War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

User:U50792983

2024-02-22T11:20:51Z

U50792983: VPO and GUUD sucks

this is a thing apparently. anyway sweat squads in top tier air arcade wreck that br. (VPO, GUUD, and friends)

Air-to-air missiles

2023-06-30T09:35:21Z

U50792983: /* Infrared Counter Measures (IRCM) systems */ I amended a sentence that said that only helicopters had IRCM, which was but is no longer an accurate statement

__TOC__

==Overview==
Air-to-air missiles were added to the game in [[Update 1.85]]; they are available to many aircraft from around the Korean War era and onwards. In-game they are a potent weapon to have at your disposal, allowing you to destroy enemy aircraft from several km away in some situations. There are currently a few categories of air-to-air missiles available to use: command guided missiles, beam riding missiles, infrared homing (heat-seeking) missiles, and semi-active and active radar homing missiles.

===Rockets vs. Missiles===
The thing that separates air-to-air missiles from rockets is the presence of a guidance system. When a rocket is fired it will simply fly along its trajectory until it hits something (a target or more often the ground), or self-destructs. By comparison, an air-to-air missile has an active guidance system, allowing it to fly towards and follow a target.

==Command guided missiles==
The most basic type of air-to-air missiles in-game are command guided missiles. Command guided missiles are manually guided to the target by the pilot (or another crew member) of the aircraft which fired them. Once the missile was fired the pilot would watch the missile (many missiles had a flare in the tail to aid visibility) and manually guide it towards the target, using a joystick.

===Command guided missile usage===
[[File:AA-20_Fired.jpg|thumb|400px|right|An [[AA-20]] command guided missile, fired at a [[MiG-15]] from a [[G.91 R/4]]. Notice the lack of HUD elements relating to the missile, you have to watch the missile's flare and manually guide it to the target.]]
In-game if a command guided missile is fired, and no further input is given, then it will act like an unguided rocket with a proximity fuse. In order to guide the missile you must set up guided weaponry controls (see below); after you have fired the missile you can then use the controls to manually guide it towards the target. Guiding a missile will usually require you to stop controlling your aircraft, as guiding the missile to its target is hard enough without also manoeuvring your aircraft at the same time, so make sure there is no one on your tail before you fire one. It takes a lot of practice to get good at using command guided missiles, however, such missiles usually have a large warhead and proximity fuse, making the job slightly easier. It can sometimes be desirable to use command guided missiles as unguided, proximity-fused rockets; such as in head-ons or if an enemy is dead in front of you (e.g. after they over-shot you).

{{Notice|Unlike heat-seeking missiles, command guided missiles will not trigger a missile launch warning for the enemy player.}}

===Command guidance pros and cons===
'''Pros:'''

* Not vulnerable to countermeasures
* Do not trigger missile warnings
* Much better manoeuvrability than beam riding missiles, and better than some heat-seekers
* Can be used as unguided proximity rockets

'''Cons:'''

* Have to stop controlling aircraft to control missile
* Can be hard to manually guide missiles
* Can be easy to dodge if the missile is spotted soon enough

===Command guided missile controls===
To control command guided missiles you set up axis controls for the pitch and yaw; select the relevant control from the menu and click the edit axis button, this will display various controls you can edit. The "maximum value" control is the button you want to press to increase the missile's steering angle (make the missile go up in pitch or right in yaw); and the "minimum value" control is the button you want to press to decrease the missile's steering angle (make the missile go down in pitch or left in yaw). The rest of the controls (apart from relative control, see next paragraph) can be left on default values without much thought and are present for user preference.

An important option to consider is "relative control"; this dramatically changes how you control the missile. With relative control off pressing a control key will immediately set that axis's steering value to 100% and back to 0% when the key is released. By comparison with it on pressing a control key will gradually increase / decrease the steering angle and it will remain at that value until the player changes it.

What this amounts to is that if relative control is off and the player presses the control to move the missile right, the missile will begin moving to the right, then start flying straight in whatever direction it is facing when the player releases the key. With relative control on the missile will begin moving the right and when the player releases the key the missile will keep turning to the right in an arc until the player presses the left key to move the missiles steering angle back to 0%. Personal preference will determine how you set this option, but turning relative control off can be more intuitive, as it makes correcting the missile's course quicker and easier.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Command guided missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Yaw axis for aim weapons || Shift + A / Shift + D || Keys to control the yaw (side to side) movement of the missile
|-
| Pitch axis for aim weapons || Shift + W / Shift + S ||Keys to control the pitch (up and down) movement of the missile
|-
| Fire air-to-ground missile || Space || Fire the command guided missile (they are treated as proximity fused air-to-ground missiles)
|-
|}

===List of command guided air-to-air missiles===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Command guided missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max guidance range
|-
| [[AA-20|AA-20 Nord]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 8,000 m
|-
|}

==Beam riding missiles==
Beam riding is another primitive form of missile guidance. An aircraft equipped with beam riding missiles will also carry a small radar transmitter, which projects a narrow (few degrees wide) radio beam in front of the aircraft. When the missile has launched, a receiver on the rear of the missile detects the beam from the aircraft and steers the missile to keep it within the beam. The effect of this is that the missile will fly wherever the beam is pointing.

===Beam riding missile usage===
[[File:Fireflash_Fired.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A [[Fireflash]] beam riding missile, fired at a [[MiG-17]] from a [[Swift F.7]]. Like with the command guided missile, there are no HUD elements associated with the missile; the missile is following the beam projected from the aircraft towards the targets.]]
In-game to use a beam riding missile, you simply fire it; the missile will then enter the beam and fly towards where the nose of your aircraft is pointing. You can gently manoeuvre the nose of your aircraft to correct the course of the missile.

Beam riding missiles have a number of disadvantages; firstly once the missile is fired you have to keep the nose of the aircraft pointing at the enemy aircraft, as the missile follows wherever the nose of your aircraft is pointing. Secondly the missile has a very low turning ability, if you move the nose of your aircraft too quickly the beam will move away from the missile quicker than the missile can correct, so the missile will fall out of the beam, at which point you lose all control of the missile; therefore you can only make gentle movements once the missile is launched. Finally, the missile becomes less accurate the further it gets away from the launching aircraft; the beam from the aircraft spreads as it moves away from the aircraft, so at long ranges the missile can still be within the beam, but off-centre (some missiles are better at staying centred within the beam than others)

{{Notice|Unlike heat-seeking missiles, beam riding missiles will not trigger a missile launch warning for the enemy player.}}

===Beam riding pros and cons===
'''Pros:'''

* Not vulnerable to countermeasures
* Do not trigger missile warnings
* Can be easier to guide than command guided missiles
* Can be used as unguided proximity rockets

'''Cons:'''

* Must keep your aircraft pointing at the target
* Bad at engaging manoeuvring targets
* Anything more than gentle corrections will make missile fall out of beam and lose tracking
* Gets less accurate with increased range
* Easy to dodge if the missile is spotted

===Beam riding missile controls===
To control the missile, launch it then gently correct its course by moving where the nose of your aircraft is pointing.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Beam riding missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Fire air-to-ground missile || Space || Fire the command guided missile (they are treated as proximity fused air-to-ground missiles)
|-
|}

===List of beam riding air-to-air missiles===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="6" | Beam riding missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max overload || Max guidance range
|-
| [[Fireflash]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 2 G || 4,000 m
|-
|}

==Infrared homing (heat-seeking) missiles==
Infrared (IR) homing missiles, also known as heat-seeking missiles, or heat-seekers, are the most widespread type of air-to-air missile in War Thunder. Infrared homing missiles have what is known as an IR seeker mounted in the nose of the missile. The IR seeker is capable of detecting the infrared light emitted by the target; and when the missile is launched the IR seeker tracks the source of infrared light and steers the missile towards it. These missiles are commonly called "heat-seekers", as things which are hot emit large amounts of infrared light, so the missile is effectively looking for hot things to lock on to.

{{Notice|Infrared homing missiles will lock on to any suitably strong infrared light source; this includes friendly aircraft (RB and SB) and the sun|!}}

===Infrared homing missile usage===
[[File:AIM-9B_Caged_Lock.jpg|thumb|400px|right|An [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missile locked on to a [[MiG-15]]. The seeker ring is red as it has locked onto the MiG. This is a caged seeker (see the section below).]]
Firing infrared homing missiles in-game is a little more complicated than firing other types of weaponry. You must first turn on the IR seeker (see controls section below). Once the seeker is turned on you will see a circle (green by default) appear on your screen, the missile seeker is now cooling down to improve the performance; the length of time required for the seeker to cool-down can vary between missiles (see individual missile pages for details), but is generally a second.

Once the seeker has cooled down it will become active and the green circle will begin to flash; this will be accompanied by a "growling" noise to let you know the missile is active. You must now manoeuvre your aircraft to place the circle over the target you wish to click on to. The seeker on each missile has a maximum range at which it can lock on to a target; you will need to be within that range to get a lock. Most missiles will also require you to be in the rear aspect of your target (behind the target) so that the missile can lock onto the target's engine exhaust (see the all aspect seekers section for more information). Once a lock is achieved the green circle will turn solid red and the growling noise will change in tone, indicating a lock. Once a lock is achieved you can fire the missile, after this point the missile requires no further input and will guide itself to the target.

Once the missile is fired there is no guarantee it will hit the target. Early missiles cannot turn very tightly (about 5G), so it is possible for the enemy player to dodge the missile.

'''Important notes:'''

* If your missile locks onto the wrong target before you launch it, you can turn the seeker off then back on again to reset it and force it to find a new target (this is mainly a problem for missiles with uncaged seekers, where you cannot easily move the seeker ring off the target).

* If you are in the cockpit view there are no rings visible, you must rely purely on the growling tone to know when the missile seeker is active and locked.

* Each missile has a maximum amount of time the seeker can be powered up for before launch. If this time is exceeded the seeker will turn off and have to be turned back on again manually (see individual missile pages for details).

* Just because you have achieved a missile lock does not mean it is a good idea to fire the missile; many missiles can lock onto a target which is outside of their effective range (although within their max range), make sure you have closed to a good firing range. In addition, firing while yourself, or the enemy plane, is mid-manoeuvre, is just asking for the missile to lose its lock.

* Once a missile is fired it can lose its lock on the enemy aircraft and lock on to something else; if a friendly flies in front of your missile be prepared for the missile to start chasing them instead. Likewise, if the sun is in the background of your target, expect the missile to fly towards the sun (after all the missile is looking for infrared light, and the sun puts out way more of that than the enemy plane does).

* If there is more than one target in front of the missile's seeker then the seeker may get confused and the missile will likely fly off course and miss.

====Caged vs uncaged missile seekers====
[[File:SRAAM_Uncaged_Lock.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A [[SRAAM]] missile locked on to a [[MiG-15]]. As the seeker is uncaged the lock is maintained so long as the target stays within the larger ring.]]
Most early infrared homing missiles have what is known as a caged IR seeker prior to being launched, this means the seeker is locked facing directly forwards. This is the mode described in the section above (and the image in that section); in-game you will see a small circle, which you have to position over a target to get a lock, then hold over the target until you fire the missile.

Some more advanced missiles are capable of "uncaging" their seeker once a target has been locked. This means that once the seeker has locked onto a target it is free to move. In practice this means that once you have locked on to a target with one of these missiles you no longer have to manually keep the missile's seeker over the target to maintain a lock prior to launch, the missile will maintain its own lock and you can (within reason) manoeuvre you aircraft before firing the missile.

In-game when the seekers of these missiles are turned on you will see the normal missile seeker ring, but there will also be a larger ring present around the missile seeker ring. To lock on you still need to position the smaller ring over the target, but once a lock is achieved you only need to keep the target within the big ring to maintain a lock. The user interfaces for missiles with uncaged seekers can be seen to the right.

Uncaged seekers are a major advantage as they make maintaining a lock prior to launch much easier. They also allow you to "lead" the missiles like you would your guns, making them more likely to hit turning opponents.

====Slaving the seeker to an aircraft tracking radar====
[[File:Firestreak_Slaved_Seeker.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A [[Firestreak]] missile with the seeker slaved to the [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9]]'s tracking radar. The seeker ring is green as it has not achieved a lock yet, but it is automatically placed over the tracked target.]]
Aircraft which have [[Airborne_radars#Target_tracking_radars|tracking radars]] have the option of slaving the missile's IR seeker to their radar system. This means that when a target is being tracked by the radar and the missile seeker is turned on, instead of the seeker pointing directly forwards it will receive data from the radar and point at the target the radar is locked on to.

Rotorcraft with a gunner seat or ATGM tracking camera may also guide their seeker manually by hopping in the gunner seat or using the tracking camera, however it is not possible to fire the missile until the player switches back to pilot mode. It is important that the crosshair is pointing at the enemy aircraft and locked upon switching back to the pilot seat otherwise the seeker head will reset.

The benefits of slaving the IR seeker to the tracking radar are essentially the same as having an uncaged sensor; making achieving and maintaining a lock easier, as well as allowing you to "lead" the missile in some situations. A disadvantage is that opponents with RWR will become alerted by the locking of the radar, thus alerting them to the presence of a potential missile.

