air National Guard unit around 1953. Although having somewhat remarkable record of sinking PLAN's gun boat in 1954 and claimed to damage a [[J-2|MiG-15]], the end of propeller fighters put an end of these aircrafts by 1955 with the aforementioned jets, which also marked the end of ROCAF's propeller-driven fighters.

It was introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]] as one of the premium aircrafts to Chinese tech tree; while the F-47N series were known for their high-altitude performance and endurance with rather long service radius, it also suffers from the overall high mass like other Thunderbolts. But with careful considerations at air battles and its sufficient payload, it can also serve as a more powerful alternative to P-47Ds while maintaining sufficient engine output to escape from danger.

== 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" | 480
|-
! Upgraded
| 772 || 735 || 26.7 || 28.0 || 17.3 || 11.3
|-
|}

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

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

=== 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|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 8 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg = 4,000 total)

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

F-47N retained the payload from previous Thunderbolts with varieties of bombs and rockets albeit being identical to them as well; but in simple words - leave the bombs for any tough armored targets while the HVAR can finish off light vehicles, give players have extensive experiences to utilize HVAR rockets at maximum efficiency.

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

* Without load
* 10 x HVAR rockets
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

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

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

* Strong guns
* Fast top speed
* High Horsepower Engine
* High Ammo Count
* Bomb and Rocket Payload for Ground Attack

*

'''Cons:'''

* Slow Climb Rate
* Poor Turn performance
* Heavy Weight Fighter
* Large Minimum Fuel Load

*

== History ==

Although the P-47N series were specifically designed for long-range escort of the B-29 fleet in Pacific theatre, the introduction of P-51D and the end of WWII by 1945 meant they wouldn't be utilize well during the WWII, the last series of these aircrafts were soon introduced to Air National Guards in US. Meanwhile, the P-47D series which were still used by NRAAF, then the ROCAF were soon proved fruitless to the outcome of Chinese Civil War after the Nationalist's major losses in near Shandong and Zhejiang, this would also be worsen by the end of supply to the Nationalist forces by 1949. However, due to the outbreak of Korean War and the halt of PLA's plans to takeover the remaining territories held by the Nationalists, this also gave the time to rest and plans to attack Mainland China by 1950; [[P-38L-1 (China)|although previous recon flights with the cost of its pilot]] hinted the existence of PLAAF jet fighter fleet, the intensive aerial battles and lack of capacity to build more jet fighters resulted in the delivery of F-47Ns to ROCAF by 1953, 43 fighters from a certain USANG fleet.

Deemed as obsolete by the era, ROCAF claimed to have damage a MiG-15 of PLAAF on 11th, May of 1954 and a flight survived the attacks from MiGs while been known as the aircraft that sunk PLANS Ruijin (瑞金舰; ex-IJN Shishaka 四阪, ship No. 5257) on 18th May, 1954 by 44-89406 (tail No. 306). from 44th Squadron, piloted by He Jianyi (何建彝).

As soon as jet fighters like [[F-84G-21-RE (China)|F-84G]] and [[F-86F-30 (China)|F-86F]] were introduced to ROCAF, they were soon phrased out in 1955.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[P-47 (Family)]]

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Republic}}
{{China fighters}}
{{China premium aircraft}}

J-8F

2024-09-05T20:06:12Z

U4656018: Revision of in-game usage by current patches

{{About
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = J-8B
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=j_8f
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: 歼-8F型歼击机; unified NATO codename: Finback 长须鲸) was the final combat variant of the J-8 series interceptors, built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC, 沈飞) from remaining J-8II airframes or by upgrading previous J-8Ds in the mid-2000s. The project traces back to the J-8C (or J-8III) project for domestic avionic upgrades for J-8II: although the unreliable WP-14 engine ruined the whole project, the radar systems were tested rather successfully and marked the completion of a domestic pulse-Doppler radar. By the end of the 20th century, the plans for Project 12 (PL-12) were also on schedule for domestic ARH AAM. Thus the placeholder aircraft, J-8H, with a new radar joined the PLAAF with PL-11 SARH, while the J-8F with a modified radar based on the former radar new NATO-equivalent FCS main bus and access to ARH AAM were finalised by 2005 and became a cornerstone of the PLAAF until new interceptors replaced them from June 2022.

Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], the J-8F is the first domestic Chinese jet with a pulse-Doppler-capable radar, featuring powerful PL-8 and PL-12 AAMs and the ability to mount missiles on all wing pylons. The jet is also upgraded with new engines with higher thrust, new all- RWR systems and the J-8II's signature differential elevators for better roll rate.

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

The J-8F, like any other variant of the J-8 series, can be summarized as "Fishbed on Steroids" where the original design of J-8 series were based on simply putting 2 engines onto an enlarged MiG-21-like airframe. While the J-8F retained the signature delta wing, differential elevators and side intakes from the II series, for better flight performance, the jet is equipped with two new engines with higher thrust and additional pair of wing fence by the outboard of the wings, as well as new RWR systems for better situational awareness. The overall performance is better than its predecessor, the [[J-8B]], in most aspects. Players who have already researched the former would get on hand with the new jet fairly quickly thanks to its identical, if not better manoeuvrability for such a huge jet thanks to its antique yet advanced internal components. It still cannot outturn MiG-29 or F-14s in any cases, but the delta wings will still keep the J-8F in a reasonable turn rate while the engines can ensure prolonged (albeit not suggested) dogfights with even earlier jets that are lighter.

The probability of being hit is proportional to the plane's overall size: this is especially true since the J-8II series have been the longest jets in game (at a whopping 21.93 m, at least 2 m longer than the F-14 series). Its delta wing will bleed the speed at fast rate during high AoA manoeuvres. Be extra careful on when to enter the battlefield and scatter enemy jet formations using its high speed, then turn back to the main battlefield for opportunities to take out lonely enemies or those who are careless about the situation; they will meet a swift end if the high-performance missiles guided by HMD hit them.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,227 || 2,192 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.6 || 28.3 || 181.9 || 173.2 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,372 || 2,300 || 26.4 || 27.0 || 262.0 || 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 || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,365  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 525 || 450 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

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

==== 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" | Shenyang Liming WP-13B-II || 2
| colspan="2" | 9,977 kg || colspan="2" | 340 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel
|-
| 1,170 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,273 kg || 12,972 kg || 14,297 kg || 16,745 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,743 kgf || 6,967 kgf
| 1.24 || 1.07 || 0.97 || 0.80
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,812 kgf (1,365 km/h) || 8,003 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.42 || 1.23 || 1.12 || 0.92
|-
|}

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

Like most jets of its era, the J-8F still retained certain degree of extra protection due to its late introduction in the early 2000s on a rather obsolete airframe. Meanwhile, some standard equipment like self-sealing tanks and bulletproof glass are still present.

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

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

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 84 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_J-8B.png]]</div>
|-
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
| || 1 || || 6 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
| || 1 || || 6 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[500-3 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-3]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[500-4 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-4]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
| 7 || 7 || || || || 7 || 7
|-
! [[PL-5B]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-8]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-12]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! 1,400 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
|}

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

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks + 1 x 1,400 l drop tank
* 2 x PL-5B missiles
* 6 x PL-5B missiles
* 6 x PL-8 missiles
* 2 x PL-12 missiles
* 8 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 28 x Type 90-1 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

For players who are very familiar with the loadouts on the J-8B, most of the available weapons are identical on both jets, with the PL-8 (licensed Rafael Python-3) and PL-12. The PL-8 is a game-changer for the J-8F; with not only the best all-aspect locking range among NATO equivalents, the J-8F is also equipped with HMD for off-bore launches. A full loadout of 6 x PL-8 can be a nightmare for the enemy team if utilized carefully. The old faithful PL-5B still serves as its stock missiles - although it might be somewhat obsolete at the BR, launches on careless targets can still earn some quick victories. The PL-12 now turns the jet into a supersonic missile train with capabilities to finish off enemy jets at very long range (or, BVR range) but with only 2 missiles per flight; so be familiar to the performance of missile to maximize the overall efficiency.

The ground-attack loadout is totally identical to the J-8B though, with varieties of bombs and rockets at its disposal. Although neither the calibre nor explosive content of the Type 90-1 HEAT rocket is effective for hunting enemy MBTs even with a precise hit, they can still serve as an extra card on hand alongside the -3 series low drag GP bombs or -4 series drag chute retarded bombs. The bombs will certainly be more effective against more valuable targets such as MBTs, while saving rockets for vulnerable SPAA systems and light tanks.

== Usage in battles ==

Like its predecessors, the J-8F is designed to be a high-altitude interceptor that utilize ranges of missiles, especially radar-guided missiles; but due to avionic changes on J-8F eliminated the possibilities for PL-11, the remaining options called for the [[PL-12]] by [[Update "Seek & Destroy"|"Seek & Destroy"]] instead. The loadout of full-IR AAMs or mix of PL-12 and IR AAMs turn J-8F into what can be said as "old but not obsolete" while retaining the overall manoeuvrability which surprisingly good for such a huge jet and retained the similar flight envelope of the late MiG-21 series (MF or bis). Considering for the abundance of ARH AAM at top tier, players will need to employ tactics to end the service of enemy jets as much as possible for the final victory of friendly team.

==== Air Battles: The High-Speed Missile Train ====
The sheer size of the jet and its NATO codename of "Finback" could be a problem when there are enemies behind the J-8F's tail. Due to the availability of only IR AAMs, instead of being an interceptor and hunt down high-flyers, doing the opposite, i.e rushing into chaotic battlefield and taking out enemy jets is a viable option as preceded from J-8B. Having an AN/APG-66V equivalent radar is a major plus for the jet since it has in fact better radar than the later tech-tree jet, [[J-11]] and [[J-11A]]. A spade on its hand is a HMD fused with the technology from Russia and Israel. Not only it now enables off-bore lock-on to enemy jets, it also has a rather long acquisition range at whopping 5 km. The old friend PL-5B and newcomer PL-8 are now part of the spade cards on your hand. Even at this tier, the PL-5B still retains its immersive thrust that can take out enemy jets at around 4 km away while having 30 G overload, it is especially dangerous for careless jets which have no situational awareness for the incoming missile; HMD further enhance its acquisition at rear-aspects and making the J-8F able to fire with more flexibility upon enemy targets. While the PL-8 finally enables all-aspect lock on to enemy jets for PLAAF jets, not only it has the most immersive thrust among all NATO/US-allied countries IR AAMs, it also has unprecedented overload at 40 G for the time being which is more than enough to do all-aspect launches from unexpected angles at Mach 3.5 max speed thanks to the HMD. There are even occasions where low to high launches with more than 3 km altitude differences can hit targets at 5 km away, given the target didn't manoeuvre. With all 6 pylons available for IR missiles, scoring victories will not be a problem when picking the targets carefully i.e. those not using cycle salvos for flares or those already engaged in heated battles. By 2005, thanks to the access of PL-12 for J-8F (as part of its stock configuration), this turn the jet into an easily-underestimated target to begin with, thanks to the more advanced domestic avionics, if players considered well for an assault on enemy jet formation, even just two PL-12s can cause major havoc to enemy team, either by disabling them at once or by deterring them from vantage positions. Another note is that the J-8II series since the J-8D comes with a KJ8602 RWR with all-aspect detection, making players easier to identify threats without having to guess the exact direction; even with a question mark shown on the screen, players can identify the threat according to the analyze of the RWR, thus enabling them to evade the radar source accordingly .

Alternatively, some players will make use of its high payload to make extra profit against enemy fortifications or bases thanks to the so-called "JH-8" capabilities; eight 250 kg bombs are just enough to destroy a top-tier base with a single run. Just make sure to avoid any enemy jets which are eager to hunt down players who wanted to ruin player's bombing runs.

If players used up all their payloads, the remaining option is the Type 23-3 autocannon. While its technological predecessor, GSh-23L is infamous for its rather curved ballistics due to its low muzzle velocity, thanks to the Type 1492 PD radar and new HUD, the jet now enjoys ballistic computer for the gun as well and easier to land shots on enemy jets. While traditional, unassisted aiming is still viable to experienced players, be sure to compensate for the ballistics with more AoA. Most of all, the J-8F is always an interceptor; only use its sufficient manoeuvrability in dire situation or 1-vs-1 dogfights, as the delta wing design is a double-edge sword for the jet.

==== Ground Battles: The "JH-8" ====
A little fact to the J-8II series: there were competitions for the new PLAAF strike aircraft in the 1980. While XAC's JH-7 Flying Leopard (Feibao 飞豹; NATO codename Flounder) won the competition, one of the failed options was SAC's JH-8 based on J-8II (in this case as the 歼轰-8; the other one was NAMC's Q-6). And in fact J-8II does have sufficient air to ground payload (albeit no guided munition for these operations); there are options to take a mix of 250 kg bombs for multiple targets or 500 kg bombs for higher chance for a knock-out. Since the J-8F could fly at more than 1,300 km/h at sea level, chances are players have to consider which type of bomb to take. The -3 series are low-drag GP bombs while the -4 are drag-chute retard bombs; due to the lack of CCRP function, players have to either fly high and dive on enemies when taking the -3 series (very risky when any enemy SPAA, especially [[Pantsir-S1]], is online) or flying at top speed at very low-altitude to avoid any radar detection; be sure to plan ahead for the assault for maximum efficiency. Alternatively, some players would still take Type 90-1 rockets to take down light vehicles or SPAA systems with the help of the ballistic computer; bringing a mix of rockets, bombs or even IR AAMs can turn J-8F into its prospected usage as a fighter-bomber and enemy vehicles will be troubled by the "JH-8". Sometimes if players are troubled by enemy jets, the combination of PL-8 and PL-12 + centerline bombs can sometimes literary turn the jet into its JH-8 name, by sending enemy birds straight into a roast pigeons stove or deterring them from further damages, thus leading to major destruction of enemy team.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Rather high overall engine thrust
* Advanced avionics
** First domestic PLAAF jet to equip domestic PD radar with sufficient detection range
** HMD for off-bore launches, especially for all-aspect IR AAM
** All-aspect KJ8602 RWR, unlike Warsaw Pact SPO-15 with limited all-aspect capabilities
* 6 powerful PL-8s with very long lock-on range and high overload
* PL-12 ARH AAM comes at stock
* Sufficient payload for occasional ground-attack operations
* Retained the same, if not better manoeuvrability from J-8B
* High top speed
* First-stage afterburner is surprisingly efficient, providing relatively high thrust for minimal fuel consumption

'''Cons:'''

* Limited dogfight capabilities due to its obsolete airframe
* Relatively small ammo pool and advanced missiles
* Delta wing design and its size cause severe speed bleeding in manoeuvres
* Lacks "smart ammunition" for ground attacks
* Any damage to the tail or rear of the airframe, especially the elevators, can result in the aircraft being very difficult to control or completely disabled

== History ==

==== J-8C, the Ancestor ====
By 1986, there were plans to upgrade the already obsolete J-8II with completely new domestic avionics, in parallel to the Sino-American Peace Pearl (和平珍珠) program in 1984 to upgrade the jet with US/NATO avionics during the better days of Sino-American relationship. Soon after 1989's national-wide riots and the subsequent crackdown in the capital city of Beijing, although Grumman could still continue the project with SAC, due to the rise of budgets and difficulties to purchase NATO avionics after sanctions, the Peace Pearl was eventually cancelled. While the new variant, known as J-8C or J-8III was added to the schedule as Chairman Jiang Zemin (江泽民; 1927/8/17-2022/11/30) approved for the development of the 争气机 (lit. The Good-Show Jet; note: the term 争气 means to earn credits in terms of honour) at 1990/10/31 as the domestic alternatives to the Project 10 (J-10) and Su-27SK Flanker-B. There are two major features of the J-8C: Shenyang Liming WP-14 Kunlun turbojet engine and NRIET Type 1471 PD radar; although early test flights with the modified J-8II prototype airframes were like sailing on fair sea, the crash of two prototypes (one due to ATC miscommunication; one due to onboard fire) were already more than enough to give a death sentence to the project. After the successful test flights of the J-10, and an increase in the fleet of Flankers both from KnAAZ and SAC's J-11A, the project was eventually ditched by 2001. While the Kunlun bit the dust, the Type 1471 radar proved to be rather successful and set the cornerstone for future domestic radars. This was where the story J-8F begun.

==== Hotel and Foxtrot ====
By the time the J-8C was still under test flights, the other variant, the J-8D with aerial refuel capabilities took off to the skies by the end of 1991 and the plans to utilize the unused airframes started as well to further enhance to combat capabilities of J-8II. A well-known flaw of the J-8B was the rather inferior Changhong Type 208A radar that wasted many imported Aspide-1A (known as A弹 [A-missile] in PLAAF); the upgrade plans included a new PD radar for the SARH missiles and new WP-13B engines. The green lights were given in December 1999 and test flights done in the 2000s also make the new J-8H as the very first operational domestic jet with LD/SD capabilities, as well as PD (NRIET Type 1491) radar.

But before the test flights of the J-8H, the Air-to-Air Missile Research Institute (空空导弹研究院) also started the "Project 12" (12号工程) of what will be known as the PL-12 in the future; the radar needed to be able to guide PL-12 and TWS capabilities to hit 2 targets. Thus the J-8F planned for another new radar and WP-13B-II engines started its journey in 1998 and tested alongside with J-8H in 2000. Both J-8H and F featured the 149x series PD radar, black radome with lightning strip diverters, KJ8602 RWR from J-8D, as well as new pair of wing fence on the outboard of wings; the only visual difference for these two jets without any payload is a notch by the right side of the radome that indicated the installation of NRIET Type 1492 radar). Since the doctrine of PLAAF changed vastly and with the success of the PL-12, the J-8F became the final standardized version of the J-8 series and joined the PLAAF since 2002, serving as the trio of frontline fighters alongside with J-10s and Flankers. The J-8F was also the basis of the J-8FR (歼侦-8F) with recon pod replacing the autocannon (it was proposed to install WP-14 but later reverted to WP-13B-II for reliability).

As the production of new 4th generation fighters are in steady pace, all the frontline, combat-capable J-8II started to be phrased-out from the mid-2010s and the last division replaced their J-8F with undisclosed jets by June 2022, leaving the 36 J-8FR (24 for PLAAF and 12 for PLANAF) the only J-8 series aircraft still in service; thanks to its impressive climb rate and speed which are essential for recon flights.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j_8f Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|p_25MEJkZQc|'''The Shooting Range #364''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


* [[J-8B]] - J-8II Block 2 with monopulse radar and lesser missile payload

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8271-development-j-8f-jet-fighter-and-future-plans-on-the-bvraams-en|[Devblog] J-8F jet fighter and future plans on the BVRAAMs]]

{{AirManufacturer Shenyang}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

WMA301

2024-09-01T13:26:54Z

U4656018: Adding BTM-1 to the contents

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_wma_301
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an export product by NORINCO Factory 256 at Chongqing as the alternative to the domestic PTL02 assault gun. The design of this assault gun might likely from the previous prototypes in late-1980s when PLAGF has yet to develop a low-recoil 105 mm gun for assault gun platforms; based on the same WZ551 chassis, as the ZSL92 APC and the [[PTL02]] assault gun. The most noticeable differences from the PTL02 are the newly-designed welded turret that somewhat resembles the [[ZTZ96A]] in terms of the arrowhead shape, and the replacement of the original 100 mm smoothbore gun with a standard 105 mm rifled gun. This assault gun saw service in different African countries with large area of plains and in Myanmar, serving as a quick-response assault gun for the buyers and a fast-moving addition to their inventory.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]] as the new addition to the premium vehicles line-up, anyone familiar with the PTL02 can adjust to the WMA301 easily. It is a very similar vehicle for the most part, the main difference lying in its armament. The 105 mm rifled gun has a similar ammunition selection to the [[T-69 II G]] with a new addition being the GP105 gun-launched ATGM. The WMA301's APFSDS is less potent that the PTL02's top round, but it has access to a proximity fused HE round for fending off helicopters and a powerful tandem-warhead ATGM for defeating heavy targets, making it a very versatile vehicle. With good positioning and situational awareness, the WMA301 can contribute in almost any situation.

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


Both the WMA301 and its cousin the PTL02 share the very same WZ551 chassis, the WMA301 only having very slight modifications to the fighting compartment. So the WMA301 shares the same flaw of having a very lightly-armoured hull: its hull is armoured by only 6-10 mm of RHA all-round and is not well angled, which makes it very ill-protected. Even rifle-calibre machine guns (e.g. 7.62 mm) can penetrate its hull side when close enough, let alone cannon rounds, missiles, shrapnels, etc. The turret armour is better protected against machine guns, but machine guns only. The sloped 30 mm frontal turret can resist .50 cal bullets at point blank range, however the turret sides and rear are still weak. As a result, any proper anti-armour weaponry will be able to penetrate the WMA301 at any range with ease. Avoid anything with a HMG or any autocannon vehicles (including aircraft) at all costs, because it is very likely you will not have a second chance to return fire and knock the enemy out. On close inspection, it can be seen that WMA301's hull armour uses high-hardness armour in some areas instead of standard RHA, but considering that the plates are still identically thin to the PTL02's, the improvement in protection is negligible.

Also, its overall height is still high, so it will easily be spotted by enemies albeit with the combination of thin armour and large, empty volume will occasionally frustrate enemies firing subcalibre rounds. Penetration is essentially guaranteed, but minimal spalling is created and a hastily aimed shot may not catch many crew members or important modules in the line of fire. On the other hand, HE shells with a high explosive mass will often transmit shockwaves into the vehicle's interior and knock out the crew with overpressure damage. Other chemical rounds like HEAT and HESH might inflict overpressure damage but with a much lower probability. Bombs, rockets, and artillery shells are similarly dangerous.

The WMA301's turret is slightly more resilient than the PTL02's from the front. The turret face is made of high-hardness RHA and the arrowhead shape leads to greater sloping. This does not make a significant difference in practice; at best, it might shrug off some light autocannon fire at a distance.

The post-penetration survivability is also poor, largely depending on the point of penetration. Penetrating shots on the frontal part of the hull may get absorbed by the engine, fuel tank, wheels, or empty space, dealing minimal further damage. The engine placement (overall middle of vehicle) means that it will very likely catch the shots, immobilising the WMA301. Penetrating shells on the back part of the hull are very likely to cause ammo detonations since there are shells placed vertically below the turret, increasing their profile and making them more prone to getting hit. Penetrations through the turret might only result in the gun breech/turret ring getting damaged with 1-2 crew members lost, but in the worst case scenario it can detonate the ammo at the back of the turret.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* High-hardness rolled armour
* Cast homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm (33°) ''Driver viewport glacis'' 10 mm (78°) ''Upper Glacis'' 10 mm (40°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 8 mm (25°) ''Top'' 10 mm (6°) ''Bottom'' 8 mm (27°) ''Wheel wells'' || 6 mm (4°) ''Upper plate'' 6 mm (48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 10 mm (12°) ''Front glacis'' 6 mm ''Driver hatch'' 6 mm'' Centre''
|-
| Turret || 30 mm (54°) ''Upper turret front'' 30 mm (30°) ''Lower turret front'' 30 mm (0°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 20 mm (21°) ''Frontal'' 20 mm (4°) ''Rear'' || 15 mm (5°) || 10 mm (12°) 10 mm (13°) ''Centre''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 10 mm (cylindrical) || 10 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* 5 mm structural steel storage boxes covering the turret rear
* Lower hull sides, driver viewport glacis, lower glacis, driver's compartment cupolas, rear turret side armour, rear hull armour, and turret front consist of high-hardness RHA
* Gun mantlet consists of cast homogeneous armour
* Wheels are 10 mm thick

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=496|rbMinHp=283}}

The WMA301's mobility is overall satisfactory. Since the WMA301 is essentially a PTL02 with a different turret, the whole power train and the suspension system are totally the same as the latter, powered by the same Deutz DBF8L413F and ZF 5S-111GPA transmission, so they share the same top speed at 85 km/h. Surprisingly, it has the same weight as the PTL02 despite the new features.

The acceleration is adequate. Like other wheeled vehicles, it is able to reach an average top speed of ~65 km/h on paved roads or other hard surfaces like dry grassland, which is quite fast compared to tracked vehicles. However this speed is very average when comparing with wheeled counterparts like the [[Rooikat (Family)|Rooikat]] and [[R3 T106 FA|R3 T106]]. The turn radius is quite small, allowing it to steer agilely in confined areas such as in a city, increasing its flexibility.

Like its domestic cousin, to make the most out of the good top speed, it will need to navigate on hard terrain (roads, urban surfaces) for best results. If players must be used on hilly and soft terrain maps, try your best not to get stuck since the lack of mobility will absolutely be the death sentence of this vehicle.

Its first and most noticeable disadvantage is the extremely awful reverse speed. Capped at -7 km/h, the WMA301 will not be able to quickly reverse into cover which is usually fatal for a light tank player. This is very much unlike other wheeled counterparts, significantly limiting the WMA301's overall mobility. This also forces the player to turn the entire vehicle around to comfortably manoeuvre/position, wasting time. The power-to-weight ratio is also average: weighing 19 tons and powered by a 320 hp (RB) engine, 16.84 hp/ton is just a bit lacklustre when travelling over uneven or loose terrains, making the WMA301 very sluggish at doing so. The suspension is soft and bouncy, resulting in the hull wobbling a lot after breaking. This does not affect the cannon as it is stabilised, however the binoculars will shake with the hull, which may throw off the crosshair. This is most impactful when the player is trying to scout with binoculars as an unstable view can cause a failed scout, and you will have to wait for its long cool-down.

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

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

{{main|WMA301 (105 mm)}}

Since the WMA301 is an export vehicle and the compatibility to mainstream ammunition is essential, it chose a 105 mm gun as its main armament; based on the ZPL94 gun found on T-69 II G but with lower recoil. It can fires both NATO and NORINCO's 105 mm ammunition ranging from HEATFS to APFSDS, as well as HE-VT rounds.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[WMA301 (105 mm)|105 mm WMA301]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -4°/+18° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 24.8 || 34.3 || 41.6 || 46.0 || 48.9 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 15.5 || 18.2 || 22.1 || 24.4 || 26.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:WMA301 (105 mm)/Ammunition|Type-83 HEAT, DTB-1, Type-83 HESH, BTM1, GP105, Type-83 APDS}}

* The '''Type 83 APFSDS''' round is the same as found on the [[ZTZ59D1]] and shares all traits of it, which is still sufficient for its BR but it might struggle when it faces Soviet MBTs with higher protection at longer ranges. For example, a spaded [[T-72A]] with the add-on armour can be difficult to penetrate outside of the standard Soviet weak spots of the driver's port and lower glacis, whereas the PTL02's DYW PT86-100 round can penetrate the T-72's hull quite easily. The APFSDS is still the best all-purpose round since it has a high muzzle velocity and is a kinetic projectile that will not be disrupted by bushes and fences.

* During the late 1990s, Mainland China has acquired 100 mm gun-launched ATGM technologies from Russia, so the WMA301 also comes with a powerful '''GP105 tandem ATGM''' which owners of [[BMP-3]] may find familiar. The statistics are very similar to the 9M117M1 Bastion: good flight speed, high TNT equivalent mass, and a tandem warhead for bypassing ERA which makes it a very deadly threat to tanks with early ERA like [[AMX-30B2 BRENUS]]. However heavy ERA like Kontakt-5 can still detonate the entire missile, though they are usually found on higher BR MBTs. When the APFSDS starts to lose effectiveness at long range, this missile is a strong backup choice. Thankfully, the WMA301 does not suffer from the BMP-3's massive reload penalty for ATGMs. The GP105's whopping 750 mm of penetration can take down practically anything it will ever meet at its BR. Even high-tier Soviet behemoths like the [[T-64B]] or [[T-72B]], featuring ERA and strong composite armour, can be defeated by the GP105. As a beam-riding missile, the GP105 is immune to IRCM and can be guided on the move if necessary at the cost of some accuracy, increasing the WMA301's survivability compared to other missile carriers.

* The '''Type 83 HEATFS''' round is nothing special, only having very slight improvements over the Type 1973 HEATFS used by the PTL02. Against most targets it is simply less useful than the APFSDS. HESH rounds have low penetration and poor ballistics, successful impacts creating wide but shallow sprays of spalling. The HEATFS and HESH rounds are generally obsolete, as their only advantages over the APFSDS are their ability to cause overpressure damage through their explosive content, but the aforementioned GP105 can perform the same role as well; in fact, GP105 has a higher TNT equivalent than both the HEATFS and HESH. Using HESH rounds as an last-ditch option to knock out hull down vehicles by splashing turret roofs might occasionally be viable.
* Oddly enough, due to the needs to defeat fortifications by multiple means possible other than PLAAF air strikes, PLAGF artillery or in last-ditch, by infantries, NORINCO brought in the unique '''BTM-1 SAP''' (or more precise, anti-concrete ammunition) for all PLAGF 105 mm cannons. To simply what this shell can do - players can take it as an APHE which has likelihood of being detonated by side skirts and be defeated by ERA blocks; in this case, its 97 mm penetration at point-blank range and its 2.31 kg TNTe explosive can certainly disable enemy vehicles for good from sides without concerning about shrapnel spreading inside the vehicle, the explosive content would very likely do the job. But just in case against IFVs or SPAAs, bring some HEATFS/HESH is always a good idea to knock them out as sometimes BTM-1 would over-penetrate some targets.

* Last but not least is the '''DTB-1 HE-VT''' round, seen previously on the T-69 II G. Although it is useful to deal with helicopters or low-flying aircraft in very shallow dives, this should be done with caution since anything that flies is the last thing the WMA301 wants to face. For anti-helicopter duties, locate the target using the WMA301's thermal sights, lase them with the laser rangefinder, and fire the round with enough lead to catch them comfortably within the proximity fuse radius. It is recommended to measure the range for every shot. Keep in mind that DTB-1 has a rather low muzzle velocity and it is difficult to hit helicopters that are moving unpredictably and/or staying at long range. Actual aircraft are difficult to hit since the WMA301 doesn't have as much gun elevation as a proper SPAA. Serious anti-air duties are best left to the [[WZ305]] or [[PGZ09]].

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x350px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''30''' || 22 ''(+8)'' || 13 ''(+17)'' || 1 ''(+29)'' || No
|-
|}

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

{{main|QJC88A (12.7 mm)|Type 86 (7.62 mm)}}

The turret-mounted 12.7 mm QJC88A HMG has already become the standardized HMG for most PLAGF vehicles after the 1990s and this exported assault gun was no exception. The main usage of the HMG is to deal with lightly protected vehicles and low-flying aircraft including helicopters. It can also effectively damage gun barrels, tracks, optics, MG, and ERA to assist teammates in destroying enemies, though this may require a lot of fire. Players who dealt with the paltry 50-round belt capacity of the 12.7 mm DShK machine guns of previous PLA vehicles will be happy to know that the QJC88A has a much more generous 150-round belt capacity.

The 7.62 mm MG, on the other hand, is only useful in clearing obstacles such as fences, marking out enemy positions on the minimap, or knocking out exposed crew on certain vehicles (e.g. M113 TOW). It lacks the penetration to pierce through even lightly armoured vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJC88A (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm QJC88A]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 600 (150) || 600 || -6°/+85° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Type 86 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm Type 86]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 1,000 (250) || 700 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

Like its domestic cousin, the WMA301's main advantages lie in its mobility and gun sight. As such one of the tactics the WMA301 can utilise is long-range engagements. Since it has an excellent second-generation gunner thermal, great APFSDS, and a laser rangefinder, it can comfortably sit behind and snipe. To be an effective sniper the player must have adequate map knowledge and memorise sniping locations on different maps. Because the WMA301 has very poor gun depression and slow reverse speed, these constrains place further limitations on the available spots, and unfortunately the player would not be able to use certain spots that other nations' wheeled vehicles can use.

Usually suitable sniping spots for the WMA301 include some following characteristics:

* Be at around 800-1,800 m from target area: long distance will not be a barrier for the WMA301, instead it protects its fragile body. The thermal sight makes searching distant targets extremely easy, and the high velocity of the APFSDS eases leading. The shell still retains enough penetration at ~1,000 m to go through most tanks around this BR.

* Overlooks a key passageway: an accurate sniper at a good spot can cut off the enemies' vehicle supplies, leading to less enemies threatening your teammates at the frontline and therefore making the victory easier.

