War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F8F-1

2022-01-21T23:06:39Z

U60019879: fixed typo

{{About
|about=American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=F8F (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f8f1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f8f1.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.33]].

The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with only four M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands. The plane was developed to achieve two things: the best possible climb rate and the ability to land on escort carriers.

The in-game F8F-1 retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F ''Wild Cat'', and the F6F ''Hellcat''. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.

The main issue with the F8F-1 is its armament. With only four 12.7 mm M2 machine guns, the F8F-1 is lacking especially when compared to the succeeding F8F-1B that has four 20 mm M3 autocannons. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 API-T rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has eight M2s which can chew through aircraft fuselages by hurling twice as many bullets down range. Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed. And unlike other Browning armed airplanes, it has mediocre ammo load of only 1250 rounds.

Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of HVAR rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,098 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
| 650 || 626 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.1 || 21.8 || 17.0 || 17.0 || rowspan="2" | 220
|-
! Upgraded
| 731 || 686 || 19.0 || 20.0 || 30.7 || 22.6
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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}} || 616 || 585 || 427 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 465 || < 466 || < 600 || > 460
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 995 m ||2,299 hp||2,384 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,090 m ||1,852 hp||1,918 hp
|-
|}

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


* 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine armour plate
* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
* 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield

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

* The "''holy trinity''" of flight performance upgrades: ''Compressor'', ''Engine'', and ''Engine injection''. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min).
* Armament upgrades are worth considering due to lacking armament, bad stock belts and medicore ammo count
* G-suit is very useful, given the plane is most manoeuvrable at medium to high speeds

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


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

* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 + 325 rpg each wing = 1,250 total)

The M2 Browning machine gun by this rank is a very familiar machine gun to most American players. The usage of the M20 API-T rounds in the belts available makes the {{PAGENAME}} able to dish out similar damages to that of other Rank III-IV fighters with the M2 Browning armaments.

However, the mounting of the armaments on the {{PAGENAME}} has some downsides. The {{PAGENAME}} only comes with four machine gun totals, two per wing, compared to the usual six machine guns in American fighters. Not only that, the {{PAGENAME}} guns come with less rounds per gun in the wing. This means the {{PAGENAME}} overall loses out in firepower and firing time available with the click of the trigger.

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

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR|Tiny Tim|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (gunpods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 4 x HVAR rockets
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 4 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)

In modes outside of Arcade Battles, the F8F-1 releases some suspended armaments in pairs rather than singular. The Tiny Tim rockets are both fired at the same time, so the pilot will only have one chance to hit the target. In configurations with multiple bombs, the wing-mounted bombs drop off first before the fuselage-mounted bomb.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]]
This aircraft is best when used as an energy fighter; however, unlike other American planes, it doesn't fulfil the Boom-and-Zoom role very well because of lacking armament and rudder lock-up above 720 km/h.

Originally designed to achieve best possible climb rate, this aircraft sacrifices almost everything else, including armament, supercharger, fuel load and radiator. However, as it was also made to be able to use escort carriers, it is also small and durable.

This aircraft has great climb rate of 29 m/s in Air Realistic Battles (spaded and with minimum fuel) as well as great acceleration; these two traits should be used accordingly for the plane's best performance. At the beginning of the match, climb into the battlefield, and attack the opponents with the highest energy. If there is an enemy above you, disengage using your great acceleration. Do not be afraid to attack lower enemies, as this plane's optimal altitude is below 1,000 m. It is also quite fast in a straight line, especially on low altitudes.

The bad low speed manoeuvrability isn't really an issue given the plane's acceleration.

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

* Although the name "Ovencat" may not sound encouragingly, MEC lets pilot completely forget about the overheating problem. Set the prop pitch to 100%, Mixer to ~95%. Change supercharger gear @~1,100m. Manage radiators according to the temperatures.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* One of the best climb rates of all prop planes
* Great acceleration
* Good top speed, especially at low altitudes
* Great turn rate at medium to high speeds
* Good roll rate at higher speeds
* G-suit modification
* Fast weapon reload (AB)
* Great energy retention in the vertical
* Can take a punch
* Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can set everything on fire with only a couple of bullets
* Has access to gun pod
* Minimum fuel load is 14 min
* Has carrier hook which makes it useful on Pacific maps
* It doesn't see jets as often as F8F-1B

'''Cons:'''

* Sluggish low speed handling (roll rate) and turning
* Loses a lot of energy when turning
* Bad high altitude performance above 5,000 m
* Rudder compresses hardly when speeding above 720 kph
* Engine overheats on 100% when using auto controls
* Limited supply of ADI ('''A'''nti-'''D'''etonant '''I'''njection - mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance for WEP)
* Extremely poor weapons when compared to Fw-190, J6K, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others
* Limited ammo count