====All aspect seekers====
Most infrared homing missiles in-game are what are known as "rear-aspect" missiles, which require you to be in the rear aspect of your target (behind the target) in order for the missile to lock on. This is because early IR seekers were only sensitive enough to lock on to very hot targets, such as the exhaust of a jet engine. There are however some more advanced missiles in-game which are known as "all-aspect" missiles, these missiles have more sensitive IR seekers and better tracking systems which are able to detect other heat sources, such as those emitted from the body of the aircraft or from the plume of afterburner flame expanding out from the aircraft, allowing the missile to lock on to and engage a target from any direction. These missiles are a major upgrade other infrared homing missiles, they allow you to attack a target from any direction and are much harder to dodge.

====Countermeasures====
There are general techniques pilots can employ to dodge missiles (covered in a later section), however, in addition, some vehicles also have systems dedicated to defeating infrared homing missiles. These systems fall into two categories: flares and IRCM systems.

=====Flares=====
The most basic countermeasure to infrared homing missiles is the use of flares. Flares are a type of pyrotechnic which can be fired (usually in bursts) from the target aircraft when the pilot believes a heat-seeking missile has been fired at them. The flare burns extremely hot and produces a large amount of infrared light; this will often trick the IR seeker of the missile into locking on to the flares instead of the target aircraft. More modern missiles with more advanced IR seekers are less vulnerable to flares.

If a target you are locking onto deploys flares you will often see the seeker ring move over the flares instead of the target. If the target deploys flares after a missile has been fired then the missile will often switch course and fly towards the flares. Some modern missiles in-game are not affected as much by flares, however, this doesn't mean the missile is completely invulnerable to countermeasures.

=====Infrared Counter Measures (IRCM) systems=====
A more advanced countermeasure to infrared-guided missiles are Infrared Counter Measures (IRCM) systems, these systems are effectively jammers for infrared missiles. There are two techniques used by these systems: older systems would have a powerful infrared light source, which was then flickered on and off; this would disrupt the missile's guidance system and cause it to fly off course. More modern systems detect the missile and shine a laser directly at it, blinding the IR seeker.

In-game these systems make locking on to aircraft with the system activated much harder. These systems are predominantly found on helicopters, with the only planes in-game possessing IRCM systems are the SU-25T and SU-39 as of 30th June 2023.

===Infrared homing missile controls===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Infrared homing missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Weapon lock || Alt + X || Toggles the missile's IR seeker on or off
|-
| Fire air-to-air missile || Alt + Space || Fires the air-to-air missile once a target is locked, or if IR seeker is not active it will activate the seeker.
|-
|}

===Infrared homing pros and cons===
'''Pros:'''

* Fire and forget in nature
* Hardest type of missile to physically dodge (although this depends on the exact missile, some like the [[SRAAM]] can be extremely hard to dodge, while others are quite easy)
* Easiest missiles to use
* Can be all-aspect depending on missile

'''Cons:'''

* Vulnerable to other heat sources
** Can lock on to the sun and friendly players
** Vulnerable to flares and IRCM (generally making most IR missiles near useless against top tier helicopters)

=== List of infrared homing air-to-air missiles ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="6" | Infrared homing missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max overload || All-aspect || Uncaged seeker || Radar slaving
|-
| [[9M39 Igla]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder]] || [[File:Germany_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-9H Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[ATAS (AIM-92)]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[Firestreak]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Flz Lwf 63/80]] || [[File:Switzerland_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Matra R530E]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 35 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 35 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Mistral]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 12 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[PL-2]] || [[File:China_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[PL-5B]] || [[File:China_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[PL-7]] || [[File:China_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 35 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[PL-8]] || [[File:China_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 40 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Python 3]] || [[File:Israel_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 40 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-3S]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[R-13M1]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[R-23T]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-24T]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 24 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-27T]]/[[R-27T1]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-60]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-60M]]/[[R-60MK]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[RB24]] || [[File:Sweden_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[RB24J]] || [[File:Sweden_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[RB 74]] || [[File:Sweden_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Red Top]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 16 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Shafrir]] || [[File:Israel_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 11 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[Shafrir 2]] || [[File:Israel_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[SRAAM]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[TY-90]] || [[File:China_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}

== Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missiles ==
SARH guidance is often used for medium-range and long-range air-to-air missiles, which rely on the launch aircraft to provide guidance (specifically a radar lock). SARH missiles rely on radar waves from the launch aircraft reflecting off the target, similar to beam-riding missiles. However, due to the larger boresight angles and larger radar scanning angles, these missiles offer increased performance.

=== SARH missile usage ===
{{main|wt:en/news/6879-development-sarh-air-to-air-missiles-en|l1=SARH Air-to-Air Missiles Devblog}}

; How are these missiles fired?

Since SARH missiles are capable of locking onto targets that are out of the pilot's visual range, it might be tricky for the said pilot to estimate the distance to the target. This type of armament has a specific operational range, or the launch envelope, which can be defined as the distance between minimum and maximum ranges of the missile given the present movement parameters of the player's aircraft and the target. This zone is strictly individual for every missile model and varies with technical characteristics.

The minimum launch range is affected by parameters such as:

* The commit time when the missile begins homing in on the target. For instance, for the R-3R model, this is equal to 0.5 seconds, while for the AIM-7D/E – approximately 2 seconds.
* The post-launch time required to arm the fuse.
* The turn rate of each particular model of missile. For example, if an opponent is flying directly towards or away from the player's aircraft, the manoeuvring time window of the missile will be minimal, while if the movement trajectory of the opponent's aircraft is perpendicular to the player's, the time window will be maximal.

In a similar vein, each missile has a maximum launch range, which depends on:

* The aerodynamics, motor thrust, and firing duration of the missile.
* The flight altitude of the player's aircraft – the higher its value, the greater the missile's flight range.
* The flight altitude of the opponent's aircraft – correspondingly, the higher up in the sky they are, the shorter the flight range of your missiles.
* The speed of the player's and the opponent's aircraft, as well as the angle at which the opponent's aircraft is moving with respect to the player – if they are flying away from you, the maximum launch range is severely reduced.

The armament control system calculates all the aforementioned parameters and helps the player identify the potential launch envelope – the minimum and maximum launch ranges will appear as small marks by the right-hand side of the indicator if the B-Scope (rectangular coordinate system) is used, and as arcs if the radar uses the polar system. Check [[Airborne radars]] for more information, because not all planes have such a feature.

[[File:Radar Indicators SARH DEVBLOG.jpg]]

Moreover, the pilot has the indicator of the target's velocity vector at their disposal. You will find it right under the square marking the locked-on target. If the target's velocity vector changes laterally, the side component will reveal their speed, and the vertical component – the direction in which they are moving with respect to the player (down and up are towards and away correspondingly).

Don't expect an "intelligent" armament to do all the hard work for you – if your target changes speed or direction after you have fired the missile, it may not hit the target. Besides, when tracking the target, the missile may be confused by ground clutter. Such a scenario is possible if you are radiating a signal down on the target (in this case, the opponent is situated below the horizon line). This causes the radio waves to bounce off the ground, that might prevent the seeker from tracking down the target. Additionally, there's even a higher risk of this phenomenon when firing a missile at a low altitude, because the side lobes of your aircraft radar and the missile seeker receive all-ways signals reflected off the Earth surface, which may result in the missile losing its target. To ensure you don't run into these problems, lock onto the target and launch your SARH missiles when you are positioned below them.

; How does the SARH home in on its target?

Unlike IR guided missiles, missiles with a semi-active radio seeker lock onto and track their target and maintain range or speed tracking. Thus, the missile will never become distracted by other targets within the reflected radio-signal acquisition zone while simultaneously ignoring some of the emissions reflected back from ground and water surfaces. The seeker is equally operable whether pulse or continuous wave signal is used. However, different missiles have different subtle aspects depending on targeting mode, and it's crucial to study them in advance if you wish to make the best use of your SARH missiles.

When bombarding an opponent with pulsed emissions, the guided warhead will home in on the target according to distance – the R-3Rs, Matra R.530 and some others employ this approach. This mode allows the pilot to mark the desired target and fire a missile at it while ignoring other possible targets and parasitic signal reflections off the Earth surface that are reflected at ranges different from the range to the target the missile is locked on. In addition to this, you can lock onto the target of choice before launching the missile. When deploying SARH warheads in pulsed mode, it's important to remember that locking onto a target positioned below the horizon line or at low altitudes may cause issues. For a perfect lock-on, target opponents at medium and high altitudes – and only if they are level with you or above you. If the distance between you and the target is less than the flight altitude of your aircraft, you can totally neglect the emission bouncing off the ground – under these conditions, the missile is guaranteed to lock onto and track the target.

Specific missiles, like the American AIM-7D/E, track the target based on its radial speed by using the Doppler effect as they are guided by a continuous or pulse-Doppler radar signal. In this particular instance, the seeker ignores any targets and signals reflected off the ground surface in the set direction with different speed values. The cons of such technology include the impossibility for the seeker to lock onto a target before launch, issues locking onto a target travelling perpendicular to the movement trajectory of your aircraft, and the reduction of the lock-on range when pursuing fleeing targets. In order to lock onto a target, the missile must travel at least 1–2 km away from the carrier, which renders them useless in a dogfight. These missiles are most effective against opponents moving towards you, as well as against fleeing targets travelling at medium or high altitudes – in this case, the seeker will never misidentify any signal reflected off the Earth surface as objects travelling at the target's speed.

=== SARH guidance: Pros and Cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* Radar guidance
** All-aspect capability
** Immune to flares and helicopter IRCM
* Usually boasts medium or long range

'''Cons:'''

* IR missiles generally accelerate faster and are initially more manoeuvrable in short ranged scenarios
* Requires you to maintain radar lock on your target for the entire duration of flight
* Vehicles with a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) can tell when you are locked on to them
* Performance significantly depends on the potency of the launching aircraft’s radar

=== SARH missile controls ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Infrared homing missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Lock radar target on || Alt + F || Locks onto a target with the aircraft's tracking radar.
|-
| Weapon lock || Alt + X || Toggles the missile's seeker on or off.
|-
| Fire air-to-air missile || Alt + Space || Fires the air-to-air missile once a target is locked, or if seeker is not active it will activate the seeker.
|-
|}

=== List of SARH air-to-air missiles ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | SARH missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max overload || Launch range
|-
| [[AIM-7C Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || 25 km
|-
| [[AIM-7D Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || 45 km
|-
| [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 100 km
|-
| [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 100 km
|-
| [[AIM-9C Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || 18 km
|-
| [[Aspide-1A]] || [[File:Italy_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 80 km
|-
| [[Matra R511]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 12 G || 8 km
|-
| [[Matra R530]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || 18 km
|-
| [[Matra Super 530D]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || 40 km
|-
| [[Matra Super 530F]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || 40 km
|-
| [[R-3R]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || 9 km
|-
| [[R-23R]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || 27 km
|-
| [[R-24R]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 24 G || 50 km
|-
| [[R-27ER]]/[[R-27ER1]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || 100 km
|-
| [[R-27R]]/[[R-27R1]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || 55 km
|-
| [[RB71]] || [[File:Sweden_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[Skyflash]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[Skyflash SuperTEMP]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
|}

==Active Radar Homing (ARH) missiles==
Active radar homing (ARH) missiles have a radar emitter built in so that they don't have to rely on target illumination by the aircraft that fired it, making them fire-and-forget weapons. Unfortunately, this is only true to an extent: ARH mode is only available when the missile is coming close to the target, as the range of the built-in radar is limited by its size, which needs to fit inside the compact missile. During the first stage of the flight, the missile has to either rely on inertial guidance, act like a SARH missile, or be course-corrected by Datalink from the aircraft.

=== List of ARH air-to-air missiles ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | ARH missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max overload || Launch range || ARH range
|-
| [[AIM-54A Phoenix]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 17 G || 150 km || 16 km
|-
| [[AIM-54C Phoenix]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 17 G || 150 km || 16 km
|-
|}

==Avoiding air-to-air missiles==
There are various techniques you can use to avoid the different types of air-to-air missiles. As a general rule though situational awareness is absolutely key, you should be looking out to see if any aircraft around you could have air-to-air missiles, and judging what type they are likely to have. If an enemy is on your tail keep looking to see if a missile is launched. You may not get a warning (depending on missile type) and even if you do it may be too late.

===Avoiding command guided missiles===
Begin manoeuvring to make it hard for the enemy player to hit you. If one is fired at you in a head-on, then abandon the head-on immediately, if you don't the proximity fuse will get you.

===Avoiding beam riding missiles===
Any manoeuvre pulling more than a few G's will likely cause the missile to fall out of the beam from the chasing aircraft, at which point the missile poses little threat. Again if one is fired in a head-on then abandon immediately and pull off to the side.