* Has little to no slopes/hills: the WMA301 cannot fight in hilly terrains due to its poor gun depression, thus the spots you pick must be overall flat. The WMA301 also accelerates very sluggishly on slopes, so if you are spotted you will not have enough speed to retreat in time.

* Has hard covers or vegetation: hard covers can provide some much-needed protection in case the WMA301 gets spotted. Vegetation, on the other hand, will partly conceal the tall profile of the vehicle, blending it into the background which can be effective against foes without thermal optics.

At the spot, scan across the battlefield using the gunner thermal. Since its field of view is limited, the smallest zoom is recommended to increase the view arc. Commander's binoculars do provide superior field of view, however it does not have access to thermal therefore heavily reducing the effectiveness of target searching. If you spot white heat signatures (whether it be engine smoke or the vehicle itself) behind obstacles, remember to scout it (note that scouting will not work if target is too far away). If the target can be shot at, simply range-find the distance, the cannon will quickly elevate to said distance. All you have to do is to point the centre of the crosshair at it and fire. The post-penetration effect of the APFSDS is enough to knock out most if not all crew if it hits the fighting compartment, however if the aim is a bit off the crew damage is likely be minimal. You must be very skilled at leading moving targets to ensure single-shot knock-outs since the gun only adjusts itself vertically. Not finishing off a target within 2 shots will not only allow it to fight back, but will also expose your position which can be fatal.

Note: if a target is moving towards you in the distance, after rangefinding and having your cannon adjusted, aim the crosshair down a bit since the target has moved closer after you measured the distance. If it is moving away, aim a bit higher.

With its 85 km/h speed, flanking is the key to avoid any direct fire from pretty much any vehicle armed with at least a heavy machine gun. Because of the negligible protection found on this vehicle, take all precautions and avoid rushing into direct fire at all costs, you will not have the luxury of having the second chance to return fire. Being one of the slowest wheeled assault guns in the game, taking vantage points might not be possible considering the inferior top speed that only gets worse in off-road situations. The thin armour and poor reverse speed punish poor positioning, so think carefully about what spots allow the WMA301 to spot and engage enemies without being overly exposed to incoming fire. Complicated terrains are problematic for this vehicle and it tends to do better in urban combat. Any aircraft is a lethal threat, with either guns or rockets, so keep away from their sight. Use smoke grenades to mask your position if there are no buildings or other forms of large cover to hide behind. Helicopters in particular will have an easy time spotting and destroying the WMA301, so do not attract their attention and make use of the heavy machine gun, gun-launched ATGM, and as a last ditch, HE-VT if they get very close.

Whatever the situation, APFSDS and ATGM are a must for the WMA301 and they come with the tank as it is a premium vehicle. The Type 83 APFSDS can handle most targets at its BR and anything else with ERA or strong composite armour can be dealt with by the ATGM. With the same 2nd generation thermal gunner's sight and a laser rangefinder found on the PTL02, being a mid-field runner for hit-and-run attacks or staying behind and sniping careless targets are both viable roles for the WMA301.

;Enemies worth noting

* [[Rooikat Mk.1D|Rooikat]], [[Centauro (Family)|Centauro]], [[M1128]]: these wheeled vehicles perform a similar flanking role on the battlefield. Therefore you will often encounter them while flanking or on your way to flank. These vehicles are generally faster, both forwards and backwards, have better gun depression or better optics/ammo, so they may already be at a cap point before you. If this is the case, ambush around their location and passively hunt them down, as the WMA301's rather slow acceleration and bad reverse prevents it from being offensive in terms of mobility. The Rooikat lacks thermal sights, making it easier to spot and destroy preemptively. The M1128 has an unmanned turret, good thermal sights for all crew members, and slat armour that occasionally interferes with HEATFS rounds. A well placed APFSDS round to the turret or crew compartment may be able to knock them out instantly, but if they survive, a follow-up ATGM should be able to finish the job.

* [[AMX-10RC]]: a contemporary French 6x6 wheeled light tank armed with a 105 mm gun, APFSDS rounds, and thermal sights for the gunner. The AMX-10RC has a rather low profile compared to other wheeled tanks and can be a dangerous sniper. Unlike the other wheeled vehicles mentioned previously, the AMX-10RC does not have any sort of gun stabilizer. Try to attack it when it is on the move and cannot shoot accurately.

* [[Gepard]], [[Type 87]], [[M3 Bradley]], [[BMP-2]], etc.: these vehicles are fast and armed with fully-stabilized autocannons that will very easily rip through the WMA301. Keep a safe distance and try to ambush them.

* [[Dardo]], [[M3A3 Bradley]]: these IFVs can sling a pair of powerful top-attack TOW-2B ATGMs that can easily destroy the WMA301 even if it is hiding behind cover. The TOW-2B also has 4.10 kg of TNT equivalent and a 3 m proximity fuse, which is very bad news - the operator only needs to send a TOW-2B in the WMA301's general location to trigger lethal overpressure damage. The Dardo is particularly dangerous since it does not need to deploy its launcher before firing and has a very quick autocannon that can mow down the WMA301 down in a heartbeat. If these IFVs are on the field, hang back and be very cautious, only attacking when they are distracted. If they become aware of your position, immediately deploy smoke grenades and retreat as quickly as possible behind tall terrain features.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Deadly 105 mm cannon with high velocity, adequate rate of fire and great accuracy
* Gen 2 gunner thermal greatly enhances search-and-destroy ability
* Various ammunition: from APFSDS, to unique HE-VT and SAPCBC to gun-launched tandem ATGM
* Superior tandem ATGM carrier (can fire on the move, with the same reload time as conventional shells and can carry a high number of ATGMs)
* Competitive top speed on hard surfaces
* Roof-mounted HMG is lethal against helicopters and light vehicles (e.g. M113)
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades provide helpful concealment
* Turn radius is quite small for a wheeled vehicle, beneficial in urban areas
* Has laser rangefinder to assist long-range shooting

'''Cons:'''

* Abysmal reverse speed of only -7 km/h, fatally slow for a wheeled vehicle
* Poor agility on soft terrain like mud, sand and snow
* Poor gun depression
* Bouncy suspension, hard to aim when driving on rough terrain
* Extremely thin hull armour, can be easily penetrated by 12.7 mm HMG fire
* Tall profile, easy to get spotted and shot at
* APFSDS is less powerful at ranges exceeding 2,000 m and will struggle to penetrate well-protected tanks (e.g. [[T-62M-1]], [[T-72A]])
* Has no commander fire control

== History ==

In the early 1980s, the Factory 256 (currently known as NORINCO Chongqing Tiema Industrial Cooperation) started their version of a domestic wheeled APC program coded WZ551. The factory decided to built the APC based on Mercedes-Benz 2026 off-road truck which has just been introduced into Mainland China, the program didn't go well as they decided later on to make major changes to the propulsion system and therefore the WZ551 was delayed. This delay caused the withdrawn of funding from the 7th 5-year project and Factory 256 needed to export this APC in order to recoup their investment. However, in 1986, the prototype of the WZ551 was approved by the PLAGF and was selected as their future wheeled APC. The WZ551's appearance resembled the French VAB APC, which may have influenced the former's design. It was approved for production in 1988 and designated as ZSL90 and later ZSL92 with improved propulsion. The WZ551A chassis was then designed to mount different weaponry ranging from riot-suppression equipment, mortar, IFV turret and anti-tank weaponry.

Two decades after its introduction, based on the [[PTL02]] wheeled assault gun, NORINCO introduced a version of it with an improved turret and new low-recoil 105 mm gun for potential customers with needs for a fire-support vehicle with mobility. First sold to Myanmar in early 2010s, this wheeled assault gun was then exported to different Asian/African countries, serving as their quick response vehicle in heated conflict zones.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_wma_301 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|chjZ6Hra--c|'''Best wheeled tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 01:47 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|3AXZaPoFojs|'''The Shooting Range #264''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China light tanks}}
{{China premium ground vehicles}}

[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

J-11A

2024-08-31T12:38:40Z

U4656018: Changes from R-77 to RVV-AE

{{About
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-27 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=j_11a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼-11A型歼击机) with identical NATO codename of '''Flanker-B''', represents the Sino-Belarusian upgrade for the SKD series J-11, a licensed built of the infamous Su-27SK. By 1996, SAC has negotiated for the domestic assemble and later production of Su-27SK at Shenyang, Liaoning, where the experiences gained during the construction would further be refined by engineers as the basis of future heavy interceptors; after the blueprints and required machineries have been delivered to Shenyang, SAC constructed the first batch by September 1998 and further 4 batches were constructed until the later J-11B (Flanker-L) replaced the production line, now with mostly domestic alternatives to the decade-old Flankers and fully translated cockpit. Originally, Russia has planned for a Su-27SMK variant for PLAAF with upgraded avionics and weaponry; however the completion of reverse-engineer and introduction of domestic interceptors with vastly improved avionics put an end to this program. Meanwhile, after the introduction of PLANAF's Su-30MKK (Flanker-G) and their RVV-AE missiles, PLAAF seek for solutions to upgrade the J-11A fleet with capabilities to launch ARH AAMs; this in turn led to the cooperation between SAC and Belarusian's '''558th Aircraft Repair Plant''' where the latter introduced a very interesting mean to bypass the obsolete FCS on J-11A, by programming and rewiring the systems to trick it that it was an earlier R-27 series instead of a RVV-AE was installed, Belarusian engineers upgraded the aircraft at minimal costs and modifications to J-11A. By 2010s, the need for intensive CAP missions over South China Sea also brought in a new upgrade for certain J-11As operated by divisions in Guangdong by installing domestic UV MAWS systems for maximum situational awareness; these aircrafts are still in service with PLAAF by some units as part of the ever-growing PLAAF interceptor fleet.

Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]] as one of the new Flankers arrived in game for this patch, J-11A introduced the capabilities to launch ARH AAM while having slight upgrade on situational awareness; while the aircraft itself is still haunts by the vastly inferior Russian avionics, the overall combat capability and handling is mostly identical, if not better than previous J-11 (Su-27SK).

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

Like its brother J-11, the performance of J-11A can be said as identical to its predecessor. Although it would still take 8 more years for SAC to refine the somewhat overweight airframe, the original design of Flanker has exceptional maneuverability for such a huge jet; like mentioned in previous jet, J-11, it has very similar length to a J-8II while having much wider airframe, making it one of the largest jet fighter in game in terms of surface area. With the help of the SDU-10 FBW system and almost 1.0 T/W ratio, even jets at lighter weight will have problem dogfighting a Flanker in dire situation; while it still retains very similar, if not the same stall speed of other Flankers in-game, remember the most iconic maneuver, "Pugachev's Cobra" is more of an aerobatics instead of conventional maneuvers for dogfight and its 21x14 m size also means enemy shots will have easy time landing shots onto the airframe, so unless in a solo dogfight, take Flanker as a missile truck, then "hit-and-run" for maximum efficiency while evading any missile that has locked onto the player.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2394 ||2349
| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.5 || 26.0 || 172.1 || 160.1 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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="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" | Saturn AL-31F || 2
| colspan="2" | 16,990 kg || colspan="3" | 426 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,520 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 19,810 kg || 21,184 kg || 23,281 kg || 26,390 kg || 34,586 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
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,220 kgf || 11,660 kgf
| 1.18 || 1.10 || 1.00 || 0.88 || 0.67
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,220 kgf (0 km/h) || 15,640 kgf (1,540 km/h)
| 1.58 || 1.48 || 1.34 || 1.19 || 0.90
|-
|}

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

By 1980s, to further reduce the weight, most interceptors were not equipped with extra armor plates for both the pilot and critical components; this is no exception for the Flanker series and also its Chinese domestic production variants, thus the pilot can face fatal hits from both autocannons or missile shrapnel.

Meanwhile, all the 5 fuel tanks onboard are self-sealed, meaning that with the help of researchable fire extinguishers, the J-11A can sometimes save itself from fatal structural failure in case of a fire.

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

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

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
* 96 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9 !! width="5%" | 10
| rowspan="19" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Su-27.png]]</div>
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| || 1 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250-270 (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250-270]] bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2, 6 || 1, 5 || 1, 4 || 1, 2 || 1, 5 || 1, 2, 6 || 1 ||
|-
! [[OFAB-250Sh (250 kg)|250 kg OFAB-250Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[FAB-500Sh (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500Sh]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| || || 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| || || 20, 40 || || || || || 20, 40 || ||
|-
! [[S-13OF]] rockets
| || || 5, 10 || || || || || 5, 10 || ||
|-
! [[S-25O]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OF]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[S-25OFM]] rockets
| || || 1, 2 || || || || || 1, 2 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ER1]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27ET1]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27R1]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-27T1]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[R-73E]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[RVV-AE]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x R-73E missiles + 2 x RVV-AE missiles
* 6 x R-73E missiles
* 2 x R-27T1 missiles
* 6 x R-27R1 missiles
* 2 x R-27ET1 missiles
* 6 x R-27ER1 missiles
* 6 x RVV-AE missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x S-25O rockets
* 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
* 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

The overall payload of J-11A is 94% identical to previous J-11 with only RVV-AE ''(export of R-77 missile)'' missiles as the exception. The principle of the design of Flanker is an interceptor, not multirole fighter; thus it still lacks more advanced precision ground attack munition like AGMs or LGBs for much safer approach on enemy vehicles, this also hinders the overall research efficiency when players have to ditch AAMs for unguided munitions in case players need the XP from AI ground targets. While using them at ground RB is still possible, this requires the elite among elites to achieve maximum efficiency without being blasted out of the skies at the first minute.

For AAM loadouts, R-73E, R-27(E)T/R1 and RVV-AE are now your best friends when facing enemy aircrafts; the loadout options can leave up to 10 AAMs at once with different loadout options depending on player's desire. The R-73E and its Russian cousin are well known for their excellent maneuverability at close range while having some extend of ECCM capabilities; while they are still susceptible to flares or sometimes the sun itself, a shot on careless players can certainly earn a victory over them while sometimes seeing the missile flies like an UFO then hit the target. Before the RVV-AE was researched, the R-27T or R (IR; radar-homing) missiles can be said as better than none due to their already inferior performance at its tier since they don't have sufficient thrust for long-range engagements, this also worsen by the unreliable N001E radar in this case; the ET1/ER1 is completely another story, the former turned itself into a huge IR AAM seeking for the most careless player from afar while the latter can travels up to 20 km reliable and score a victory even from more advanced foes, but this require a radar lock so be very cautious for any oncoming threats before the target was erased from existence.

The RVV-AE finally turns J-11A into a competent rival at top tier, although the unique fence-wing drastically increase its drag for long-range engagements, a lock on enemy jets at much closer distances (i.e 10 km) turns RVV-AE into a somewhat dogfight missile; due to the datalink limits at only one missile at a time, be sure to keep the lock as long as possible before the tracker fires up and search for the enemy target.

The ground loadout on the other hand is still disappointing: all the loadouts under this category is totally identical to Su-27S/J-11 with wide range of unguided bombs or rockets at player's disposal. The rocket pods are more for light vehicle columns or SPAAs while the bombs at up to 500 kg is still more than enough to take down even the heaviest MBT at its tier; in case players do have the need to go for ground attacks in ground RB, make very good use of CCRP or top-down attacks given players evaded the blind spots of enemy threats.

== Usage in battles ==

The J-11A shares many identical features with its predecessor from Soviet Union/Russia, the Su-27SK/J-11 with only the addition of RVV-AE missiles being the exception; while the overall combat capability is vastly limited by inferior avionics even with upgrades, the modification with Belarusian and the domestic upgrades from PLAAF still make it competent in modern aerial battles.

==== Air - The Northeastern Chicken Rib Cages ====
For players who have some degree of knowledge on Chinese slangs, 鸡肋 (Chicken ribs) means something that isn't much useful but still wasteful to dispose with; this is somewhat true for the J-11A as some might refer it as a chicken rib cages which is a low-budget but tasty dish in Northeastern China. The background of this dish was due to the decline of state-owned enterprises by 1990 when workers still seek for ways to enjoy a good meal at low budget. For the PLAAF, although there were J-10(A) and J-11B in service by mid-2000s, the fleet of around 104 J-11A could use some upgrades for the future battlefield before more advanced jets can replace them; this is also the key of J-11A's in-game representation: a way to upgrade the fleet with slightly revised avionics and domestic UV MAWS. The overall flight performance of J-11A can be said as totally identical to previous J-11 with negligible weight differences, the only differences are only the addition of RVV-AE and a domestic MAWS; a major problem for the Flanker platform (aside from Su-27SM or post-2006 SAC Flankers) is the rather inferior radar system, while his cousin in Russia Su-27SM received upgrades on radar and RWR, J-11A only received a FCS upgrade for the guidance of RVV-AE and only at one missile at a time due to datalink limits (as discussed in history section). This also means players have to be familiar with the radar performance that has somewhat low reliability even to its lower-tier domestic jet, J-8F, this will be problem with any given radar-guided missiles as they will require a reliable lock on targets before they hit enemy targets, let alone the more advanced RVV-AE which still needs some guidance before it can turn on its seeker. Considering that players have to get through researches before having any different missiles, the two R-73E will be the best friend of J-11A and be sure to find the most careless target for maximum efficiency; while most jets at this tier has MAWS, players will need extreme situational awareness to evade every single missile - one unexpected missile is more than enough to disable the enemy target for good.

As for the RVV-AE in this case, due to its datalink limits and missile limits, the RVV-AE can leave as a supersize "dogfight" AAM in this case, while it might not travel as far as most of its competitors in different tech trees, with vertical scan mode or HMD mode, players can lock onto the closest target as soon as possible before they launch the RVV-AE onto enemy targets; it is more than enough to turn on the missile seeker and tracks the target.

==== Ground - A Tradition to Hold ====
''*Due to the identical ground payload of J-11A to the previous J-11, the only exception would be the UV MAWS installed on J-11A and RVV-AE missiles, thus tactics can be referenced to the J-11 in this case.''

Among the Chinese community, there is a saying that "Anything in PLAAF must come with ground-attack capabilities using unguided rockets". This is in fact true for the J-11A in this case as there are many images from PLAAF showing the Su-27SK, the J-11A or the future J-11B series carrying Russian/domestic rocket pods for ground attacks. The Flanker family is known for their interception capabilities but the rather abundant payload is also a good platform for ground-attack operations albeit lacking any precision munitions; pylons on the J-11A is mostly identical to the previous J-11 with multiple payload point, when players think a Flanker is nowhere an attacker, it does in fact have even more bombs in quantity than the Chinese domestic JH-7A (30 x 250 kg bombs vs. 22 x 250 kg bombs) in case players want to cause extensive damage to enemy armored column. Players can also go for even more bombs with 100 kg bombs or better kill radius with 500 kg bombs, depending on the playstyle and the composition of enemy vehicles. It is always a good idea to carry varieties of bombs for heavy targets while leaving the rocket pods (twin pods) to handle light vehicles; for example, the FAB-500 series is a good idea to take out heavy targets in stationary or armored columns, while leaving B-8 or B-13 rocket pods against light vehicles or SPAAs. But as a thumb of rule of Flanker family in-game: always plan for your assault when entering the battlefield as enemy SPAAs or fighters would want to hunt down enemy jets as well. Although lacking the ground-attack capabilities of the [[Su-27SM]], thanks to the CCIP and CCRP onboard, the J-11A can employ both high-altitude or low-altitude approach against enemy targets, either by bombing a certain area filled with enemy vehicles or evading SPAAs before unleashing hell against enemy players. If the skies are full of enemy jets which SPAA systems could not handle, it will also be a good time to utilize the great missiles on the J-11A ranging from the IR guided R-73E, the R-27 family and now the RVV-AE ARH AAMs. Employing tactics from air battles is still viable to keep the skies clear as it is always a good idea to pick careless players that are too concentrated on ground-attacks.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Excellent maneuverability for such a huge jet, identical to the J-11
* Upgraded domestic UV MAWS for higher situational awareness
* Vast arsenal of AAMs or air-to-ground weapons at up to 10 payload points
* Huge internal fuel tank for sustained combat
* Access to RVV-AE ARH AAM for even longer engagement range
* Devastating 30 mm autocannon with sufficiently high rate of fire

'''Cons:'''

* Huge target
* Retains the same inferior Soviet-era electronics and RWR as the J-11 or Su-27
* Only guides a single RVV-AE at once due to datalink limits
* Low ammo count for last-ditch gunfights
* Lacks precision air-to-ground ammunition for CAS operations

== History ==

For PLAAF, the deal of Su-27SK was certainly an excellent (and the most viable) decision to enhance the already obsolete PLAAF interceptor fleet which was still yet to deploy any SARH AAM ''(the previous tests on J-8II and B wasted many imported Aspide-1A missiles; it was way until 2002 when PL-11 and J-8H were finalized)'' and seeking for a heavy interceptor platform for the more advanced domestic avionics. After the introduction of the 38th and 39th batch of Su-27SK from Soviet Union/Russia, PLAAF negotiated for almost 3 years since 1993 for the domestic production license of Su-27SK by SAC in Shenyang; with the threats for no further orders of Flankers to PLAAF service and the worsening economy after the shock therapy, the deal was set for 200 jets to be assembled on CKD/SKD kits at Shenyang since 1998 while the engineers have to prepare beforehand for the translations of documents two years earlier since 1996. This set for the foundation of later J-11A and (mostly) domestic J-11B; but by the end of 20th century, the tactics of aerial combat have shifted vastly - after the introduction of more advanced ARH AAM such as AIM-120 series, the absence of continuous guidance on target from the launcher aircraft enabled "hit-and-run" tactics at a much farther radius. Although deemed as the state-of-the-art jet for PLAAF of its era, J-11A which was produced since 1998 now lagged behind the era and would soon be threaten by another Sukhoi jet for PLANAF: '''Su-30MKK Flanker-G''' delivered in 2000.

Earlier by 1995, Sukhoi introduced the very unique Su-27SMK* ''(block no. 40-01, 305; also the prototype of Su-27SKM for Indonesia)'' in attempt to further secure the orders from PLAAF with retractable refuel probe, ground attack capabilities and upgraded avionics; but the eventual first flight of J-10 and advancement in radar technology broke any hopes to sell this variant to PLAAF. This also led to the eventual cancellation of any further production of Su-27SK in Shenyang with only 105 jets delivered to PLAAF ''(the remaining 95 airframes were reused for Su-27SM series by KnAAPO)''; with the commence of J-11B program and Project No. 12 ([[PL-12]]) by 1998, attempts to enhance the combat capabilities of J-11A also rose up as PLAAF now has RVV-AE (RVV-AE; AA-12 Adder) introduced thanks to the PLANAF deal on Su-30MKK; this missiles delivered since 2000 brought in a major problem for engineers: How to guide an ARH AAM with the N001E radar?

''*Note: The name SMK would be more grammatically correct in Russian nomenclature; renamed to SKM but still means '''S'''erial '''M'''odernization '''C'''ommercial''

Due to the design of N001E radar, its guidance method and unable to reverse-engineer the FCS, it was impossible for J-11A to even consider RVV-AE at the first place ''(NIIP revised the radar systems as the '''N001VEP''' for Su-27SM; while Su-30MKK installed '''N001VE''' for additional air-to-surface combat capabilities)''; which also means F-16C or F-15C/E series can engage the Flanker way before it reaches the calculated maximum firing range. Due to the lack of concrete information, aside from PLAAF images showing J-11A with two RVV-AEs on the centerline, there is a missing link between those images and the modification; the most well-known rumor suggested that SAC seek for the assistance of Belarusian's '''558th Aircraft Repair Plant''' and led to an interesting solution to the problem: since PLAAF never imported the first series R-27 which still exists in the coding of FCS, Belarusian engineers decided to rework on the programming and some hardware of the radar systems to trick the SUV-27 FCS that '''it was R-27 instead of RVV-AE that was in the payload.''' This crude yet effective modification quickly became the upgrade for J-11A; although the modification requires the pilot to countdown with clock before launch, it gave the chance to return-fire upon foes, not being a sitting duck during aerial combat. Around 2010s, thanks to the advancement of avionics at CETC and their introduction of UV MAWS for PLAAF interceptors, some J-11A operated by the 2nd Division, PLAAF received experimental MAWS installed on four corners of the aircraft as an solution to enhance situational awareness during their CAP missions over the South China Sea; although not becoming the standard issue for the remaining J-11A fleet in PLAAF service, this ultimate upgrade done by both Chinese and Belarusian can at least keep J-11A up to the pace of modern aerial combats - it might be obsolete since it's a two-decade-old aircraft, but with the help of the extensive datalink complex of PLA, J-11A could still support its more advanced "brothers in arms" to defend the skies.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

'''Su-27 "Flanker" series'''

Soviet Union/Russia

* [[Su-27]] - Su-27S to be precise; the second serial production variant for VVS
* [[Su-27SM]] - Modernization of Su-27S with upgraded avionics and capabilities to use precision munitions

Mainland China

* [[J-11|Su-27SK/J-11]] - PLAAF purchase of block 38 and 39 Su-27S in 1990 and 1993 respectively

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Shenyang}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

J-8 (Family)

2024-08-25T20:56:12Z

U4656018: Some revisions in format and contents

== Description ==
The '''Shenyang J-8''' is a jet interceptor designed and developed by the People's Republic of China. The project started in the early 1960s as a low-risk initiative to create a larger and more powerful version of the Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)|MiG-21F]] for air-defense missions against new US/Soviet bombers.

{{Navigation-Start|J-8 Nicknames}}
{{Navigation-First-Line|'''NATO'''}}Finback

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''␗ SAC Designers'''}}烤鸭 (Roast duck; by Huang Zhiqian)

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''␗ Official'''}}空中美男子 (Handsome in Air; by PLAAF and comment of Singaporean pilot )

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''␗ Public'''}}八爷 (Grandpa Eight; by Chinese military enthusiasts)空中蔡国庆 ([https://mydramalist.com/people/51427-cai-guo-qing Cai Guoqing],a Chinese male actor known for his attractive appearance)
{{Navigation-End}}

==Vehicles==
===Rank VII===

* [[J-8B]] - Block 2 J-8II, the first serial production J-8II series

===Rank VIII===

* [[J-8F]] - Upgraded with Type 1493 radar and new FCS for advanced missiles, the last serial production J-8II series

==History==
=== Prologue ===
Before the 1960s, the Chinese skies were still ruled by imported Soviet jets and their domestically produced (with or without licenses) models: the J-5 through 7. While it was indeed an accomplishment for an agricultural country to manufacture some of the latest jets of the era, these aircraft were still of non-indigenous design. The aspiration of all Mainland Chinese aircraft designers was to create a completely indigenous Chinese jet in terms of overall design. However, this was quite challenging due to a lack of experience.

The inception of this idea can be traced back to an obsolete yet sufficient design, the '''JJ-1''' '''''歼教-1''''', which was created and built by Factory 112, now known as AVIC Shenyang (or as '''SAC 沈飞''' in most pages in War Thunder Wiki). Inspired by this project, a team of designers led by '''Gu Songfen (顾诵芬)''', a legendary figure in China (member of both the '''CAS''' (''Chinese Academy of Sciences'') and '''CAE''' (''Chinese Academy of Engineering''), awarded the '''Highest Science and Technology Award''' ('''最高科学技术奖)''' in 2020 and the '''Touching China Award''' ('''''感动中国''''') in 2021), would set out on a new venture: what would eventually become the '''J-8''' ('''歼-8'''; NATO reporting name: '''Finback 长须鲸''').

=== Inspiration ===
In 1962, the ROCAF collaborated with the CIA for high-altitude reconnaissance missions over Mainland China, primarily to gather intelligence on its defense facilities and, most importantly, the Project 596 which was the nuclear weapons program. This mission was undertaken by the infamous 34th "Black Cat" Squadron. While the PLAAF managed to down five U-2 reconnaissance aircraft with state-of-the-art SAMs by Unit 543 dedicated to air-defense, most of the time, they had to deploy the J-6 and newly introduced J-7 fighters for fruitless interceptions of these reconnaissance planes flying at altitudes of up to 20 kilometres.

As Gu Songfen once remarked, ''"The biggest flaw of the J-7 was its limited flight time; it could only remain at high altitudes for approximately 2-3 minutes and had a slow rate of climb."'' This frustrated Mainland Chinese aircraft designers, as they were unable to effectively counter the U-2s. Additionally, with the testing of the XB-70, which was intended for sudden strikes on Mainland China's nuclear facilities (as well as Soviet ones), the PLAAF urgently needed a new high-altitude interceptor.

Two of the chief designers of the JJ-1, '''Xu Shunshou''' ('''徐舜寿''', died during Cultural Revolution in 1968) and Huang Zhiqian ('''黄志千''', crashed with all passengers and crews of PIA705 in Cairo in 1965), embarked on the design of a new interceptor. They considered 22 different proposals, including both single and twin-engine designs. At that time, the prevailing sentiment in China was, ''"If we can build an atomic bomb, how difficult could it be to develop a jet engine?"'' Consequently, the early design of the new interceptor featured a single engine, while Huang Zhiqian continued to work on an alternative twin-engine design in case engine development posed challenges.

During the theoretical discussions on the new interceptor, the pro-single engine designers couldn't guarantee the timeline for developing a new engine. As a result, Huang Zhiqian's model, known as the "Roast Duck 烤鸭" due to its twin WP-7 engines, became the preferred design for the interceptor, while the single-engine version remained unrealized.

On May 17, 1965, the Central Military Commission approved the development of the twin-engine version of the interceptor, which would become the J-8.

=== Development ===

==== J-8I (J-8 "Daytime"; J-8A and J-8E) ====
The plan for the J-8 was to create a twin-engined jet with low aspect-ratio, delta wings and a nose intake, capable of flying at 20 kilometres at a speed of Mach 2.25. This design was based on earlier aerodynamic principles from the [[MiG-21F-13]]/[[J-7II|J-7]]. Developing this aircraft required the production of thousands of new parts, many of which were entirely new components.

Surprisingly, the prototype for the J-8I was assembled in a single attempt, despite the inexperienced assembly crew. On June 23, 1968, the J-8I prototype rolled off the production line at SAC Dongling Airfield. Although there were some minor incidents during the process, the first prototype successfully made its maiden flight on July 5, 1969, while a second static test airframe was also constructed for ground tests.

A significant issue arose during the static tests of the second prototype. During a structural test of the airframe, at 92% of the required overall structural pressure, the airframe broke into two halves transversely (''or, to be exact, between the section of wing and airframe''), as illustrated in CCTV's 2022 documentary. Sun Shaokong (孙绍孔), the chief test-flight manager, mentioned, ''"The passing standard was 95%, but when the gauge hit 92%, no one clapped for the 'success', it's not something that should be glad about."'' The second airframe suffered a total structural failure, while the airworthy first airframe also experienced severe vibrations during ground tests. The structural problem of the static test airframe was attributed to an installation error (3.5 mm bolts instead of the planned 4 mm bolts and fewer bolts installed than the required 64 at the rear airframe). The vibration in the airworthy prototype was related to the landing gear.

After addressing the manufacturing flaws, the maiden flight was delayed by a year until late June 1969. Cao Lihuai (曹里怀), the second-in-command of the PLAAF, was eventually persuaded that the J-8I design was safe for test flights. He granted permission for the maiden flight at midnight on July 5, 1969, with Yun Yuhuan (尹玉焕) serving as the chief test pilot. This specific airframe, J-8I 69705, is now on display at SAC's main factory in Shenyang.

During the 9th test flight, conducted by the vice test pilot 鹿鸣东 (Lu Mingdong), he reported, "At 8,000 m, Mach 0.86; my plane experienced severe vibration," which was quite unusual for a supersonic jet, described as "''like riding on a fishing rod''" by the test pilot. Faced with this problem, the J-8 team at Factory 112 diligently sought to identify the cause of the vibration. Gu Songfen used a rod and some ropes and came close to the running engines, then determined that the rear part of the J-8 had aerodynamic flaws by the engine nozzles. A fairing was then installed, which resolved the vibration issue (''resulting in the iconic long exhaust tail of the J-8 series, although it couldn't achieve supersonic speeds in this case''). Jiang Zuofan (姜作范), another test flight manager of the J-8, mentioned, "''It was an improvised idea to test flow separation at the rear, yet it did give him (Gu Songfen) an impression that the culprit was there, and it's severe during the ignition process.''"