== History ==

The first idea for the creation of the Grumman F8F Bearcat was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an aircraft's rate of climb. This of course meant that an increase in power was necessary. In 1943 the design work on the new aircraft began. The outline called for a fighter-interceptor, capable of operating even from small escort carriers. While the engine – the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial – was the same model used on the earlier [[F6F-5|F6F Hellcat]], the new fighter would be lighter which also meant an increase in speed and climb rate. The concession was limiting the range of the new aircraft. The F8F would also feature a bubble canopy for better all around visibility. The first prototype, the XF8F-1, first took to the skies on the 21st August 1944. Further tests proved the aircraft's reliability and ruggedness, and the F8F was accepted into mass production. The first serial models rolled off the assembly line in February 1945 and were delivered to VF-19 fighter squadron, which began operating flights with the Bearcats in May 1945.

The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the [[F2H-2|F2H Banshee]] jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records.

== Media ==


;Skins

*[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23F8F Skins and camouflages for the F8F from live.warthunder]. All F8F skins are interchangable and can be used on all versions via the following steps:

:#Duplicate the folder template_f8f1 in your UserSkins folder and rename to template_f8f1b
:#Rename each file in the template_f8f1b folder from f8f1*.* to f8f1b*.*
:#edit f8f1b.blk and replace all instances of f8f1 with f8f1b

;Images

* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/173370/en/ "Hunting made two cards": F8F vs. He 162]
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/171057/en/ "Never fly alone"]
* [http://live.warthunder.com/post/134521/en/ "big brother"]

== See also ==


;<nowiki>Other F8F vehicles:</nowiki>

* [[F8F-1B]]
* [[F8F-1B (France)]]

== External links ==


* [http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/F8F/F8F-1_Standard_Aircraft_Characteristics.pdf Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F8F-1]

{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
{{USA fighters}}

A7M1 (NK9H)

2020-07-08T20:21:17Z

U60019879: added some info the survivability & armor section, accounted for new self-sealing fuel tanks with recent patch

{{Specs-Card|code=a7m1}}
{{About
| about = Japanese premium fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = A7M2
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_A7M1_NK9H.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
''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"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,900 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 594 || 578 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 15.7 || 16.2 || 13.6 || 13.6 || 250
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,900 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 639 || 617 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 14.8 || 15.0 || 21 || 16.9 || 250
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 510 || ~12 || ~10
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 400 || < 380 || < 380 || > 317
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,000 m || 1,875 hp || 2,089 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,000 m || 1,675 hp || 1,866 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===

* 13 mm steel plate behind seat, tilted 13°
* 70 mm bulletproof glass forward of seat, tilted 24°
* Self-sealing fuel tanks

''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.''

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

{{main|Type 99 Model 2 navy (20 mm)|Type 3 navy (13.2 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 navy cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 2 x 13.2 mm Type 3 navy machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles 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).''

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 13 mm
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 13 mm MGs
| 9 in (mod30)
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
|
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
|
|-
! colspan="6" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent energy retention
* Exceptional maneuverability below 500km/h IAS
* Great armaments

'''Cons:'''

* Engine tends to overheat
* Slow compared to allied fighters
* Elevator lock up above 500+ km/h IAS
* Slow roll rate

== 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}
{{Japan premium aircraft}}

A7M2

2020-07-08T20:16:44Z

U60019879: new patch gave a7m1/a7m2 self-sealing fuel tanks

{{Specs-Card|code=a7m2}}
{{About
| about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = premium version
| link = A7M1 (NK9H)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]].

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


The A7M Reppu was designed to be an improved version of the famed A6M Zero fighter, and as such, retains some of its legendary older brother's characteristics. The Reppu is an overall smooth operator at most altitudes thanks to its decent acceleration, vastly improved speed and decent manoeuvrability. Less manoeverable than the Zero, it can at certain times really struggle in dogfights, the rudder has a want to fight you at every turn requiring forceful control and slight damage to the airframe negates most of its ability to dogfight anything but the slowest turners effectively. The most noteworthy change is the replacement of the underpowered Nakajima Sakae Radial engine with a significantly more powerful Mitsubishi Ha-43 Radial. This new engine propels the Reppu to higher speeds previously unobtainable by the Zero and turns this aircraft from a nuisance to a universally feared opponent.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,660 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 608 || 589 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.3 || 20.2 || 15.1 ||15.1|| 250
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,660 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 655 || 629 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.8 || 19 || 22.8 || 18.5 || 250
|-
|}

====Details====

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

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 70 mm bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
* 13 mm steel plate behind the pilot seat
* Self-sealing fuel tanks

While being slightly more durable than its older brother, the Reppu is still very vulnerable to any kind of battle damage. Anything with greater than .50 calibre weapons will be able to take off a wing or worse. The wingspan has also increased significantly to keep the manoeuvrability of the Zero while supporting increased weight added from the guns, engine and other updates. A downside is that this makes the wings easier to hit. However, The manoeuvrability of the Reppu allows this aircraft to avoid most damage if you can keep turning.