===Avoiding heat-seeking missiles===
How you best avoiding heat-seeking missiles depends largely on what missile was fired at you; it is recommended to familiarise yourself with what missiles different planes carry and what the characteristics of each are. For early missiles, you should be able to turn tighter than the missile and make it lose its lock that way. For missiles which you can't simply throw off with a hard turn your options are more limited, you can try pulling a sort of barrel roll manoeuvre, the combination of turning hard and rolling can sometimes throw the missile off. Depending on how far away it was launched, it may be possible to outrun the missile, making gentle side-to-side manoeuvres to maximise the missile's flight path while maintaining speed. A final option is to manoeuvre your aircraft so that it is directly between the missile and the sun, causing the missile to lock onto the sun; although this is rarely possible in battle situations, this can be done pre-emptively (i.e. fly towards the sun when you spot an enemy with air-to-air missiles on your tail).

If you have flares deploy them and turn sharply so you get away from the missile seekers field of view. Advanced heat-seeking missiles can have IRCCM (InfraRed Counter-Counter-Measures) which are not easily confused by flares.

===Avoiding radar-guided missiles===
Like IR-guided missiles, the best method of dodging radar-guided missiles largely depends on the missile. Early missiles can be dodged kinetically, by turning and rolling vigorously to throw off the missile's lead. In the case of a more capable missile, it may be easier to break the radar lock from the opposing aircraft instead - this can be achieved by deploying chaff, and also [[Airborne_radars#Notching_a_Pulse-Doppler_radar|notching]] against pulse-Doppler radars. This can also apply against active radar-homing missiles, breaking the radar lock of the missile itself rather than the aircraft's. Finally, flying particularly close to the ground can cause missiles to lose track of their target signal within the [[Airborne_radars#Clutter|ground clutter]], causing them to harmlessly veer off course.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|v8j3kJwm_Eg|'''Air To Air Missiles: The Complete Guide (Updated July 2022)''' - ''Tims Variety''|PICL4dLt2zI|'''Danger Sticks: A Beginners Guide to Air to Air Missiles''' - ''rampageTG''|_txt7q-KlnA|'''Fox 1 - A Guide to SARH Missiles''' - ''rampageTG''|TclR7XJMoWY|'''Heat Seekers. How they work''' - War Thunder Official Channel|omcme8er-7o|'''Heat-seeking missiles 101''' - War Thunder Official Channel}}

== See also ==


* [[Template:Missiles|Missiles]]
* [[Air-to-ground missiles]]
* [[Anti-tank guided missiles]]
* [[:Category:Countermeasures|Countermeasures]]

== External links ==


;Devblogs

* [[wt:en/news/8102-development-improved-heat-signatures-for-jet-engines-en|[Devblog] Improved heat signatures for jet engines]]
* [[wt:en/news/6879-development-sarh-air-to-air-missiles-en|[Development] SARH Air-to-Air Missiles]]
* [[wt:en/news/5947-development-air-to-air-missiles-en|[Development] Air-to-air Missiles]]

;Wikipedia

* [[wikipedia:Command_guidance|[Wikipedia] Command guidance]]
* [[wikipedia:Beam_riding|[Wikipedia] Beam riding]]
* [[wikipedia:Infrared_homing|[Wikipedia] Infrared homing]]

[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Armaments]]

Kurnass 2000

2023-03-22T07:39:58Z

U50792983: /* Usage in battles */ changed references to 3rd gen aircraft when it meant 4th Gen

{{About
| about = Israeli jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Kurnass
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4e_kurnass_2000
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

== 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 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
| 2,065 || 2,039 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.5 || 160.6 || 150.9 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! 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) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (640 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 90 x countermeasures

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

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
{{main|GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|GBU-10 Paveway II (957 kg)|AGM-65D}}
{{main|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-9G Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinder}}
{{main|BLU-27/B incendiary|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-4 (20 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 3 x 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 24 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 24 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (12,000 lb total)
* 17 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (12,750 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 13 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (13,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 285 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 60 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 144 x countermeasures
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs (3,828 kg total)

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 !! width="4%" | 11
| rowspan="20" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F-4C_Phantom_II.png]]</div>
|-
! 20 mm GAU-4 cannons (1,200 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| 6 || 3 || || || || 6 || || || || 3 || 6
|-
! 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs
| 3 || 3 || || || || 5 || || || || 3 || 3
|-
! 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs
| 2 || 3 || || || || 3 || || || || 3 || 2
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| 1 || || || || || 2 || || || || || 1
|-
! 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs
| || 2*† || || || || || || || || 2*† ||
|-
! 957 kg GBU-10 Paveway II bombs
| 1*† || 1*† || || || || || || || || 1*† || 1*†
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| 57 || 57 || || || || 57 || || || || 57 || 57
|-
! Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
| 12 || 12 || || || || 12 || || || || 12 || 12
|-
! AGM-65D missiles
| || 3† || || || || || || || || 3† ||
|-
! AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1‡ || 1 || || 1 || 1‡ || || ||
|-
! AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
| || || || 1‡ || 1 || || 1 || 1‡ || || ||
|-
! AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2† || || 1‡ || || 1‡ || || 2† || ||
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| || || 2† || || 1‡ || || 1‡ || || 2† || ||
|-
! Countermeasures
| || || || 72 || || || || 72 || || ||
|-
! Pave Spike targeting pod
| || || || || || || 1* || || || ||
|-
| colspan="12" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 7,257 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,500 kg
|-
| colspan="13" | * Pave Spike targeting pod must be equipped when carrying guided bombs † AGM-65D missiles on hardpoints 2/10 cannot be equipped in conjunction with guided bombs, or Sidewinders on hardpoints 3/9 respectively ‡ Sparrows on hardpoints 4/8 cannot be carried in conjunction with Sidewinders on hardpoints 5/7 respectively
|}

== Usage in battles ==


'''Air RB:'''

In Air RB, the Kurnass 2000 could be compared to the [[F-4EJ Kai Phantom II|F-4EJ Kai]], having the same air-to-air missile armament and similar radar. To properly utilize the 8 potent missiles and one of the best radars in game is the major task that every Kurnass 2000 pilot will have to face. Typically, enter the battle at a low altitude and shooting down everyone on your way is a viable and effective way to fly the Kurnass 2000. Climbing could also be attempted, but given the presence of AIM-54s and 4th generation fighter jets featuring the same avionics and significantly higher climb rate, it would be a riskier style to fly the Kurnass 2000.

A major difference between the Kurnass 2000 and the F-4EJ Kai is the slats on the Kurnass' wings. At high speed, extension of the slats provides more lift and limits the angle of attack of the aircraft, resulting in a significant decrease in speed loss during turns to a level even comparable to the level of 4th generation aircraft like the F-16 and MiG-29. At lower speed, the slats also increase the overall manoeuvrability of the aircraft, so it is advised to extend the slats in battles (by toggling "combat flaps"), especially when fighting in groups, retracting them when needed to gain more speed or for higher angle of attack. Overall, the slats of the Kurnass provides pilots with the ability to alter the aerodynamics of the aircraft during combat, and provide more versatility and a higher overall performance compared to the F-4EJ Kai.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* One of the most effective air-to-air armament sets in-game with AN/APG-76, AIM-7Fs, and AIM-9Ls
* Wing slats for increased manoeuvrability and versatility
* High level of manoeuvrability at high speed as with any other Phantoms
* Guided bombs and missile with targeting pod for engaging ground targets

'''Cons:'''

* Big and heavy aircraft
* Thrust to weight ratio less than 4th generation jets

== 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 ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-4e_kurnass_2000 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|We702awM1kA|'''Kurnass 2000: A Basic Review''' - ''Tims Variety''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{Israel jet aircraft}}

F-16A

2023-02-16T08:42:09Z

U50792983: /* Usage in battles */ Removed references to the AIM-7M, since the F-16A does not have that weapon

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16a_block_10
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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

The F-16A is famous for its ability to accelerate while going vertically. Its turn rate and thrust are amongst the best in the game.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,103 || 2,073 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 261.1 || 248.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
|2,198 || 2,146 || 19.3 || 19.8 || 340.8 || 295.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,662 kg || 9,913 kg || 10,930 kg || 16,849 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.76 || 1.53 || 1.39 || 0.90
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures

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

{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|AGM-65B|BLU-27/B incendiary}}
{{main|AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

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

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! AGM-65B missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,420 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The F-16A can be a powerful fighter with multiple playstyles, one option being simply rushing straight into battle. Players that plan to stay low and accelerate straight into action will be satisfied with the F-16's low-altitude performance and radar. A mixed countermeasure loadout (1 flare, 1 chaff) is recommended because it allows 30 countermeasure drops against radar or IR missiles. In order to be prepared for matches that may extend longer than usual, select the 30-minute fuel option in conjunction with the 300-gallon drop tank. The F-16 consumes a lot of fuel on afterburner, so it's essential to use it wisely unless the max fuel amount is selected.

With the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinders]], players can carry up to 6 AIM-9Ls. If a player finds themselves above the fight, it will be effortless to fire off missiles at distracted enemies and score kills quickly. AIM-9Ls are very strong from the rear aspect and require hard defending from the opponent to evade successfully.

The F-16 is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention. Before entering a dogfight, however, it's critical to be at the correct speed. The F-16 has a very wide turning circle at high speeds, so make sure to stay around 800-850 km/h (497-528 mph) when entering a dogfight.

'''Countering the [[MiG-29]]'''

The MiG-29 is a very versatile and capable fighter and will be one of the most common enemies you will face. However, like many planes, it's possible to counter it. It's one of the fastest jets on the deck (~1,550 km/h, 963 mph) and has access to a helmet-mounted sight, which allows the player to lock the missile in the direction of the pilot's view rather than just along the nose of the aircraft. This allows for off-bore missile launches which can be a threat. It's important to be on the lookout all the time for any missile launches, whether it be an [[R-60M]] or an [[R-27T]].

In a dogfight, the F-16 will easily outperform a MiG-29 due to its superior low-speed handling. It should be noted that the F-16 can be a bit "floppy" at low speeds , and if not corrected, can lead to being shot down.

The MiG-29 at high altitude can be dangerous if the opponent utilizes [[R-27ER|R-27ERs]]. The R-27ER has superb range, acceleration, and manoeuvrability. To counter this, stay on the lookout for MiG-29s and R-27ERs and be prepared to go into a notch position and drop chaff. The R-27ER burns for 9 seconds which allows it to be spotted for a long time before the motor burns out.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High power-to-weight ratio gives it an incredible acceleration
* Highly manoeuvrable at lower speeds
* Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
* Access to 6 x AIM-9L sidewinder missiles
* Has access to a wide range to air-to-ground loadouts

'''Cons:'''

* Does not have access to SARH missiles, limiting its BVR performance
* Cannot pull tight turns at high speed
* High fuel consumption with afterburner

== 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 ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16a_block_10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|FtFRyd0R3Lg|'''The Shooting Range #334''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:47 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8003-development-f-16a-american-fighting-falcon-en|[Devblog] F-16A: American Fighting Falcon]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Air-to-air missiles

2022-01-07T09:35:47Z

U50792983: /* Infrared homing (heat-seeking) missiles */

__TOC__

==Overview==
Air-to-air missiles were added to the game in [[Update 1.85]]; they are available to many aircraft from around the Korean War era and onwards. In-game they are a potent weapon to have at your disposal, allowing you to destroy enemy aircraft from several km away in some situations. There are currently three main categories of air-to-air missiles available to use: command guided missiles, beam riding missiles, and infrared homing (heat-seeking) missiles.

===Rockets vs. Missiles===
The thing that separates air-to-air missiles from rockets is the presence of a guidance system. When a rocket is fired it will simply fly along its trajectory until it hits something (a target or more often the ground), or self-destructs. By comparison, an air-to-air missile has an active guidance system, allowing it to fly towards and follow a target.

==Command guided missiles==
The most basic type of air to air missiles in-game are command guided missiles. Command guided missiles are manually guided to the target by the pilot (or another crew member) of the aircraft which fired them. Once the missile was fired the pilot would watch the missile (many missiles had a flare in the tail to aid visibility) and manually guide it towards the target, using a joystick.

===Command guided missile usage===
[[File:AA-20_Fired.jpg|thumb|400px|right|An [[AA-20]] command guided missile, fired at a [[MiG-15]] from a [[G.91 R/4]]. Notice the lack of HUD elements relating to the missile, you have to watch the missile's flare and manually guide it to the target.]]
In-game if a command guided missile is fired, and no further input is given, then it will act like an unguided rocket with a proximity fuse. In order to guide the missile you must set up guided weaponry controls (see below); after you have fired the missile you can then use the controls to manually guide it towards the target. Guiding a missile will usually require you to stop controlling your aircraft, as guiding the missile to its target is hard enough without also manoeuvring your aircraft at the same time, so make sure there is no one on your tail before you fire one. It takes a lot of practice to get good at using command guided missiles, however, such missiles usually have a large warhead and proximity fuse, making the job slightly easier. It can sometimes be desirable to use command guided missiles as unguided, proximity fused, rockets; such as in head-ons or if an enemy is dead in front of you (e.g. after they over-shot you).