Subsequently, the exhaust tail (the aforementioned fairing, or known as the "skirt" by the engineers) was reduced by 260 mm. At 10:00 am on March 10, 1970, the J-8 finally broke the supersonic barrier, reaching Mach 1.2 at precisely 10:04:05. The prototype was then transferred to Yanliang, Xi'an, for further tests on June 24, 1970. Due to political turmoil and economic reform, it wasn't until the late 1970s that the J-8 underwent extensive testing, during which it experienced engine stalls and fire alarms. Fortunately, both prototypes were saved from catastrophic loss, though the vibration issue at higher speeds persisted.

To address this, SAC brought in 100 kg of wool yarn for flow separation tests. Gu Songfen personally conducted visual inspections by riding in a JJ-6 歼教-6 three times, concealing this from his wife, as they had made a promise not to fly due to the loss of Huang Zhiqian. He eventually identified the culprit as the triangular area formed by the vertical stabilizer and the fairing. The revised design in this area allowed the J-8 to break the Mach 2.0 barrier and meet the PLAAF's requirements.

The J-8I was finally certified on December 31, 1979, just before 1980 with engineers celebrated on that very night.

==== J-8II (J-8II Block 1/2[B], J-8C, D, G, H, F and export F-8IIM) ====
After the pre-production J-8Is entered service with the PLAAF in the 1980s, a comparative test was conducted with the J-7. While the J-8I showcased impressive acceleration, it was found to be lacking in agility. Around this time, the PLAAF had set its sights on acquiring the MiG-23 as their new interceptor. Estimates suggested that the J-8I would not be able to compete with the MiG-23, given the latter's variable swept-wing design and advanced avionics, which outperformed the J-8I's nose-intake configuration.

Two options were considered: one was to reverse-engineer a MiG-23MS (No. 9501, obtained from Egypt, now housed in the Chinese Aviation Museum (中国航空博物馆)), and the other was to enhance the original J-8I airframe with a more aerodynamic design featuring side intakes. This marked the first time that Mainland China used composite materials in aircraft, resulting in the more nimble J-8II. Due to the extensive redesign, it was initially estimated to take six years before the maiden flight. However, the J-8II achieved its first flight within just 3 and a half years. The J-8II (J-8B Block 1) made its debut flight on June 12, 1984 (''No. 84612, now stored at Shenyang Aerospace University 沈阳航空航天大''学), earning the nickname "Handsome in Air" (空中美男子) due to its revised airframe with side intakes and the first completely domestic (but much flawed) monopulse radar.

Nevertheless, after the Israeli Air Force massacred the Lebanese Air Force, which flew MiG-23 Floggers, in 1983, SAC recognised the need for significant upgrades to keep the J-8II competitive with the latest 3rd generation jets. Fortunately, Sino-American relations were relatively stable in the early 1980s, and US pilots noted that the J-8II had impressive acceleration but lagged behind in avionics. Grumman was brought in to handle the development of the '''J-8II "Peace Pearl" (和平珍珠)/ Project 8-2 (八二工程)''' with F-16 avionics. However, this program was halted due to the 1989 Beijing crackdown. SAC and Grumman resumed the program in the 1990s, but the Chinese eventually opted for Russian [[J-11|Su-27SK Flankers]] instead. The domestic '''J-8C/Project 8-3 (八三工程)''' also encountered multiple crashes during tests and many breakdown of engines. As a result, they first developed an aerial-refueling variant (J-8D) by 1991, then a pulse-Doppler equipped one (J-8H) by 2001, and eventually the latest version with ARH missiles ([[J-8F]]) by 2003. SAC also planned an export version called the F-8IIM with Russian avionics and weaponry by late 1990s but failed to secure any contracts.

Despite the relatively long time it took to become fully commissioned (not until 2002), the J-8II series became a cornerstone as a test platform for new technologies for PLAAF jets. It also played a role in post-Cold War regional disputes, including the Hainan Island incident. Only the JZ-8F reconnaissance variant remains in service, while the last combat variants of the J-8II were scheduled to be decommissioned by June 2022.

=== Variants ===

==== J-8I 歼-8I (I pronounced as Yi, 一 in Chinese) ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Chinese name
!Fixed armaments
!In-service upgrades
!Remarks
|-
|'''J-8 Daytime; J-8R'''
|歼-8白/日间型；歼侦-8
|2 x Type 30-1
|Yes
|The first block of the J-8, manufactured by SAC with a pair WP-7B engines, a pair of Type 30-1 cannons, and a Marconi Model 226 rangefinder in its nose cone. Distinguish by a front-opened canopy. The reconnaissance version has a West German KA-112A recon pod installed.
|-
|'''J-8A'''
|歼-8A
|2 x Type 23-3
|Yes
|Armed with Model 204 (SL-4 射雷-4) search radar and twin 23-3 cannons (GSh-23L); could be converted from the Daytime model, certified in 1985.
|-
|'''J-8E'''
|歼-8E
|1 x Type 23-3
|N/A
|Armed with SL-7A radar and countermeasures, RWR, new rails for PL-5 missiles. Certified in 1993; all J-8As were then upgraded under this standard.
|}

=====Specification of J-8I series (Daytime/A/E): =====

* Wingspan: 9.34 m
* Length: 19.25 m w/o pitot tube
* Height: 5.41 m
* Powerplant: 2 x AECC Shenyang Liming WP-7A turbojet engine
** Thrust w/o afterburner: 43.15kN
** Thrust w/ afterburner: 56.3kN
* Maximum Speed: M 2.18/ 2,693 km/h at >13,600 m
* Service ceiling: 20,500 m
* Climb Rate: >150 m/s
* Crew: 1
* Radar equipment: Marconi Model 226 (Daytime); SL-4 (A); SL-7A(E)
* Fixed weaponry: 2 x Type 30-1 30mm autocannon (Daytime), 120 rounds or 2 x Type 23-3 autocannon, 2 x 200 rounds (GSh-23L; J-8A and beyond)
* Other weaponry: 4 x rocket pods; 4 x PL-2B or PL-5B IR missiles

==== J-8II 歼-8II (II, "Er" 二) ====
{| class="wikitable"
!Name
!Chinese name
!Fixed armaments
!In-service upgrades
!Remarks
|-
|'''J-8II Block 1'''
|歼-8II
| rowspan="9" |1 x Type 23-3
|Unknown
|The revised J-8II has new side intakes and a pair of WP-13B (upgraded R-13-300F), new Type 208 (SL-5) monopulse radar, intended to launch the new PL-4A SARH missile; certified but not commissioned in the PLAAF.
|-
|[[J-8B|J-8II Block 2/B]]
|歼-8II 02批次 (歼-8B)
|To BH
|J-8II airframes with SL-5A (Model 208A) monopulse radar with capabilities of using Aspide (aka A-missile A弹) or later PL-11 SARH missiles and new rails for PL-8 霹雳-8 (Israeli Rafael Python 3). Certified in 1995 and system tests were completed in 2003.
|-
|'''J-8II Project 8-2/Peace Pearl'''
|八二工程/和平珍珠
|N/A
|Upgraded with a modified F-16C HUD from Marconi Avionics, Honeywell MFD, and Westinghouse AN/APG-66V radar. A mock-up front section of the Peace Pearl is an [http://www.combatairmuseum.org/exhibits/shenyang.html exhibit at Forbes Field Combat Air Museum, Kansas, US] but only the analogue mock-up gauges are intact. The only known modified airframe, numbered 0001 at the Chinese Aviation Museum, oddly retained the AN/APG-66V from Grumman, helping NIRET on radar production line and technological advances.
|-
|'''J-8C; J-8III'''
|歼-8C；八三工程；争气机
|N/A
|Before entering into a joint development agreement with Grumman, SAC initiated a comprehensive upgrade of the J-8II. This upgrade involved the installation of new domestic powerplants and avionics, with the goal of improving the aircraft's speed, overload capacity, and payload. However, following the cancellation of Project 8-2 and the urgent need for a new jet to contend with more advanced aircraft of the era, the 03 and 04 prototypes of the J-8II were repurposed as test platforms for the J-8C. These conversions were completed by December of 1994 and 1995, respectively.

Unfortunately, the 04 prototype was written off in early 1997 due to a miscommunication regarding runway repairs at Yanliang, Xi'an (CFTE, Chinese Flight Test Establishment (中国飞行试验研究院)). In response, SAC proceeded to construct the No. 05 (513) prototype for further testing, alongside the remaining 03 prototype. However, the 05 prototype met a similar fate, as it crashed during a test flight in May 1995 due to an onboard fire.

As a result of these setbacks, coupled with the successful test flights of CAC's J-10 and the introduction of the Su-27SK for domestic production as the J-11, this project was ultimately abandoned in the early 2000s.
|-
|'''F-8IIM'''
|歼-8IIM
|N/A
|Export version with MiG-29-equivalent avionics; capable of launching R-27 and R-73. First shown in 1998's Zhuhai Airshow but received no orders.
|-
|'''J-8D'''
|歼-8D
|To DH/DF
|As part of Project 8911 (named after its intended test dates in November 1989), the J-8II was equipped with aerial refuelling capabilities. The development of an aerial-refuelling capable aircraft and tanker had been a long-standing concern for the PLAAF and PLANAF, especially given the emerging threat from US aviation forces in the South China Sea. In this region, only the J-8 had anywhere near the combat radius necessary (800 km), whereas the distance between the nearest PLANAF base and the Nationalist-controlled Taiping Island 太平島 was roughly 1,000 km.

Originally, the plan was to introduce British MK.32 refuelling pods, but this idea fell through due to the political turmoil of the late 1980s. Subsequently, both XAC and SAC began developing a domestic system that utilized the H-6 as the tanker, with the J-8II serving as the receiving aircraft. The installation of this system on their respective platforms was completed, and testing commenced by November 1991. However, the system encountered significant flaws, and it wasn't until December 19 that the factory delivered a revised probe for the J-8D. This revised probe was successfully tested at 11:30 am on December 23, 1991, with test pilot Chang Qingxian(常庆贤) at the helm.

Subsequently, aerial-refuelling demonstrations became a regular part of Mainland China's military parades, starting in 1999. In addition to the refuelling probes, the J-8D also replaced its RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) systems with the all-aspect KJ8602, featuring multiple sensors scattered around the airframe, including four on the vertical stabilizer and two each on the rear-aspect and front-aspect, along with additional avionics in the cockpit.
|-
|'''J-8H'''
|歼-8H
|N/A
|Upgraded J-8II with Type 1491 PD radar and new radar display; certified on January 20, 2004 with a dual-target test; could be upgraded from J-8B or J-8D.
|-
|J-8G
|歼-8G
|N/A
|Capable of launching KD-88 AGM or YJ-91 ASM; was not commissioned.
|-
|'''[[J-8F]]/J-8RF'''
|歼-8F/歼侦-8F
|N/A
|New Type 1492 PD radar, WP-13B-II engines, and capable of launching the PL-12 ARH missile or other guided weaponry. Certified in 2005. J-8RF is the high-altitude reconnaissance variant based on the F series with removed guns and WP-14 engines (WP-13B-II was later reinstalled for reliability).
|}

==== I/II ACT ====
Fly-by-write test platform based on the J-8I and II as back-up for the CAC J-10. The former crashed during a test to a software bug; the latter survived as J-8II 99913 with a pair of canards, kept at the SAC Museum as outdoor exhibition item, right next to J-8I 69705.

==== Specification of J-8II series (B/C/D/G/H/F/IIM): ====

* Wingspan: 9.34 m
* Length: 21.6 m
* Height: 5.41 m
* Powerplant: 2 x AECC Shenyang Liming WP-13A-II turbojet engine (All but J-8C and J-8F[R]) ;2 x AECC Shenyang Liming WP-13B-II turbojet engine (J-8F[R]); 2 x AECC Shenyang Liming WP-14 "Kunlun" turbojet engine (J-8C; JZ-8F before refit)
** Thrust w/o afterburner: 42.7 kN (WP-13B-II)/51.65 kN (WP-14)
** Thrust w/ afterburner: 65.9 kN (WP-13B-II)/73.5 kN (WP-14)
* Maximum Speed: M 2.2-2.4
* Service ceiling: 20,500 m
* Climb Rate: 200 m/s
* Crew: 1
* Radar equipment: Changhong ''(Factory 780)'' SL-5(A) (J-8II; J-8B;J-8D); NRIET Type 1471 (J-8C); Type 1491 (J-8H/DH) / Type 1492 (J-8F/DF)-Monopulse-PD; Westinghouse AN/APG-66V (J-8II Project 8-2) PD; Phazotron-NIIR Zhuk-8II PD (F-8IIM)
* Fixed weaponry: 1 x Type 23-3 autocannon (GSh-23L), 200 rounds
* Other weaponry: IR AAMs: PL-5B/C/E, PL-8, R-73 (IIM); (S)ARH AAMs: Aspide-1A, PL-11, PL-12 (F), R-27 (IIM); 8 x 250-3 low-drag bombs; 4 x Type 90-1 or 57-1 rocket pods; ASh(G)M KD-88 (G), YJ-91 (G) ''(Note: J-8II to J-8D and their upgrades to later standards only supported 4 missiles at once due to limitations on main bus; new airframes under new national military standards since F-8IIM or beyond J-8H supported up to 6)''

[[Category:Family pages]]

F-14A IRIAF (USA)

2024-08-25T01:09:26Z

U4656018: Adding description and pros/cons

{{Specs-Card
|code=f_14a_iriaf
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Although deemed as one of the most unique aircraft of US Naval Air Force, the Grumman F-14 Tomcat has been the icon of USN since its introduction in 1970 as the fleet air-defense aircraft for carrier battle groups (CVBGs); but US Navy wasn't the only user of Tomcat. Even though efforts has been made to sell Tomcat to US-allied countries, only Iran, which was still under Pahlavi's throne sought for a new interceptor to defend against the menacing, Mach 2.7-capable MiG-25R recon aircraft from neighboring Soviet Union. As soon as January 1974, after the demonstration flights in previous years in US alongside with [[F-15A]], IIAF placed the order of 80 Tomcats and 10-years worth of spare parts for the Pahlavi by mid-1970s; by the 1979 Islamic Revolution which overthrown the throne, there were 79 F-14As delivered to IIAF before the new IRIAF took over them. These aircrafts performed outstandingly during the Iraq-Iran War with some losses over Iraqi aircrafts; however the upcoming sanctions to the now-Islamic Iran and the eventual destruction of all remaining Tomcats stored in continental US in view of possible smuggling of spare parts to Iran also means they have to keep the jet operational by cannibalizing other remaining Tomcats. These F-14As also received some upgrades in terms of firepower with domestic modified and sometimes Russian weaponry to keep them up-to-date until new domestic jets or imported jets replace the legendary Tomcat.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' , introduced during [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/9005-event-get-the-iranian-f-14a-iriaf-in-the-persian-tomcat-event-en|2024 Persian Tomcat event]] represents the F-14As operated by IRIAF as-of-present with domestic modifications done to enhance its combat capabilities. Although having a deemed obsolete airframe and radar system for its BR, the domestic missiles from Iran or the addition of R-27R1 will make sure the jet is still capable to defend the skies.

== 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 12,192 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
| 2,202 || 2,191 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.9 || 25.3 || 178.4 || 170.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
|-
! rowspan="2" | 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 !! + !! -
|-
! Min sweep
| 1,021 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || rowspan="2" | 1,200 || rowspan="2" | 873 || rowspan="2" | 416 || ~10 || ~5
|-
! Max sweep
| 1,555 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 1,200 || < 850 || < 1,555 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="7" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="4" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-412A || 2
| colspan="3" | 18,545 kg || colspan="4" | 493 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | 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
! 18m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 62m fuel
|-
| 1,802 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 20,750 kg || 20,904 kg || 22,084 kg || 23,854 kg || 25,894 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="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 18m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 62m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,860 kgf || 8,019 kgf
| 0.77 || 0.77 || 0.73 || 0.67 || 0.63 || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,808 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 12,389 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.19 || 1.19 || 1.12 || 1.04 || 0.97 || _.__
|-
|}

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

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

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

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

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, cheek-mounted (676 rpg)
* 60 x countermeasures

=== 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
* 2 x AIM-54A Phoenix missiles
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-54A Phoenix missiles
* 2 x R-27R1 missiles
* 2 x Sedjil missiles
* 4 x Fakour-90 missiles
* 14 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 14 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (7,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 14 x 500 lb Mk 82 AIR bombs (7,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb Mk 83 AIR bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 2 x Yasser rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

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

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

* Retains the maneuverability of US F-14A
** Surprisingly good turn radius for such a huge jet with fully-deployed wing
** Elevator with rolling capabilities which enhance roll rate
* RWR with surprising wide of spectrum of radio wave detectable against aerial/ground target
* Radar with multiple modes for different scenarios
* Wide variety of weapon selection
** Retains AIM-54A since stock and access to Fakour 90
** SARH AAMs such AIM-7E2, Sedjil and Russian R-27R1
** Access to the devastating Yasser rocket with very high explosive content
** Sufficient bombs to be a makeshift attacker

*

'''Cons:'''

* Somewhat obsolete avionics
** Radar only has head-on modes and lacks IFF
** RWR with no target identification and tracking warning
* Risks of wing ripping at intensive maneuver at higher speeds
* Easily detectable ARH AAMs due to its long burn time
* Yasser can accidentally shot down players themselves if set with fuse distance
* Fuel hungry engine with high chance of overheating
* Somewhat insufficient countermeasures

*

== History ==

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

== 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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{USA jet aircraft}}

WZ1001(E) LCT

2024-08-23T21:16:23Z

U4656018: Slight alteration to the description as it is now the 2nd-in-end tank for the tech tree

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_wz_1001
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' [Long Cannon Testbed] (Chinese: WZ1001(E) 125毫米多功能火炮试验车; lit. 125 mm Multipurpose Gun Test Vehicle) was one of the prototype of what later became the ZTZ99A. Visually, it distinguishes itself from the production version with a longer gun, a smooth finish for the FY-5 ERA instead of matte, and a different hull. Before ZTZ99 was introduced to PLAGF, there were already plans for a new "3rd generation tank" where the ZTZ99 (WZ123 at the time) would be the gap-filler before the new tanks could be introduced; as soon as ZTZ99 was certified in early 2000s, Institute 70 already started the WZ1001 program with various designs led by the new chief designer Mao Ming (毛明); the tank in-game represents the 2nd prototype of WZ1001 with a longer L/54 125 mm smoothbore cannon and a hull based on ZTZ99-III. Due to economics and better reliability for the gun system, the LCT was ditched and the other prototype with L/48 cannon was then certified as what known as ZTZ99A.

Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]] and now serves as the predecessor tank to VT4A1 in-game, players will soon get used to the overall identical performance to its (technological) successor ZTZ99A with better gun handling thanks to its experimental gun layer and the high muzzle velocity; but do remember the hybrid of ZTZ99's hull with a ZTZ99A-like turret means their flaws would inherit to WZ1001 and players would have to be cautious on when to utilize its great mobility to assault enemies- planning ahead is essential for the survivability of the tank.

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

When players take a first look at the WZ1001(E), they will soon be having deja vu from previous tanks: although the turret is mostly identical to the previous ZTZ99A other than the layout of side fences, the hull also looks very similar from [[ZTZ99-III]] (WZ123B; in fact this hull was modified from WZ123B but with an extended and elevated engine deck). This platform also marks the transition from low-profile, Warsaw-Pact/Chinese design to a more NATO approach and ensures the overall protection to be mostly identical to the ZTZ99(A). Players will still have to pay caution to their LFP, driver's port, and mantlet in case of a head-on fight. In some cases when an opponent first encounters a WZ1001(E) and mistakes it for the ZTZ99A, chances are they will land the shot on the left side of the UFP instead of the driver's seat on the centerline and failed to penetrate.

One notable armour difference between the WZ1001(E) compared to its production version is a lower coverage of FY-1D1 rooftop ERA. It is still present above the hatches of the gunner and commander but does not cover the gun breech or turret roof. This allows top-attack ATGMs like the TOW-2B or BILL to do more damage.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || ___ mm || ___ mm ''Top'' ___ mm ''Bottom'' || ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Turret || ___ - ___ mm ''Turret front'' ___ mm ''Gun mantlet'' || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm || ___ - ___ mm
|-
| Cupola || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm || ___ mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Since the WZ1001(E) was the prototype of the ZTZ99A, players might find both tanks handle very similarly other than the longer hull; this is indeed true as this was also the prototype that set the 1,500 hp 12V150HB-1 turbocharged diesel engine and CH1000 transmission for future use. Be sure to make good use of the excellent top speed for taking vantage points while having the ability to reverse back to cover with ease.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,325|rbMinHp=1,327}}

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

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

{{main|L/54 (125 mm)}}

In view for enemy tanks with even higher protection than what was foreseen by the WZ123 design, especially from Russia, the design team built a 125 mm smoothbore cannon that was compatible to previous shells and any future shells used by PLAGF, but having a longer barrel at L/54 distinguished by an additional section of heat sleeve (at 6,750 mm, the longest smoothbore gun in-game, beating out the Rheinmetall Rh 120 L/55). All previous shells from ZTZ99(A) now enjoy a higher muzzle velocity and thus higher penetration for the APFSDS (~11 mm increase for both 125-I and DTC10-125). Players will soon get used to the gun handling thanks to the identical traverse speed, though extra care will have to be taken to hide the gun from enemies when taking cover, as the longer barrel also means enemies can now hit that very additional section of the barrel, leading to the disabling of the gun.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L/54 (125 mm)|125 mm L/54]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Autoloader
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 34 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+13° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 36.2 || 50.1 || 60.8 || 67.2 || 71.5 || rowspan="2" | 7.10
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 22.6 || 26.6 || 32.3 || 35.7 || 38.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
'''DTP-125 HEATFS''' - The good old stock 125 mm HEATFS for PLAGF but with a penetration at only 480 mm. While the shell is in most cases ineffective against tanks with composite armour and even ERA blocks, the spalling is also insufficient like with most HEATFS rounds. But 2.19 kg of explosives upon lightly-armoured vehicles is lethal to them by overpressure, still a fine placeholder before having 125-I darts researched.

'''DTB-125; HE-FS''' - Another long-time friend to the Chinese 125 mm gun, the shell has a large explosive content. If enemies happen to take cover and have vulnerable parts exposed (CITV cameras, gun sights, cupola, etc.), the DTB-125 will make sure the target will be knocked out right away by overpressure, tanks that are known for their excellent protection i.e. [[Strv 122]] and [[T-80BVM]] will still fall victim to it. Because of the high explosive content, it is extremely lethal to light vehicles in sight. Just in case players opted for flanking tactics, it is better to bring some HEATFS for the sides and hit enemies from the ammunition instead.

'''125-I; APFSDS''' - The stock APFSDS and one of the most long-lasting shells for the 125 mm gun, players would still find this shell for research even when it was first appeared on ZTZ96s from 9.3; although having a slightly higher penetration at 476 mm point blank, it will not always penetrate top-tier MBTs up-front (other than Leopard 2A5/A6 and [[Ariete (Family)|Ariete]]), but players can always opt for lower plates or mantle. This will be the go-to shell before better DTC10/GP125 are researched.

'''DTC10-125; APFSDS''' - The tier III APFSDS for the WZ1001 with a high penetration at 588 mm point-blank than ZTZ99A (thanks to the higher caliber); while it is nowhere the best APFSDS at its tier, the relatively heavy projectile mass and the fastest muzzle velocity in-game (at whopping 1,810 m/s) will certainly makes long-engagement enjoyable. This will be the go-to shell for WZ1001 once researched.

'''GP125; ATGM (Tandem)''' - Another tier III modification for the WZ1001, it performs identically to its Soviet counterpart, the 9M119M1 Refleks. The missile can take down most MBTs at top tier with hits to the hull thanks to its high penetration tandem warhead and good post-penetration damage, although the APFSDS tends to be more convenient in general. Using it as a makeshift method to take out hovering helicopters is also viable as well as this will not trigger their LWS (given they are within 5 km)

'''DTB12-125; HE-VT''' - The tier IV shell for the WZ1001; it is also the only HE-VT shell in-game for MBTs (others are time-fused). Like ZTZ99A, this also turns WZ1001 into the longest anti-aircraft gun in game. Although marked as VT shell, it works both against ground targets or aerial targets where its explosive content is more than enough to inflict overpressure damage to armoured targets or disintegrate aerial targets that are within the gun's elevation range. Because it only contains slightly less explosive filler than DTB-125, it is generally recommended to take this as the only HE shell to simplify logistics.

{{:L/54 (125 mm)/Ammunition|DTP-125, DTB-125, 125-I, DTC10-125, GP125, DTB12-125}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''34''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|QJG02 (14.5 mm)|QJT (5.8 mm)}}

Instead of the conventional 12.7x108 mm QJC88 from previous tanks, WZ1001(E) planned for a larger calibre 14.5x114 mm QJG02 with a lighter weight than Type 56 (KPV). Good news is that this can also cause major havoc against light vehicles or aircraft within its range, but this also trades the overall capacity with only 200 rounds onboard at 50 rounds per belt.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJG02 (14.5 mm)|14.5 mm QJG02]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 200 (50) || 600 || -5°/+60° || ±180°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QJT (5.8 mm)|5.8 mm QJT]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 2,600 (200) || 801 || - || -
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

A major difference of WZ1001 to its technological predecessors/successor is the gun barrel itself. In most cases, the PLAGF adopted for a L/48 gun, but due to the need for greater penetration against potential foes, the WZ1001 has a longer barrel than most MBTs in game, while retaining the very familiar 125 mm calibre.

The WZ1001 prototype adopted some design features certified for the ZTZ99A, namely the turret design and elevated engine deck. While the new design enhanced its mobility vastly thanks to the new transmission, this also means that the WZ1001 is afflicted by the "NATO hump", where the gun will be blocked by the powerplant at rear angles. This might not be a major problem against other NATO tanks with high profiles, but the limited depression may not be enough to be able to deal lethal damage to Warsaw Pact tanks; in most cases, be sure to rotate the hull towards enemies' positions for protection and chance to retaliate. Thanks to its sufficiently tough turret, shots hitting the turret will likely do no harm to the tank (other than in the mantlet); however, be sure to never show the sides or angling to enemies due to the WZ1001's lack of side protection.

Players will soon find themselves at home if they are familiar with the ZTZ99A thanks to the identical mobility and very similar gun handling. While the tank itself looks very similar to the ZTZ99A, the longer barrel and different driver placement give the WZ1001 away. In most cases, due to the long-lasting flaws of the mantlet and LFP, the WZ1001 can be dealt with just like any other Warsaw Pact MBTs. Those on the receiving end should be extra cautious of the positioning of the tank. At longer ranges, the protection is enough to stop most shells. Thus, it is recommended to concentrate on long range enemy targets if possible; along with the greater survivability, it has the fastest muzzle velocity among any smoothbore gun-equipped MBT in-game, which further enhances its capability in sniping long-range targets. The railgun-like muzzle velocity of the top DTC10-125 dart will easily bypass the Iron Fist APS of the [[Black Night|Challenger 2 Black Night]] even at considerable distances. Be sure to utilize the mobility of the WZ1001 to gain vantage points thanks to its powerplant, and make sure every shot counts against enemies due to the inferior reload rate.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Shares very similar, if not identical excellent mobility of ZTZ99A
* Uses a 14.5 mm HMG which is devastating to light vehicles or aircraft
* Long barrel L/54 smoothbore cannon with extremely high muzzle velocity for darts
* Sturdy frontal protection against both kinetic and chemical shells
* Shares identical gun handling from predecessor

'''Cons:'''

* "NATO hump" that hinders gun depression at rear angles
* Shares similar weak spots from predecessors (i.e. LFP and gun mantlet)
* The hull and turret are longer than ZTZ99A, making its profile even larger
* Same insufficient vertical traverse for the main cannon
* The penetration of DTC10-125 is still below average for top tier, despite improvements
* More vulnerable to top-attack ATGMs than ZTZ99A

== History ==

As part of the "3rd Generation MBT" program of the PLAGF after the introduction of the "placeholder" WZ123/ZTZ99, the new MBT started its prototype production and trials. Designed by a new engineer, Mao Ming (毛明), the tank was built with 3 different prototypes: a "123AY" with higher engine deck for the latest 12V 150HB-1 engine and CH1000 transmission developed by Zhou Guangming (周广明), and two other prototypes, now dubbed WZ1001, one with a turret similar to the mass-produced ZTZ99A, and the other with a 125 mm L/54 for higher velocity and penetration.

Due to the limited increase of performance on the new L/54 gun and short barrel-life, the L/48 variant with later revised hull design passed the certification as the WZ1001, then the later ZTZ99A - the latest MBT in PLAGF service.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_wz_1001 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 vehicles;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{TankManufacturer Norinco}}
{{China medium tanks}}
[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

JH-7A

2024-08-23T20:56:27Z

U4656018: Alteration to usage in battle and additions to history

{{Specs-Card
|code=jh_7a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Due to the advent of the latest US and Russian strike aircraft projects of the time, such as the F-15E and the Su-34, China quickly realized their Q-5 fleet was technologically behind. Building a new supersonic heavy strike aircraft was no easy task, especially for China which had started the program lacking the required technological advancements to complete it. The development program began in the late 1980s as China aimed to bolster its naval aviation capabilities. This twin-engine, two-seat fighter-bomber was designed by the Nanchang Aircraft Corporation and later upgraded by the Xi'an Aircraft Corporation. The initial variant, the JH-7, first flew in 1988. It was equipped with a variety of systems, including the JL-10A radar and various electronic countermeasures, making it a versatile platform for ground attack and maritime strike missions. The JH-7 program faced many challenges, but by 1992, the first serial production variant of the JH-7, the '''JH-7A''', officially entered service, where it played a significant role in modernizing China's naval air forces and showcasing their ambitions in the world of military aviation. While not as famous as other strike aircraft of its era, the JH-7 series is a noteworthy example of China's incredible strides in defense technology.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼轰-7A型歼击轰炸机; unified NATO reporting name: ''Flounder'') was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]]. Being a dedicated strike-fighter, the JH-7A specializes in the ground-strike role, and suffers in dedicated air-to-air combat at its battle rating, despite having access to the formidable [[PL-8]] and [[PL-5C]] all aspect missiles. As such, this aircraft can struggle in dedicated air modes, and instead shines the brightest in mixed battles thanks to its selection of precision ground ordnance and powerful targeting pod. The strong radar and all-aspect missiles can prove to be a strong form of self-defence in mixed battles if the need arises. All in all, the JH-7A serves as a major upgrade in technology and capability over its predecessors in the tech tree, namely the Q-5 family.

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

At first glance, players will see some similarities between the JH-7A and Jaguar, the latter being one of the targets the JH-7 aimed for during design (the other is Tornado IDS for its great payload). Due to the need to carry heavy ordnance such as AShMs and future provisions for AGMs, the JH-7A's size is still one of the largest among domestically designed PLANAF/PLAAF jets (even the largest J-20 is shorter than JH-7A by 2 metres). To mitigate the possible problems from its sheer size, the JH-7 series are powered by two FWS-9 Qinling turbofan engines (licensed Rolls-Royce Spey RB.168 Mk.202), with the JH-7A eventually using the completely domestic version. As such, it not only provides very high acceleration at any altitude, it can also maintain manoeuvrability when it has the need for occasional dogfights; thanks to the high wing design, it does have higher instantaneous AoA when facing manoeuvring targets. The very high acceleration also helps to push the jet to up to Mach 1.6 with only AAMs. It can still fly at supersonic speeds even at full-load; this also enables JH-7A to get to enemy bases as fast as it possible with sufficient payload for 2 bases.

However, the high wing design also brings a potentially fatal trait: poor low-speed and low-altitude manoeuvrability. This is a trait that also costed lives of PLAAF/PLANAF pilots as high wing jets will lose lift in the aforementioned scenarios, mostly during recovery from ground attacks or landing, thus players have to be more careful during such cases; if the terrain doesn't allow for a safe attack run, it's better to recover earlier and do not pull too much when doing so.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || 1,791 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || 30.2 || __._ || 148.6 || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || 1,870 || __._ || 29.0 || __._ || 190.0
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,331  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 717 || 673 || 450 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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}}

Aside from self-sealing fuel tanks which are common for jets after the 1950s, due to the need for ground attack and potential AA threats, the cockpit is surrounded by armour plates at 10-16 mm (albeit not up front); while the front fuselage tank is also protected by an armour plate at 10 mm by the belly.