{{Notice|Unlike heat-seeking missiles, command guided missiles will not trigger a missile launch warning for the enemy player.}}

===Command guidance pros and cons===
'''Pros:'''

* Not vulnerable to countermeasures
* Do not trigger missile warnings
* Much better manoeuvrability than beam riding missiles, and better than some heat-seekers
* Can be used as unguided proximity rockets

'''Cons:'''

* Have to stop controlling aircraft to control missile
* Can be hard to manually guide missiles
* Can be easy to dodge if the missile is spotted soon enough

===Command guided missile controls===
To control command guided missiles you set up axis controls for the pitch and yaw; select the relevant control from the menu and click the edit axis button, this will display various controls you can edit. The "maximum value" control is the button you want to press to increase the missiles steering angle (make the missile go up in pitch or right in yaw); and the "minimum value" control is the button you want to press to decrease the missiles steering angle (make the missile go down in pitch or left in yaw). The rest of the controls (apart from relative control, see next paragraph) can be left on default values without much thought and are present for user preference.

An important option to consider is "relative control"; this dramatically changes how you control the missile. With relative control off pressing a control key will immediately set that axis's steering value to 100% and back to 0% when the key is released. By comparison with it on pressing a control key will gradually increase / decrease the steering angle and it will remain at that value until the player changes it.

What this amounts to is that if relative control is off and the player presses the control to move the missile right, the missile will begin moving to the right, then start flying straight in whatever direction it is facing when the player releases the key. With relative control on the missile will begin moving the right and when the player releases the key the missile will keep turning to the right in an arc until the player presses the left key to move the missiles steering angle back to 0%. Personal preference will determine how you set this option, but turning relative control off can be more intuitive, as it makes correcting the missile's course quicker and easier.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Command guided missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Yaw axis for aim weapons || Shift + A / Shift + D || Keys to control the yaw (side to side) movement of the missile
|-
| Pitch axis for aim weapons || Shift + W / Shift + S ||Keys to control the pitch (up and down) movement of the missile
|-
| Fire air-to-ground missile || Space || Fire the command guided missile (they are treated as proximity fused air to ground missiles)
|-
|}

===List of command guided air-to-air missiles===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Command guided missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max guidance range
|-
| [[AA-20|AA-20 Nord]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 8,000 m
|-
|}

==Beam riding missiles==
Beam riding is another primitive form of missile guidance. An aircraft equipped with beam riding missiles will also carry a small radar transmitter, which projects a narrow (few degrees wide) radio beam in front of the aircraft. When the missile has launched, a receiver on the rear of the missile detects the beam from the aircraft and steers the missile to keep it within the beam. The effect of this is that the missile will fly wherever the beam is pointing.

===Beam riding missile usage===
[[File:Fireflash_Fired.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A [[Fireflash]] beam riding missile, fired at a [[MiG-17]] from a [[Swift F.7]]. Like with the command guided missile, there are no HUD elements associated with the missile; the missile is following the beam projected from the aircraft towards the targets.]]
In-game to use a beam riding missile, you simply fire it; the missile will then enter the beam and fly towards where the nose of your aircraft is pointing. You can gently manoeuvre the nose of your aircraft to correct the course of the missile.

Beam riding missiles have a number of disadvantages; firstly once the missile is fired you have to keep the nose of the aircraft pointing at the enemy aircraft, as the missile follows wherever the nose of your aircraft is pointing. Secondly the missile has a very low turning ability, if you move the nose of your aircraft too quickly the beam will move away from the missile quicker than the missile can correct, so the missile will fall out of the beam, at which point you lose all control of the missile; therefore you can only make gentle movements once the missile is launched. Finally, the missile becomes less accurate the further it gets away from the launching aircraft; the beam from the aircraft spreads as it moves away from the aircraft, so at long ranges the missile can still be within the beam, but off-centre (some missiles are better at staying centred within the beam than others)

{{Notice|Unlike heat-seeking missiles, beam riding missiles will not trigger a missile launch warning for the enemy player.}}

===Beam riding pros and cons===
'''Pros:'''

* Not vulnerable to countermeasures
* Do not trigger missile warnings
* Can be easier to guide than command guided missiles
* Can be used as unguided proximity rockets

'''Cons:'''

* Must keep your aircraft pointing at the target
* Bad at engaging manoeuvring targets
* Anything more than gentle corrections will make missile fall out of beam and lose tracking
* Gets less accurate with increased range
* Easy to dodge if the missile is spotted

===Beam riding missile controls===
To control the missile, launch it then gently correct its course by moving where the nose of your aircraft is pointing.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Beam riding missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Fire air-to-ground missile || Space || Fire the command guided missile (they are treated as proximity fused air to ground missiles)
|-
|}

===List of beam riding air-to-air missiles===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="6" | Beam riding missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max overload || Max guidance range
|-
| [[Fireflash]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 2 G || 4,000 m
|-
|}

==Infrared homing (heat-seeking) missiles==
Infrared (IR) homing missiles, also known as heat-seeking missiles, or heat-seekers, are the most widespread type of air-to-air missile in War Thunder. Infrared homing missiles have what is known as an IR seeker mounted in the nose of the missile. The IR seeker is capable of detecting the infrared light emitted by the target; and when the missile is launched the IR seeker tracks the source of infrared light and steers the missile towards it. These missiles are commonly called "heat-seekers", as things which are hot emit large amounts of infrared light, so the missile is effectively looking for hot things to lock on to.

{{Notice|Infrared homing missiles will lock on to any suitably strong infrared light source; this includes friendly aircraft (RB and SB) and the sun|!}}

===Infrared homing missile usage===
[[File:Firestreak_Caged_Lock.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A [[Firestreak]] missile locked on to a [[MiG-15]]. The seeker ring is red as it has locked onto the MiG. This is a caged seeker (see the section below).]]
Firing Infrared homing missiles in-game is a little more complicated than firing other types of weaponry. You must first turn on the IR seeker (see controls section below). Once the seeker is turned on you will see a grey flashing circle appear on your screen, the missile seeker is now warming up; the length of time required for the seeker to warm-up varies between missiles (see individual missile pages for details), but is generally several seconds.

Once the seeker has warmed up it will become active and the flashing grey circle will become solid grey; this will be accompanied by a "growling" noise to let you know the missile is active. You must now manoeuvre your aircraft to place the circle over the target you wish to click on to. The seeker on each missile has a maximum range at which it can lock on to a target; you will need to be within that range to get a lock. Most missiles will also require you to be in the rear aspect of your target (behind the target) so that the missile can lock onto the target's engine exhaust (see the all aspect seekers section for more information). Once a lock is achieved the grey circle will turn red and the growling noise will change in tone, indicating a lock. Once a lock is achieved you can fire the missile, after this point the missile requires no further input and will guide itself to the target.

Once the missile is fired there is no guarantee it will hit the target. Early missiles cannot turn very tightly (about 5G), so it is possible for the enemy player to dodge the missile.

'''Important notes:'''

* If your missile locks onto the wrong target before you launch it, you can turn the seeker off then back on again to reset it and force it to find a new target (this is mainly a problem for missiles with uncaged seekers, where you cannot easily move the seeker ring off the target).

* If you are in the cockpit view there are no rings visible, you must rely purely on the growling tone to know when the missile seeker is active and locked.

* Each missile has a maximum amount of time the seeker can be powered up for before launch. If this time is exceeded the seeker will turn off and have to be turned back on again manually (see individual missile pages for details).

* Just because you have achieved a missile lock does not mean it is a good idea to fire the missile; many missiles can lock onto a target which is outside of their effective range (although within their max range), make sure you have closed to a good firing range. In addition, firing while yourself, or the enemy plane, is mid-manoeuvre, is just asking for the missile to lose its lock.

* Once a missile is fired it can lose its lock on the enemy aircraft and lock on to something else; if a friendly flies in front of your missile be prepared for the missile to start chasing them instead. Likewise, if the sun is in the background of your target, expect the missile to fly towards the sun (after all the missile is looking for infrared light, and the sun puts out way more of that than the enemy plane does).

* If there is more than one target in front of the missile's seeker then the seeker may get confused and the missile will likely fly off course and miss.

{{Notice|In AB & RB shortly after you fire a heat-seeking missile the enemy plane will receive a warning, this is a balance mechanic and represents the enemy's pilot noticing the plume of smoke from the missile launch}}

====Caged vs uncaged missile seekers====
[[File:SRAAM_Uncaged_Lock.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A [[SRAAM]] missile locked on to a [[MiG-15]]. As the seeker is uncaged the lock is maintained so long as the target stays within the larger ring.]]
Most early infrared homing missiles have what is known as a caged IR seeker prior to being launched, this means the seeker is locked facing directly forwards. This is the mode described in the section above (and the image in that section); in-game you will see a small circle, which you have to position over a target to get a lock, then hold over the target until you fire the missile.

Some more advanced missiles are capable of "uncaging" their seeker once a target has been locked. This means that once the seeker has locked onto a target it is free to move. In practice this means that once you have locked on to a target with one of these missiles you no longer have to manually keep the missile's seeker over the target to maintain a lock prior to launch, the missile will maintain its own lock and you can (within reason) manoeuvre you aircraft before firing the missile.

In-game when the seekers of these missiles are turned on you will see the normal missile seeker ring, but there will also be a larger ring present around the missile seeker ring. To lock on you still need to position the smaller ring over the target, but once a lock is achieved you only need to keep the target within the big ring to maintain a lock. The user interfaces for missiles with uncaged seekers can be seen to the right.

Uncaged seekers are a major advantage as they make maintaining a lock prior to launch much easier. They also allow you to "lead" the missiles like you would your guns, making them more likely to hit turning opponents.

====Slaving the seeker to an aircraft tracking radar====
[[File:Firestreak_Slaved_Seeker.jpg|thumb|400px|right|A [[Firestreak]] missile with the seeker slaved to the [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9]]'s tracking radar. The seeker ring is grey as it has not achieved a lock yet, but it is automatically placed over the tracked target for you.]]
Aircraft which have [[Airborne_radars#Target_tracking_radars|tracking radars]] have the option of slaving the missile's IR seeker to their radar system. This means that when a target is being tracked by the radar and the missile seeker is turned on, instead of the seeker pointing directly forwards it will receive data from the radar and point at the target the radar is locked on to.

Rotorcraft with a gunner seat or ATGM tracking camera may also guide their seeker manually by hopping in the gunner seat or using the tracking camera, however it is not possible to fire the missile until the player switches back to pilot mode. It is important that the crosshair is pointing at the enemy aircraft and locked upon switching back to the pilot seat otherwise the seeker head will reset.

The benefits of slaving the IR seeker to the tracking radar are essentially the same as having an uncaged sensor; making achieving and maintaining a lock easier, as well as allowing you to "lead" the missile in some situations. A disadvantage is that if you lose the radar track (as can happen often) you will also lose your IR lock (unless you have an uncaged seeker).

{{Notice|Seeker slaving is available for both missiles with and without an uncaged seeker}}

====All aspect seekers====
Most infrared homing missiles in-game are what are known as "rear-aspect" missiles, which require you to be in the rear aspect of your target (behind the target) in order for the missile to lock on. This is because early IR seekers were only sensitive enough to lock on to very hot targets, such as the exhaust of a jet engine. There are however some more advanced missiles in-game which are known as "all-aspect" missiles, these missiles have more sensitive IR seekers and better tracking systems which are able to detect heat emitted from the body of the aircraft, allowing the missile to lock on to and engage a target from any direction. These missiles are a major upgrade other infrared homing missiles, they allow you to attack a target from any direction and are much harder to dodge.

====Countermeasures====
There are general techniques pilots can employ to dodge missiles (covered in a later section), however, in addition, some vehicles also have systems dedicated to defeating infrared homing missiles. These systems fall into two categories: flares and IRCM systems.

=====Flares=====
The most basic countermeasure to infrared homing missiles is the use of flares. Flares are a type of pyrotechnic which can be fired (usually in bursts) from the target aircraft when the pilot believes a heat-seeking missile has been fired at them. The flare burns extremely hot and produces a large amount of infrared light; this will often trick the IR seeker of the missile into locking on to the flares instead of the target aircraft. More modern missiles with more advanced IR seekers are less vulnerable to flares.

If a target you are locking onto deploys flares you will often see the seeker ring move over the flares instead of the target. If the target deploys flares after a missile has been fired then the missile will often switch course and fly towards the flares. Some modern missiles in-game are not affected as much by flares.

=====Infrared Counter Measures (IRCM) systems=====
A more advanced countermeasure to infrared-guided missiles are Infrared Counter Measures (IRCM) systems, these systems are effectively jammers for infrared missiles. There are two techniques used by these systems: older systems would have a powerful infrared light source, which was then flickered on and off; this would disrupt the missile's guidance system and cause it to fly off course. More modern systems detect the missile and shine a laser directly at it, blinding the IR seeker.

In-game these systems make locking on to aircraft with the system activated much harder. It is currently only helicopters which have access to these systems.