Meanwhile, the JH-7A has 84 countermeasures installed; for most cases, these large calibre countermeasures can allow it to easily evade incoming missiles, but players will still have to plan ahead and manoeuvre to maximize the efficiency of CMs.

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

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

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 84 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | 
|-
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
| || 1 || 4 || 6 || || || 6 || 4 || 1 ||
|-
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
| || 1 || 4 || 6 || || || 6 || 4 || 1 ||
|-
! [[500-3 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-3]] bombs
| || || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
! [[500-4 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-4]] bombs
| || || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
! [[GB250 (260 kg)|260 kg GB250]] bombs
| || 1* || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || 1* ||
|-
! [[GB500 (570 kg)|570 kg GB500]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[GB1000 (1,090 kg)|1,090 kg GB1000]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
| || 7 || 7 || 7 || || || 7 || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! [[Type 130-2]] rockets
| || || 4 || 4 || || || 4 || 4 || ||
|-
! [[Kh-29T]] missiles
| || || || 1 || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[PL-5B]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-5C]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || || || || || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-8]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! K/ADC03A targeting pod
| || || || || || 1* || || || ||
|-
! 1,400 l drop tanks
| || || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * The K/ADC03A targeting pod must be carried when equipping laser-guided bombs
|-
|}

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

* 3 x 1,400 l drop tanks
* 2 x PL-5C missiles
* 12 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x PL-5B missiles
* 4 x PL-5C missiles
* 2 x PL-8 missiles
* 42 x Type 90-1 rockets
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
* 22 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (5,500 kg total)
* 22 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (5,500 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 2 x Kh-29T missiles
* 6 x 260 kg GB250 bombs (1,560 kg total)
* 4 x 570 kg GB500 bombs (2,280 kg total)
* 4 x 1,090 kg GB1000 bombs (4,360 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

As a fighter-bomber modernized into a precision strike fighter, the JH-7A has a wide variety of ordnance available to it.

Three types of air-to-air missiles are available. The familiar PL-5B returns as a highly manoeuvrable short-range IR missile with fantastic acceleration, but since it is only rear-aspect, the pilot may need to put in some manoeuvring work to get in a firing position. The PL-5C is an all-aspect variant that fixes this flaw, although it has a very sensitive seeker that is easy to spoof with flares. The PL-8 as seen on the [[J-8F]] is a heavier IR missile with a superior seeker, a higher top speed, and better manoeuvrability. However, the PL-8 is not available on the wingtip pylons. The optimal air-to-air loadout thus consists of 2 x PL-8 and 2 x PL-5C. The latter are best used in situations that can take advantage of the PL-5's acceleration and short burn time (sneak attacks or brief snapshots) and the former are general purpose.

The two types of unguided rockets are the standard Type 90-1 HEAT and the Type 130-2 HE. The former are available on all six underwing pylons while the latter are limited to the middle and inboard pylons. At the JH-7A's battle rating, the HEAT rockets do not have enough penetration or capacity to be serious options for ground attack, but the HE rockets can still be used to blast lightly armoured ground targets when precision weapons are unavailable.

Unguided bombs are available in 250 kg and 500 kg sizes and the JH-7A can carry them in large numbers. The 500-4 high drag bombs have the highest explosive yield (325 kg of TNT) for their weight and are the best options for ground attack from a damage potential.

The JH-7A's signature ground attack weapons are its laser-guided bombs, available in three sizes. The 250 kg GB250 bombs return from the [[Q-5L]], and although they are not very powerful, they can be carried on all underwing pylons for a total of six. They also have an inertial guidance (IOG) capability that helps maintain their trajectory even when the laser designation is temporarily interrupted by clouds or terrain. The 500 kg GB500 bombs also return from the Q-5L and pack a bigger punch, but lack IOG and have a somewhat shorter guidance time. The real star of the show is the 1,000 kg GB1000, which boasts 537.6 kg of TNT equivalent, a very long 105 second guidance time, and IOG capability. Note that the 500 kg and 1,000 kg LGBs can only be mounted on the middle and inboard wing pylons for a maximum capacity of 4.

The JH-7A also has access to the Soviet/Russian Kh-29T TV-guided air-to-ground missile. It is a bulky, heavy missile mounted on the inboard pylons for a maximum capacity of two. With a long flight range, a huge HE warhead, and fire-and-forget capabilities, it's a good choice for attacking SPAAs. Since it is a self-powered munition, it is not as reliant on the kinetics of the launch aircraft and is easier to use at low speeds and altitudes than LGBs. Compared to Soviet aircraft like the [[MiG-27K]] and [[MiG-29SMT]], the JH-7A enjoys having a dedicated targeting pod with thermal optics to make acquiring targets for the Kh-29T much easier.

== Usage in battles ==

The JH-7A vastly upgrades the arsenal of the PLAAF/PLANAF with its great selection of bombs and self-defense IR AAMs, as well as its great manoeuvrability thanks to its aerodynamic design and powerful turbofan engines. While pilots will need to be careful of the aircraft's sheer size and poor low-altitude manoeuvrability, most of the time both ground and aerial targets will have quite a bad day facing a well-piloted JH-7A.

==== Supersonic bomb truck ====
The JH-7A can be said to be the one and only dedicated attacker of the PLANAF/PLAAF that fits the description of a "bomb truck". While primarily designed to target surface warships, ground attack missions are also within its scope, boasting the highest payload of all Chinese domestic jets ''(up to 22 x 250 kg unguided bombs; the record in terms of quantity is held by, ironically an interceptor, [[J-11]][<nowiki/>[[J-11A|A]]] with up to 38 x 100 kg bombs)''. This high payload, combined with its speed, makes base bombing a breeze.

However, the JH-7 is also able to operate well in its dual role as a fighter, do remember the J-prefix in its name means 歼击机 ''(jiān jī jī; Interceptor/fighter)''; thanks to new composite materials, FBW, and its mostly well-designed aerodynamic features. While it will often encounter more advanced fighters like the MiG-29 series and F-16 series, which pose significant threats from longer ranges, the JH-7A excels against adversaries at its tier. Despite its considerable size, it has the ability to stick on the tail of enemy jets, pulling AoA for increased firing opportunities, while having the acceleration recover or disengage when necessary. The PL-5C and PL-8 IR AAMs are both strong missiles. However, only being able to carry two PL-8, it can be recommended to reserve them for engaging longer-range targets, and using the PL-5Cs for most other scenarios. The PL-5B, a rear-aspect missile, can also be effective against careless targets thanks to its impressive thrust and range.

To maximize the JH-7A's capabilities, it is crucial to bear in mind the manoeuvrability limitations inherent in high-wing aircraft. Pilots should exercise caution regarding altitude when engaging both ground and aerial targets, particularly during dogfights, where the JH-7A requires additional altitude for recovery.

====The taste of one's own medicine ====
In combined battles, the JH-7A presents some advantages over alternative options such as the F-16A MLU and Q-5L. It has a vast arsenal of weaponry, including up to six player-selected LGBs, scaling from 250 kg, 500 kg, and one ton-class bombs, along with up to 22 unguided bombs for numerous devastating strikes. It can also carry up to two [[Kh-29T]] AGM, which further boosts its engagement range and stand-off strike capability; lastly, 90 mm or 130 mm rocket pods remain an option as well.

For Chinese tech-tree players, the JH-7A presents the opportunity to give enemies with more advanced multirole jets a taste of their own medicine. Equipped with the advanced K/ADC03A targeting pod with high-definition and zoom and a 2nd gen TVD for target acquisition, the JH-7A's life is made considerably easier when locating ground targets. Diving for the target and tossing bombs is effective, but for increased safety, pulling up after dropping bombs and flying sideways while maintaining a lock on the target is recommended. Depending on the quantity of enemy vehicles and their location, players can either pick six GB 250 for maximum efficiency, and precise hits within a 3 m radius of the enemy can terminate their service immediately; while bringing heavier GB 500/1000 will make sure enemies in a certain radius can face their ultimate demise, especially with GB 1000, which can be said as the ultimate solution against the toughest MBTs of its BR. Alternatively, thanks to FCS upgrades, JH-7A can also equip Russian Kh-29T; instead of HEAT warhead, Kh-29T is filled with explosives for maximum efficiency against ground targets, it is more akin to an universal missile against stationary targets and slow-moving vehicles. Make sure to check the weather of the map as TV cameras can be interfered by clouds and smog, as long as enemy targets did not take cover, a precise hit from the high ballistics of this missile can make sure it can neutralize designated targets.

Utilizing unguided bombs from low altitudes also remains a viable strategy; be sure to know where the locations of the enemy's major forces and avoid SPAAs, anti-air capable attack helicopters, and other jets at all costs. CCRP can aid in destroying stationary targets, provided the area is locked before bombs are released. Despite only two Kh-29Ts can be carried each flight which does hinders long-range engagement capabilities, the JH-7A can also employ unguided rockets as a little extra firepower against unaware SPAAs or light vehicles after the more precious A2G weapons are depleted, supporting friendly jets and helicopters by eliminating potential threats.

The JH-7A can equip its full complement of air-to-air missiles with minimal overlap with bomb and rocket pylons, allowing it to defend against menacing enemy jets. The tactics will be very similar to air battles, while also having to be wary of enemy SPAAs: sneak up on enemies to deliver the fatal blow.

A crucial operational note for the JH-7A is to never even have the potential for close calls when evading terrain. The high-wing design necessitates additional altitude for recovery during ground assaults; it's better to abort the assault sooner rather than later, as a surviving jet can do way more damage than a jet that has slapped itself into the terrain.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent payload with varieties of bombs, AGM and rockets
* Great self-defense IR AAM options
* Great acceleration thanks to the FWS-9 turbofan engines
* Manoeuvrable for such a huge jet
* Advanced avionics
** KJ8602 RWR and MAWS for maximum situational awareness
** Digitalized cockpit with high integration for simulation battles
** Aerial-combat-capable multifunction Pulse-Doppler radar

'''Cons:'''

* Rather huge target
* Needs more altitude to recover due to high wing design
* Long learning curve for the placement of 23 mm autocannon
* Only two AGMs available per flight

== History ==

==== What the Aviation Forces Lack ====
As Mainland China has already developed domestic attacker, namely the [[Q-5 (Family)|Q-5 series]] from Nanchang, there were already needs for a land-based naval aircraft for ship attacking operations i.e. Q-5Yi (强-5乙), probably the very last torpedo bomber ever designed. Soon after the Sino-Vietnamese (with RVN) conflicts of 1974, PLAN found a major piece of puzzle lacking for their South China Sea composition: an attacker capable of launching AShM for standoff operations while able to fly supersonic; while PLAAF also called for a new supersonic attacker to replace the H-5 fleet against the menacing Soviet forces. Thus Chinese military commands listed their requirements for the new attacker by 1976 where the CMC called for a new jet for both aviation forces under the same airframe and capable to defend itself from enemy interceptors while maintaining sufficiently high payload; with Chen Yijian 陈一坚 in lead, XAC was approved for the new bomber on October 1977, while the requirements were also given to SAC and NAMC respectively ''(note from editor: CAC was working on the J-9 program led by Song Wencong 宋文骢, future chief engineer of J-10)'', leading to probably the very first competition of aircrafts between Chinese manufacturers.

==== The Winner of the trio : JH-7 ====
As the program for new supersonic attacker went on, there were 3 schemes for PLAAF and PLAN command: the first one was the '''H-7 (轰-7)''' led by Chen Yijian with the design of JH-7 for the time being ''(the first series of JH-7 of 1990s)''; '''JH-8 (歼轰-8)''' by SAC led by Gu Songfeng ''(顾诵芬, chief designer of [[J-8 (Family)|J-8]] series)'' with the iconic side intake of what-would-become J-8II in 1984 and the ambitious '''Q-6 (强-6)''' by Lu Xiaopeng ''(陆孝鹏, designer of [[Q-5 (Family)|Q-5]] and J-12)'' with side intakes and variable swept wings inspired from the MiG-23MS acquired from Egypt ''(No. 9501, now an exhibit of China Aviation Museum)''. As for JH-8, the design would decrease its ceiling, radius - contradicted to CMC's requirements; while Q-6 was way too ambitious with its powerplant and structure, especially the VSW design which were deemed not possible for Mainland China for the era, especially during economic reforms where many new technologies have to give the way for the economy. Thus, the design from XAC, H-7, eventually won the competition with lower subsonic drag than the JH-8 design.

Due to the design philosophy differences between PLAAF and PLANAF (Side-by-side vs tandem cockpit), PLAAF eventually quit the H-7 program and PLANAF's scheme won the overall design for the new jet. The new jet would utilize the 50 imported, used RR Spey RB.168 MK.202 from Great Britain as the new powerplant ''(which was intended for the J-13 program)''; while a H-5 named "Eagle" (鹰式武器试验机) would test the Type 232H PD radar and the AShM for future aircrafts. By a certain exhibition in 1988, Ministry of Aviation Industry ''(soon AVIC)'' exhibited the B-7 prototype to the public at its 1/100th prototype; while its prototypes made it to the skies in 1990s with fatalities during test flight ''(085 prototype with the pilot duo)'', the new JH-7 entered service with PLANAF by late 1990s during a certain Zhuhai Airshow as the '''FBC-1''' fighter-bomber with only provisions of 18 production aircrafts due to the engine supplies.

==== The Ultimate Form - JH-7A ====
As the introduction of Su-30MKK Flanker-H to PLANAF by late 1990s, PLANAF sought for utilizing the JH-7 platform for their latest AShM as well as provisions for BVR capabilities to fulfill the abbreviation "J" ''(歼, '''interceptors''')''; as well as the testbed of JL-10A radar as the alternative to CAC's J-10 program ''(which the Type 1473 was certified)''. This was also one of the new jets to utilize the PLAAF equivalent of NATO MIL-STD-1553B main data bus, MFDs and HUD; as well as a new FBW control as the backup for J-10, these features eventually become the foundations of the new JH-7A fighter-bomber utilizing CAD design via Dassault CATID V3, new pair of tail fins, as well as removed wing fences. First flown by early 2000s, JH-7A earned both the orders from PLANAF and PLAAF, distinguished by the red numberings (PLANAF) and yellow numbering (PLAAF) thanks to its multirole missions; although incidents have caused lives of PLA pilots through its service up to this date, it has still been a humble yet effective fighter-bomber for the aviation forces of PLA and a delivery platform (under the JH-7AII upgrade) of some latest airborne AShM, AGM or ALCM ''(air-launched cruise missile)'' platforms.

=== [[wt:en/news/8546-development-jh-7a-the-flying-leopard-en|Devblog]] ===
After several years of development, China finalized the development of its own fighter-bomber, the JH-7, which ticked all of the boxes that were set out by PLA command for an aircraft to replace the outdated Q-5. In 1999, following orders from the Central Military Committee, work began on creating an improved version of the JH-7. This extensive modernization program included 303 changes, which included improving the fire control system with the introduction of a digital electronic sighting system, as well as increasing the range of its suspended weapons. This updated fighter-bomber, now designated JH-7A made its first flight in 2002, and began entering service in October 2004. JH-7A aircraft are still currently serving in the Chinese Air Force.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jh_7a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|QjkKhVqNmfY|'''The Shooting Range #381''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:16 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|-Tw-uOo1pMg|'''The Shooting Range #380''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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/8546-development-jh-7a-the-flying-leopard-en|[Devblog] JH-7A: The Flying Leopard!]]

{{AirManufacturer Xi'an}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

F-5E (China)

2024-08-23T20:31:33Z

U4656018: /* Usage in battles */ alternations to current patches with notes to gun ballistic computer and vehicle additions

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-5 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-5e_aidc
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}'''(commonly referred as the F-5E老虎II式戰機) represented the few remaining F-5E in ROCAF service since 1980s as part of their plan to enhance the combat capabilities against the growing PLAAF. Before the plans to introduce the F-4 series failed as the result of a better Sino (Mainland China)- US relationship, the Nationalist government signed contracts with Northrop to assemble the F-5E/F on Taiwan Island in 1973 to replace the some of the previous F-86F/F-100 fleet under their Project Tiger Peace (虎安計劃). After 6 batches of these aircraft were assembled and the plans to upgrade them perished by early 2000s, they have been one of the cornerstone of ROCAF until 2020s when 2 fatal incidents accelerated their decommission from the remaining fighter wing of ROCAF where their performance is hopeless against the now-modernized PLAAF, as well as the inferior ejection systems that costed 4 lives in these 2 incidents; the remaining (R)F-5E are waiting for the new T-BE-5A Brave Eagle AJT to replace them by mid-2020s.

Introduced in [[Update "Danger Zone"]] alongside with its [[F-5E|American counterpart]], the F-5E series in ROCAF service were mostly assembled by the local institute/company of AIDC (aka 漢翔) as the alternative for ROCAF's perished dream of a fleet of F-4Es and strengthening their military force: this variant of F-5E has the same capabilities of the original US built-ones, with hard hitting AAMs/AGMs as well as a variety of loadouts from rocket pods up to 2,000 lb bombs, making the F-5E the saviour of the ground forces as a retaliation against both ground and aerial targets who pose a threat to the team. Although it is not as dominant in air combat as the PLAAF [[J-7E]], the F-5E's ability to carry four AGM-65 Maverick missiles makes it a uniquely valuable aircraft in the Chinese tech tree for precision standoff CAS.

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

Since AIDC received different batches of F-5E/Fs through the two decades of assembling, their airframe naming can be confusing (K, Ba, C, Pseudo-C); but in this case, this is the C structure which is totally identical to its [[F-5E|American counterpart]]. With a pair of GE J85-G-21A and a light yet surprisingly sturdy airframe, although the overall acceleration is nowhere comparable to jets at its tier, but the revised airframe did help F-5E making manoeuvres easier thanks to its above-average manoeuvrability. Those who are stalling or used up their energy will meet their miserable end very quickly.

While some players take it as a deliciated jet fighter against aerial targets, as a multi-role lightweight fighter, the overall payload is surprisingly high thanks to the composite materials used on its wing; bringing either lightweight bombs or devastating heavy bombs are among its options; do keep in mind that this turns F-5E into a slow bomb truck which can be shot down with relatively ease, so avoid enemies before delivering the payloads.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 11,582 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
| 1,756 || 1,746 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.2 || 27.2 || 129.9 || 115.5 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,822 || 1,777 || 25.8 || 26.0 || 171.6 || 149.1
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,458  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,018 || 470 || 463 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== 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 J85-GE-21A || 2
| colspan="2" | 4,825 kg || colspan="3" | 395 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel
|-
| 303 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 5,423 kg || 5,861 kg || 6,379 kg || 6,820 kg || 9,582 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
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,480 kgf || 2,220 kgf
| 0.82 || 0.76 || 0.70 || 0.65 || 0.46
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,575 kgf (1,458 km/h) || 3,011 kgf (1,458 km/h)
| 1.11 || 1.03 || 0.94 || 0.88 || 0.62
|-
|}

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

A common misconception of lightweight aircraft is its protection. While F-5E is known to be tough in top rank battles that sometimes it takes 2 missiles to send it back to hanger, the whole jet has no extra protection, meaning that any projectiles that shoot through the thin skin of the airframe is more than enough to take the pilot out with ease.

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

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

{{main|M39A3 (20 mm)}}

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

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

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GAU-13/A (30 mm)|30 mm GAU-13/A]] cannons (353 rpg)
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|750 lb M117 cone 45]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[BLU-1 incendiary]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || 19 || 19 || || 19 || 19 ||
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| || 4 || || || || 4 ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! 150 gal drop tanks
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
|}

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

* 3 x 150 gal drop tanks
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 5 x BLU-1 incendiary bombs
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x AGM-65B missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

Like its tech tree predecessor and its American counterpart, F-5E was designed to be a lightweight and inexpensive option for countries with tight budgets. This version of ROCAF's F-5E is identical to US ones with new avionics and engines to retain its combat capability against possible enemies. While this might sound good at first glance, players have to consider for a major problem- the waves of SARH/ARH capable jets at 11.0; you will either face waves of [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|Sparrows]] or even worse, waves of [[AIM-54A Phoenix|Phoenixes]] from [[F-14A Early|F-14A]]; for lightweight jets exactly like F-5E, facing such missiles alongside their carriers will be the ultimate nightmare to deal with. Players have to survive the first wave of head-on attacks at the first place in order to take revenge on enemy targets. Although only a pair of AIM-9P and M39A2 cannons are available for air-to-air missions, if used at the right moment ie. a careless or slow enemy, 2 missiles are more than enough to score some hits. If it has to join a dogfight, the high ammo count at its tier can give trigger-happy players more opportunity to shoot down enemy aircraft, even multiple targets if aimed properly. But do note that a pair J85-GE-21A still aren't something with high thrust, any severe energy loss gives players very little chance to even regain the speed, making it easier to be shot at.

If CAS is your cup of tea, F-5E has a great variety of ordnance ranging from napalm bombs, general purpose bombs, Zuni rockets, as well as 2 pairs of AGM-65B. It can be said that F-5E has been one of the most-selected CAS aircraft for the Chinese tech tree until the introduction of [[Q-5L]] with LGBs or JH-7A with a pair of [[Kh-29T|Kh-29Ts]] ''(editor's note: the lack of PLAAF jet with ATGM has been continued for 2 years until Kings of Battle on December 2023)''. For a less risky approach, use the Mavericks to take out MBTs or menacing SPAAGs, its explosive content and penetration is more than enough to take out any unnoticed ground targets. Since Mavericks used IR/TV tracker in this case, some players sought it as a surprise way to shoot down hovering helicopters from safe distance and altitude. While bombs and rocket pods are available as well, while the HUD provides a gun ballistic computer, this is not the case for A2G weapons. Players should enter the battlefield below 600 m and at around 700 km/h then dive upon the target at 30°, then drop the payloads and pullup for a run; while rockets requires higher altitude for the dive, so use them with extreme caution and practice the trajectory for precise hits. Napalm can also be useful in some way for the nature that it could burn plants and open-top vehicles, but its aesthetic use is much greater than its practical use, i.e. blinding TVD modules on vehicles or equipment with its extreme heat.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Retains similar, if not better flight performance to its predecessor
* Small size, making it difficult for enemies to land shots onto the F-5E
* Variety of payloads ranging from bombs up to TV guided AGMs
* Finally comes with a radar which was lacking on previous models
* Surprisingly sturdy airframe for such a lightweight aircraft
* M39 cannons has generous ammo count and damage against aerial targets; sometimes even ground targets with AP belts

'''Cons:'''

* Only gun ballistic computer is available, not for rockets/bombs
* Low top speed at its rank and lacks the thrust to escape from danger
* The only A2A option is the pair of guns and two AIM-9Ps at most
* Small countermeasures capacity, less than the F-5A

== History ==

Earlier in 1968, the Nationalist Government had proposed an agreement to Northrop to produce their latest F-5E/F Tiger II domestically in Taiwan. While the batches of earlier [[F-5A (China)|F-5A]] Freedom Fighters joined ROCAF in 1965 as the replacement for the already obsolete fleet of F-86s, those 48 F-5A series were then handed over to the RVAF in 1972 while some batches of USAF's F-4 Phantoms II were transferred from US Pacific Air Force and stationed in Taiwan; the aforementioned agreement with Northrop was signed in February 1973 where AIDC received the license for building 100 F-5E/F series under "Project Tiger Peace 虎安計劃".
[[File:F-5E 5283 displayed in Taichung.jpg|thumb|293x293px|F-5E 5283 at 823 Park in Taichung]]

The overall production program could be divided into 6 separated batches and the very first F-5E assembled in Taichung (No. 5101) was then named Chung-Ching (中正, true name [名諱] of Chiang Kai-Shek [蔣介石；Kai-Shek is the courtesy name]) as his 88th birthday present. Although the first batches of 100 F-5E were delivered successfully, but later changes in Sino-American relationship (the 1979 Communique) forced the Nationalist Government to sign further agreements for new batches of F-5Es, as their proposed purchase for 48 [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]]<ref>https://ahonline.drnh.gov.tw/index.php?act=Display/image/2242741c=hD5La#9fC</ref> was ditched by President Carter. The upcoming batches of F-5 consists both the E/F variant and were produced until 1986 by the end of Tiger Peace VI, a total of 242 F-5E and 66 F-5F (308 in total excluding the first military aid ones from US). Although ROCAF had plans for an upgrade of [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/545113-aidc-f-5e-tiger-2000-the-forgotten-tiger/ F-5E with F-CK-1's avionics and missiles] in early 2000s, this project failed to earn ROCAF order.

Since the heat of the first Strait Crisis has passed, the "Tigers" didn't have the chance to be involved into combat actions; but two of these jets defected to Mainland China throughout the 1980s and they were among the very last cross-strait defects. These jets were also involved in 50 crashes with 52 deaths; after the three consecutive crashes within half-a year from October 2020 (5261; engine flameout; pilot DOA) to March 2021 (5286 and 5287; mid-air collision), ROCAF decided to decommission their fleet of remaining F-5s in Taitung by 2025 , replacing them with the new [[wikipedia:AIDC_T-5_Brave_Eagle|T-BE5A Brave Eagle]].<ref>https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2022-02-11/taiwans-brave-eagle-leaves-nest</ref>

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-5e_aidc 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://archive.org/details/T.O.1F5E11984OCR/mode/2up/ Technical Order 1F-5E-1 - Flight Manual for F-5E/F-5F Aircraft]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer AIDC}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

J-7E

2024-08-20T16:49:52Z

U4656018: /* Description */ Slight alteration of description with official code

{{About
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other MiG-21 versions
| link = MiG-21 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=j_7e
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=Cockpit_j_7e.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The J-7E (officially K/AJJ7E, or in Chinese 歼-7E型歼击机; unified NATO codename: Fishcan) is a heavily-modified model of the MiG-21 series and one of the current support fighters of the PLAAF. The design of a double-delta J-7 was demanded not only by foreign customers, but also by the PLAAF themselves, where the jet would be the replacement of the bulk of J-6s in PLAAF service by late 1980s, as well as a way to earn foreign exchanges to fund the future Project No.10 (J-10) during the economic reform era. Although being quite obsolete in today's standards, the jet is still rather cheap to operate and equipped with relatively advanced IR AAMs to deliver sudden strikes on foes, as well as a makeshift "lead-in" trainer for pilots before they operate newer jets.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]], the J-7E offers a very different way to upgrade a [[MiG-21 (Family)|Fishbed]] from the Soviet approach - not only does it have a more powerful engine and additional fuel, it also comes with the iconic double-delta wing with slats, making it a formidable competitor in terms of overall manoeuvrability and especially at lower speeds, which no Soviet Fishbed can ever offer. With its newer PL-5B missile and large countermeasure capacity, the J-7E can prove its abilities over its competitors and use its amazing manoeuvrability to dominate close-quarters engagements in the hands of a good pilot even facing more competent foes.

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

The J-7E's airframe looks similar to the [[J-7II]] aside from the double delta wings, having a small nose and a thin fuselage spine like the early [[MiG-21F-13]] the J-7II was developed from. This contrasts with the Soviet MiG-21s, where from the [[MiG-21PFM]] onward, the noses and fuselage spines were enlarged to house search radars and hold additional fuel, respectively. To compensate for the increased weight and aerodynamic penalties, Soviet designers installed increasingly powerful engines. Even though the J-7E's new WP-13F (reverse engineered R-13-300 with some newer technologies) engine lags behind the [[MiG-21SMT]] and [[MiG-21bis]]'s engines in terms of maximum thrust, the J-7E actually weighs less than the [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]] and can make the most of its engine power. The acceleration and climb are not on the level of the legendary MiG-21bis but still competitive for a top rank fighter.

Thanks to the new engine and the slat-equipped double-delta wings, the J-7E has one of the most impressive manoeuvrability among its battle rating. The turn time is a whopping 29 seconds even when stock in RB, leaving most its competitors (other than F-5 family) behind by at least 3 seconds. Low-speed manoeuvrability and high-speed energy retention are greatly improved, addressing long-standing issues with the Fishbed family and presenting a pleasant surprise to new pilots. It is possible to make sustained high-G turns at above 1,000 km/h IAS without losing much airspeed at all and maintain good nose authority during spiral climbs or dogfights at near-stall speeds. The slats still work at 900 km/h, which helps with gun snapshots or missile leading at high speeds. The wing loading is lower than most contemporaries other than the [[J35D]] and [[Mirage IIIC]], which feature full tailless delta wings. The J-7E is very solid in close combat and can compete with Mirages and F-5s while dancing around heavier aircraft like [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|Phantoms]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,313 || 2,284 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.5 || 25.0 || 153.3 || 144.7 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,458 || 2,387 || 23.5 || 24.0 || 209.1 || 180.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 665 || 450 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 600 || < 790 || -
|-
|}

==== 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" | Shenyang Liming WP-13F || 1
| colspan="2" | 5,712 kg || colspan="2" | 310 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel
|-
| 1,200 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,306 kg || 7,176 kg || 7,692 kg || 9,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 27m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,100 kgf || 6,666 kgf
| 1.06 || 0.93 || 0.87 || 0.70
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,100 kgf (0 km/h) || 7,132 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.13 || 0.99 || 0.93 || 0.75
|-
|}

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


The J-7E comes with a 10 mm plate behind pilot's head and a 16 mm plate behind the ejection seat. While it doesn't prove to be much of a concern of cannons, it does help to stop some smaller-calibre gunfire. There is also a 60 mm windshield that is durable enough to take some shots than all the remaining part of the aircraft. The armour still doesn't count for much considering that top-tier aircraft primarily rely on missiles and tend to have very powerful guns, so avoid being hit.

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

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

{{main|Type 30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm Type 30-1 cannon, belly-mounted (60 rpg)
* 72 x countermeasures

Because the addition of a new fuel tank to the lower left side of the aircraft and compensation for the weight of newer missiles, unlike its predecessor, the J-7E has only a single Type 30-1 cannon on the starboard side. It does have good ballistics and firepower (a few hits will rip apart most aircraft), but for pilots without good aiming skills the stingy 60-round ammo capacity will be very painful. Experienced pilots may prefer it over the 23 mm cannon used by most Soviet Fishbeds due to its accuracy and stopping power. In SB, the J-7E comes with a HUD and the ranging radar is linked to it, making it somewhat useful to track down enemies and gun them down with a bit more precision. However, pilots do need to compensate the offset of the starboard gun and aim a bit towards the left when shooting at closer ranges.

Belt selection is largely up to personal taste but the "Armoured Targets" belt is generally the most consistent, often dealing hefty kinetic damage to enemy aircraft. The APHE rounds have decent penetration but it is not advised to use the gun against ground targets in mixed battles; they can be effective against thinly armoured targets, but the limited ammunition should be reserved for aircraft and going on gun runs is very dangerous against top-tier SPAA vehicles.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="9%" | 1 !! width="9%" | 2 !! width="9%" | 3 !! width="9%" | 4 !! width="9%" | 5
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[500-3 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-3]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[500-4 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-4]] bombs
| || 1 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
| 7 || 7 || || 7 || 7
|-
! [[Type 130-2]] rockets
| 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4
|-
! [[PL-2]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-5B]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1
|-
! 490 l drop tanks
| 1 || || || || 1
|-
! 720 l drop tanks
| || || 1 || ||
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 720 l drop tank + 2 x 490 l drop tanks
* 1 x 720 l drop tank + 2 x PL-5B missiles
* 4 x PL-2 missiles
* 4 x PL-5B missiles
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
* 28 x Type 90-1 rockets
* 4 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The J-7E has a lot of ordnance options to choose from. The PL-5B is the first competitive missile available to any PLAAF fighter in War Thunder and is a strong selling point of the J-7E compared to its predecessors. It has a 30 G overload, a wide acquisition radius, and strong acceleration, making it one of the most effective rear-aspect missiles in War Thunder. The absence of launch limiter on the PL-5B means that you can fire as soon as the target is within the acquisition radius. The J-7E lacks any radar-guided or all-aspect missiles and cannot surprise targets in head-on engagements.

The J-7E's ordnance improvements are not limited to air-to-air combat. For ground attack, it has access to 250 kg and 500 kg bombs like the J-7II, but it now uses much improved Type 90-1 and Type 130-2 rockets as seen on the [[Q-5A]] instead of the weak 57 mm HF-5 rockets. The 90 mm Type 90-1 rockets are equivalents of the US FFAR rockets and nothing special. The 130 mm Type 130-2 rockets have HE warheads and direct impacts will easily dispatch light tanks and SPAAs. Against top-tier MBTs, accurate hits to the turret and hull roof armour will work the best, as side impacts can be inconsistent. The J-7E's ballistic computer makes it much easier to aim the rockets accurately.

The J-7E can also carry 250 kg and 500 kg bombs. The ballistic computer's CCIP and CCRP functionality allows them to be used to good effect in mixed battles in the absence of enemy air defense.

== Usage in battles ==


The J-7E is something like a hybrid between a MiG-21 and an F-5 in terms of flight performance and role. It obviously is an evolution of the Fishbed and enjoys many of the MiG-21's strengths in top speed, acceleration, and climb. At the same time, the new design corrects many of the MiG-21's vices and it ends up being a very nimble dogfighter that can turn well and maintain its energy like an F-5. This gives it flexibility in terms of how to approach combat. At the beginning of a match, the J-7E can sideclimb and make its way to medium or high altitude, then cruise into battle at supersonic speeds. Distracted targets at similar altitudes are prime missile targets. When it is time to join the furballs below, the J-7E can swoop in on vulnerable targets and put its agility to use.

Gunning straight into battle at lower altitudes from the start of a match, which is customary for Fishbeds, is also an option. Start to "patrol" for anyone who is possibly in their tunnel vision (where a person has only a little FOV due to his speed), then go ahead and assault them with your powerful PL-5B AAMs. They can make short work of the enemies with their 30G overload and excellent acceleration. If you only have PL-2s, which are barely better than no missiles, or even worse, only the cannon left, be very cautious on when should you fire a burst or launch the missiles. If you wasted the chance, pilots could meet their demise pretty quick if your team is on the disadvantage. And it should be reminded that unless really necessary or it is one-on-one dual with your enemy, in most cases do not dogfight for very long times to avoid presenting a slow and easy target for outside enemies to pick off. But if you have to, bleed the opponent's energy as much as you could: your higher thrust-to-weight ratio and double-delta shine here, assisting in getting on the enemy's six and staying there.

The new PL-5B introduced to the PLAAF arsenal can on paper pull 30G upon its targets, which makes it extremely efficient when dueling with enemies who are not paying enough attention. But all this come at a price: you only have the starboard Type 30-1 cannon as the last ditch weapon, and thus you have only 60 rounds just like the original [[MiG-21F-13]]. Players who have experience with the [[J-6A]] and [[J-7II]] should have a good idea of the cannon's ballistics, but the off-center placement may take some getting used to. In this case, pilots should pick enemies who have recently manoeuvred, then go straight upon them and aim a bit to the left to compensate the gun's placement; a burst from 30 mm can tear down anything that flies with some precision.

Countermeasures and a radar warning receiver allow the J-7E to have good defensive capabilities, but the aircraft only has a ranging radar instead of a proper search radar. This means that the RWR is the primary source of information on enemy positions besides the in-game spotting mechanic. Remember that some aircraft like the [[F-5C]] do not have a radar at all and those that do can still turn their radar search off to preserve stealth. The J-7E does not have any radar guided missiles and the primitive radar is not relevant during active combat.

=== Enemies worth noting ===

* [[F-5E|F-5]] series: F-5s are always a tough enemy to deal with due to its smaller size and above average manoeuvrability, making him the arch-enemy of J-7E. But thanks to your overall higher thrust-to-weight ratio and double-delta, you can still do some dogfight with him but be caution with your next step: one small wrong move can mean your quick demise. The best solution to handle F-5s are your PL-5Bs, if they are careless enough, they will not have the chance to fly back to the airfield since they have already been shattered by the explosive mass of the missile. If missile is not an option, keep as fast as you could and leave the airspace for another attack run; only hitting him when the tides of battle really allows you to do so.

* [[Mirage IIIE|Mirage III]] series: they have the infamous [[Matra R550 Magic 1|Magic R.550]] and [[Matra R530]] at their disposal and these missiles can send anything that flies back to the hangar with ease. Their high angle of attack also worth mentioning since they can still sacrifice some more speed in the short run and hit you with the cannons. In this case, keep your speed, try to bleed their energy and avoid their Magics with flares, without them, the J-7E with its higher acceleration and energy retention can duel the Mirage III with relative ease.

* [[J35D]]: The Draken has incredibly low wing loading, a good thrust-to-weight ratio, and powerful RB24J missiles that are functionally identical to AIM-9Js. Its missiles are not quite as potent as the Magics used by the Mirages, but the plane can pull off some very impressive manoeuvres, so be cautious when dogfighting with a Draken for the first few turns and be prepared to drop flares if necessary. The Draken's design is a double edged sword however, because the entire aircraft being a lifting body means that it acts like an enormous airbrake during hard turns, losing immense speed. The tailed double-delta configuration of the J-7E is more balanced and its superior energy retention will give a careful pilot the upper hand in an extended engagement. The J35D also lacks flares, is a large target, and has an even more awkward gun placement than the J-7E, so it's not particularly threatening when its speed is gone.
* [[J35XS]]: Similar to the J35D, the J35XS is a very good dogfighter but with 2 new upgrades: 2 more RB24J missiles and 12 large calibre countermeasures. So a good J35XS player could easily defeat your PL-5 missiles. Yet due to its fight performance, it loses speed rapidly. Players could exploit this characteristic and energy trip a J35XS player in a dogfight and line up a gun kills.

* [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]]: Other than the [[F-4C]]: All top-tier Phantoms are large, bulky planes that will suffer heavily in a dogfight with the J-7E, but they are fast and may be able to outrun the J-7E and other Fishbeds at low altitude courtesy of their higher rip speeds (less so for the FGR/FG if they are carrying gun pods). Careful Phantom pilots will maintain their energy and repeatedly sling missiles at the J-7E while avoiding dogfights, and they also carry plenty of flares to avoid return fire from PL-5Bs. The British Phantoms boast pulse-doppler radars that can guide AIM-7 Sparrows against ground clutter while staying at high altitude. The J-7E has a radar warning receiver and an impressive supply of countermeasures for a light fighter, so long range Sparrow shots can be detected and evaded, but such launches are still annoying to deal with and can wear down the J-7E. Coordinate with teammates, trash their Sparrow shots to force them to switch to short-range IR missiles, and bait them into close quarters engagements where the J-7E excels. The German [[F-4F]] lacks radar-guided missiles despite being otherwise modern, so it is less of a threat.

* [[JA37C|JA37C Viggen]]: Another very iconic jet from Sweden and it is among the most advanced and manoeuvrable jets; the first mass-produced jet that ever comes with a canard. With one of the highest climb rate thanks to its aerodynamic design and powerful engine, as well as an advanced radar with look-down capabilities, this jet among with Phantoms are tough targets to engage. So a good way to avoid quick demise from their Skyflash missiles is to stay as low as you could, where its radar couldn't detect with ease, and try to take a detour behind the enemy lines where they will be concentrated on your teammates, then strike them when they are unaware of it. If that is not the case and you have gone into a dogfight with it, do not head-on as you are a piece of cake to Skyflash. Keep also your speed and manoeuvres in check, bite on its tail as much as you can, since there's a risk for the J-7E to overshoot and get shot by the Viggen's 30 mm cannons.

* [[MiG-23 (Family)]]: The family of late Warsaw Pact variable-swept wing aircraft in-game, the Floggers, have a higher thrust than J-7E does and it does come with better avionics and head-on capable R-60M missiles (MiG-23M and MiG-27M) which can make short work of careless players. The R-24T on the MiG-23MLD are also worth mentioning as they have quite a long radius, are IRST-guided and won't trigger your RWR. But the good news is that in many cases, if the enemy player didn't pay enough attention to tailing J-7E, they are still easy preys to your missiles or sometimes your 30 mm cannons, with such a large airframe, hits can be achieved with ease; but do note that some experienced players will manually control the swept angle of the wings and keep in dogfight for quite a while.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* New engines with higher thrust and overall acceleration thanks to the lighter weight than Soviet MiG-21s
* Unique double-delta wings that gives impressive manoeuvrability and energy retention at its tier
* Multifunctional HUD and full ballistic computer functionality
* Comes with extremely advanced RWR and 72 countermeasures
* PL-5B missiles can make very short work of your enemies with their 30G overload and long boost time
* Good selection of ground attack weaponry, including powerful 130 mm rockets and 500 kg bombs

'''Cons:'''

* Single gun on starboard with only 60 rounds, very challenging to aim
* Lacks a fire-control radar and radar-guided weaponry
* No all-aspect IR missiles
* Missile capacity of 4 is below average
* Engine can be prone to overheat with extended use

== History ==

The CAC J-7 Fishbed (alternatively called a Fishcan to differentiate from the [[MiG-21 (Family)|Soviet built ones]]) has entered PLAAF service since late 1960s, but due to the political turmoil and lack of documents due to Sino-Soviet split, it was not until the mid-1970s until the [[J-7II]] had a steady pace of manufacture. The 4th major revision of this airframe, J-7IV, aka J-7E, can be traced back to the 1980s.

In the early 1980s, Mainland China had better relationships with European countries who seek to open up their military equipment market; thus during these days the older J-7II received a overhaul upgrade coded J-7B (or F-7M in foreign market) with British electronic equipment provided by GEC Marconi; while at the same time Chinese got their hands on a few [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MiG-21MF]] from Egypt for upgrading the PLAAF fleet with a faster and radar-equipped aircraft, which later became the J-7C/D. They however failed to meet PLAAF's requirements on low speed dogfight doctrine and only a mere 54 aircraft were manufactured, though they were impressed by the R-13-300 engines on them and thus it became the Shenyang Liming WP-13 engine.

Although all these must be supported with a higher military budget (which wasn't available in the 1980s due to the economic reform) and during the late 1980s, most of the budget went to the later J-10 "Firebird"; while there were the mass of the older Shenyang [[J-6A|J-6]] fleet that needed replacement and PLAAF was in dire need for a fighter that came with ground-attacking capabilities (even the Shenyang J-8II was among the modified aircraft), so the CAC (Chengdu Aircraft Corp.) decided to made an upgrade on J-7 based on the opinion from foreign users, especially in terms of manoeuvrability .

Thus, the J-7IV (that later became the J-7E) program started in 1987 and by May 1991, it made its first flight and 2 years later it came into PLAAF commission.

The main improvement was the manoeuvrability, with the new WP-13 engine and the iconic double-delta designed by Northwestern Polytechnical University (西北工业大学 in Xi'an, Shaanxi) with a slat that can be lowered to 25° (and in fact the first PRC fighter with slats) that really helped its manoeuvrability - in a PLAAF's exercise in 1993, it was concluded that it was 43% better than older J-7II, as well as longer range with additional fuel tanks at the cost of giving up the port side cannon due to decreasing usage of cannons. Other improvements included additional pair of pylon, domestic avionics with a HUD, as well as some of the cockpit gauges were digital.

These 260 J-7Es built from 1994 to 2001 became the gap filler for PLAAF in the struggling days during the heat of 2nd Taiwan Strait Crisis; in 2006, based on the later F-7PG that came with an Italian radar (later domestic radar); the ultimate Fishbed of Mainland China- the J-7G came into service, with HMDs and latest avionics. Both serving as a supplementary jets to frontline airfields and cheaper solution to fill the gap until newer J-10C and J-11 series replace them.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j_7e Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|uPiZbwP0IUA|'''My Definite Favourite - J-7E Red Skies''' - ''DEFYN''|yQfhODlSmJo|'''The Shooting Range #257''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|cSY9Dymym9A|'''The Most Underrated Plane Of Patch 2.7: J-7E''' - ''Spit_flyer''}}

== See also ==


;[[MiG-21 (Family)|Related development]]

* [[J-7II]]
* [[J-7D]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/526070-chengdu-j-7e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Chengdu}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

Python 3

2024-08-16T17:58:19Z

U4656018: Revising PL-8/9 part at the 2nd paragraph

== Description ==

The '''Python 3''' is an Israeli heatseeking missile, being a further development of the [[Shafrir 2]]. Produced by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, it was much improved and has seen widespread service. Notably in the 1982 Lebanon war, it performed very well, gaining between 35-50 kills to its name. The PLAAF was also enthused with it, liscensing it as the [[PL-8]].

The Python 3 was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], and comfortably sits as one of, if not the best short range IR missile. Compared to the [[AIM-9L]] and [[R-60M]], it is faster and at 40Gs, pulls much harder than both. It has better range than the R-60M, and in most cases the AIM-9L, although in theory at high altitude the AIM-9L will outrange it. It works well being shot at strange angles that enemies will not expect, to avoid being flared away.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|f-5e_fcu_thailand}}
* {{Specs-Link|kfir_c2}}
* {{Specs-Link|kfir_c7}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e_kurnass_2000}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_10_iaf}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_15a_iaf}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the missile.''

=== Effective damage ===

The Python 3 with 5 kg of HBX filler has around 8 kg TNTe. It will produce both explosion and shrapnel damage to enemy aircraft, penetrating airframes or blowing off parts off the aircraft.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] - US/NATO standard IR AAM with very long guidance time; while having lesser overload, head-on range and explosive content.
* [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] - Missile based on the AIM-9L equipped with an advanced heat seeker which has IRCCM capabilities and a low/reduced smoke motor.
* [[R-73]] - Soviet IR AAM with identical overload; while having lesser explosive content and a shorter combat radius.
* [[Matra R550 Magic 2|Magic-2]] - French standard IR AAM with higher explosive content, slightly more guidance time and a faster flight speed; while having slightly less overload but identical head-on range.

== Usage in battles ==

As one of the most advanced IR AAM of its era, the Python 3 excels in terms of velocity, overload factor, and damage. The overall combat radius is also long enough for strikes even at 3 km and above, there are cases where the Python 3 could hit enemy targets at a higher altitude and long distance (thanks to lesser air density and its powerful rocket engine). The speed and damage of the missile at Mach 3.5 also helps it deliver fatal blow to careless enemies or sitting ducks which depleted their energy for an evasive manoeuvre. Although carriers of the Python 3 currently lack HMD unlike its Chinese cousin, up to 6 x Python 3 on F-16A Netz can still be an ultimate nightmare for enemy jets. Be sure not to fire them within 1.2 km radius when in a head-on as these missiles doesn't have thrust vectoring for very tight manoeuvres, wasting a chance to take down enemies.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High overload factor of 40G
* High velocity on par with Soviet SARH-based missiles at Mach 3.5
* Long combat radius
* Loaded high explosive payload

'''Cons:'''

* Vulnerable to flares
* Heavier than its NATO/Warsaw Pact counterparts

== History ==

As the production of Israeli domestic AAM has gone smoothly after the production of Shafrir-1/2 in the 1970s, they have been proved very effective against enemy jets, especially when IAF shot down 89 jets with the Shafrir-2. However, the ongoing conflicts with surrounding Arabic countries and introduction of more advanced jets for these countries also called for a new IR AAM that can achieve head-on attacks - USAF by the time already has AIM-9L in 1977 while Soviet was still working on the R-60M variant (introduced in 1982). The development of the Python 3 started in 1978 where Rafael ditched Hebrew names for the missile family and opted for an English name instead. As soon as Israel started to be involved in the Lebanese War in 1982, the IAF launched the Operation Mole Cricket 19 where it achieved no losses against around 82 (up to 86 vary by sources) Lebanese/Syrian jets and destroying their SAM systems for further air superiority. During the "Bekaa Valley Turkey Shoot", the IAF also introduced their head-on IR AAMs including US-built AIM-9Ls and their latest Python 3 in operation, where the latter scored around 50 victories among the 82 victories. Although being a missile from 1982, the Python 3 is now still used by IAF alongside with its more advanced cousins, Python 4 and 5.<ref>https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/39648/israeli-f-15s-were-armed-with-old-missiles-during-b-52-escort</ref>

Soon after the "Turkey Shoot", Chinese military officials and engineers also deemed Python 3 as a good bargain to upgrade the PLAAF fleet with more advanced Western missiles before domestic alternatives were commissioned. The deal which included the production line and 1,500 missiles was set in 1983 under the name Project No.8 (八号工程), later renamed PL-8 as the project was finalized and the new missile entered service in 1986. The technologies used on Python 3 also set the foundation of future Chinese domestic missiles i.e. export-only PL-9, which has many similarities with Python 3 except having a more conventional tail like those on PL-5 series for evading the export restrictions under the Sino-Israeli contract; meanwhile, PLAAF also developed an IRCCM variant, PL-8B as the main IR AAM for the air force by 21st century.

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]
<references />

Q-5L

2024-08-16T16:55:12Z

U4656018: /* Usage in battles */ adding cons about low countermeasure counts

{{About
| about = Chinese strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Q-5 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=q_5l
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Q-5L (Chinese: 强-5L型强击机; unified NATO Codename: Fantan) was one of the final versions of the Q-5 family developed in the early 2000s, focusing on improving the electronics for ground-attack capabilities. China had been closely observing the USAF's guided munitions since the Vietnam War, during which their AGM-62 Walleyes performed exceptionally well in attacking critical infrastructure to stall attacks from the Viet Cong. Due to political turmoil, the PLAAF failed to acquire foreign targeting pods, so testing of domestic LGBs and guidance pods began in the 1990s with various prototypes. Although the plan for a 2-plane formation, where one plane would carry bombs and the other a target pod, was abandoned, the new avionics of the Q-5II (Q-5C; suffixed with L when upgraded) and Q-5D (suffixed with N) ensured the capability of the single jet to strike enemies with LGBs. These upgrades became the standard for the Q-5s before their ultimate decommission in the early 2010s.

Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]], the Q-5L has an increased bomb payload and updated avionics such as a new FLIR sensor underneath the nose. However, it is still not any better in air combat than the [[Q-5A]] because it lacks air-to-air missiles. Its deficits in air-to-air combat and fragility are compensated for by access to laser-guided bombs and a targeting pod with thermal optics, all at a much lower battle rating than the [[Jaguar GR.1A]] or [[Mirage 2000D-R1]]. In Ground RB, a well-flown Q-5L can destroy enemy vehicles without much concern for enemy air defenses.

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

For players who have flown the Q-5 series, Q-5L still retains the same flight performance - although sharing many parts with the [[J-6A]], due to the lack of weight-reduction measures, Q-5s are in fact structurally overweight; while it has better sustained turn to heavier jets such as Phantoms thanks to its engines, do note that the weight issue still haunts the jet. Beware of any targets that have higher manoeuvrability, although your higher speed might save you from subsonic jets, any supersonic jets will have no problem chasing a Q-5L. Another note is that the Q-5L still retains the same control surface lock-up at transonic speeds (>850 km/h and before hitting Mach 1.0), use the airbrakes according to the situation for both regaining control or "snap-shots" on enemy targets.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 7,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,434 || 1,430 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.4 || 25.7 || 139.4 || 129.4 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,454 || 1,444 || 24.6 || 25.0 || 186.5 || 162.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,260  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 500 || 450 || ~9 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 540 || < 650 || < 350 || 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" | Shenyang Liming WP-6A-III || 2
| colspan="2" | 6,598 kg || colspan="3" | 337 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | 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
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 725 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 7,446 kg || 8,215 kg || 9,024 kg || 9,425 kg || 12,457 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 2,650 kgf || 3,713 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.79 || 0.59
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 2,677 kgf (1,000 km/h) || 3,789 kgf (1,000 km/h)
| 1.02 || 0.92 || 0.84 || 0.80 || 0.61
|-
|}

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


* 10 mm steel plate behind nose cone
* 4.5 + 8 mm bulletproof glass in front of the cockpit
* 8 mm steel plate underneath cockpit
* 16 mm steel armoured pilot's seat
* 10 + 25 mm steel armoured pilot's headrest
* Self-sealing fuel tanks behind cockpit and underneath engines in rear fuselage

The Q-5L shares the same protection as its predecessors. Due to the need for ground attack and some protection for the pilot, the cockpit is enclosed by steel plates and comes with bulletproof glass. While this might not be sufficient against any autocannons at the rank, it could at least make sure the pilot will not be knocked out right away by incoming shots or shrapnel. The engines are still unprotected, but the installation of fire suppression systems allows the Q-5L to have greater odds to survive a fire onboard.

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

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

{{main|Type 23-2K (23 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-2K cannons, wing-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)
* 18 x large calibre countermeasures

The Type 23-2K cannons should be more than familiar to experienced Fantan users. Many of the Q-5L's opponents will be supersonic aircraft, and the substandard muzzle velocity and inconsistent damage per shot can be annoying. Still, they are its only air-to-air weapon.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="10" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || || 4 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || || 4 || || 1 || 1
|-
! [[500-3 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-3]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[500-4 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-4]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[GB250 (260 kg)|260 kg GB250]] bombs
| || 1* || || || || 1* ||
|-
! [[GB500 (570 kg)|570 kg GB500]] bombs
| || 1* || || || || 1* ||
|-
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
| || 7 || 7 || || 7 || 7 ||
|-
! [[Type 130-2]] rockets
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! K/PZS-01 targeting pod
| || || || 1* || || ||
|-
| colspan="9" | * The K/PZS-01 targeting pod must be carried when equipping laser-guided bombs
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 28 x Type 90-1 rockets
* 16 x Type 130-2 rockets
* 2 x 260 kg GB250 bombs (520 kg total)
* 2 x 570 kg GB500 bombs (1,140 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
{{Navigation-End}}

The good news for players of the Q-5L is that the PLAAF have finally ditched the -2 series bombs for the streamlined -3 series low-drag bombs, in addition to the ability to carry greater payloads. Players can take eight 250-3 bombs which, combined with the ballistic computer, could do extensive damage to multiple targets. While the option for a pair of 500-3 bombs on the wings also exists, in most cases the 250 kg bombs are more than enough to take down tanks of the rank. Both payloads are also now finally sufficient to (barely) destroy a base in Air RB.

Thanks to the technological advances of the early 2000s, the Q-5L also receives "smart bombs" in the 260 kg GB250 and 500 kg GB500 laser-guided bombs. Combined with the K/PZS-01 targeting pod with excellent thermal sights, both of these bombs can make sure the enemies will have a really bad day while you can keep yourself out of trouble by dropping the bombs from higher altitude. The GB250 is unlocked first and contains an underwhelming 91 kg of TNT equivalent. The GB500 is much better with 220 kg of TNT and can quite consistently destroy clustered enemy tanks. Note that the targeting pod blocks the underbelly pylons from being used to carry unguided bombs.

For players that feel that bombs are not their cup of tea, there are still options for 90 mm and 130 mm rockets at their disposal; while both of them can be guided by ballistic computer as well, do note that they don't have as many salvoes as their NATO/Warsaw Pact counterparts, so aim carefully before firing upon light targets or careless MBTs, taking them out using the high penetration HEAT warheads of the 90-1 or the explosive mass of the 130-2 rockets.

== Usage in battles ==

The Q-5L shares many similar features to previous Fantans: the same bulky MiG-19/J-6-based airframe with very high acceleration/climb rate. While there are some changes to the avionics and weapons, in most scenarios Q-5L flies like all the other Fantans.

==== Matchmaking oddity ====
The Q-5L's lack of air-to-air missiles can possibly be seen as a blessing in disguise, as while it is rank VII, As of the [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]] The Q-5L sits at an extremely low BR of 9.3 in Air-battles and is currently the lowest-BR Rank VII aircraft in the game, giving the opportunity to grind top-tier aircraft at rank VIII without incurring an RP-gain penalty for researching aircraft that are more than one rank above or below the aircraft you are playing with.

==== Not-so Fighter ====
An everlasting flaw of the Q-5s is the overweight airframe due to the limits of materials, this still applies to the Q-5L, though it has some parts of the airframe reinforced with modern materials. In most cases, using the Q-5L as a makeshift fighter is not a great idea as the airframe hinders the overall manoeuvrability; yes, it could still surprise in outturning supersonic jets of its rank or sometimes higher, but do remember that the Q-5 is an attacker and doesn't have the manoeuvrability at high speeds, especially at transonic speeds where the control surfaces lock up and might cause trouble when attempting to level out from a dive. To say the least, if enemy fighters are at lower speeds and lack the acceleration to escape from the Q-5L's pair of WP-6III engines, in most cases a sustained turnfight is enough to take them down with ease, assuming the pilot is used to the subpar ballistic performance of 23-2K cannons onboard. In some cases, even jets with delta wings will fall victim to the Q-5L with its superior manoeuvring energy retention. However, only take on enemies when they are on their own, as a prolonged dogfight means that supersonic enemy backup could quickly arrive and turn the tables.

Since the airframe has been reinforced, the Q-5L can carry up to 2 tons of bombs in a single run: for the more dedicated role of being an attacker, taking eight 250-3 bombs are barely sufficient to take down a base at its rank: although this also means you have to land and rearm often, this at least gives the Q-5L a chance to earn extra research points. Using the new CCRP function alongside bomb series makes it very easy to bomb bases and turn around early. While bombing AI targets is still viable, only do it when the skies are clear from enemies as the Q-5L does not have AAMs to defend itself and a somewhat meager amount of countermeasures to go along with it.

Using the Q-5L as a bomb truck will still leave the inner wing pylons available for carrying rockets. Two pods of 130 mm rockets can be fired at bases for additional points. More creatively, two pods of 90 mm rockets can be carried for use as makeshift flares in a tactic pioneered by contemporary attackers like the [[MiG-23BN (Germany)|MiG-23BN]]. Although 14 rockets is a long way from the MiG-23BN's swarms of 57 mm rockets, they are still better than nothing and can help the Q-5L survive a head-on or two from all-aspect missiles like the [[R-60M]].

==== Payback with Vengeance ====
While players might not have a good time in aerial combat, the Q-5L brings in a very valuable feature for PLAAF jets: a full-fledged ballistic computer and guided bombs. To players suffering from enemy jet attackers in ground battles, the Q-5L lets enemies taste their own medicine to some extent. Thanks to the new HUD and sensors onboard, the Q-5L is able to achieve precise strikes with either its bombs or rockets. The new targeting pod onboard provides a thermal vision sight, while the jet itself also has a built-in 1.5x camera for acquisition. The Q-5L's combination of climb-rate, targeting pod, and LGBs gives it an advantage over subsonic attackers at its BR such as the [[Su-25]] and [[A-10A]] who often need to be at lower altitudes closer to the battlefield to do effective damage

To safely deal with ground targets, take either of the 250/500 kg LGBs (GB250/GB500) alongside the targeting pod and climb to at least 6 km before entering the battlefield as this lowers the odds of being pinged by SAM radar and MANPADS of the rank have very little chance of hitting targets at such altitude. Do note that due to the limited view angle of the pod, you might sometimes have to dive in for a better lock, make sure to deploy airbrakes for maximum control.

Zoom-climbing to high altitudes and tossing laser-guided bombs in "orbital strikes" is a safe and relaxing way to destroy enemy SAMs, who cannot hide from the thermal targeting pod and will often have trouble detecting or hitting the Q-5L at such a high elevation. This anti-SAM capability is unparalleled for the Q-5L's battle rating. The bomb will take a long time to reach the ground however, so keep an eye on the battlefield and switch targets if needed. After SAMs are cleared, the Q-5L is free to start diving closer. Even after the LGBs are spent, the targeting pod can still be used to find and track targets to use unguided ordnance on - newly spawned revenge SAMs for example can be given a rude welcome of HE rockets.

However, even before any LGBs have been researched, the Q-5L still has a range of unguided ordnance including GP bombs and rocket pods; the ballistic computer onboard can make sure the ordnance lands as close as possible to the designated target. Leave the bombs for (groups of) tanks, and use the rockets against light vehicles or enemy SPAA who aren't aware of your existence.

The Q-5L's lack of air-to-air capability is not as relevant in Ground RB, but it is still important to keep an eye out for enemy aircraft because of its high fragility. A crafty opponent can counter the Q-5L by bringing out a jet with powerful missiles. It only takes one [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L]] to send the Q-5L back to the hangar if the pilot is staring through the targeting pod for minutes at a time. Watch the enemy air spawn and pay attention to jets trying to launch missiles at you, A skilled Fantan veteran can still out-dogfight overconfident attackers when not carrying bombs. Friendly TY-90-equipped Chinese helicopters like the [[Z-9W]] are ironically more effective in air combat than the Q-5L, so bait pursuers near them if possible.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* New HUD with ballistic computer
* Built-in TVD camera for target acquisition; alternatively equipped with an advanced targeting pod
* Access to 250/500 kg laser-guided bombs
* Sufficient manoeuvrability at around 700 km/h
* Great acceleration and climb rate thanks to the WP-6-IIIA engines
* Access to very good RWR and countermeasures
* Sits at 9.3 BR in air-battles while being rank VII, making it possible to grind top-tier aircraft at rank VIII without incurring a penalty in RP-gain

'''Cons:'''

* Same bulky airframe as all its predecessors and still locks up at transonic speeds
* The built-in camera only has 1.5x magnification and limited rotation range
* Rather lacking countermeasures at only 18 shots
* Lacks any type of AAM, unlike its technological predecessor [[A-5C]]
* Type 23-2K cannons needs extra practice against aerial targets
* Subpar payload to its NATO/Warsaw Pact counterparts

== History ==

The Q-5L variant of the Q-5 family traces back to two other variants, the Q-5E/F, in the late 1990s.

As part of the efforts to develop domestic precision munitions against enemies' infrastructure inspired by the USAF's AGM-62 and GBU-12 bombs in the Vietnam War and Gulf War, the PLAAF accelerated the development of LGBs in December 1996 with a plan for the precision munitions where either a single jet would carry both the targeting pod and the bombs for an attack run, or it would be guided by another Q-5/ground-based designators; both Factory 612 and 613 in Shaanxi started their respective development on an LGB and the targeting pod. A few brand-new Q-5Ds were then modified into Q-5E and Q-5F as the carrier and designator respectively, where Q-5F would guide the bombs dropped from Q-5E onto the target. Although both jets passed for certification in the early 2000s, it was deemed that 2 separated jets for a run wasn't viable and the project was ditched.

In the mid-1990s, after the previous projects of A-5M and A-5K were canceled by the 1989 Crackdown, the PLAAF requested for a domestic digital upgrade for later batches of Q-5III and Q-5D with new HUD and sensors for precision assaults, as well as as the placeholder before the XAC JH-7 Feibao (NATO: Flounder) entered mass-production. Those jets which were modified from the Q-5II (Q-5C after new nomenclature was issued to replace the numeral suffix) were designated Q-5L with new antennas and stabilized opto-electronic camera in the nose for target acquisition (while Q-5Ds with these upgrades were named Q-5N) , as well as the capability of carrying the targeting pod on its own for attack runs. With the older avionics replaced with more advanced ones, the new jet entered service in 2005 alongside Q-5Ns that were modified from the Q-5D and served as the economical alternatives to new jets before they were eventually replaced by fighters with multirole features such as J-10A, Feibao, and Flankers in 2017. <ref>PP.77-82, ''The Rising East Wind- The Biography of Q-5 Attacker'' by Lao Bi and Liu Ming, NAAS & Inertial Technology, ISSN 1009-5497, 2014</ref>

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=q_5l Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Gy87KuguGJA|'''The Shooting Range #329''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;[[Q-5 (Family)|Q-5 (NATO: Fantan) Family]]

* [[Q-5 early]]- LRIP of Q-5
* [[Q-5A]]- Base model of Q-5s
* [[A-5C]]- Export model of Q-5 and the technological predecessor of Q-5L

== External links ==


=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer Nanchang}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

PL-12

2024-08-14T19:29:53Z

U4656018: Updated history section according to findings in Chinese forums

== Description ==
The PL-12 (霹雳-12主动式中距离空对空导弹) is the first domestic ARH AAM developed by Mainland China and the third to be developed in Asia ''(First by NCSIST as the TC-2 and the second by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the [[AAM-4|AAM-4 [Type 99]]])'' as part of the efforts to modernize PLAAF into the 21st century. By 1990s, the utilization of ARH AAM in battle has already been evolving thanks to the scaling-down of electronics; USAF and most NATO countries acquired the AIM-120 series while a major threat to southeastern China, ROCAF would soon acquire French MICA and indigenous TC-2 against the growing fleet of Su-27SK/J-11 interceptors. The need for a domestic alternative also rose as J-8F and future J-10 series would need to carry such missiles to upgrade the air force, thus leading to Project No.12 (十二号工程) and further evaluations tested on J-8F in early 2000s. The new missile, now goes by the name PL-12 joined PLAAF service by 2006 and been carried by all new interceptors post-2010.