===Infrared homing missile controls===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Infrared homing missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Weapon lock || Alt + X || Toggles the missile's IR seeker on or off
|-
| Fire air-to-air missile || Alt + Space || Fires the air-to-air missile once a target is locked, or if IR seeker is not active it will activate the seeker.
|-
|}

===Infrared homing pros and cons===
'''Pros:'''

* Fire and forget in nature
* Hardest type of missile to dodge (although this depends on the exact missile, some like the [[SRAAM]] can be extremely hard to dodge, while others are quite easy)
* Easiest missiles to use
* Can be all-aspect depending on missile

'''Cons:'''

* Can lock on to the sun and friendly players
* Can be defeated by flares and IRCM
* Not very effective against piston engine aircraft due to there not being enough heat for the missile to detect (depending on aircraft, missile and range)

=== List of infrared homing air-to-air missiles ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="6" | Infrared homing missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max overload || All-aspect || Uncaged seeker || Radar slaving
|-
| [[9M39 Igla]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9B FGW.2 Sidewinder]] || [[File:FRG_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9D Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[AIM-9G Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-9P Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[AIM-92 Stinger]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[Firestreak]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Matra R530E]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Mistral]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 12 G || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[PL-2]] || [[File:China_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[PL-5B]] || [[File:China_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-3S]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[R-13M]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[R-13M1]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[R-23T]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-24T]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 24 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-60]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-60M]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[R-60MK]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 30 G || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[RB24]] || [[File:Sweden_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[RB24J]] || [[File:Sweden_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Red Top]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 16 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
| [[Shafrir]] || [[File:Israel_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[Shafrir 2]] || [[File:Israel_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}} || {{Cross}}
|-
| [[SRAAM]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}
|-
|}

== Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missiles ==
SARH guidance is often used for medium-range and long-range Air-to-Air missiles, which rely on the launch aircraft to provide guidance (specifically a radar lock). SARH missiles rely on radar waves from the launch aircraft reflecting off the target, similar to beam-riding missiles. However, due to the larger boresight angles and larger radar scanning angles, these missiles offer increased performance.

=== SARH missile usage ===
{{main|wt:en/news/6879-development-sarh-air-to-air-missiles-en|l1=SARH Air-to-Air Missiles Devblog}}

; How are these missiles fired?

Since SARH missiles are capable of locking onto targets that are out of the pilot's visual range, it might be tricky for the said pilot to estimate the distance to the target. This type of armament has a specific operational range, or the launch envelope, which can be defined as the distance between minimum and maximum ranges of the missile given the present movement parameters of the player's aircraft and the target. This zone is strictly individual for every missile model and varies with technical characteristics.

The minimum launch range is affected by parameters such as:

* The commit time when the missile begins homing in on the target. For instance, for the R-3R model, this is equal to 0.5 seconds, while for the AIM-7D/E – approximately 2 seconds.
* The post-launch time required to arm the fuse.
* The turn rate of each particular model of missile. For example, if an opponent is flying directly towards or away from the player's aircraft, the manoeuvring time window of the missile will be minimal, while if the movement trajectory of the opponent's aircraft is perpendicular to the player's, the time window will be maximal.

In a similar vein, each missile has a maximum launch range, which depends on:

* The aerodynamics, motor thrust, and firing duration of the missile.
* The flight altitude of the player's aircraft – the higher its value, the greater the missile's flight range.
* The flight altitude of the opponent's aircraft – correspondingly, the higher up in the sky they are, the shorter the flight range of your missiles.
* The speed of the player's and the opponent's aircraft, as well as the angle at which the opponent's aircraft is moving with respect to the player – if they are flying away from you, the maximum launch range is severely reduced.

The armament control system calculates all the aforementioned parameters and helps the player identify the potential launch envelope – the minimum and maximum launch ranges will appear as small marks by the right-hand side of the indicator if the B-Scope (rectangular coordinate system) is used, and as arcs if the radar uses the polar system.

[[File:Radar Indicators SARH DEVBLOG.jpg]]

Moreover, the pilot has the indicator of the target's velocity vector at their disposal. You will find it right under the square marking the locked-on target. If the target's velocity vector changes laterally, the side component will reveal their speed, and the vertical component – the direction in which they are moving with respect to the player (down and up are towards and away correspondingly).

Don't expect an "intelligent" armament to do all the hard work for you – if your target changes speed or direction after you have fired the missile, it may not hit the target. Besides, when tracking the target, the missile may be confused by ground clutter. Such a scenario is possible if you are radiating a signal down on the target (in this case, the opponent is situated below the horizon line). This causes the radio waves to bounce off the ground, that might prevent the seeker from tracking down the target. Additionally, there's even a higher risk of this phenomenon when firing a missile at a low altitude, because the side lobes of your aircraft radar and the missile seeker receive all-ways signals reflected off the Earth surface, which may result in the missile losing its target. To ensure you don't run into these problems, lock onto the target and launch your SARH missiles when you are positioned below them.

; How does the SARH home in on its target?

Unlike IR guided missiles, missiles with a semi-active radio seeker lock onto and track their target and maintain range or speed tracking. Thus, the missile will never become distracted by other targets within the reflected radio-signal acquisition zone while simultaneously ignoring some of the emissions reflected back from ground and water surfaces. The seeker is equally operable whether pulse or continuous wave signal is used. However, different missiles have different subtle aspects depending on targeting mode, and it's crucial to study them in advance if you wish to make the best use of your SARH missiles.

When bombarding an opponent with pulsed emissions, the guided warhead will home in on the target according to distance – the R-3Rs, Matra R.530 and some others employ this approach. This mode allows the pilot to mark the desired target and fire a missile at it while ignoring other possible targets and parasitic signal reflections off the Earth surface that are reflected at ranges different from the range to the target the missile is locked on. In addition to this, you can lock onto the target of choice before launching the missile. When deploying SARH warheads in pulsed mode, it's important to remember that locking onto a target positioned below the horizon line or at low altitudes may cause issues. For a perfect lock-on, target opponents at medium and high altitudes – and only if they are level with you or above you. If the distance between you and the target is less than the flight altitude of your aircraft, you can totally neglect the emission bouncing off the ground – under these conditions, the missile is guaranteed to lock onto and track the target.

Specific missiles, like the American AIM-7D/E, track the target based on its radial speed by using the Doppler effect as they are guided by a continuous or pulse-doppler radar signal. In this particular instance, the seeker ignores any targets and signals reflected off the ground surface in the set direction with different speed values. The cons of such technology include the impossibility for the seeker to lock onto a target before launch, issues locking onto a target travelling perpendicular to the movement trajectory of your aircraft, and the reduction of the lock-on range when pursuing fleeing targets. In order to lock onto a target, the missile must travel at least 1–2 kilometres away from the carrier, which renders them useless in a dogfight. These missiles are most effective against opponents moving towards you, as well as against fleeing targets travelling at medium or high altitudes – in this case, the seeker will never misidentify any signal reflected off the Earth surface as objects travelling at the target's speed.

=== SARH guidance Pros and Cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* All-aspect guidance
* Longest range of all guidance types
* Missile activation time is very short once a radar lock-on is obtained

'''Cons:'''

* Less manoeuvrable than some IR missiles
* Requires you to maintain radar lock on your target for the entire duration of flight
* Vehicles with a Radar Warning Receiver (RWR) can tell when you are locked on to them
* Can suffer from ground clutter and can have poor performance against targets below you
* Can have poor performance against targets flying across you (targets you are firing at from the side)

=== SARH missile controls ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | Infrared homing missile controls
|-
! Control name
! Default Keybind (PC keyboard & mouse)
! Description
|-
| Lock radar target on || Alt + F || Locks onto a target with the aircraft's tracking radar.
|-
| Weapon lock || Alt + X || Toggles the missile's seeker on or off.
|-
| Fire air-to-air missile || Alt + Space || Fires the air-to-air missile once a target is locked, or if seeker is not active it will activate the seeker.
|-
|}

=== List of SARH air-to-air missiles ===
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | SARH missiles
|-
! Missile || Country || Max overload || Launch range
|-
| [[AIM-7C Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || 25 km
|-
| [[AIM-7D Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || 45 km
|-
| [[AIM-7E Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[AIM-7E-2 Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[AIM-7F Sparrow]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[AIM-9C Sidewinder]] || [[File:USA_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 18 G || 18 km
|-
| [[Matra R530]] || [[File:France_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 15 G || 15 km
|-
| [[R-3R]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 10 G || 9 km
|-
| [[R-23R]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 20 G || 27 km
|-
| [[R-24R]] || [[File:USSR_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 24 G || 50 km
|-
| [[RB71]] || [[File:Sweden_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
| [[Skyflash]] || [[File:Britain_flag.png|40px|link=]] || 25 G || 50 km
|-
|}

==Avoiding air-to-air missiles==
There are various techniques you can use to avoid the different types of air-to-air missiles. As a general rule though situational awareness is absolutely key, you should be looking out to see if any aircraft around you could have air-to-air missiles, and judging what type they are likely to have. If an enemy is on your tail keep looking to see if a missile is launched. You may not get a warning (depending on missile type) and even if you do it may be too late.

===Avoiding command guided missiles===
You don't get a warning for these missiles so you need to keep a constant eye out to see if one has been launched. If one is launched at you begin manoeuvring to make it hard for the enemy player to hit you. If one is fired at you in a head-on, then abandon the head-on immediately, if you don't the proximity fuse will get you.

===Avoiding beam riding missiles===
You don't get a warning for these missiles so you need to keep a constant eye out to see if one has been launched. If one has been launched then any manoeuvre pulling more than a few G's will likely cause the missile to fall out of the beam from the chasing aircraft, at which point the missile poses little threat. Again if one is fired in a head-on then abandon immediately and pull off to the side.

===Avoiding heat-seeking missiles===
{{Notice|There is a delay between missile launch and receiving an inbound missile warning; it is best to look at the enemy aircraft so you can react as soon as a missile is fired.}}

How you best avoiding heat-seeking missiles depends largely on what missile was fired at you; it is recommended to familiarise yourself with what missiles different planes carry and what the characteristics of each are. For early missiles, you should be able to turn tighter than the missile and make it lose its lock that way. For missiles which you can't simply throw off with a hard turn your options are more limited, you can try pulling a sort of barrel roll manoeuvre, the combination of turning hard and rolling can sometimes throw the missile off. A final option is to manoeuvre your aircraft so that it is directly between the missile and the sun, causing the missile to lock onto the sun, although this is rarely possible in battle situations; this can be done pre-emptively (i.e. fly towards the sun when you spot an enemy with air-to-air missiles on your tail).

== Media ==


;SARH missiles
{{Youtube-gallery|_txt7q-KlnA|'''Fox 1 - A Guide to SARH Missiles''' - ''rampageTG''}}

;Heat-seeking missiles
{{Youtube-gallery|TclR7XJMoWY|'''Heat Seekers. How they work''' - War Thunder Official Channel|omcme8er-7o|'''Heat-seeking missiles 101''' - War Thunder Official Channel}}

== See also ==


* [[Template:Missiles|Missiles]]
* [[:Category:Countermeasures|Countermeasures]]
* [[Anti-tank guided missiles]]

== External links ==


;Devblogs

* [[wt:en/news/6879-development-sarh-air-to-air-missiles-en|[Development] SARH Air-to-Air Missiles]]
* [[wt:en/news/5947-development-air-to-air-missiles-en|[Development] Air-to-air Missiles]]

;Wikipedia

* [[wikipedia:Command_guidance|[Wikipedia] Command guidance]]
* [[wikipedia:Beam_riding|[Wikipedia] Beam riding]]
* [[wikipedia:Infrared_homing|[Wikipedia] Infrared homing]]

[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Armaments]]

F-4J Phantom II

2021-12-17T22:32:02Z

U50792983: Provided stock AB preformance stats

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-4j
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

== 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 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
| 2067 || ___ || rowspan="2" | 16000 || 26.5 || __._ || 154.4 || __._ || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! 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
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! 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 || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || ___ kgf (_ km/h)
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

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

{{main|}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** Without offensive armament
** 90 x countermeasures

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

{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AIM-7E-2 Sparrow|AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-9D Sidewinder|AIM-9G Sidewinder}}
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|Mk 11 mod 5 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon (750 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 12 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 8 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7F Sparrow missiles + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 228 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 1 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannon + 4 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AIM-7E-2 Sparrow missiles + 48 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets

== 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.''

{{USA jet aircraft}}

Beaufighter (Family)

2021-10-30T00:59:53Z

U50792983: /* Rank II - Aircraft */

{{DISPLAYTITLE:Beaufighter (Family)}}

'''Beaufighter''' may refer to:

==Rank II - Aircraft==

* [[Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm)]]
* [[Beaufighter Mk VIc]]
* [[Beaufighter Mk X]]

==Rank III - Aircraft==

* [[Beaufighter Mk 21]]

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|rgBE-namY8E|'''The Shooting Range #210''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:11 discusses the Beaufighter.}}

[[Category:Family pages]]

F-100D

2021-07-02T07:58:12Z

U50792983: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-100d
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f-100d.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]] and was one of the first three jets to feature guided air-to-air missiles, the other two being the [[MiG-19PT]] and the [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9]].

The dog-fighting days of WW II were over and while there was air-to-air combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, it was nowhere the level of previous wars. Jets were becoming faster, electronics and avionics were making them more manoeuvrable and the fighters were able to carry extremely large amounts of ordnance. The {{PAGENAME}} was no exception to this as it was designed to be a ground attacker first and a fighter/interceptor as a secondary role. Visible changes to the shape of the fighter compared to earlier [[F-80A-5|F-80s]], [[F-84 (Family)|F-84s]] and [[F9F-2|F9Fs]] as the {{PAGENAME}} sported a more sleek and aerodynamic shape to it.