As one of the earliest accessible ARH AAM in game as part of J-8F's armaments, the late introduction of this missile and good carriers with modern avionics can utilize its overall capability very well even at long-ranges; but be sure to leave the missile for the most valuable or careless targets to help securing the victory.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|j_8f}}

== General info ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 198 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || ARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Band''' || I
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 16 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 80 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 4.0 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 38 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 80 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 11.78 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
With around 11.8 kg TNTe of explosive filler in the warhead, while it might not have as large blast radius as some of its competitors, thanks to the proximity fuse onboard any missile approaching and hitting aircraft is very likely to disable enemy jets for good, if not blasting them back to the hanger right away.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

* [[AIM-120A]]/[[AIM-120B|B]] - Less powerful rocket engine, overload and warhead
* [[R-77]] - A missile also in PLAAF service with higher overload and slightly higher overall burn time
* [[MICA-EM]] - Much higher overload while having much less explosive content
* [[Derby]] and [[R-Darter]] - Lesser explosive content while having higher overall thrust
* [[AAM-4]] -Very high explosive content and slightly higher overall thrust, while having much less overload

== Usage in battles ==
When players are newcomers to the era of active radar homing, players need to consider one major factor: the carrier's speed. As physics always prove that the carrier which has much more initial velocity can reach out farther, this is also the case for PL-12; for the main feature of most of its carriers (for the time being, only J-8F), be sure to go high and seeking for any targets which are within 40 km radius from the missile both for high or low targets. This also called for the situational awareness of players if they happen to spot the contrails of enemy interceptors or being to identify targets on the radar screen, let the datalink to do the work once the target has been locked and fired upon - guide the missile as far as possible before the onboard seeker turns on and track the intended target, depending on the action of the enemy, but in most cases they will meet a miserable end from the missile itself.

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

* Long engage range than any previous SARH missiles
* Extremely high thrust
* Do not require further guidance once the seeker head is engaged
* Sufficient explosive content to cause extensive damage against enemy targets when near-miss

'''Cons:'''

* Relative short range to certain missiles
* Depending on the carrier, sometime only 2 missiles can be carried per flight

== History ==
After the failure of PL-4, PL-5A SARH AAM and the introduction of Aspide-1A (or commonly known as '''''A弹''''' [A-Missile] to Chinese community) for J-8II, Dong Bingyin ('''董秉印''', 1939/8-2000/6/30), the new vice-director of Institute 014 (now ''China Air-to-Air Guided Missile Research Institute '''中国空空导弹研究院''''' ) started the pre-development of a medium-range ARH AAM as the effort to keep the operation of radar development team of the institute; with only 800k CNY for budget, the institute brought in their new missile mock-up: the MR missile. The conclusion from a certification ceremony on December 1989 approved the further development of domestic BVRAAM by 1990; with some persuasion efforts to leaderships of armed forces and to the Chairman himself, as well as cooperation with CAC to have the missile as part of the weapon system for Project No.10 (十号工程, the future J-10).<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604511</ref> While the project faces challenges from Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (colloquially knows as '''''航天八院;''''' CASC Institute Eight), the fall of the Soviet Union gave the chance for Institute 014 to overtake the project: after confirmation for the development of missile combined with pre-developments from MR missile and outsourcing components from foreign countries, Russia's Vympel (lit. Signal Flag) became the target for a visit of cooperation in July 1992 as the design bureau and their suppliers were in dire need for funding to their projects, as well as the salaries for their engineers; this was also the time when Dong decided to visit the suppliers instead, notably the Agat (lit. Agate; a gemstone) and eventually noticed the existence of the state-of-the-art BVRAAM of Russia: [[R-77]]. Knowing that the design features of R-77 was not the most ideal solution for BVRAAMs and facing Shanghai's challenges, the team has to lower the performance of key components for the time being to achieve combat capability and eventually earned the order by 1993, with key components imported from Russia before domestic alternatives were developed. Although facing overpriced quotations from Vympel, the investigation for downstream suppliers beforehand eventually led to a much economic quotation, to 2/7 of the original one.<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604514</ref>

The efforts for the import eventually fruited in 1997 with the project approved after a state experts evaluation as the Project No.12 (十二号工程). Instead of using the 9B-1348E seeker on R-77/RVV-AE, the team opted for the design of 9B-1103M seeker which would eventually used by R-77-1 in future as Agat still need further funding for their research while revising the circuit with intergraded circuit for better reliability and performance; way before the official commence of the project, the seeker was tested on November 1996. The aerodynamic design was also approved by Russian engineers even though 4 design schemes from them were provided.<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604516</ref> However the ground tests in 1997 proved the missile still needs further refinement and a deadline was set at 2003; Dong Bingyin, after almost a decade of efforts and restless lifestyle for the project, has used his single-way ticket to eternal rest due to heart attack in the morning of 2000/6/30, just after having a briefing for the project until midnight*. The new chief designer, Fan Huitao (樊会涛) did saw the finalization of Project No.12 on November 2005 with the successful dual target test on [[J-8F]]; although rumored to have production problems since its introduction in 2006, PL-12 eventually become the staple of modern time PLAAF/PLANAF since 2010s and now have been exported under the name SD-10.<ref>https://club.6parkbbs.com/nz/index.php?app=forum&act=threadview&tid=604517</ref>

'''''*Note: according to records from colleagues, Dong travelled between Luoyang, Beijing, Chengdu and Zhengzhou between the 9 days from 6/21 to 6/29 for briefings and coordinating with CAC for J-10; a 1627 km route from north to south, multiple times in consecutive flights/rides between these cities.'''''

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Khalid

2024-08-03T16:02:03Z

U4656018: Minor revisions as per current patches, in terms of ammunition choice and wording ambiguity

{{About
| about = premium British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the prototype of the Pakistani Al-Khalid MBT
| link = MBT2000
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_khalid
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (FV4030/2), which could be seen as the predecessor of the future FV4030/4 (Challenger 1), was developed as a new MBT mostly for export purpose. By the 1970s, Pahlavi Iran was demanding for a new MBT against its northern neighbors, Afghanistan and the Soviet Union; meanwhile, the British Army was also calling for a new MBT to upgrade the fleet of Chieftains (FV4201) against the menacing Warsaw Pact forces, especially British units stationed in West Germany. As Iran had been a long-time user of the Chieftain Mk.5 with upgraded subsystems, the Pahlavi also planned to import more Chieftains with new FCS and powerplant under the name Shir (Lion, شیر). As the Islamic Revolution put an end to the Pahlavi's throne in 1979, further development of the complete prototype was halted, while domestic upgrades to the fleet of Chieftains also stalled due to the development of the MBT-80. As all the manufactured parts for the Shir needed to be utilised, the British sought for overseas customers and eventually Jordan became the only customer for the newly-upgraded Chieftain, known as the Khalid in their service.

Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the Khalid is a modernized Chieftain Mk.5 with subsystem upgrades to cope with the heat of the Cold War. Thanks to a new 1,200 hp engine, it now enjoys better overall mobility over its predecessors in UK service while utilizing the fire control system from later Mk.10s. However, players have to be aware of its not-so-effective protection, as it lacks any composite armour.

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

The Khalid looks exactly like any other Chieftain plus a panoramic periscope with NVD and digital camo. As the tank is based on Chieftain Mk 5, the appearance and the overall dimensions are totally identical where they both shared a curved, cast hull armour and cast turret; protection-wise, it might be sufficient at earlier tiers where it will face some kinetic shells from "doomsday tank" or earliest APDS shells- this is not the case for Khalid as it now sits at a BR where HEATs are commonplace and APFSDS as well. The hull armour might sometimes do miracles on shots that falls onto the armour at extreme angles, but it will most likely be penetrated with some extent of damages to the tank; while the turret itself has around 280 mm of armour at its thickest point which might not sound much, the irregular shape of the turret does help to bounce off oncoming shells at longer ranges and in hull-down position. Although the internal components seem packed, chances are the shrapnel will only be enough to take out the driver and damage some components, the tank itself would still survive that shot and having the chance to return fire.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 70-127 mm (43-79°) ''Front glacis'' 76.2 mm (43-44°) ''Lower glacis'' || 88-220 (8-30°) + 13 mm ''Front Top'' 50 mm (1-31°) ''Center Top'' 37 mm (30°) + 13 mm ''Rear Top'' 37 (10°) + 13 mm ''Bottom'' || 37 mm (1-7°) || 13-28 mm
|-
| Turret ||125-250 mm (2-81°) ''Turret front'' 100-220 mm (1-53°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 45-196 mm (1-65°) || 45 mm (1°)||50.8 mm ''Front'' 25 mm ''Rear''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" | 150 mm || 25 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

The Chieftain series are known for their rather sluggish mobility and top speed (at only 48 km/h), but in Khalid's case, since the export version for Chieftains opted for the latest Rolls-Royce (later Perkins) CV-12 engine and TN-34 transmission which would eventually used on FV4030 Challengers, this means a vastly improvement on its mobility; not only this can push the tank at a higher top speed at 56 km/h with higher acceleration, it also has a high reverse speed (at -37 km/h), making it surprisingly flexible for enemy encounters.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,886|rbMinHp=1,076}}

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

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

{{main|Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)}}

Although the L11A5 gun and its calibre of 120 mm has been the weapon of choice for Chieftain, which was one of the most advanced tanks of its era, this is not the case for the Khalid. Since the overall upgrades on Khalid focus on the FCS, the gun laying mechanism is totally identical to its tech-tree predecessors, players might find this problematic as this gives less reaction time than its other NATO counterparts; but the relatively high rate of fire does mitigate some gun handling problems. It is still advised to keep extra situational awareness for best utilization.

To conclude, Khalid has rather a somewhat outdated firepower for its tier; but aiming carefully or take flanks can still make good use of the gun.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)|120 mm Ordnance BL Tk. L11]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 54 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 21.4 || 29.6 || 36.0 || 39.8 || 42.4 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
|13.4 || 15.8 || 19.1 || 21.1 || 22.5
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''L15A3; APDS''' - The most common round for British 120 mm for pre-Challenger tanks and was once the only kinetic shell option for Khalid before L23 was added in later patches. Although it is more than enough to take down most tanks which happen to run into Khalid, but at its current BR where T-64A and T-72A appear, the shell very likely does nothing to them without hitting the LFP or driver's hatch. So aim carefully for a single-shot knock-out as the APDS has lesser spalling; perhaps avoid L15A3 for good as premium vehicles have all modifications researched, including the APFSDS.
* '''L31A7; HESH''' - The other common round for British 120 mm up to this date, the shell itself has rather high penetration for a HESH shell and will very likely disintegrate any light vehicle that happen to run into Khalid. Alternatively, this also gives Khalid the chance to take down tanks with their hatches exposed as the shell "sticks" to the surface and cause extensive damage to the interior of enemy tanks, either from spalling or overpressure.
* '''L23; APFSDS''' - Although it has been added in later patches after the introduction of Khalid, L23 can be said as the game-changer for Khalid as it finally offers equivalent firepower to its NATO/Warsaw-Pact/PLAGF counterparts with APFSDS. Not only it has sufficient velocity and penetration against tanks at its tier, careful shots on higher tanks can also send them to their kingdom come in one take; this will be the most universal shell for Khalid, but bringing some HESH is always a good idea when facing lightly-protected targets.

{{:Ordnance BL Tk. L11 (120 mm)/Ammunition|Shot L15A3, L34, Shell L31A7, Shot L23}}

Although smoke grenade launchers equip the Khalid to lay a protective smoke screen, there is still an option for gun-launched smoke shells to block enemy's eyesight and sometimes TVD cameras in case for a retreat or changing position.

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''54''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|L8A2 (7.62 mm)|L37A2 (7.62 mm)}}

A common feature for British tanks are their lack of high-calibre machine guns, Khalid also falls into this norm with only rifle-calibre machine guns for gun-ranging and handling infantry, only good for gunning down exposed crews or sometimes aircraft in rare occasions.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L8A2 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L8A2]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 6,000 (200) || 600 || - || -
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[L37A2 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm L37A2]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 2,000 (100) || 650 || -10°/+90° || ±180°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Khalid can be described as "old but not obsolete": players will soon notice the flaws inherited from Chieftain series due to its early introduction, notably the protection which is identical to pre-Mk.10 Chieftains without any composite protection (aka Stillbrew package, on the turret). With extra precaution according to the map and staying behind as a support tank for future tanks with overall better performance, the Khalid can still contribute to the team with its sufficient firepower and Challenger-equivalent mobility.

For players who are used to the Chieftain series, for the most part it's similar to a Mk.5 with better ammunition. Thus, it only has the protection of a Mk.5, which has full RHA/CHA protection but fused with a Challenger-equivalent power pack. In most cases, players will be happy about the 120 mm rifled gun with sufficient penetration to take down Soviet MBTs of the era with L23 APFSDS; players will also enjoy the sufficient gun depression to handle Warsaw-Pact/PLAGF tanks with low depression due to their designs. However, due to the traditional design of Chieftain, most APFSDS of its tier will have no problem penetrating the RHA/CHA armour on the Chieftain series, let alone chemical shells i.e. HEAT-FS or ATGMs; thus, it is highly recommended to apply the tactics of most NATO tanks - that is, utilizing the nearby terrain for as much cover as possible.

Although the hull design is insufficient for certain "doomsday" heavy tanks with high-penetration APCBC, the cast turret is another story; in most cases, full-calibre APCBC will do no harm to the tank, making the Khalid efficient to take down such tanks with APFSDS from safe distance, and sometimes even APFSDS of its era will have issue causing fatal damages to Khalid thanks to its irregularly shaped turret - a major plus for tanks with the need for hull-down.

The other major improvement is the powerplant: instead of the traditional Leyland diesel engine used on Chieftain tanks, the Khalid is fitted with a Rolls-Royce (Perkins) CV-12 engine that could output up to 1,200 hp, almost twice as previous engines. For players who need to get used to future tanks with this powerplant, the Khalid can actually serve as the placeholder between Chieftain and Challenger; although British tanks are infamous for their slow speed (NATO tanks can go at least 10 km/h faster; while Warsaw-Pact/PLAGF tank can achieve the same speed at lower mass), the Khalid can at least keep up with their NATO counterparts on flat terrain thanks to its high engine output.

In most cases, the overall performance of the Khalid doesn't allow it to be too aggressive; but just like upgraded tanks from the major powers during the Cold War, the Khalid can serve as a potent second-line support MBT where it can utilize its good gun handling and sufficient penetration to finish off crippled enemies for friendlies, helping them to advance to victory, while the Khalid itself can also serve as a stand-off sniper in complicated terrain thanks to its overall gun traverse limits.

Overall, the Khalid can be a challenging tank for both new and experienced GB tech-tree players alike due to its overall design; players will have to keep extra awareness for enemy threats due to the overall obsolete design - in most cases, who shoot first secures the victory.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Overall better mobility over previous Chieftains thanks to the new power pack
* High gun depression for the main cannon
* Access to a panoramic periscope for commander with override capabilities
* The hull and cast turret's shape can sometimes bounce off incoming shots
* Good APFSDS round with high penetration

'''Cons:'''

* Lacks any form of composite armour to negate HEAT shells
* Relatively obsolete protection at its BR
* Fixed 8x gunsight that could be a problem at long-range engagements
* Rather large size at its tier
* Relatively slow gun traverse speed

== History ==

Before the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Pahlavi Iran had already planned for upgrades on their armed forces equipment in view of the menacing Soviet forces in Central Asia and (subsequently, after the overthrown and execution of Hafizullah Amin in 1979) the bordering Democratic Republic of Afghanistan (DRA), the plans for new MBTs for the Iranian Army were also on schedule as early as 1971. As the FV4201 Chieftain series MBT were already obsolete by the late 1970s with the introduction of advanced Soviet MBTs (i.e. T-64), the British were also attempting to upgrade a new export tank based on the Chieftain with better power pack and subsystems. The new tank, known as the Shir-1 (Lion-1), was based on the Chieftain Mk.5 and started its development in 1974, receiving more than 700 orders. Featuring upgraded FCS, the new tanks, at over a thousand of them and planned to be manufactured in Royal Ordnance Leeds, were intended to be delivered by 1980.

However, the Islamic Revolution put an end to the project, and the parts from this failed delivery to Iran needed to be dealt with. Plans included upgrading Chieftains in British service on the European Mainland which was deemed uneconomical by the eventual (but in vain) introduction of the MBT-80. Soon after, negotiations were made with Jordan who at the time needed new tanks for desert combat. The deal was made in November 1979 at £220 million for 274 tanks. The new "Khalid" featured an even better powerpack using the Rolls-Royce (later Perkins) CV-12 1,200 hp engine and the delivery started in 1981. The tank is currently still in service with Royal Jordanian Army alongside with some captured Mk.3P/5P from Iraq, who captured some quantities during the Iraq-Iran War.<ref>https://www.tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/UK/shir-1.php</ref>

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|-3QsGMSrgEM|'''The Shooting Range #343''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:25 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[Chieftain (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8016-development-khalid-the-sword-from-the-desert-en|[Devblog] Khalid: The Sword from the Desert]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{Britain medium tanks}}
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

Type 98 (20 mm)

2024-07-30T20:55:45Z

U4656018: Updated description and general info with a table; as well as pros/cons

{{About
| about = Japanese cannon '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Type 98 (Disambiguation)
}}
== Description ==
The Type 98 20 mm AA machine cannon (九八式二十粍高射機関砲) was one of the anti-aircraft autocannon of IJA during the the 2nd Sino-Japanese War and the upcoming Pacific War. By 1920s, IJA soon realized for the necessity of higher-caliber AA guns above 13 mm caliber; the result of this program was the Type 92 13 mm AA gun which eventually developed into the Type 92 Hotchkiss 13 mm AA gun based on French Hotchkiss machine gun. Parts of the efforts on the Type 92 was then reused, notably the tripod mount for the machine gun for the new 20 mm autocannon program designed to shoot down more advanced aircrafts by 1930s; eventually led to the development of Type 98 in 1938 for IJA.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===

'''Ground vehicles:'''

* {{Specs-Link|jp_type_94}}
* {{Specs-Link|jp_type_95_so_ki}}
* {{Specs-Link|jp_type_98_ta_se}}

'''Naval vessels:'''

* {{Specs-Link|jp_karotei_type2}}
* {{Specs-Link|jp_karotei_type4}}
* {{Specs-Link|jp_sehatei_mod1}}
* {{Specs-Link|jp_type5_escortboat}}

== General info ==
{| class="wikitable"
|Overall weight
|373 kg
|-
|Caliber
|20x124 mm
|-
|Vertical limits
| -10°/85° (vary by vehicle)
|-
|Magazine
|20 rounds
|}

=== Available ammunition ===

'''Ground vehicles'''{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}{{-}}
* '''Type 100 AP-T:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''Type 100 HE-T:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer}}

{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|HEFI-T, API-T}}

'''Naval vessels'''

* '''Universal:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
* '''20 mm HET magazines:''' {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}
* '''20 mm APT magazines:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF-T|High-explosive fragmentation tracer}}

{{:{{PAGENAME}}/Ammunition|HEF-T, AP-T}}

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

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

* High penetration for its caliber even without HVAP
* Generous ammo pool for vehicles/vessels equipped with this weapon
* Fast reload time per magazine

*

'''Cons:'''

* 20 shells per magazine needs careful pre-planning for most efficient take-downs

*

== History ==


While the Imperial Japanese military often looked to Great Britain and Germany for inspiration and licenses for weapons prior to World War I, the Treaty of Versailles forbidding the further existence of a domestic arms industry in Germany caused Japan to look to France instead for small arms and artillery. The [[Hotchkiss Mle 1930 (13.2 mm)|13.2mm Hotchkiss Mle. 1930]] was built under license and adopted by the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1933 as the [[Type 93 (13.2 mm)|Type 93]] in the anti-aircraft role and the Type Ho 13 mm by the Imperial Japanese Army. Further development of the Type 93 created the Type 98 20 mm AA machine gun, a scaled-up model that became the main anti-aircraft gun of the IJA during World War II. First seeing combat during the Soviet-Japanese border skirmishes in the late 1930s, the Type 98 was adopted in the year 2598 on the Japanese calendar (1938 using the Western Gregorian calendar).

The Type 98 made up about 80% of the IJA's anti-aircraft gun inventory and was the gun used for their self-propelled anti-aircraft designs such as the [[Type 94|Isuzu Type 94 AA machine cannon carrier truck]], the Type 98 AA half-track, and the Type 98 [[Ta-Se]] and [[So-Ki]] designs based on the [[Ke-Ni|Type 98 Ke-Ni]] light tank. The Imperial Japanese Army's coastal forces also used the Type 98 on their Motor Torpedo Boats.

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Japan naval cannons}}
{{Japan anti-aircraft guns}}

[[Category:Anti-aircraft guns]]
[[Category:Naval cannons]]

HJ-73

2024-07-28T19:17:52Z

U4656018: additional information to history and see also section

== Description ==
[[File:WeaponImage 9M14.png|thumb|left|420px|The HJ-73 (9M14) missile with fins folded and deployed (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The {{PAGENAME}} (红箭-73), Officially the AFT73式反坦克导弹 (AFT73 ATGM) under post-2003 nomenclature, is an ATGM developed in Mainland China during the 1970s based on the Soviet missile 9K11 Malyutka (NATO designation: AT-3 Sagger). By 1960s, although there were domestic efforts to built ATGMs, due to the complete lack of experience on this concept, engineers have to seek for foreign examples; after acquiring some examples of 9K11 from different sources and reverse-engineer efforts, the new HJ-73 won the bidding for PLAGF ATGM over the J-201 and served the armed force for more than 5 decades with upgraded variant [[HJ-73E]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|cn_type_86}}

== General info ==

As it was based on the Soviet Malyutka ATGM, the HJ-73 shares the same characteristics. It is a MCLOS missile flying at a lower speed than most of its counterparts at the same BR.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Calibre''' || 125 mm
|-
| '''Mass''' || 10.9 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Hand-aiming (MCLOS)
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 140 m/s
|-
| '''Firing range''' || 3 km
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 30 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 3.25 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Fuze delay''' || 0.05 m
|-
| '''Fuze sensitivity''' || 0.1 mm
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 400 mm
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The missile comes with a warhead of 2.6 kg TNT equivalent and deals the armour the damage equivalent of a HEAT shell, along with overpressure damage to lightly armoured vehicles.

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="4" | Penetration table
|-
! rowspan="2" |Distance
! colspan="3" |Angle of attack
|-
! 0° !! 30° !! 60°
|-
|'''10 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''100 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''500 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''1000 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''1500 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''2000 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The HJ-73 is a reverse-engineered 9K11 ATGM so they perform equally in many aspects. At its BR, only the Japanese [[Type 64 MAT|Type 64]] ATGM falls way behind it in terms of its speed while their NATO counterpart [[SS.11]] flies faster to its target.

== Usage in battles ==

Since its carrier is the [[ZBD86]], a reverse-engineered [[BMP-1]], the HJ-73 requires players using their WASD key to control the missile to its target, making the launcher vulnerable to any possible attacks from enemies. The best way to utilize this missile is stay hidden and look for targets that are not on the move, then deliver your blow with this missile.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Sufficient speed at its tier.
* Can used as a last-ditch weapon in case gun barrel was knocked out.
* Penetration is sufficient at its tier.

'''Cons:'''

* MCLOS meaning that players have to keep full control of the missile with your keyboard.
* It has trajectory that makes it not suitable for close-quarter combat.

== History ==

During the late 1960s took place the Sino-Soviet border conflicts, especially around the Zhenbao / Damansky Island where the Mainland Chinese Army captured a [[T-62 545 (China)|Soviet T-62]] from the Soviet Border Troops. The PLA found they were behind in terms of anti-armor weaponry, especially regarding ATGM capabilities (which were inexistent in Mainland China). A long-time friend of Mainland China, North Korea (DPRK), provided some 9K11 Malyutka missiles samples and Romania later provided another batch of samples for the PLA in 1973.

With the continuous efforts from different institutes and factories, in 1979, the HJ-73 has finally passed field tests and was ready to be commissioned in PLAGF. Its debut would be on 2nd July, 1985 during the border skirmish period of Sino-Vietnamese War; a platoon of ATGM troops arrived at the position defended by 138th Division, 46th Army Corps for a bizarre plan to neutralize Vietnamese frontline command outpost - using the four newly arrived HJ-73, the unit stationed at 35th Position "sniped" the commanding outposts at the Height 1031, 2.1km away from the site and achieved all-hit, as well as detonating the ammunition stored alongside with 17 officers on the Vietnamese side.

Later with its latest [[HJ-73E]] modification, it served as a last-ditch weapon for PLAGF/PLA Airborne troops/PLANMC to defeat more protected, heavier targets with its tandem warhead while the original HJ-73 would serve as the training missile for PLAGF troops and sometimes anti-fortification munition.

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

== See also ==

* [[9M14]] - AT-3, its Soviet ancestor
* [[HJ-73E]] (AFT07E) - post-2000 modification with tandem warhead and SACLOS control.

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Tor-M1

2024-07-21T03:08:20Z

U4656018: Updated description and slight addition to usage in battle according to current patches

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_tor_m1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The Tor-M1 ''(GRAU: '''9K331'''; NATO: '''SA-15 Gauntlet'''; commonly known in Chinese as '''道尔-M1''')'', or more precisely, the '''9A331''' launcher vehicle, was bought from Russia in late 1990s by PLAGF and PLAAF air-defense units to fulfill the demand for a field air-defense system and was later reverse-engineered and improved under the name of HQ-17 (红旗-17). The basis of the Tor was to replace earlier divisional SAM systems and also develop a VLS SAM for the Soviet Navy, the result of this project was the Tor systems and they have been deployed on multiple occasions through the 21st century.

Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]] as the first SAM system to receive Track-while-Scan functionality, the Tor-M1 offers valuable anti-aircraft capabilities for the Chinese tech tree and also marked the introduction of VLS systems for the game. While the 8 missiles have rather long intercept range and sustained speed before the motor burns out, as well as having a long-range search radar, players will still have to be extra careful for targets at very high azimuth (>75°), its enormous size and launch trail that will gives away its position right away.

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

The chassis of the Tor-M1 (GM-5955) is based on the GM-335 universal chassis, the same as the [[ZPRK 2S6]] in Soviet service. What makes it stands out is the huge size of the battery system; not only does it have overall large dimensions that are barely smaller than the German [[FlaRakRad]], the huge 9K330 "Scrum Half" radar system also easily gives it away during operation so fold down the search radar after confirmed detection for concealment. Its nature of a mobile SPAA battery also means that it does not have any protection against oncoming shots, the overall protection was only rated for rifle-calibre fire or shrapnel so hiding from enemies' guns and cannons is again crucial for its survival.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 9 mm ''Upper'' (45°) 9 mm ''Lower'' (37°)
| 9 mm ''Top'' 9 mm ''Bottom'' || 9 mm || 9 mm
|-
| Turret || 6 mm ''Turret front'' || 6 mm || 6 mm || 6 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Tracks and suspension wheels are 20 mm thick
* Tracking radar is 15 mm structural steel

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Thanks to the V12 V-46-1 diesel engine developing at most 780 hp and the 569A transmission with the same gear ratios on both directions, the Tor-M1 is one of the fastest tracked SPAAs, particularly in reversing (almost twice faster than the wheeled [[Type 93]]!). This allows the Tor-M1 to keep up with the team for field air-defense, while having more than enough speed to retreat into cover when necessary.

The Tor-M1 also has a controlled suspension, which allows it to adjust the vehicle's ground clearance. It can be useful for reducing the tall profile of the Tor-M1 or peeking above terrain features when necessary.

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,193|rbMinHp=743}}

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

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

{{main|9M331}}

The Tor-M1 system has only one type of missile at its disposal - the eight 9M331 missiles inside its 8 VLS cells. Thanks to its sufficient speed and advanced electronics, along with the ability to track-while-scan and track 2 targets at once, the Tor-M1 is extremely efficient at long-range anti-aircraft operations. While it is one of the most advanced systems in the game, do bear in mind radar detection angle in case of high-altitude targets (scanning azimuth can be changed via multifunction menu) and the around 1 km dead-zone of the missiles due to the cold, vertical launch (the missiles are ejected from the launcher with compressed air and ignite mid-air) - attempt to terminate any aircraft as far away as possible.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[9M331]] missile || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 8 (8) || rowspan="2" | N/A || rowspan="2" | N/A || rowspan="2" | N/A || 70.4 || 97.5 || 118.4 || 130.9 || 139.3 || rowspan="2" | 19.50 || rowspan="2" | 17.25 || rowspan="2" | 15.90 || rowspan="2" | 15.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 47.6 || 56.0 || 68.0 || 75.2 || 80.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:9M331/Ammunition|9M331}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''1''' || 0 ''(+1)'' || No
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

==== The Missile Flakturm ====
If there is a suitable description of a Tor-M1, it can be said as a Flakturm (Flak tower) from WWII; although it lacks any autocannons for self defense, its fortress-like size can sometimes deter enemies and its impressive missiles can certainly turn the battlefield into no-fly zone, given the terrain is not complicated with hills surrounding the combat area.

As the long-awaited long-range SPAA for Chinese TT players, Tor-M1 also introduces some unique features from its counterparts in different countries- the most iconic feature is the unique cold-launch VLS cells onboard that ejects the missile vertically, which then turns and ignites its motor from a safe distance. While players can enjoy the aesthetic feature of the Tor-M1, this also means that it has a minimal firing range unlike its counterparts with "direct-fire" SAMs: a 1 km dead zone around the vehicle that can be embarrassing when aircrafts show up in the radius at tree-top altitude on very rare occasions. Do remember that Tor is not an SPAAG with guns, so players used to the PGZ04A will need to make extra sure nothing comes too close to handle; teaming up with friendly SPAA armed with cannons or "direct-fire" missiles is also viable for better efficiency. Though the high elevation of the sight can make sure targets that are high overhead (anywhere before 75°) will face a miserable end thanks to the radar system. The other feature of the Tor-M1 is the capability of TWS with up to 2 tracked targets. If there are multiple targets within a 15°x15° scan zone of the radar, locking the other target via the "Select Radar/IRST target to lock on" button after a missile has been launched will cause the missile to become guided by the radar towards the originally locked target, allowing the new target to be engaged simultaneously by manual guidance. Depending on the desired accuracy of acquisition, changing the scanning pattern of the radar may be necessary for targets at different altitudes at the cost of additional scans required to detect higher targets.

The speed of the GM-5955 chassis is very satisfactory for changing positions, while the extreme reverse speed can make sure the Tor-M1 can retreat to safety with ease. However, do remember that it is also a huge vehicle (one of the tallest even with radar mast folded, at 5.1 m), both ground vehicles or aircraft can see such a huge vehicle from a distance; so hide the vehicle at all costs and never move in plain open fields - the speed itself most likely won't save the vehicle, and hits from enemy explosives will very likely overpressure the crew.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

[[Drones|'''Drones''']] - Due to their relatively small size and being high-flyers, drones could be annoying targets to deal with. While they are fragile once hit, do make sure that every shot counts and beware of any other aircraft - players are likely become distracted by drones and miss other, more dangerous targets.

'''Helicopters, especially Kamovs; those with fire-and-forget function''' - Although the launch range is up to 12 km and able to deal with 2 targets at once (within the same scan zone), it's better for Tor-M1 to take them out straight from their bases for the least risk. Remember to take them down via the IRST tracker for best efficiency, as it doesn't trigger RWR. They might be aware of continuous lock from radars, but it might not be the case when the battlefield is full of missiles which trigger their MAWS - they will need some time to determine whether it is them or their allies being targeted; when there are more than 2 objects shown on the UI thanks to the TWS function, it is a good idea to take cover - this means their missile is heading straight for you zone. If players are not confident with the dead-zone of 1.2 km, work together with gun-equipped SPAA to eliminate close-range blind-spots.

'''Attackers with AGMs or LGBs''' - A very common situation for top-tier air-defense is that, due to the awareness or carefulness for possible SPAAs in operation, most attackers choose to opt for a very high entrance altitude for the best result against the team and often against Tor system itself; in most cases, those who fly straight into the battlefield or are concentrated on ground-attacking will often miss the trail of the 9M331. For aircraft that are flying too high for radar acquisition, it is better to leave them for interceptor aircraft or other SPAAs with "direct-fire" missiles.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent mobility for such a huge vehicle with very high reverse speed
* 8 powerful, long-range SAMs
* Radar system with up to 30 km detection range
* Rather high overload for the missile, able to track targets at evading maneuvers
* Back-up IRST tracking for better concealment against enemy RWR

'''Cons:'''

* Lightly protection rated up to rifle-calibre fire, easily overpressured
* Huge size with radar raised
* Only NVD for driver available, no thermal or even NVD sights for gunner
* The missile system has dead zones within 1 km and >75° due to its unique trajectory

== History ==

==== The Tor System ====
The Soviet Army developed a complete and extensive field air defense network to repel possible oncoming air assaults from their enemies, with a great variety of missile systems for short-range defense. Although there are SA-8 Gecko/9K33 Osa systems for the army, the Soviet Armed Force still requested a successor to the 9K33 system with land/sea-based systems for different platforms, tackled by the joint efforts of Antey, Fakel and Altair (now part of the Almaz-Antey). After extensive tests under the restrictions from the armed forces and the use of their latest electronics including PESA radar, the ground-based version Tor (9K330) entered service in March 1986. The -M1 variant (9K331) was a further improvement for the system including the capability of attacking 2 targets simultaneously, revised missiles, new FCS, as well as new electronics for complicated battlefields with electronic interferences. The new system joined the Soviet Army in 1991.

While they were used extensively by the succeeding countries of the Soviet Union and some export customers in various conflicts, the system was also involved in the accidental shoot-down of Ukrainian International Airlines flight 752 (PS/AUI752) in early 2020 over Tehran.

==== Chinese Purchase ====
Although the PLAGF had developed some systems of the HQ (HongQi 红旗; Red Banner) family of SAMs including HQ-7 (licensed French Crotale EDIR) and domestic HQ-61 for short-range field air-defense, the load per vehicle and range were deemed insufficient. Shortly after the fall of Soviet Union and the dire need for foreign exchange, Boris Yeltsin took Mainland China as potential buyer of the relics of Soviet Union, thus Russia held an exhibition exclusively for PLA at Beijing Nanyuan Airport (ZBNY, now closed) in April 1993 (thus earning its code, Project 934)<ref>An article introducing Yeltsin's military sales

https://military.china.com/important/64/20230106/44235173_all.html</ref>, the weapons for sales were ranging from tanks (T-80UK) to long range SAMs like S-300; not only the tri-service of PLA imported new weapons such as BM-30, Su-30MKK Flanker-H, gun-launched ATGM and Project 956EM destroyers, among these weapons, one of them stood out and happened to fit the needs for PLAGF's new short-range air-defense system: the latest Tor-M1 which was freshly introduced to Soviet Army in 1991. PLAGF signed the contract with Rosoboronexport for total of 35 systems and were delivered in 1997 and 1998<ref>[https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php SIPRI Arms Transfers Database]</ref>; these systems including the missiles were then reverse-engineered and improved with new domestic electronics around 2005 and later known as the HQ-17 system, distinguished by a shorter, rectangular "solid" PESA search radar and AESA tracking radar, as well as longer range (15 km) than the imported -M1 systems.

=== [[wt:en/news/7938-development-tor-m1-and-new-options-for-sam-based-spaags-en|Devblog]] ===
The "Tor" short-range surface-to-air missile system was put into service with the Soviet Army in 1986. At that time, "Tor" was one of the most advanced air defense missile systems in the world, but almost immediately after commissioning, the Antey Concern initiated an upgrade program. As a result of the modernization, "Tor" received an additional fire control channel, the kill ability of the missile warhead increased, and the algorithms for hitting low-flying targets were improved. The updated system designated Tor-M1 was successfully tested in 1989 and soon after entered service with the Russian army in 1991. At the moment, Tor-M1 is serving in the Russian army, as well as actively exporting.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_tor_m1 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 vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7938-development-tor-m1-and-new-options-for-sam-based-spaags-en|[Devblog] Tor-M1 and new options for SAM based SPAAGs]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

HJ-73

2024-07-19T09:20:38Z

U4656018: Updated description

== Description ==
[[File:WeaponImage 9M14.png|thumb|left|420px|The HJ-73 (9M14) missile with fins folded and deployed (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The {{PAGENAME}} (红箭-73), Officially the AFT73式反坦克导弹 (AFT73 ATGM) under post-2003 nomenclature, is an ATGM developed in Mainland China during the 1970s based on the Soviet missile 9K11 Malyutka (NATO designation: AT-3 Sagger). By 1960s, although there were domestic efforts to built ATGMs, due to the complete lack of experience on this concept, engineers have to seek for foreign examples; after acquiring some examples of 9K11 from different sources and reverse-engineer efforts, the new HJ-73 won the bidding for PLAGF ATGM over the J-201 and served the armed force for more than 5 decades with upgraded variant [[HJ-73E]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|cn_type_86}}

== General info ==

As it was based on the Soviet Malyutka ATGM, the HJ-73 shares the same characteristics. It is a MCLOS missile flying at a lower speed than most of its counterparts at the same BR.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Calibre''' || 125 mm
|-
| '''Mass''' || 10.9 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Hand-aiming (MCLOS)
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 140 m/s
|-
| '''Firing range''' || 3 km
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 30 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 3.25 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Fuze delay''' || 0.05 m
|-
| '''Fuze sensitivity''' || 0.1 mm
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 400 mm
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===

The missile comes with a warhead of 2.6 kg TNT equivalent and deals the armour the damage equivalent of a HEAT shell, along with overpressure damage to lightly armoured vehicles.

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="4" | Penetration table
|-
! rowspan="2" |Distance
! colspan="3" |Angle of attack
|-
! 0° !! 30° !! 60°
|-
|'''10 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''100 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''500 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''1000 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''1500 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|-
|'''2000 m''' || 400 mm || 346 mm || 200 mm
|}

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The HJ-73 is a reverse-engineered 9K11 ATGM so they perform equally in many aspects. At its BR, only the Japanese [[Type 64 MAT|Type 64]] ATGM falls way behind it in terms of its speed while their NATO counterpart [[SS.11]] flies faster to its target.

== Usage in battles ==

Since its carrier is the [[ZBD86]], a reverse-engineered [[BMP-1]], the HJ-73 requires players using their WASD key to control the missile to its target, making the launcher vulnerable to any possible attacks from enemies. The best way to utilize this missile is stay hidden and look for targets that are not on the move, then deliver your blow with this missile.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Sufficient speed at its tier.
* Can used as a last-ditch weapon in case gun barrel was knocked out.
* Penetration is sufficient at its tier.

'''Cons:'''

* MCLOS meaning that players have to keep full control of the missile with your keyboard.
* It has trajectory that makes it not suitable for close-quarter combat.

== History ==

During the late 1960s took place the Sino-Soviet border conflicts, especially around the Zhenbao / Damansky Island where the Mainland Chinese Army captured a [[T-62 545 (China)|Soviet T-62]] from the Soviet Border Troops. The PLA found they were behind in terms of anti-armor weaponry, especially regarding ATGM capabilities (which were inexistent in Mainland China). A long-time friend of Mainland China, North Korea (DPRK), provided some 9K11 Malyutka missiles samples and Romania later provided another batch of samples for the PLA in 1973.

After multiple departments and research facilities efforts, finally in 1979, the HJ-73 had passed state tests and was ready to be commissioned in PLAGF. Later during the Sino-Vietnamese War, it proved its ability by "sniping" a Vietnamese commanding post 2,100 m apart from the launching site and all 4 of those missile launched hit its target.

Later with its latest [[HJ-73E]] modification, they served as a last-ditch weapon for PLAGF/PLA Airborne troops/PLANMC to handle heavier targets with its tandem warhead.

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

R-77

2024-07-17T21:35:11Z

U4656018: Adding general information and pros/cons

== Description ==
The Vympel NPO ''"Izdelie 170"'' '''R-77''' with NATO codename '''AA-12 Adder''' ''(a type of viper)'', aka '''RVV-AE''' when export, is a Soviet/Ukrainian/Russian ''(note: developed in Ukrainian SSR but also manufactured by Vympel in Russia after dissolution)'' beyond-visual range ARH AAM by early 1990s; the missile was developed by OKB Molnija (Lightning) in Ukrainian SSR since 1982 as the new BVR AAM for the Soviet Air Force, due to the dissolution of the Red Giant and subsequence lack of funding, the export RVV-AE was in fact the very first production series while CIS countries would have to acquire the serial R-77 after the supply chain was secured since 2000s.

As one of the new ARH AAM introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"|"Seek & Destroy"]] for VVS and PLAAF for their Flankers/Fulcrum series, although it might not have the range of some of its counterparts, its extremely high overload turns it into an active seeker "dogfight" missile thanks to its unique tail design.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|j_11a}}
* {{Specs-Link|mig_29smt_9_19}}
* {{Specs-Link|su_27sm}}

== General info ==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 177 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || ARH+IOG+DL
|-
| '''Band''' || I
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 16 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 80 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 4.0 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 50 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 90 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 15.56 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
Having a warhead at 15.56 kg TNTe, it has some of the highest explosive content among ARH AAMs of its tier and the proximity fuse will make sure enemy jets will face the most miserable end once being hit within the radius.

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

== Usage in battles ==
By the era of BVR combats, the main thumb of rule for all ARH AAMs is: higher the carrier speed, the longer radius and higher the speed. Considering that jets have to utilize altitude advantage to gain farther range, players will also have to be expect enemy jets doing so; be sure to guide the missile as close as it could before the missile active seeker itself activates - but the problem is, due to the unique design with grid fins at very high drag, this in fact limits the overall range of R-77 at non-ideal scenario, the velocity drops at much higher rates than other ARH AAMs. But considering that it has rather high overload in this case, players can use it as a supersize "dogfight" AAM especially within 10 km radius, this also means the missile seeker would already been activated at this range; this tactics also rely on the carrier's radar performance - for example, while Su-27SM can guide 6 missiles, PLAAF's J-11A would only guide one at a time, and the inferior radar performance for its carriers do affect how they lock onto enemy targets, so players will have to be patient for the hunt down.

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

* Rather high overload
* High explosive content
* Requires no further guidance once onboard seeker activates

*

'''Cons:'''

* Much shorter range due to missile design
* Very dependent on carrier's radar performance for acquisition

*

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

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

J-8F

2024-07-16T19:20:17Z

U4656018: Slight update to pros/cons up to current patch

{{About
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = J-8B
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=j_8f
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: 歼-8F型歼击机; unified NATO codename: Finback 长须鲸) was the final combat variant of the J-8 series interceptors, built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation (SAC, 沈飞) from remaining J-8II airframes or by upgrading previous J-8Ds in the mid-2000s. The project traces back to the J-8C (or J-8III) project for domestic avionic upgrades for J-8II: although the unreliable WP-14 engine ruined the whole project, the radar systems were tested rather successfully and marked the completion of a domestic pulse-Doppler radar. By the end of the 20th century, the plans for Project 12 (PL-12) were also on schedule for domestic ARH AAM. Thus the placeholder aircraft, J-8H, with a new radar joined the PLAAF with PL-11 SARH, while the J-8F with a modified radar based on the former radar new NATO-equivalent FCS main bus and access to ARH AAM were finalised by 2005 and became a cornerstone of the PLAAF until new interceptors replaced them from June 2022.

Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], the J-8F is the first domestic Chinese jet with a pulse-Doppler-capable radar, featuring powerful PL-8 and PL-12 AAMs and the ability to mount missiles on all wing pylons. The jet is also upgraded with new engines with higher thrust, new all- RWR systems and the J-8II's signature differential elevators for better roll rate.

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

The J-8F, like any other variant of the J-8 series, can be summarized as "Fishbed on Steroids" where the original design of J-8 series were based on simply putting 2 engines onto an enlarged MiG-21-like airframe. While the J-8F retained the signature delta wing, differential elevators and side intakes from the II series, for better flight performance, the jet is equipped with two new engines with higher thrust and additional pair of wing fence by the outboard of the wings, as well as new RWR systems for better situational awareness. The overall performance is better than its predecessor, the [[J-8B]], in most aspects. Players who have already researched the former would get on hand with the new jet fairly quickly thanks to its identical, if not better manoeuvrability for such a huge jet thanks to its antique yet advanced internal components. It still cannot outturn MiG-29 or F-14s in any cases, but the delta wings will still keep the J-8F in a reasonable turn rate while the engines can ensure prolonged (albeit not suggested) dogfights with even earlier jets that are lighter.

The probability of being hit is proportional to the plane's overall size: this is especially true since the J-8II series have been the longest jets in game (at a whopping 21.93 m, at least 2 m longer than the F-14 series). Its delta wing will bleed the speed at fast rate during high AoA manoeuvres. Be extra careful on when to enter the battlefield and scatter enemy jet formations using its high speed, then turn back to the main battlefield for opportunities to take out lonely enemies or those who are careless about the situation; they will meet a swift end if the high-performance missiles guided by HMD hit them.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,227 || 2,192 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.6 || 28.3 || 181.9 || 173.2 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,372 || 2,300 || 26.4 || 27.0 || 262.0 || 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 || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,365  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 525 || 450 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

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

==== 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" | Shenyang Liming WP-13B-II || 2
| colspan="2" | 9,977 kg || colspan="2" | 340 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel
|-
| 1,170 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,273 kg || 12,972 kg || 14,297 kg || 16,745 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,743 kgf || 6,967 kgf
| 1.24 || 1.07 || 0.97 || 0.80
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,812 kgf (1,365 km/h) || 8,003 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.42 || 1.23 || 1.12 || 0.92
|-
|}

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

Like most jets of its era, the J-8F still retained certain degree of extra protection due to its late introduction in the early 2000s on a rather obsolete airframe. Meanwhile, some standard equipment like self-sealing tanks and bulletproof glass are still present.

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

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

{{main|Type 23-3 (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm Type 23-3 cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)
* 84 x large calibre countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_J-8B.png]]</div>
|-
! [[250-3 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-3]] bombs
| || 1 || || 6 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[250-4 (250 kg)|250 kg 250-4]] bombs
| || 1 || || 6 || || 1 ||
|-
! [[500-3 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-3]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[500-4 (500 kg)|500 kg 500-4]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[Type 90-1]] rockets
| 7 || 7 || || || || 7 || 7
|-
! [[PL-5B]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-8]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[PL-12]] missiles
| || 1 || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! 1,400 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
|}

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

* 2 x 800 l drop tanks + 1 x 1,400 l drop tank
* 2 x PL-5B missiles
* 6 x PL-5B missiles
* 6 x PL-8 missiles
* 2 x PL-12 missiles
* 8 x 250 kg 250-3 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg 250-4 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-3 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg 500-4 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 28 x Type 90-1 rockets
{{Navigation-End}}

For players who are very familiar with the loadouts on the J-8B, most of the available weapons are identical on both jets, with the PL-8 (licensed Rafael Python-3) and PL-12. The PL-8 is a game-changer for the J-8F; with not only the best all-aspect locking range among NATO equivalents, the J-8F is also equipped with HMD for off-bore launches. A full loadout of 6 x PL-8 can be a nightmare for the enemy team if utilized carefully. The old faithful PL-5B still serves as its stock missiles - although it might be somewhat obsolete at the BR, launches on careless targets can still earn some quick victories. The PL-12 now turns the jet into a supersonic missile train with capabilities to finish off enemy jets at very long range (or, BVR range) but with only 2 missiles per flight; so be familiar to the performance of missile to maximize the overall efficiency.

The ground-attack loadout is totally identical to the J-8B though, with varieties of bombs and rockets at its disposal. Although neither the calibre nor explosive content of the Type 90-1 HEAT rocket is effective for hunting enemy MBTs even with a precise hit, they can still serve as an extra card on hand alongside the -3 series low drag GP bombs or -4 series drag chute retarded bombs. The bombs will certainly be more effective against more valuable targets such as MBTs, while saving rockets for vulnerable SPAA systems and light tanks.

== Usage in battles ==

Like its predecessors, the J-8F is designed to be a high-altitude interceptor that utilize ranges of missiles, especially radar-guided missiles; but due to avionic changes on J-8F eliminated the possibilities for PL-11 instead can use the PL-12. The loadout of full-IR AAMs or mix of PL-12 and IR AAMs turn J-8F into what can be said as "old but not obsolete" while retaining the overall manoeuvrability which surprisingly good for such a huge jet and retained the similar flight envelope of the late MiG-21 series (MF or bis). Considering for the abundance of ARH AAM at top tier, players will need to employ tactics to end the service of enemy jets as much as possible for the final victory of friendly team.

==== Air Battles: The High-Speed Missile Train ====
The sheer size of the jet and its NATO codename of "Finback" could be a problem when there are enemies behind the J-8F's tail. Due to the availability of only IR AAMs, instead of being an interceptor and hunt down high-flyers, doing the opposite, i.e rushing into chaotic battlefield and taking out enemy jets is a viable option as preceded from J-8B. Having an AN/APG-66V equivalent radar is a major plus for the jet since it has in fact better radar than the later tech-tree jet, [[J-11]] and [[J-11A]]. A spade on its hand is a HMD fused with the technology from Russia and Israel. Not only it now enables off-bore lock-on to enemy jets, it also has a rather long acquisition range at whopping 5 km. The old friend PL-5B and newcomer PL-8 are the only available missiles for the jet. Even at this tier, the PL-5B still retains its immersive thrust that can take out enemy jets at around 4 km away while having 30 G overload, it is especially dangerous for careless jets which have no situational awareness for the incoming missile; HMD further enhance its acquisition at rear-aspects and making the J-8F able to fire with more flexibility upon enemy targets. While the PL-8 finally enables all-aspect lock on to enemy jets for PLAAF jets, not only it has the most immersive thrust among all NATO/US-allied countries IR AAMs, it also has unprecedented overload at 40 G which is more than enough to do all-aspect launches from unexpected angles at Mach 3.5 max speed thanks to the HMD. There are even occasions where low to high launches with more than 3 km altitude differences can hit targets at 5 km away, given the target didn't manoeuvre. With all 6 pylons available for IR missiles, scoring victories will not be a problem when picking the targets carefully i.e. those not using cycle salvos for flares or those already engaged in heated battles. Thanks to the access of PL-12 for J-8F at stock, this turn the jet into an easily-underestimated target to begin with, thanks to the more advanced domestic avionics, if players considered well for an assault on enemy jet formation, even just two PL-12s can cause major havoc to enemy team, either by disabling them at once or by deterring them from vantage positions. Another note is that the J-8II series since the J-8D comes with a KJ8602 RWR with all-aspect detection, making players easier to identify threats without having to guess the exact direction.

Alternatively, some players will make use of its high payload to make extra profit against enemy fortifications or bases; eight 250 kg bombs are just enough to destroy a top-tier base with a single run. Just make sure to avoid any enemy jets which are eager to hunt down players who wanted to ruin their bases.

If players used up all their payloads, the remaining option is the Type 23-3 autocannon. While its technological predecessor, GSh-23L is infamous for its rather curved ballistics due to its low muzzle velocity, thanks to the Type 1492 PD radar and new HUD, the jet now enjoys ballistic computer for the gun as well and easier to land shots on enemy jets. While traditional, unassisted aiming is still viable to experienced players, be sure to compensate for the ballistics with more AoA. Most of all, the J-8F is always an interceptor; only use its sufficient manoeuvrability in dire situation or 1-vs-1 dogfights, as the delta wing design is a double-edge sword for the jet.

==== Ground Battles: The "JH-8" ====
A little fact to the J-8II series: there were competitions for the new PLAAF strike aircraft in the 1980. While XAC's JH-7 Flying Leopard (Feibao 飞豹; NATO codename Flounder) won the competition, one of the failed options was SAC's JH-8 based on J-8II (the other one was NAMC's Q-6). And in fact J-8II does have sufficient air to ground payload (albeit no guided munition for these operations); there are options to take a mix of 250 kg bombs for multiple targets or 500 kg bombs for higher chance for a knock-out. Since the J-8F could fly at more than 1,300 km/h at sea level, chances are players have to consider which type of bomb to take. The -3 series are low-drag GP bombs while the -4 are drag-chute retard bombs; due to the lack of CCRP function, players have to either fly high and dive on enemies when taking the -3 series (very risky when any enemy SPAA, especially [[Pantsir-S1]], is online) or flying at top speed at very low-altitude to avoid any radar detection; be sure to plan ahead for the assault for maximum efficiency. Alternatively, some players would still take Type 90-1 rockets to take down light vehicles or SPAA systems with the help of the ballistic computer; bringing a mix of rockets, bombs or even IR AAMs can turn J-8F into its prospected usage as a fighter-bomber and enemy vehicles will be troubled by the "JH-8".

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Rather high overall engine thrust
* Advanced avionics
** First domestic PLAAF jet to equip domestic PD radar with sufficient detection range
** HMD for off-bore launches, especially for all-aspect IR AAM
** All-aspect KJ8602 RWR, unlike Warsaw Pact SPO-15 with limited all-aspect capabilities
* 6 powerful PL-8s with very long lock-on range and high overload
* PL-12 ARH AAM comes at stock
* Sufficient payload for occasional ground-attack operations
* Retained the same, if not better manoeuvrability from J-8B
* High top speed
* First-stage afterburner is surprisingly efficient, providing relatively high thrust for minimal fuel consumption

'''Cons:'''

* Limited dogfight capabilities due to its obsolete airframe
* Relatively small ammo pool
* Delta wing design and its size cause severe speed bleeding in manoeuvres
* Lacks "smart ammunition" for ground attacks
* Any damage to the tail or rear of the airframe, especially the elevators, can result in the aircraft being very difficult to control or completely disabled

== History ==

==== J-8C, the Ancestor ====
By 1986, there were plans to upgrade the already obsolete J-8II with completely new domestic avionics, in parallel to the Sino-American Peace Pearl (和平珍珠) program in 1984 to upgrade the jet with US/NATO avionics during the better days of Sino-American relationship. Soon after 1989's national-wide riots and the subsequent crackdown in the capital city of Beijing, although Grumman could still continue the project with SAC, due to the rise of budgets and difficulties to purchase NATO avionics after sanctions, the Peace Pearl was eventually cancelled. While the new variant, known as J-8C or J-8III was added to the schedule as Chairman Jiang Zemin (江泽民; 1927/8/17-2022/11/30) approved for the development of the 争气机 (lit. The Good-Show Jet; note: the term 争气 means to earn credits in terms of honour) at 1990/10/31 as the domestic alternatives to the Project 10 (J-10) and Su-27SK Flanker-B. There are two major features of the J-8C: Shenyang Liming WP-14 Kunlun turbojet engine and NRIET Type 1471 PD radar; although early test flights with the modified J-8II prototype airframes were like sailing on fair sea, the crash of two prototypes (one due to ATC miscommunication; one due to onboard fire) were already more than enough to give a death sentence to the project. After the successful test flights of the J-10, and an increase in the fleet of Flankers both from KnAAZ and SAC's J-11A, the project was eventually ditched by 2001. While the Kunlun bit the dust, the Type 1471 radar proved to be rather successful and set the cornerstone for future domestic radars. This was where the story J-8F begun.

==== Hotel and Foxtrot ====
By the time the J-8C was still under test flights, the other variant, the J-8D with aerial refuel capabilities took off to the skies by the end of 1991 and the plans to utilize the unused airframes started as well to further enhance to combat capabilities of J-8II. A well-known flaw of the J-8B was the rather inferior Changhong Type 208A radar that wasted many imported Aspide-1A (known as A弹 [A-missile] in PLAAF); the upgrade plans included a new PD radar for the SARH missiles and new WP-13B engines. The green lights were given in December 1999 and test flights done in the 2000s also make the new J-8H as the very first operational domestic jet with LD/SD capabilities, as well as PD (NRIET Type 1491) radar.

But before the test flights of the J-8H, the Air-to-Air Missile Research Institute (空空导弹研究院) also started the "Project 12" (12号工程) of what will be known as the PL-12 in the future; the radar needed to be able to guide PL-12 and TWS capabilities to hit 2 targets. Thus the J-8F planned for another new radar and WP-13B-II engines started its journey in 1998 and tested alongside with J-8H in 2000. Both J-8H and F featured the 149x series PD radar, black radome with lightning strip diverters, KJ8602 RWR from J-8D, as well as new pair of wing fence on the outboard of wings; the only visual difference for these two jets without any payload is a notch by the right side of the radome that indicated the installation of NRIET Type 1492 radar). Since the doctrine of PLAAF changed vastly and with the success of the PL-12, the J-8F became the final standardized version of the J-8 series and joined the PLAAF since 2002, serving as the trio of frontline fighters alongside with J-10s and Flankers. The J-8F was also the basis of the J-8FR (歼侦-8F) with recon pod replacing the autocannon (it was proposed to install WP-14 but later reverted to WP-13B-II for reliability).

As the production of new 4th generation fighters are in steady pace, all the frontline, combat-capable J-8II started to be phrased-out from the mid-2010s and the last division replaced their J-8F with undisclosed jets by June 2022, leaving the 36 J-8FR (24 for PLAAF and 12 for PLANAF) the only J-8 series aircraft still in service; thanks to its impressive climb rate and speed which are essential for recon flights.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j_8f Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|p_25MEJkZQc|'''The Shooting Range #364''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


* [[J-8B]] - J-8II Block 2 with monopulse radar and lesser missile payload

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8271-development-j-8f-jet-fighter-and-future-plans-on-the-bvraams-en|[Devblog] J-8F jet fighter and future plans on the BVRAAMs]]

{{AirManufacturer Shenyang}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

PGZ09

2024-07-13T08:38:26Z

U4656018: Revised description and adding AHEAD to the playstyle

{{Specs-Card
|code=cn_pgz_09
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (Chinese: PGZ09式自行高射炮; industry code WA3001) has been in PLAGF service since the late 2000s, alongside previous systems and SAM systems for field and infrastructure defense. The Oerlikon KDA (GDF-001) was introduced to Mainland China during the late 1980s and was licensed to be built domestically in 1990 as the PG90 before the 1993 sanctions to PLA; the licensed PG90 was then redeveloped into the newer PG99-35-2 systems comparable with the GDF-003 system. Meanwhile, to fill the need for a slightly long-range SPAA with the accuracy of 35 mm autocannon and arming with pairs of SAMs, PLAGF first foreseen [[2S6|2S6 Tungska]] as the import solution for this mission; then projects based on the chassis of NORINCO's new wheeled chassis were also developed as the technological demonstrator for the turret system. This eventually lead to a domestic solution with new universal artillery platform and provisions for 2 pairs or IR AAMs on the side of turret, to unknown reason, the production model of the new SPAA lacked the missiles from both the prototype turret by a certain university in Mainland China and its production model which would soon to be known as the PGZ09 ''(referred as PGZ07 before clarification in 2015)''; first spotted during military exercise and officially debuted in 2009 and 2015's military parade respectively, the PGZ09 serves as the alternative platform to utilize domestic AHEAD rounds to intercept oncoming missiles or unguided projectiles within detection range, while the earlier [[PGZ04A]] would serve as the very last layer of defense if the target breaches all lines of defense.

Introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]], PGZ09 is a Chinese counterpart to the Flakpanzer [[Gepard]] and [[Type 87]] designed to intercept incoming aerial targets such as helicopters, drones, or cruise missiles. With its high off-road speed, advanced electronic system with separated search/tracking radar, electro-optical tracking system, 2nd gen thermal sight, as well as being the very first SPAA to introduce 35 mm AHEAD, it can prove deadly to both careless aerial and ground targets and provide field air-defense to its allies wherever they are with its mobility.

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

The chassis provides sufficient protection to the crew against small-calibre guns and shrapnel from explosions. As it is a SPAA, only the hull front is sufficient to stop HMGs and maybe some autocannons, while the turret itself offers little protection with only 8 mm of armour. Vulnerable to overpressure damage, the PGZ09 cannot survive artillery strikes, bombs, rockets or high-calibre HE shells. Its tall search radar is very visible and therefore likely to attract fire. If it is hit by anything with explosive filler it will be broken, the shrapnel and blast will also pass down the thin turret roof and damage/destroy components like the targeting radar and crew. Thus you need to be aware of whether the search radar antenna is exposed even when the tank is behind cover.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 10 mm Upper front (74°) 12 mm Lower front(25°)
| 8 mm ''Top'' 10 mm ''Bottom'' || 10 mm || 8 mm
|-
| Turret || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick.
* Mudguard and side skirts are 5 mm thick.
* Tracking radar is 15 mm of structural steel.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Thanks to the powerful 8V150 engine producing almost 800 hp, this turbocharged diesel engine lets the PGZ09 have a satisfying top speed of 65 km/h, a vast improvement over the [[WZ305]] and making it one of the fastest tracked SPAAGs along with the [[Gepard]], [[AMX-30 DCA]] and [[VEAK 40]]. It can follow teammates with ease and retreat to a safe position if anything comes at you with its -15 km/h reverse (only its tech-tree successor PGZ04A, ZTZ99A has higher reverse)

{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1136|rbMinHp=708}}

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

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

{{main|PG99-35-2 (35 mm)}}

As a variant of the Swiss Oerlikon GDF-002, the PG99-35-2 shares the same traits as the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)|35 mm Oerlikon KDA]] guns found on other nations' SPAAs: high rate of fire, high muzzle velocity, and sufficient penetration to tear down most vehicles from the sides with ease; what makes PGZ09 unique among any 35 mm SPAAs is the '''AHEAD''' ('''Advanced hit efficiency and destruction''') thanks to the installation of coils in the muzzle break to control the fuse. But due to the internal design of the PGZ09, it has lower ammo count than its Western and Japanese counterparts, carries only 40 APDS rounds as emergency anti-armour like its counterparts and most of all: its inferior -2° depression angle where it will be a major problem at complicated terrain.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[PG99-35-2 (35 mm)|35 mm PG99-35-2]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 480 (220 + 20) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -2°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.3 || 109.7 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.7 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.5 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''PMD062:''' {{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}{{-}}{{Annotation|Ahead|Shrapnel with time fuse}}
* '''DKG01A:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DKP01A:''' {{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T*|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM23:''' {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}{{-}}{{Annotation|APDS|Armour-piercing discarding sabot}}

{{:PG99-35-2 (35 mm)/Ammunition|HEI-T*, API-T*, Ahead, APDS}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''4''' || 2 ''(+2)'' || No
|-
|}
'''Note''':

* Ammo racks disappear after 40 rounds from each belt have been fired.

== Usage in battles ==

Like its counterparts in NATO and Japan, speed is your friend and the PGZ09 is among the fastest ones, as an SPAA, your first priority should be aircraft and helicopters. At its BR range, few aircraft come with an RWR, so there should no worries on keeping the radar always on. If brought to a higher BR, do not keep your radar on for extended periods of time, as it will give yourself away to aircraft with RWR, so turn it off and only utilize the tracking radar after enemies have been spotted; alternatively, it comes with optoelectronic tracking system which helps concealing yourself from RWR-equipped aircraft (hotkey Y-1-4 by default changes between its tracking systems) or tracking low-flyers with excellent accuracy; another thing worth mention is that it's the only Oerlikon GDF-002 equipped SPAAG that comes with a thermal gunner sight (2nd generation), further accelerate your speed on spotting enemies from the background. Keep in mind your subpar ammunition count, so unless in emergency or fast-and-close targets, trigger-happy firing is not an option.

The PGZ09 can also be used in an anti-armour role to a certain extent thanks to the good penetration of 35 mm shells, these rounds are lethal to lightly armoured vehicles and the sides of Cold War MBTs, albeit the PGZ09 has the worst gun depression among SPAAs (at a mere -2°), making it struggle in even slightly uneven terrain, so keep some distance from land-based enemies if you're in a gunfight. Additionally, it has only 40 rounds of APDS at disposal so think twice before unleashing them on enemies. Do remember that those 8-10 mm of steel all-around won't help you too much on stopping some higher calibre machine guns, autocannons and anything with explosive fillers.

''Note: when using the PGZ09 in the anti-armour role with thermals on, avoid placing the target at the front-right side of the hull. This is the location of the engine exhaust pipe, to the right of the driving compartment. Its heat will glare the gunner's thermal optic and heavily disrupt your aim.''