One noticeable difference is the deviation from the straight-wing aircraft, early on in development the {{PAGENAME}} was known as the ''45-Sabre'' (officially later it was dubbed ''Super Sabre'') due to its wings being swept back at a 45° angle. The fighter's elevators were also swept back to help increase the aerodynamics of the aircraft. Engine exhaust nozzle control, upgraded avionics and early computer systems worked together to make this the first US fighter which was able to fly faster than the speed of sound in level flight. Compared to earlier jet fighters, the {{PAGENAME}} may feel more like a race car as it has a great climb rate, accelerates well in a straight line and during a dive while maintaining a decent roll rate. Slats in the wings help with the already horrible turn time, especially when the fighter is loaded down with ordnance, as such, turning should be left to a minimum.

[[File:F-100 duckmcmallardson001.png|350px|thumb|left|Literally looking down the barrels of an oncoming '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]

Weapon loadout options allow the pilot to tailor the aircraft to their play-style or even mix it up depending on the map they are flying. This fighter excels as a ground attack bomber utilizing up to 6,000 lbs of bombs, [[AGM-12B Bullpup|Bullpup]] rockets, [[FFAR Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]] rockets or several combinations of the three. Whether you are into dropping and running or firing and forgetting, there are ordnance choices will fit the pilot's style. For those pilots who want to hunt fighters and bombers, The four nose mount 20 mm cannons and choice of [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder air-to-air missiles will fit the bill. Centre-mounted cannons mean that convergence is not a factor and allows the pilot to set up for head-on attacks and being more successful against other fighters which may have to factor in convergence. The Sidewinders are also an intimidation factor as pilots with one on their tail must immediately focus on outmanoeuvring the missile, providing you with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and line up the kill-shot with your cannons if the missile does not make contact. The speed of the {{PAGENAME}} can come in handy when attacking bomber aircraft as Boom & Zoom tactics will help you avoid any defensive weapons allowing you to wreak havoc during an attacking dive.

If handled correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can be a wrecking ball of destruction both in ground attacks and as an aircraft interceptor. Ordnance options are available for all play-styles and can be a tide-turner in a decisive match.

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


The F-100 during its initial development was outfitted with the then de-rated Pratt & Whitney XJ57-P-7 engine and was still able to achieve faster than the speed of sound. By the time the {{PAGENAME}} rolled off of the production line they were outfitted with the more powerful Pratt & Whitney J57P-21. It is this engine which turns the fighter into a hot rod. The {{PAGENAME}} is much like a ground-based dragster in that it has acceleration, it has a high top speed and is a horrible turner.

The {{PAGENAME}} is aerodynamically fit with its sleek body and swept-back wings which coupled with its J57P-21 is a fantastic climber which continues to accelerate even without WEP engaged. This fighter will continue to accelerate in a flat run to the point of going over Mach 1 and even more quickly hits top speeds when in a dive. Climbing, diving and rolling are excellent capabilities of this fighter, however, this comes with having speed on your side as when flying slower, it has a more challenging time to manoeuvre without being a relatively easy target for others. The {{PAGENAME}} is not the greatest of turners even with leading-edge wing slats to help, manoeuvres like the Immelmann and Split-S are the most optimal when changing directions without attempting energy-bleeding manoeuvres like turning (unless that is what you are intending to do to cause an overshoot of someone following you).

[[File:F-100 fulzy nyan001.png|350px|thumb|right|Bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' after unloading on ground targets.]]

Flying at speeds close to Mach 1 or past can pose a challenge for pilots utilizing the 3rd-person view as a condensation cloud forms around the aircraft and obscures your view (not an issue for those flying simulator-style from in the cockpit). While this can make targeting enemy aircraft a challenge, it just takes a little more work to line up the shot either with the cannons or air-to-air missiles.

Typically aircraft which pound ground targets fly slow to ensure they hit their targets with guns, rockets or bombs, however, the {{PAGENAME}} becomes difficult to get out of harms way when flying slow, so it requires the pilot to learn how to bomb and fire rockets at targets at higher speeds than what they may be used to with earlier aircraft. Terms like drop & run or fire & forget come into play as the {{PAGENAME}} descends towards a ground target at a good clip, dropping its bombs or firing its rockets and then boogieing out of the area to ensure the ground anti-aircraft fire nor any trailing fighters gain a targeting solution on you. Some pilots like to watch and make sure their ordnance hits the target, however, this can cost you your jet when someone takes advantage of your inattentiveness and gets the drop on you. Speed in and speed out is the key with the {{PAGENAME}}.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,445 || 1,438 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 40.6 || 41.5 || 61.4 || 54.6 || rowspan="2" | 1,400
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,478 || 1,458 || 39.5 || 40.0 || 94.6 || 79.2
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:F-100 rheinberg001.png|500px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' at cruising altitude on the watch for potential enemy fighters.]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 620 || 590 || 435 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 640 || < 540 || < 610 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J57P21 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,551 kg || colspan="3" | 356 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel
|-
| 900 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 10,775 kg || 11,237 kg || 11,986 kg || 13,240 kg || 16,689 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
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,786 kgf || 5,810 kgf
| 0.54 || 0.52 || 0.48 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,254 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 7,978 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.74 || 0.71 || 0.66 || 0.60 || 0.48
|-
|}

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


For post-war fighter jets wanted to take advantage of the newer jet technology and maximize both speed and ordnance carried. To keep up speed and maximize ordnance, something had to give and that came with pilot survivability. The idea is to be faster than the enemy which would make it really difficult for them to get a targeting solution on you. Though the {{PAGENAME}} does have protection for the pilot, it isn't much and leaves the rest of the critical components virtually unprotected with armour. For the pilot, the back of the seat and headrest maintains a continuous piece of steel at 12.7 mm thick and the windscreen is rated at 64 mm bulletproof windscreen. Typically this type of protection is meant more for protection from defensive turret attacks from bombers rather than gun attacks from other aircraft.

The {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively sturdy aircraft and can take a beating before critical components begin to fail. While the engine and the pilot are important to protect as much as possible (without the engine you don't go and without the pilot…you don't go…) the wings are another critical component which you must protect as hits to the wings can make flying very difficult or send you to the respawn point. If being tailed by another aircraft try to speed away because if you try to pull up, turn to the side or pull-down, you risk exposing increased surface area of the skin, giving the enemy pilot more to shoot at and a greater opportunity of taking out a wing. If possible, increase speed and sway back and forth, even some very shallow elevator dips up and down maybe enough to throw off the sighting of the enemy pilot and spray his bullets all around you without exposing very much surface area of the jet, however, if there is a missile launch, take evasive action to avoid the missile and worry about the guns later.

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

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

{{main|M39A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm M39A1 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

Early fighter aircraft utilized the wings of aircraft to mount machine guns and cannons, which was very effective especially aircraft like the P-47 which could outfit four guns in each wing for a total of eight. The downside is that for these guns to be effective, they had to have a convergence set to a specific distance, bullet hits before that distance and after became less effective, the pilots needed to make sure to hit the sweet spot. For the {{PAGENAME}}, convergence is non-existent as all four of its M39A 20 mm cannons are mounted on the underside of the fuselage, effectively able to decimate targets at extremely close range or snipe targets which maybe even 700 - 800 m, if not farther away, effectively almost any range (below 1000 m) is a sweet-spot for this fighter.

The cannons are air-cooled and rarely overheat, typically with the 200 round limit for each gun, the pilot should want to make each shot count and not just hold down the firing trigger and spray away. Another bonus to having all four cannons being the same type and calibre is that the bullets will have the same drop rate, so after getting used to how they work, it is much easier to estimate where to target moving vehicles to ensure a connection with the bullets. With the four cannons grouping so tightly, only a few rounds are needed to blow off an enemy aircraft's wing, eliminate a critical component (engine, compressor, fuel tank, pilot, etc) and even take out ground units to include up to light armoured vehicles.

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

[[File:F-100 wp gaming001.jpg|500px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' peeling away from the flight revealing the suspended ordnance it is carrying.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 8 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F-100 tio pilin001.png|350px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' caught in the cross-hairs of a MiG fighter.]]

The F-100 is absolutely crippled in an up-tier situation. Unlike the F4 Phantom II or the MiG-21, the F-100 is equipped with leading-edge slats. This gives it a much higher angle of attack at low speeds, allowing the F-100 to out-turn both the F4 and the MiG-21 while pulling so many G-forces and dropping speed so severely that it becomes an easy target for even AIM-9E missiles. However, at lower battle ratings, the F-100D is best at [[Boom & Zoom]] tactics. When fighting at a lower battle rating, the F-100 has some bad flying characteristics at low speeds which includes flying like a rock with wings. At high speeds, the F-100 locks up severely in spite of its all-flying tail and boosted controls, losing most of its control authority (particularly in its rolling axis). It has a massive angle of attack, so once you get on someone's tail, there's pretty much no escape, though floundering around at subsonic-optimized speeds leaves you vulnerable to interception. The best way to use the F-100D in the face of constant uptiers is to start climbing away from the battlefield, returning as support once more capable fighters have engaged the enemy. 5,000 meters is usually a good altitude to climb to. In the off chance that you encounter subsonic aircraft, Boom & Zoom tactics should be used to capitalize on your relatively superior climb rate. Climb high, make a pass, then climb away. Be extremely careful to not bleed energy and don't turn when subsonic planes are around, they will be able to outmanoeuvre the F-100D.

Against the F-100's second biggest foe (with the first being AIM-9Js and R-60s), the MiG-19, turning isn't a bad idea if you keep your energy up. You bleed a lot of speed in a turn, so extreme pulls aren't recommended, especially considering the MiG-19's superior manoeuvring energy retention. The MiG-19 will rip easily at high speeds, something the F-100 doesn't have a problem with, though reaching those speeds effectively dooms the Super Sabre to degrees of manoeuvring lock-up similar to that experienced by its foe. However, the MiG-19 accelerates much faster than the F-100D at all speeds and altitudes so it can slip away easily. In the best-case scenario, bait the MiG-19 for a teammate, as the MiG-19 can't do much against two F-100s.

The F-100 is an amalgamation of paradoxical design features that results in an aircraft too heavy to sustain manoeuvring engagements despite of its strong slats, too slow to accelerate to its surprisingly high rip speeds, and too sluggish at speed to take advantage of its strong armament, all while being near incapable of matching the performance demands of its BR-peers at 10.3. Overall to get this bus to perform, it must be at high speeds. Keep your energy up.

;Ground attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is no stranger to ground attack and can be effectively outfitted with just about anything (the LDGP Mk series kitchen sinks were not yet available) necessary to destroy ground targets both large and small. While bombers could deliver a massive amount of ordnance, they typically flew slow and high and were not always as precise as hoped for, therefore the USAF designated some of their fighter aircraft to also excel as low altitude precision bombers.

The J57P21 engine was necessary for this aircraft to both get it to fighter altitude and also to carry a massive amount of ordnance. A fully researched version of the {{PAGENAME}} can carry an assortment of low-drag general-purpose bombs ranging from 500 lb, 750 lb and 1,000 lbs. Total maximum bomb weight is 6,000 lbs, the same amount carried by a single [[B-17E]] bomber, but the {{PAGENAME}} can heft this amount at almost 1,000 kph faster and at a lower more accurate altitude. Of course, the bomb size will be determined by which type of target will be in the crosshairs. For smaller targets the 500 and 750 lb bombs will work best, additionally, the full 8x 750 lbs is the best load out for base bombing, since that load out has the highest total TNT Equivalent, and can take out up to 3/4 of a bombing base. The only time to use the LDGP Mk.83 bomb against vehicles is when there is a significant number en masse.

Not all targets will require the usage of bombs or on some maps, you may be fortunate enough to have several bombers working on ground targets, or ground targets may be spread out, this is where rockets begin to shine. The AGM-12B Bullpup is essentially a 250 lb bomb attached to a rocket motor and is spin-stabilized. The Bullpup can be quite precise as long as the pilot can maintain visual of the target as he will need to guide the Bullpup in, any break from the target (due to manoeuvring or avoiding incoming enemies) can cause the rocket to go awry and miss the target. If needed the {{PAGENAME}} must throttle back and deploy the speed brake to ensure the Bullpup hits the target before manoeuvring away.

On the other hand, usage of the smaller [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] unguided rockets can do a good amount of damage against ground and aerial targets, the one drawback – they are unguided. This means that once they are fired, they continue at their trajectory until they either hit something or run out of fuel and crash into the ground. The main counterpoint for the {{PAGENAME}} is the amount of these Mighty Mouse rockets it can carry, a total of 76. Rockets work best when they are fired in groups as this significantly increases chances that one or more rockets will hit their target. When going against aircraft it can induce a fear factor and cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid an incoming salvo of rockets making them a much easier target to line up and reduce to small bits with the cannons.

Of all the ordnance available, only one is set up to aid the fighter in air-to-air combat and that is the [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles. The US Navy adopted the AIM-9 in 1956, with the Air Force adopting the missile to replace the troubled AIM-4 Falcon in 1964. The Sidewinder has an excellent reputation for locking onto an enemy and chasing it down, but don't assume the missile will do all of the work. There will be times when the enemy pilot may be able to outmanoeuvre the missile and it is at this point where the attacking pilot will need to be ready to jump in and take the shot with cannons while the enemy fighter has spent all of its energy and advantages just to avoid the missile and are a relatively sitting duck in the sky.