When locking onto an air target using your fire control radar, the green square that captivates the target will gently float around, leading to the guns bobbing around as well. This can considerably decrease the accuracy of your bursts as your guns are not aiming at the exact centre of the target. The low accuracy is especially noticeable when the target is close to stationary, for example targeting a hovering helicopter 3 km away. The fire control radar will also give a wrong lead signal when the target is flying at treetop level. Therefore to counter these issues, you must switch to the optronic tracker. The PGZ09 is equipped with an optronic tracker just like that of the [[SIDAM 25]] that gives more accurate lead. Open the multifunction menu, then press 1 - 4 to switch to the optronic tracker. You will see that the original light green arc indicating your fire control radar scanning area decrease from 180° to ~30°. The optronic tracker gives a way more precise lead that won't float around or get interfered by ground clutter, and also allows you to target aircraft when the fire control radar is destroyed, making it the ideal targeting method against aircraft. You will however have to manually switch to it in every battle. Aside from all the conventional NATO equivalent 35 mm ammunition, PGZ09 also introduced AHEAD for SPAAs, a first since the introduction of PUMA in Bundeswehr service; the IRST tracking will also serve as a much better way to rangefinding the enemy aircraft with great accuracy, be sure to lead-in slightly more ahead than the indicator does for maximum damage and efficiency - it is not a good idea to waste ammo on just one aircraft with all 440 rounds in the main magazine.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

*[[SA 313B Alouette II (Germany)|SA 313B]], [[UH-1C]], etc. These early helicopters, despite being small and fragile, can give some nasty bites with their ATGMs. Experienced helicopter pilots tend to hover ~2-4 km away from the frontline firing missiles from afar, and at that distance it is somewhat difficult for the PGZ09 to effectively destroy them. If they are more than 3 km away and are slowly sliding sideways, hold your fire as the accuracy of your shells drop drastically and will be easily evaded, revealing your position. Instead, you should evade the helicopter, track its range with your radar, and once it gets within 3 km consider shooting it (still, remember that the closer the better). Note that with your gunner thermals you can clearly see the helicopter's missile, allowing you to take early action to try to avoid it.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good firepower:
** First Chinese SPAA with search and fire control radars, significantly boosting anti-air capabilities
** Autocannons are deadly against common aircraft like [[G.91 (Family)|G.91]]
** Fast gun targeting speed, can keep up with most targets
** Gunner thermal assists fighting in bad weather
** DM23 APDS allows it to fight back against MBTs such as [[XM-1 (GM)|XM-1]]
** Comes with optoelectronic tracking system that excels excellent accuracy and concealing yourself from RWRs.
* Good mobility:
** High speed, one of the fastest SPAAs in the game
** Adequate reverse speed of -15 km/h
* 2 salvos of smoke grenades can help conceal the vehicle for repositioning

'''Cons:'''

* Poor survivability:
** Search radar antenna is tall, can expose the location of the PGZ09
** Armour is only proof against small calibre machine gun bullets
* Poor weapon handling:
** Limited DM23 capacity of 40 rounds
** Extremely poor gun depression of only -2°, poor in even urban environment let alone hills
** Gun placement makes close-range aiming quite awkward

== History ==


During the late 1980s, after attempts to make their own AA guns to replace the obsolete Soviet 37 mm, the PLA sought instead to purchase the renowned Swiss Oerlikon 35 mm GDF-002 cannon. In 1987, a deal was made and examples were imported along with the Skyguard system, and in 1990, China got a license for domestic production under the name PG90. When the later arms embargo in the 1990s stopped additional importation, Chinese-made domestic upgrades resulted in the PG99, which is said to be on-par with the GDF-003.

It saw extensive use defending facilities and as a towed gun. The PLAGF found the need for a new SPAAG to replace the PGZ95 (later the [[PGZ04A]]) for mobile field air-defense, and made good use of the 35 mm cannon with modern electronics. Early prototypes of the vehicle featured a hull based on ZSD89 APC. PLAGF also proposed a wheeled version, but this was ditched due to difficulties in mounting all the equipment onto a wheel-based chassis. As plans to import the 2S6 Tunguska were also ditched, it was also planned to mount 4 additional missiles of unknown model for long-range engagements; the plans for missiles were also ditched due to unknown reasons and left the vehicle with only a pair of PG99 autocannons.

In 2011, a new type of SPAAG was seen on state television, designated "PGZ07" by observers, little was known about it until the Victory Day parade in 2015 where this SPAAG was officially revealed by the PLA, officially known as the PGZ09 and it shared the same universal chassis with PLZ05 SPH. Equipped with the latest doppler search radar and optoelectronic equipment onboard, AHEAD and airburst shells, and the ability to equip 4 surface-to-air missiles, it, along with its predecessor the PGZ04A, serve as the cornerstone of the PLAGF's field air-defense system.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=cn_pgz_09 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Other vehicles of similar configuration and role

* [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]]
** [[File:FRG flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Gepard]]
** [[File:Japan flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Type 87]]
** [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Chieftain Marksman]]
** [[File:Finland flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ItPsV Leopard]]
** [[File:South Africa flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZA-35]]
* [[File:Sweden flag.png|30px|link=]] [[VEAK 40]]
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[AMX-30 DCA]]
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[ZSU-37-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7201-development-pgz-09-short-bursts-en|[Devblog] PGZ-09: short bursts]]

{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}

J-11A

2024-07-08T21:34:48Z

U4656018: updated usage in battles

{{About
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Su-27 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=j_11a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (歼-11A型歼击机) with identical NATO codename of '''Flanker-B''', represents the Sino-Belarusian upgrade for the SKD series J-11, a licensed built of the infamous Su-27SK. By 1996, SAC has negotiated for the domestic assemble and later production of Su-27SK at Shenyang, Liaoning, where the experiences gained during the construction would further be refined by engineers as the basis of future heavy interceptors; after the blueprints and required machineries have been delivered to Shenyang, SAC constructed the first batch by September 1998 and further 4 batches were constructed until the later J-11B (Flanker-L) replaced the production line, now with mostly domestic alternatives to the decade-old Flankers and fully translated cockpit. Originally, Russia has planned for a Su-27SMK variant for PLAAF with upgraded avionics and weaponry; however the completion of reverse-engineer and introduction of domestic interceptors with vastly improved avionics put an end to this program. Meanwhile, after the introduction of PLANAF's Su-30MKK (Flanker-G) and their R-77 missiles, PLAAF seek for solutions to upgrade the J-11A fleet with capabilities to launch ARH AAMs; this in turn led to the cooperation between SAC and Belarusian's '''558th Aircraft Repair Plant''' where the latter introduced a very interesting mean to bypass the obsolete FCS on J-11A, by programming and rewiring the systems to trick it that it was an earlier R-27 series instead of a R-77 was installed, Belarusian engineers upgraded the aircraft at minimal costs and modifications to J-11A. By 2010s, the need for intensive CAP missions over South China Sea also brought in a new upgrade for certain J-11As operated by divisions in Guangdong by installing domestic UV MAWS systems for maximum situational awareness; these aircrafts are still in service with PLAAF by some units as part of the ever-growing PLAAF interceptor fleet.

Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]] as one of the new Flankers arrived in game for this patch, J-11A introduced the capabilities to launch ARH AAM while having slight upgrade on situational awareness; while the aircraft itself is still haunts by the vastly inferior Russian avionics, the overall combat capability and handling is mostly identical, if not better than previous J-11 (Su-27SK).

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

Like its brother J-11, the performance of J-11A can be said as identical to its predecessor. Although it would still take 8 more years for SAC to refine the somewhat overweight airframe, the original design of Flanker has exceptional maneuverability for such a huge jet; like mentioned in previous jet, J-11, it has very similar length to a J-8II while having much wider airframe, making it one of the largest jet fighter in game in terms of surface area. With the help of the SDU-10 FBW system and almost 1.0 T/W ratio, even jets at lighter weight will have problem dogfighting a Flanker in dire situation; while it still retains very similar, if not the same stall speed of other Flankers in-game, remember the most iconic maneuver, "Pugachev's Cobra" is more of an aerobatics instead of conventional maneuvers for dogfight and its 21x14 m size also means enemy shots will have easy time landing shots onto the airframe, so unless in a solo dogfight, take Flanker as a missile truck, then "hit-and-run" for maximum efficiency while evading any missile that has locked onto the player.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2394 ||2349
| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.5 || 26.0 || 172.1 || 160.1 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

{| 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| 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" | AL-31F || 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
|-
| 1520 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}}

By 1980s, to further reduce the weight, most interceptors were not equipped with extra armor plates for both the pilot and critical components; this is no exception for the Flanker series and also its Chinese domestic production variants, thus the pilot can face fatal hits from both autocannons or missile shrapnel.

Meanwhile, all the 5 fuel tanks onboard are self-sealed, meaning that with the help of researchable fire extinguishers, the J-11A can sometimes save itself from fatal structural failure in case of a fire.

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

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

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, wing root-mounted (150 rpg)
* 96 x large calibre countermeasures

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

The overall payload of J-11A is 94% identical to previous J-11 with only R-77 missiles as the exception. The principle of the design of Flanker is an interceptor, not multirole fighter; thus it still lacks more advanced precision ground attack munition like AGMs or LGBs for much safer approach on enemy vehicles, this also hinders the overall research efficiency when players have to ditch AAMs for unguided munitions in case players need the XP from AI ground targets. While using them at ground RB is still possible, this requires the elite among elites to achieve maximum efficiency without being blasted out of the skies at the first minute.

For AAM loadouts, R-73E, R-27(E)T/R1 and R-77 are now your best friends when facing enemy aircrafts; the loadout options can leave up to 10 AAMs at once with different loadout options depending on player's desire. The R-73E and its Russian cousin are well known for their excellent maneuverability at close range while having some extend of ECCM capabilities; while they are still susceptible to flares or sometimes the sun itself, a shot on careless players can certainly earn a victory over them while sometimes seeing the missile flies like an UFO then hit the target. Before the R-77 was researched, the R-27T or R (IR; radar-homing) missiles can be said as better than none due to their already inferior performance at its tier since they don't have sufficient thrust for long-range engagements, this also worsen by the unreliable N001E radar in this case; the ET1/ER1 is completely another story, the former turned itself into a huge IR AAM seeking for the most careless player from afar while the latter can travels up to 20 km reliable and score a victory even from more advanced foes, but this require a radar lock so be very cautious for any oncoming threats before the target was erased from existence.

The R-77 finally turns J-11A into a competent rival at top tier, although the unique fence-wing drastically increase its drag for long-range engagements, a lock on enemy jets at much closer distances (i.e 10 km) turns R-77 into a somewhat dogfight missile; due to the datalink limits at only one missile at a time, be sure to keep the lock as long as possible before the tracker fires up and search for the enemy target.

The ground loadout on the other hand is still disappointing: all the loadouts under this category is totally identical to Su-27S/J-11 with wide range of unguided bombs or rockets at player's disposal. The rocket pods are more for light vehicle columns or SPAAs while the bombs at up to 500 kg is still more than enough to take down even the heaviest MBT at its tier; in case players do have the need to go for ground attacks in ground RB, make very good use of CCRP or top-down attacks given players evaded the blind spots of enemy threats.

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

* Without load
* 2 x R-73E missiles
* 6 x R-73E missiles
* 2 x R-27T1 missiles
* 6 x R-27R1 missiles
* 2 x R-27ET1 missiles
* 6 x R-27ER1 missiles
* 6 x R-77 missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 20 x S-13OF rockets
* 4 x S-25O rockets
* 38 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (3,800 kg total)
* 30 x 250 kg OFAB-250-270 bombs (7,500 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg OFAB-250Sh bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x 500 kg FAB-500Sh bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 8 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

J-11A shares many identical features to its predecessor from Soviet Union/Russia, Su-27SK/J-11 with only the addition of R-77 as the exception; while the overall combat capability is vastly limited by inferior avionics even with upgrades, the modification with Belarusian and the domestic upgrades from PLAAF still make it competent in modern aerial battles.

==== Air - The Northeastern Chicken Rib Cages ====
For players who have some degree of knowledge on Chinese slangs, 鸡肋 (Chicken ribs) means something that isn't much useful but still wasteful to dispose with; this is somewhat true for the J-11A as some might refer it as a chicken rib cages which is a low-budget but tasty dish in Northeastern China. The background of this dish was due to the decline of state-owned enterprises by 1990 when workers still seek for ways to enjoy a good meal at low budget. For the PLAAF, although there were J-10(A) and J-11B in service by mid-2000s, the fleet of around 104 J-11A could use some upgrades for the future battlefield before more advanced jets can replace them; this is also the key of J-11A's in-game representation: a way to upgrade the fleet with slightly revised avionics and domestic UV MAWS. The overall flight performance of J-11A can be said as totally identical to previous J-11 with negligible weight differences, the only differences are only the addition of R-77 and a domestic MAWS; a major problem for the Flanker platform (aside from Su-27SM or post-2006 SAC Flankers) is the rather inferior radar system, while his cousin in Russia Su-27SM received upgrades on radar and RWR, J-11A only received a FCS upgrade for the guidance of R-77 and only at one missile at a time due to datalink limits (as discussed in history section). This also means players have to be familiar with the radar performance that has somewhat low reliability even to its lower-tier domestic jet, J-8F, this will be problem with any given radar-guided missiles as they will require a reliable lock on targets before they hit enemy targets, let alone the more advanced R-77 which still needs some guidance before it can turn on its seeker. Considering that players have to get through researches before having any different missiles, the two R-73E will be the best friend of J-11A and be sure to find the most careless target for maximum efficiency; while most jets at this tier has MAWS, players will need extreme situational awareness to evade every single missile - one unexpected missile is more than enough to disable the enemy target for good.

As for the R-77 in this case, due to its datalink limits and missile limits, the R-77 can leave as a supersize "dogfight" AAM in this case, while it might not travel as far as most of its competitors in different tech trees, with vertical scan mode or HMD mode, players can lock onto the closest target as soon as possible before they launch the R-77 onto enemy targets; it is more than enough to turn on the missile seeker and tracks the target.

==== Ground - A Tradition to Hold ====
''*Due to the identical ground payload of J-11A from previous J-11, the only exception would be the UV MAWS installed on J-11A and R-77 missiles, thus tactics can be referenced from J-11 in this case.''

Among the Chinese community, there were a saying that ''"Anything in PLAAF must come with ground-attack capabilities using unguided rockets"''. This is in fact true for J-11A in this case as there are many images from PLAAF showing Su-27SK, J-11A or future J-11B series carrying Russian/domestic rocket pods for ground attacks. The Flanker family is known for their interception capabilities but the rather abundant payload is also a good platform for ground-attack operations albeit lacking any precision munitions; pylons on J-11A is mostly identical to previous J-11 with multiple payload point, when players think a Flanker is nowhere an attacker, it does in fact have even more bombs in quantity to Chinese domestic JH-7A (30 x 250 kg bombs vs. 22 x 250 kg bombs) in case players want to cause extensive damage to enemy armored column. Players can also go for even more bombs with 100 kg bombs or better kill radius with 500 kg bombs, depending on the playstyle and the composition of enemy vehicles, it is always a good idea to carry varieties of bombs for heavy targets while leaving the rocket pods (twin pods) to handle light vehicles; for example, the FAB-500 series is a good idea to take out heavy targets in stationary or armored columns, while leaving B-8 or B-13 rocket pods against light vehicles or SPAAs. But as a thumb of rule of Flanker family in-game: always plan for your assault when entering the battlefield as enemy SPAAs or fighters would want to hunt down enemy jets as well. Although lacking the ground-attack capabilities from [[Su-27SM]], thanks to the CCIP and CCRP onboard, the J-11A can employ both high-altitude or low-altitude approach against enemy targets, either by bombing a certain area filled with enemy vehicles or evading SPAAs before unleashing hell against enemy players. If the skies are full of enemy jets which SPAA systems could not handle, it will also be a good time to utilize the great missiles on J-11A ranging from the IR guided R-73E, R-27 family and now the R-77 ARH AAMs. Employing tactics from air battles is still viable to keep the skies clear as it is always a good idea to pick careless players that are too concentrated on ground-attacks.

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

* Identical handling to J-11 with excellent maneuverability for such a huge jet
* Upgraded domestic UV MAWS for higher situational awareness
* Vast arsenal of AAMs or A2G weapons at up to 10 payload points
* Huge internal fuel tank for sustained combat
* Access to R-77 ARH AAM for even longer engage radius
* Devastating 30 mm autocannon with sufficiently high RoF

*

'''Cons:'''

* Huge target
* Retains the same inferior Soviet-era electronics and RWR
* Only guides a single R-77 at once due to datalink limits
* Low ammo pool for last-ditch gunfights
* Lacks precision A2G ammunition for CAS operations

*

== History ==

For PLAAF, the deal of Su-27SK was certainly an excellent (and the most viable) decision to enhance the already obsolete PLAAF interceptor fleet which was still yet to deploy any SARH AAM ''(the previous tests on J-8II and B wasted many imported Aspide-1A missiles; it was way until 2002 when PL-11 and J-8H were finalized)'' and seeking for a heavy interceptor platform for the more advanced domestic avionics. After the introduction of the 38th and 39th batch of Su-27SK from Soviet Union/Russia, PLAAF negotiated for almost 3 years since 1993 for the domestic production license of Su-27SK by SAC in Shenyang; with the threats for no further orders of Flankers to PLAAF service and the worsening economy after the shock therapy, the deal was set for 200 jets to be assembled on CKD/SKD kits at Shenyang since 1998 while the engineers have to prepare beforehand for the translations of documents two years earlier since 1996. This set for the foundation of later J-11A and (mostly) domestic J-11B; but by the end of 20th century, the tactics of aerial combat have shifted vastly - after the introduction of more advanced ARH AAM such as AIM-120 series, the absence of continuous guidance on target from the launcher aircraft enabled "hit-and-run" tactics at a much farther radius. Although deemed as the state-of-the-art jet for PLAAF of its era, J-11A which was produced since 1998 now lagged behind the era and would soon be threaten by another Sukhoi jet for PLANAF: '''Su-30MKK Flanker-G''' delivered in 2000.

Earlier by 1995, Sukhoi introduced the very unique Su-27SMK* ''(block no. 40-01, 305; also the prototype of Su-27SKM for Indonesia)'' in attempt to further secure the orders from PLAAF with retractable refuel probe, ground attack capabilities and upgraded avionics; but the eventual first flight of J-10 and advancement in radar technology broke any hopes to sell this variant to PLAAF. This also led to the eventual cancellation of any further production of Su-27SK in Shenyang with only 105 jets delivered to PLAAF ''(the remaining 95 airframes were reused for Su-27SM series by KnAAPO)''; with the commence of J-11B program and Project No. 12 ([[PL-12]]) by 1998, attempts to enhance the combat capabilities of J-11A also rose up as PLAAF now has R-77 (RVV-AE; AA-12 Adder) introduced thanks to the PLANAF deal on Su-30MKK; this missiles delivered since 2000 brought in a major problem for engineers: How to guide an ARH AAM with the N001E radar?

''*Note: The name SMK would be more grammatically correct in Russian nomenclature; renamed to SKM but still means '''S'''erial '''M'''odernization '''C'''ommercial''

Due to the design of N001E radar, its guidance method and unable to reverse-engineer the FCS, it was impossible for J-11A to even consider R-77 at the first place ''(NIIP revised the radar systems as the '''N001VEP''' for Su-27SM; while Su-30MKK installed '''N001VE''' for additional air-to-surface combat capabilities)''; which also means F-16C or F-15C/E series can engage the Flanker way before it reaches the calculated maximum firing range. Due to the lack of concrete information, aside from PLAAF images showing J-11A with two R-77s on the centerline, there is a missing link between those images and the modification; the most well-known rumor suggested that SAC seek for the assistance of Belarusian's '''558th Aircraft Repair Plant''' and led to an interesting solution to the problem: since PLAAF never imported the first series R-27 which still exists in the coding of FCS, Belarusian engineers decided to rework on the programming and some hardware of the radar systems to trick the SUV-27 FCS that '''it was R-27 instead of R-77 that was in the payload.''' This crude yet effective modification quickly became the upgrade for J-11A; although the modification requires the pilot to countdown with clock before launch, it gave the chance to return-fire upon foes, not being a sitting duck during aerial combat. Around 2010s, thanks to the advancement of avionics at CETC and their introduction of UV MAWS for PLAAF interceptors, some J-11A operated by the 2nd Division, PLAAF received experimental MAWS installed on four corners of the aircraft as an solution to enhance situational awareness during their CAP missions over the South China Sea; although not becoming the standard issue for the remaining J-11A fleet in PLAAF service, this ultimate upgrade done by both Chinese and Belarusian can at least keep J-11A up to the pace of modern aerial combats - it might be obsolete since it's a two-decade-old aircraft, but with the help of the extensive datalink complex of PLA, J-11A could still support its more advanced "brothers in arms" to defend the skies.

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

'''Su-27 "Flanker" series'''

Soviet Union/Russia

* [[Su-27]] - Su-27S to be precise; the second serial production variant for VVS
* [[Su-27SM]] - Modernization of Su-27S with upgraded avionics and capabilities to use precision munitions

Mainland China

* [[J-11|Su-27SK/J-11]] - PLAAF purchase of block 38 and 39 Su-27S in 1990 and 1993 respectively

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Shenyang}}
{{China jet aircraft}}

PL-12

2024-07-03T19:12:45Z

U4656018: Adding most features of the page; history pending

Churchill AVRE Petard

2024-07-03T18:55:20Z

U4656018: /* General info */

{{About
| about = British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = Churchill (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_churchill_avre
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' , officially the "'''Mortar, Recoiling, Spigot, 29mm, Mk I'''", was the first vehicle to bear the name "AVRE" ('''A'''rmored '''V'''ehicle '''R'''oyal '''E'''ngineer) as a breakthrough tank for British Army's Royal Engineers. By 1942, after the dreadful Dieppe raid at very high man cost due to the lack of means for beachhead breakthrough, especially beachheads with extensive bunker/pillbox and during explosive works on breaching obstacles. This led to a program to develop a vehicle specifically for this purpose and serving as a mobile cover for royal engineers while operating in the battlefield; after the evaluations done on different tanks, the Churchill infantry tank became the chosen vehicle for this mission. Aside from some components were replaced by engineering supplies and having larger side doors for infantry operation, a new 290 mm spigot motor dubbed "flying dustbin" was also installed in the turret as the ranged demolition charge without having to leave the vehicle during crossfire. After trials in 1943, the new vehicle now known as the AVRE was ready for service and proved very successful during the breakthrough stage on the Normandy Landings on June 1944, where the 79th Armored Division with their "Hobart's Funnies" vehicles successfully provided reliable support for the first wave of assault groups. The AVRE name would also be retained for all new vehicles designed for these purposes, including the [[Centurion Mk.5 AVRE]] which was still in service in Gulf War of 1990s.

Introduced during [[Update "Alpha Strike"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8912-event-earn-the-churchill-avre-in-the-operation-overlord-event-en|2024 Operation Overlord event]], the vehicle retains most features from a conventional Churchill Mk.III tank with sufficient protection, but when players see the oddly short yet high caliber spigot motor at very close range, the "flying dustbin" will be the very last thing they ever see before the vehicle is blasted into pieces.

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

To conclude the protection of AVRE in one simple sentence: identical to a baseline Churchill III. By its tier, Churchill has a relatively reliable protection thanks to its true identity - a heavy tank (although officially an infantry tank); before jumping straight into a game, the "reliable" protection is not equal to invincible as there are still some cannons that can penetrate the III series i.e Soviet F-34 and German Kwk 42, as well as US 3 inch guns. In most cases, if their shot falls onto sloped parts of the hull, AVRE will very unlikely be harmed at all; be sure to keep the flanks clear and not as aggressive as on standard Churchill series since it takes more than 15 seconds to reload the petard, any missed shot is the worst decision players can ever made.

As for the crew and internal compartments, the overall layout is mostly identical to a III, but the major difference goes to the remaining demolition charges stored inside the vehicle, while the sufficiently spacious interior might migrate some damage, a direct hit on those charges will certainly blow the turret into the height of Big Ben. So pointing the hull at oncoming fire is very essential for the service of Churchill AVRE.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
|Hull||89 mm ''Front plate''
89 + 89 mm ''Front plate (MG Port)''
38 mm (63°) ''Front glacis''
76.2 mm (19°) ''Lower glacis''
|63.5 mm ''Overall side armour''
76.2 mm ''Side hatch''

38.1 mm ''Side edge''
|50.8 mm
25.4 mm (60-69°) ''Bottom''
|19.05 mm ''Front''
15.87 mm ''Rear''
|-
|Turret||89 mm (0-49°) ''Turret front''
89 mm (0-30°) ''Gun mantlet''

19.05 mm (77°) ''Roof area''
|76.2 mm (0-47°)||76.2 + 7 mm||19.05 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Churchill Mk.III uses identical engine to any previous or later production of Churchill series, namely the Belford "Flat Twelve" 12 cylinder, horizontal petrol engine; maxed at 350 hp, although it can drive the vehicle, but this also means it would never be the first to hit the frontline due to its rather slow acceleration and topped at 24 km/h.

{{tankMobility}}

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

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

{{main|Petard (230 mm)}}

Players might have some confusion with the official name of the tank and its true caliber; the 29 mm is in fact referring to the spigot (the tube that the ammunition inserted onto), the ammunition itself is 230 mm and known as the Petard or commonly as the "flying dustbin" referring to its dustbin like appearance. With around 17.8 kg TNTe of demolition charge, a single hit can literary demolish most, if not all targets AVRE will face at its tier; be careful of its rather long reload time (reloaded by driver from a overhead hatch into the barrel) and damages to the ammunition itself even from machine gun fire.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Petard (230 mm)|230 mm Petard]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 16 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Petard (230 mm)/Ammunition|No.1 Demolition Bomb}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''16''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

All British-built tanks in WWII retains a .303 BESA machine gun; in this case, the machine gun is retained in the turret for taking out exposed crews of enemy vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the 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. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

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

* Huge explosive filler in mortar shell can obliterate anything it touches, even above its BR
* Due to curved arc of the mortar, it can be easily lobbed over obstacles or terrain to hit target hiding behind them
* Extremely thick armour, especially for its BR

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely terrible shell velocity; cannot shoot further than 10 meters in a straight line, and has a maximum range of only 150 meters
* Being a mortar shell, the shell takes very long time to lob and descend onto the target if shooting at range, making it nearly impossible to hit moving targets
* Due to very limited range of the mortar, the tank struggle to perform in open terrain where virtually all of the enemy can outrange it
* Mortar shell can be detonated inside the barrel, potentially causing lethal damage
* Very poor top speed and mobility, highly vulnerable to airstrike

== History ==

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

== 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 vehicles;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Britain heavy tanks}}
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

Churchill AVRE Petard

2024-07-03T18:53:33Z

U4656018: Adding description and most general information

{{About
| about = British heavy tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other variants
| link = Churchill (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_churchill_avre
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' , officially the "'''Mortar, Recoiling, Spigot, 29mm, Mk I'''", was the first vehicle to bear the name "AVRE" ('''A'''rmored '''V'''ehicle '''R'''oyal '''E'''ngineer) as a breakthrough tank for British Army's Royal Engineers. By 1942, after the dreadful Dieppe raid at very high man cost due to the lack of means for beachhead breakthrough, especially beachheads with extensive bunker/pillbox and during explosive works on breaching obstacles. This led to a program to develop a vehicle specifically for this purpose and serving as a mobile cover for royal engineers while operating in the battlefield; after the evaluations done on different tanks, the Churchill infantry tank became the chosen vehicle for this mission. Aside from some components were replaced by engineering supplies and having larger side doors for infantry operation, a new 290 mm spigot motor dubbed "flying dustbin" was also installed in the turret as the ranged demolition charge without having to leave the vehicle during crossfire. After trials in 1943, the new vehicle now known as the AVRE was ready for service and proved very successful during the breakthrough stage on the Normandy Landings on June 1944, where the 79th Armored Division with their "Hobart's Funnies" vehicles successfully provided reliable support for the first wave of assault groups. The AVRE name would also be retained for all new vehicles designed for these purposes, including the [[Centurion Mk.5 AVRE]] which was still in service in Gulf War of 1990s.

Introduced during [[Update "Alpha Strike"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/8912-event-earn-the-churchill-avre-in-the-operation-overlord-event-en|2024 Operation Overlord event]], the vehicle retains most features from a conventional Churchill Mk.III tank with sufficient protection, but when players see the oddly short yet high caliber spigot motor at very close range, the "flying dustbin" will be the very last thing they ever see before the vehicle is blasted into pieces.

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

To conclude the protection of AVRE in one simple sentence: identical to a baseline Churchill III. By its tier, Churchill has a relatively reliable protection thanks to its true identity - a heavy tank (although officially an infantry tank); before jumping straight into a game, the "reliable" protection is not equal to invincible as there are still some cannons that can penetrate the III series i.e Soviet F-34 and German Kwk 42, as well as US 3 inch guns. In most cases, if their shot falls onto sloped parts of the hull, AVRE will very unlikely be harmed at all; be sure to keep the flanks clear and not as aggressive as on standard Churchill series since it takes more than 15 seconds to reload the petard, any missed shot is the worst decision players can ever made.

As for the crew and internal compartments, the overall layout is mostly identical to a III, but the major difference goes to the remaining demolition charges stored inside the vehicle, while the sufficiently spacious interior might migrate some damage, a direct hit on those charges will certainly blow the turret into the height of Big Ben. So pointing the hull at oncoming fire is very essential for the service of Churchill AVRE.

'''Armour type:''' 


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
|ull||89 mm ''Front plate''
89 + 89 mm ''Front plate (MG Port)''
38 mm (63°) ''Front glacis''
76.2 mm (19°) ''Lower glacis''
|63.5 mm ''Overall side armour''
76.2 mm ''Side hatch''
38.1 mm ''Side edge''||50.8 mm
25.4 mm (60-69°) ''Bottom''
|19.05 mm ''Front''
15.87 mm ''Rear''
|-
|Turret||89 mm (0-49°) ''Turret front''
89 mm (0-30°) ''Gun mantlet''
19.05 mm (77°) ''Roof area''||76.2 mm (0-47°)||76.2 + 7 mm||19.05 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:''' 


=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}

Churchill Mk.III uses identical engine to any previous or later production of Churchill series, namely the Belford "Flat Twelve" 12 cylinder, horizontal petrol engine; maxed at 350 hp, although it can drive the vehicle, but this also means it would never be the first to hit the frontline due to its rather slow acceleration and topped at 24 km/h.

{{tankMobility}}

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

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

{{main|Petard (230 mm)}}

Players might have some confusion with the official name of the tank and its true caliber; the 29 mm is in fact referring to the spigot (the tube that the ammunition inserted onto), the ammunition itself is 230 mm and known as the Petard or commonly as the "flying dustbin" referring to its dustbin like appearance. With around 17.8 kg TNTe of demolition charge, a single hit can literary demolish most, if not all targets AVRE will face at its tier; be careful of its rather long reload time (reloaded by driver from a overhead hatch into the barrel) and damages to the ammunition itself even from machine gun fire.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Petard (230 mm)|230 mm Petard]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 16 || rowspan="2" | -3°/+15° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | - || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
|-
! ''Realistic''
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{{:Petard (230 mm)/Ammunition|No.1 Demolition Bomb}}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''16''' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __ ''(+__)'' || __
|-
|}

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

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

All British-built tanks in WWII retains a .303 BESA machine gun; in this case, the machine gun is retained in the turret for taking out exposed crews of enemy vehicles.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| || ___ (___) || ___ || __° || __°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the 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. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

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

* Huge explosive filler in mortar shell can obliterate anything it touches, even above its BR
* Due to curved arc of the mortar, it can be easily lobbed over obstacles or terrain to hit target hiding behind them
* Extremely thick armour, especially for its BR

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely terrible shell velocity; cannot shoot further than 10 meters in a straight line, and has a maximum range of only 150 meters
* Being a mortar shell, the shell takes very long time to lob and descend onto the target if shooting at range, making it nearly impossible to hit moving targets
* Due to very limited range of the mortar, the tank struggle to perform in open terrain where virtually all of the enemy can outrange it
* Mortar shell can be detonated inside the barrel, potentially causing lethal damage
* Very poor top speed and mobility, highly vulnerable to airstrike

== History ==

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

== 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 vehicles;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Britain heavy tanks}}
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}