===Radars===

The F-100D is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent guns that have both high muzzle velocity, rate of fire, plenty of ammo (200 RPG), and pack a good punch with high-explosive shells.
* Can carry a wide array of suspended armaments of bombs, rockets and missiles.
* Its air to air missiles (AIM-9B and E) have a longer reach than the missiles on the MiG-19PT
* Fast and out-accelerates both MiG-15 and MiG-17's
* Good manoeuvrable for a supersonic jet with big size
* Afterburner stays on for longer periods of time than a lot of other jets (Arcade Battles only)

'''Cons:'''

* Thoroughly unmanoeuvrable at slow speeds, and does absolutely not lend itself to traditional turning dogfights
* Afterburner will not provide much acceleration in short time because of the low air intake
* Acceleration with afterburner is slower than the [[J32B|J32]] and [[G.91 YS]]
* Suffers from severe lockup past the Mach 1 mark
* losses a lot of energy when trying to turn around at high speed
* While fast, it still accelerates a lot slower than [[MiG-19PT]]
* Performance is lower when compared with most top-rank jets

== History ==

By the mid-50s, jet aircraft had become robust machines which had obtained sufficient combat experience for the next step into a fundamentally new age: the era of supersonic speed. Supersonic fighters were developed by both of the main opposing nations of the Cold War. In parallel with the development of the MIG-19 in the USSR, American aircraft designers were putting the finishing touches on their own design for a supersonic fighter. The F-100 Super Sabre entered serial production somewhat later than its Soviet counterpart, but it needed just as many improvements and upgrades.

The F-100's main problems were its high failure rate and the shortcomings of its control systems. In addition, a fighter-bomber version was also being developed based on the Super Sabre: the F-100D, which featured an increased vertical and horizontal fin area and expanded capabilities with regard to suspended weaponry. In the end, it was the D version that became the most widespread modification of the single-seat Super Sabre thanks to its improved control and excellent combat abilities as either a fighter-bomber or pure fighter. In terms of suspended weaponry, the F-100D was able to carry over twenty extremely varied weapon load-outs, from traditional high-explosive bombs and rockets to air-to-air rockets and nuclear bombs.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5929-development-f-100d-super-sabre-the-new-era-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F_100d_wallpaper_001.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_002.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_003.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_004.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_005.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_006.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_007.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|XFKJSkrgA0w|'''The Shooting Range #133''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the F-100D.|r4iaAbCImj0|'''F-100D Super Sabre [CloudMaker!]''' - Jengar|udBJeO9aMbg|'''How To Grind The F100 In War Thunder''' - TheLoganatorz|fjqlRenNUAs|'''F-100 Super Sabre - Tips and Gameplay''' - WhooptieDo}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* North American [[F-86 (Family)|F-86]] Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super_Mystere_B2|Super Mystere]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-19PT|MiG-19]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5929-development-f-100d-super-sabre-the-new-era-en|[Devblog] F-100D Super Sabre: The New Era]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/436416-f-100d-super-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-100D

2021-07-02T07:55:50Z

U50792983: /* Usage in battles */ Correcting inaccurate information

{{Specs-Card
|code=f-100d
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f-100d.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]] and was one of the first three jets to feature guided air-to-air missiles, the other two being the [[MiG-19PT]] and the [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9]].

The dog-fighting days of WW II were over and while there was air-to-air combat during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, it was nowhere the level of previous wars. Jets were becoming faster, electronics and avionics were making them more manoeuvrable and the fighters were able to carry extremely large amounts of ordnance. The {{PAGENAME}} was no exception to this as it was designed to be a ground attacker first and a fighter/interceptor as a secondary role. Visible changes to the shape of the fighter compared to earlier [[F-80A-5|F-80s]], [[F-84 (Family)|F-84s]] and [[F9F-2|F9Fs]] as the {{PAGENAME}} sported a more sleek and aerodynamic shape to it.

One noticeable difference is the deviation from the straight-wing aircraft, early on in development the {{PAGENAME}} was known as the ''45-Sabre'' (officially later it was dubbed ''Super Sabre'') due to its wings being swept back at a 45° angle. The fighter's elevators were also swept back to help increase the aerodynamics of the aircraft. Engine exhaust nozzle control, upgraded avionics and early computer systems worked together to make this the first US fighter which was able to fly faster than the speed of sound in level flight. Compared to earlier jet fighters, the {{PAGENAME}} may feel more like a race car as it has a great climb rate, accelerates well in a straight line and during a dive while maintaining a decent roll rate. Slats in the wings help with the already horrible turn time, especially when the fighter is loaded down with ordnance, as such, turning should be left to a minimum.

[[File:F-100 duckmcmallardson001.png|350px|thumb|left|Literally looking down the barrels of an oncoming '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]

Weapon loadout options allow the pilot to tailor the aircraft to their play-style or even mix it up depending on the map they are flying. This fighter excels as a ground attack bomber utilizing up to 6,000 lbs of bombs, [[AGM-12B Bullpup|Bullpup]] rockets, [[FFAR Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]] rockets or several combinations of the three. Whether you are into dropping and running or firing and forgetting, there are ordnance choices will fit the pilot's style. For those pilots who want to hunt fighters and bombers, The four nose mount 20 mm cannons and choice of [[AIM-9B]] Sidewinder air-to-air missiles will fit the bill. Centre-mounted cannons mean that convergence is not a factor and allows the pilot to set up for head-on attacks and being more successful against other fighters which may have to factor in convergence. The Sidewinders are also an intimidation factor as pilots with one on their tail must immediately focus on outmanoeuvring the missile, providing you with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and line up the kill-shot with your cannons if the missile does not make contact. The speed of the {{PAGENAME}} can come in handy when attacking bomber aircraft as Boom & Zoom tactics will help you avoid any defensive weapons allowing you to wreak havoc during an attacking dive.

If handled correctly, the {{PAGENAME}} can be a wrecking ball of destruction both in ground attacks and as an aircraft interceptor. Ordnance options are available for all play-styles and can be a tide-turner in a decisive match.

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


The F-100 during its initial development was outfitted with the then de-rated Pratt & Whitney XJ57-P-7 engine and was still able to achieve faster than the speed of sound. By the time the {{PAGENAME}} rolled off of the production line they were outfitted with the more powerful Pratt & Whitney J57P-21. It is this engine which turns the fighter into a hot rod. The {{PAGENAME}} is much like a ground-based dragster in that it has acceleration, it has a high top speed and is a horrible turner.

The {{PAGENAME}} is aerodynamically fit with its sleek body and swept-back wings which coupled with its J57P-21 is a fantastic climber which continues to accelerate even without WEP engaged. This fighter will continue to accelerate in a flat run to the point of going over Mach 1 and even more quickly hits top speeds when in a dive. Climbing, diving and rolling are excellent capabilities of this fighter, however, this comes with having speed on your side as when flying slower, it has a more challenging time to manoeuvre without being a relatively easy target for others. The {{PAGENAME}} is not the greatest of turners even with leading-edge wing slats to help, manoeuvres like the Immelmann and Split-S are the most optimal when changing directions without attempting energy-bleeding manoeuvres like turning (unless that is what you are intending to do to cause an overshoot of someone following you).

[[File:F-100 fulzy nyan001.png|350px|thumb|right|Bird's eye view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' after unloading on ground targets.]]

Flying at speeds close to Mach 1 or past can pose a challenge for pilots utilizing the 3rd-person view as a condensation cloud forms around the aircraft and obscures your view (not an issue for those flying simulator-style from in the cockpit). While this can make targeting enemy aircraft a challenge, it just takes a little more work to line up the shot either with the cannons or air-to-air missiles.

Typically aircraft which pound ground targets fly slow to ensure they hit their targets with guns, rockets or bombs, however, the {{PAGENAME}} becomes difficult to get out of harms way when flying slow, so it requires the pilot to learn how to bomb and fire rockets at targets at higher speeds than what they may be used to with earlier aircraft. Terms like drop & run or fire & forget come into play as the {{PAGENAME}} descends towards a ground target at a good clip, dropping its bombs or firing its rockets and then boogieing out of the area to ensure the ground anti-aircraft fire nor any trailing fighters gain a targeting solution on you. Some pilots like to watch and make sure their ordnance hits the target, however, this can cost you your jet when someone takes advantage of your inattentiveness and gets the drop on you. Speed in and speed out is the key with the {{PAGENAME}}.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,445 || 1,438 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 40.6 || 41.5 || 61.4 || 54.6 || rowspan="2" | 1,400
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,478 || 1,458 || 39.5 || 40.0 || 94.6 || 79.2
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:F-100 rheinberg001.png|500px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' at cruising altitude on the watch for potential enemy fighters.]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 620 || 590 || 435 || ~11 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 640 || < 540 || < 610 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J57P21 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,551 kg || colspan="3" | 356 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel
|-
| 900 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 10,775 kg || 11,237 kg || 11,986 kg || 13,240 kg || 16,689 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
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,786 kgf || 5,810 kgf
| 0.54 || 0.52 || 0.48 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,254 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 7,978 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.74 || 0.71 || 0.66 || 0.60 || 0.48
|-
|}

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


For post-war fighter jets wanted to take advantage of the newer jet technology and maximize both speed and ordnance carried. To keep up speed and maximize ordnance, something had to give and that came with pilot survivability. The idea is to be faster than the enemy which would make it really difficult for them to get a targeting solution on you. Though the {{PAGENAME}} does have protection for the pilot, it isn't much and leaves the rest of the critical components virtually unprotected with armour. For the pilot, the back of the seat and headrest maintains a continuous piece of steel at 12.7 mm thick and the windscreen is rated at 64 mm bulletproof windscreen. Typically this type of protection is meant more for protection from defensive turret attacks from bombers rather than gun attacks from other aircraft.

The {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively sturdy aircraft and can take a beating before critical components begin to fail. While the engine and the pilot are important to protect as much as possible (without the engine you don't go and without the pilot…you don't go…) the wings are another critical component which you must protect as hits to the wings can make flying very difficult or send you to the respawn point. If being tailed by another aircraft try to speed away because if you try to pull up, turn to the side or pull-down, you risk exposing increased surface area of the skin, giving the enemy pilot more to shoot at and a greater opportunity of taking out a wing. If possible, increase speed and sway back and forth, even some very shallow elevator dips up and down maybe enough to throw off the sighting of the enemy pilot and spray his bullets all around you without exposing very much surface area of the jet, however, if there is a missile launch, take evasive action to avoid the missile and worry about the guns later.

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

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

{{main|M39A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm M39A1 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

Early fighter aircraft utilized the wings of aircraft to mount machine guns and cannons, which was very effective especially aircraft like the P-47 which could outfit four guns in each wing for a total of eight. The downside is that for these guns to be effective, they had to have a convergence set to a specific distance, bullet hits before that distance and after became less effective, the pilots needed to make sure to hit the sweet spot. For the {{PAGENAME}}, convergence is non-existent as all four of its M39A 20 mm cannons are mounted on the underside of the fuselage, effectively able to decimate targets at extremely close range or snipe targets which maybe even 700 - 800 m, if not farther away, effectively almost any range (below 1000 m) is a sweet-spot for this fighter.

The cannons are air-cooled and rarely overheat, typically with the 200 round limit for each gun, the pilot should want to make each shot count and not just hold down the firing trigger and spray away. Another bonus to having all four cannons being the same type and calibre is that the bullets will have the same drop rate, so after getting used to how they work, it is much easier to estimate where to target moving vehicles to ensure a connection with the bullets. With the four cannons grouping so tightly, only a few rounds are needed to blow off an enemy aircraft's wing, eliminate a critical component (engine, compressor, fuel tank, pilot, etc) and even take out ground units to include up to light armoured vehicles.

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

[[File:F-100 wp gaming001.jpg|500px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' peeling away from the flight revealing the suspended ordnance it is carrying.]]
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 10 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 8 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 4 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F-100 tio pilin001.png|350px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' caught in the cross-hairs of a MiG fighter.]]

The F-100 is absolutely crippled in an up-tier situation. Unlike the F4 Phantom II or the MiG-21, the F-100 is equipped with leading-edge slats. This gives it a much higher angle of attack at low speeds, allowing the F-100 to out-turn both the F4 and the MiG-21 while pulling so many G-forces and dropping speed so severely that it becomes an easy target for even AIM-9E missiles. However, at lower battle ratings, the F-100D is best at [[Boom & Zoom]] tactics. When fighting at a lower battle rating, the F-100 has some bad flying characteristics at low speeds which includes flying like a rock with wings. At high speeds, the F-100 locks up severely in spite of its all-flying tail and boosted controls, losing most of its control authority (particularly in its rolling axis). It has a massive angle of attack, so once you get on someone's tail, there's pretty much no escape, though floundering around at subsonic-optimized speeds leaves you vulnerable to interception. The best way to use the F-100D in the face of constant uptiers is to start climbing away from the battlefield, returning as support once more capable fighters have engaged the enemy. 5,000 meters is usually a good altitude to climb to. In the off chance that you encounter subsonic aircraft, Boom & Zoom tactics should be used to capitalize on your relatively superior climb rate. Climb high, make a pass, then climb away. Be extremely careful to not bleed energy and don't turn when subsonic planes are around, they will be able to outmanoeuvre the F-100D.

Against the F-100's second biggest foe (with the first being AIM-9Js and R-60s), the MiG-19, turning isn't a bad idea if you keep your energy up. You bleed a lot of speed in a turn, so extreme pulls aren't recommended, especially considering the MiG-19's superior manoeuvring energy retention. The MiG-19 will rip easily at high speeds, something the F-100 doesn't have a problem with, though reaching those speeds effectively dooms the Super Sabre to degrees of manoeuvring lock-up similar to that experienced by its foe. However, the MiG-19 accelerates much faster than the F-100D at all speeds and altitudes so it can slip away easily. In the best-case scenario, bait the MiG-19 for a teammate, as the MiG-19 can't do much against two F-100s.

The F-100 is an amalgamation of paradoxical design features that results in an aircraft too heavy to sustain manoeuvring engagements despite of its strong slats, too slow to accelerate to its surprisingly high rip speeds, and too sluggish at speed to take advantage of its strong armament, all while being near incapable of matching the performance demands of its BR-peers at 10.3. Overall to get this bus to perform, it must be at high speeds. Keep your energy up.

;Ground attack

The {{PAGENAME}} is no stranger to ground attack and can be effectively outfitted with just about anything (the LDGP Mk series kitchen sinks were not yet available) necessary to destroy ground targets both large and small. While bombers could deliver a massive amount of ordnance, they typically flew slow and high and were not always as precise as hoped for, therefore the USAF designated some of their fighter aircraft to also excel as low altitude precision bombers.

The J57P21 engine was necessary for this aircraft to both get it to fighter altitude and also to carry a massive amount of ordnance. A fully researched version of the {{PAGENAME}} can carry an assortment of low-drag general-purpose bombs ranging from 500 lb, 750 lb and 1,000 lbs. Total maximum bomb weight is 6,000 lbs, the same amount carried by a single [[B-17E]] bomber, but the {{PAGENAME}} can heft this amount at almost 1,000 kph faster and at a lower more accurate altitude. Of course, the bomb size will be determined by which type of target will be in the crosshairs. For smaller targets the 500 and 750 lb bombs will work best, additionally, the full 8x 750 lbs is the best load out for base bombing, since that load out has the highest total TNT Equivalent, and can take out up to 3/4 of a bombing base. The only time to use the LDGP Mk.83 bomb against vehicles is when there is a significant number en masse.

Not all targets will require the usage of bombs or on some maps, you may be fortunate enough to have several bombers working on ground targets, or ground targets may be spread out, this is where rockets begin to shine. The AGM-12B Bullpup is essentially a 250 lb bomb attached to a rocket motor and is spin-stabilized. The Bullpup can be quite precise as long as the pilot can maintain visual of the target as he will need to guide the Bullpup in, any break from the target (due to manoeuvring or avoiding incoming enemies) can cause the rocket to go awry and miss the target. If needed the {{PAGENAME}} must throttle back and deploy the speed brake to ensure the Bullpup hits the target before manoeuvring away.

On the other hand, usage of the smaller [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] unguided rockets can do a good amount of damage against ground and aerial targets, the one drawback – they are unguided. This means that once they are fired, they continue at their trajectory until they either hit something or run out of fuel and crash into the ground. The main counterpoint for the {{PAGENAME}} is the amount of these Mighty Mouse rockets it can carry, a total of 76. Rockets work best when they are fired in groups as this significantly increases chances that one or more rockets will hit their target. When going against aircraft it can induce a fear factor and cause the enemy pilot to take evasive manoeuvres to avoid an incoming salvo of rockets making them a much easier target to line up and reduce to small bits with the cannons.

Of all the ordnance available, only one is set up to aid the fighter in air-to-air combat and that is the [[AIM-9B]] and [[AIM-9E]] Sidewinder missiles. The US Navy adopted the AIM-9 in 1956, with the Air Force adopting the missile to replace the troubled AIM-4 Falcon in 1964. The Sidewinder has an excellent reputation for locking onto an enemy and chasing it down, but don't assume the missile will do all of the work. There will be times when the enemy pilot may be able to outmanoeuvre the missile and it is at this point where the attacking pilot will need to be ready to jump in and take the shot with cannons while the enemy fighter has spent all of its energy and advantages just to avoid the missile and are a relatively sitting duck in the sky.

===Radars===

The F-100D is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent guns that have both high muzzle velocity, rate of fire, plenty of ammo (200 RPG), and pack a good punch with high-explosive shells.
* Can carry a wide array of suspended armaments of bombs, rockets and missiles.
* Its air to air missiles (AIM-9B and E) have a longer reach than the missiles on the MiG-19PT
* Fast and out-accelerates both MiG-15 and MiG-17's
* Good manoeuvrable for a supersonic jet with big size

'''Cons:'''

* Thoroughly unmanoeuvrable at slow speeds, and does absolutely not lend itself to traditional turning dogfights
* Afterburner will not provide much acceleration in short time because of the low air intake
* Acceleration with afterburner is slower than the [[J32B|J32]] and [[G.91 YS]]
* Suffers from severe lockup past the Mach 1 mark
* losses a lot of energy when trying to turn around at high speed
* While fast, it still accelerates a lot slower than [[MiG-19PT]]
* Performance is lower when compared with most top-rank jets

== History ==

By the mid-50s, jet aircraft had become robust machines which had obtained sufficient combat experience for the next step into a fundamentally new age: the era of supersonic speed. Supersonic fighters were developed by both of the main opposing nations of the Cold War. In parallel with the development of the MIG-19 in the USSR, American aircraft designers were putting the finishing touches on their own design for a supersonic fighter. The F-100 Super Sabre entered serial production somewhat later than its Soviet counterpart, but it needed just as many improvements and upgrades.

The F-100's main problems were its high failure rate and the shortcomings of its control systems. In addition, a fighter-bomber version was also being developed based on the Super Sabre: the F-100D, which featured an increased vertical and horizontal fin area and expanded capabilities with regard to suspended weaponry. In the end, it was the D version that became the most widespread modification of the single-seat Super Sabre thanks to its improved control and excellent combat abilities as either a fighter-bomber or pure fighter. In terms of suspended weaponry, the F-100D was able to carry over twenty extremely varied weapon load-outs, from traditional high-explosive bombs and rockets to air-to-air rockets and nuclear bombs.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5929-development-f-100d-super-sabre-the-new-era-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F_100d_wallpaper_001.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_002.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_003.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_004.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_005.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_006.jpg
File:F_100d_wallpaper_007.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|XFKJSkrgA0w|'''The Shooting Range #133''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the F-100D.|r4iaAbCImj0|'''F-100D Super Sabre [CloudMaker!]''' - Jengar|udBJeO9aMbg|'''How To Grind The F100 In War Thunder''' - TheLoganatorz|fjqlRenNUAs|'''F-100 Super Sabre - Tips and Gameplay''' - WhooptieDo}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* North American [[F-86 (Family)|F-86]] Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super_Mystere_B2|Super Mystere]]
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-19PT|MiG-19]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5929-development-f-100d-super-sabre-the-new-era-en|[Devblog] F-100D Super Sabre: The New Era]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/436416-f-100d-super-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Hunter F.1

2021-01-25T08:28:59Z

U50792983: /* Pros and Cons */ eddited statement in cons saying nearly all supersonic jets , such as the CL-13 and G91YS are your worst nightmare, i omitted the middle part of the sentence as neither aircraft is supersonic

{{About
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Hunter (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=hunter_f1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]].

The Hawker Hunter is the iconic 1950s British swept-wing fighter. Produced from a requirement for a jet interceptor dating back to 1946 it fulfilled its role with outstanding success. Able to deliver a punishing blow with its four 30 mm ADEN cannons and manoeuvrability at high speed, it is a very capable jet. The F.1 follows the Vampire FB.1 and Venom FB.4 in the tree, providing an initial steep learning curve. Its calling card is sheer speed, with the Hunter able to go supersonic in dives once spaded.

== 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 0 m - sea level)
! 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
| 1,098 || 1,092 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.0 || 33.3 || 44.6 || 40.7 || rowspan="2" | 820
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,117 || 1,108 || 30.1 || 31.0 || 65.8 || 55.0
|-
|}

====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}} || 620 || 620|| 465 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.113 || 1
| colspan="1" | 5,970 kg || colspan="2" | 227 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 5m fuel || 18m fuel
|-
| 1,175 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 6,310 kg || 7,169 kg || 9,530 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="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 5m fuel || 18m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,283 kgf || N/A
| 0.52 || 0.46 || 0.34
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,585 kgf (1,100 km/h) || N/A
| 0.57 || 0.50 || 0.38
|-
|}

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


* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored windscreen
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armor plate behind the pilot

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

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

{{main|ADEN (30 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, chin-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

== Usage in battles ==

The Hunter is a 9.0 vehicle and its main strengths are high top speed and good guns, making it a good Boom & Zoomer.

The Hunter is less maneuverable than the F-86 and MiG-15 while being the second fastest with a good thrust-to-weight ratio. However the rate of climb is significantly worse than the other jets and so it requires some side climbing. Stay fast at all times and never drop beneath 850 TAS (~800 km/h in air).

The 30 mm ADEN cannon is an extremely powerful cannon. Being a revolver cannon, it fires extremely fast and has excellent ballistics. The Hunter F Mk.1 is, thanks to mounting a pack of four ADEN 30 mm cannons, the aircraft with the strongest burst mass, near 21 kg/s. This weapon's characteristics mean that 4 of them pose a serious threat for any aircraft that happens to be the target of them. The cannon, however, has the disadvantage of chewing very quickly through ammo thanks to its high rate of fire, so being wary of the ammo count is a necessity. The discrete tracer rounds may induce the player into error, causing the impression that only a light burst is being fired, however experience will quickly disprove anyone who thinks in this manner.

The armour-piercing rounds of the Hunter enable it to do some ground attack against light and medium tanks.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Highest acceleration of its rank (above 900 km/h)
* Easiest top jet for new players. Good guns, good speed, wings hard to rip.
* Large and effective air brake
* Insanely good armaments; four 30 mm ADEN cannons are the best in-game air combat weapons by far, shredding everything in a short-burst fire
* Very good energy retention
* Can out zoom climb [[MiG-17]]s and [[MiG-15bis]]
* Can out run most jets, even contemporary ones, on your six if put into a 10° climb
* Armament is capable of destroying tanks and light pillboxes
* Boosters allow it to make deflection shots at high speeds
* 30 mm cannons have a high rate of fire altogether

'''Cons:'''

* All energy and speed pros of the plane can only apply when down-tiered
* Most jets in uptiers can out-speed, out-energy and out-turn the Hunter, or just have air to air missile
* Nearly all supersonic jets will be your worst nightmare
* Don't have air to air missile
* Difficult to use against MiG-17s, mainly because they have better turn, climb rate and maneuverability
* Worst jet in terms of 1 vs 1 due to the bad maneuverability; you will be left in desperation when the rest of the team is gone
* Poor performance in horizontal turning
* Large target, especially when turning
* Horrible maneuverability

== History ==

In the aftermath of the second world war the Air Ministry issued Specification E.38/46 for a swept wing research aircraft that was fulfilled by a modified Hawker Sea Hawk (P.1052). The experimental aircraft showed an jump in high speed performance and as a result Hawker went forward to modify the second P.1052 into the P.1081. With a swept tail plane and the engine exhaust now located at the rear of the fuselage instead of the split exhaust further improving performance, it attracted the RAAF. The P.1081 gave Hawker useful information for the development of the Hunter.

In 1946 the Air Ministry issued Specification F.43/46 that was later added to in 1948 by Specification F.3/48. This demanded a speed of 629 mph at 45,000 ft and a high rate of climb (as F.43/46 was for a jet powered interceptor), while carrying an armament of four 20 mm or two 30 mm cannons. Using what they had learnt from the P.1052 and P.1081 they produced the Prototype P.1067. The new prototype first flew with the Avon 103 engine in 1951 with a second powered by the Avon 107 in 1952.The Air Ministry ordered the Hunter into production in 1950 with the Avon 113 power plant. Thus the iconic Hawker Hunter was born.

The first production or pre-production F.1s entered service in 1953. The first was WT556 that entered service with A&AEE on the 16th of July 1953 and a further 15 delivered the same year. The Early F.1's featured boosted control surfaces but not the under belly air brake. The armament consisted of four 30 mm ADEN cannons with 150 rpg at 1200 rpm located under the nose.

== Media ==


;Images
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;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ifSt7zyLw8o|'''The Shooting Range #47''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:52 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:35 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Hawker [[Sea_Hawk_FGA.6|Sea Hawk]]
* Hawker [[Hunter F.6]]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Mikoyan [[MiG-17]]
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B]] Fury

== External links ==


* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/263647-development-yak-9b-and-hawker-hunter-f1-with-developers-answers/ Dev-blog announcement]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/270176-hawker-hunter-f1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/144613-hawker-hunter-early-f1-discussion-thread/ WT forum thread]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}