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


{{main|Type 99 Model 2 navy (20 mm)|Type 3 navy (13.2 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}'''''

* 2 × 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannon, wing-mounted (200 RPG = 400 total)
* 2 × 13.2 mm Type 3 machine gun, wing-mounted (300 RPG = 600 total)

== Usage in battles ==


The A7M is played almost exactly like the Zero, but with a few changes due to the good performance. Due to its high top speed (for an IJN plane at least) and good dive speed, it can tailor to any form of dogfighting. It can turn fight in the right situation, energy fight, Boom-&-Zoom and others.

It is mandatory to keep your energy up at all times, as you can suitably engage opponents in multiple ways by doing so. Keep your speed at a medium and maintain altitude. A low flying Reppu is an easy prey for diving Americans and Russians that dive on you. However, you can attempt to pull rolling manoeuvres to avoid their strafe or turn as soon as they get within range.

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage Repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 13 mm
| Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 Rockets
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 13 mm MG's
| Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 Rockets
|-
| III
| Wings Repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
| Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 Rockets
|-
| IV
|
| Engine Injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
| Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 Rockets
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decently agile at all altitudes and most speeds
* Powerful and accurate armament with decent belts
* Vastly improved speed and diving ability compared to its counterpart
* Can mount unguided air-to-air rockets
* Can dogfight situationally
* 70 mm bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
* Large ammunition pool
* Decent roll rate
* EXCELLENT energy fighter
* Good turn time
* Engine cools well
* 13.2mm guns hit quite hard, and can start fires, snipe pilots, and are good for long range shots
* Cannons are the primary damage dealer, often snapping the wings of enemy planes in one burst

'''Cons:'''

* Significantly increased size compared to A6M
* Flimsy wings, easily damaged
* Roll rate extremely slow, slow turn prep, however has good elevator turn time
* Almost useless when the engine is shot
* 13.2 mm HMG's have a slow rate of fire
* All guns are mounted on the wings, resulting in significant convergence
* Control stiffening begins at relatively low speeds

== History ==

The A7M2 Reppu "Strong Gale" was designed to replace the A6M series aircraft. Nicknamed the "Sam" by allied pilots.

In 1940 the Japanese Navy requested a successor to be made for the A6M, the specifications were for an aircraft that was faster and could climb quicker to counteract against allied attacks with more ease. While still retaining the legendary manoeuvrability of the A6M. This provided an extreme contradiction of requirements as to make the plane faster would require an engine that was not built yet, it would be heavier and bigger than the A6M's "Nakajima NK1C Sakae-12" engine. Requiring the airframe of the A7M to be bigger and stronger to handle the increased weight.

Calculations by Horikoshi's development team suggested that in order to have a climb rate and top speed needed by the Navy they would have to use a minimum of 2,000hp engine. This proved to be an exceptional challenge as the two engines which theoretically could develop this power were still under development. In 1944, 4 years after the start of the project the first A7M1 prototype was developed with the 2,000 hp "Nakajima Homare 22" engine. Unfortunately, due to the increased weight and drag of the airframe (to handle the heavy engine), the A7M1 could only achieve roughly 350mph (570kmh) and did not meet the climbing requirements. It did, however, meet all the manoeuvrability requirements. With an abundance of A6M series aircraft being manufactured, they did not see any need to start development of the A7M as it currently was. The Japanese Navy requested further development of the A7M, as the A6M was starting to show it's age.

3 more variants of the A7M would be designed, with the last variant A7M3-J sporting a 2,200 hp turbo-supercharged Mitsubishi Ha-43 engine. Unfortunately, this variant was never built into a prototype, it would have sported 6 x 30 mm Type 5 cannons.

The last of the fully operational variants would be the A7M2 of only 8 were built. Equipped with a 2,200 hp Mitsubishi Ha-43, allowing for the plane to meet all criteria and exceed some criteria set by the Navy, the A7M2 was flight tested by Saburo Sakai one of Japans ACE pilots of the war. After the flight test, Sakai was extremely impressed with the A7M2. The Japanese Navy decided to develop the A7M2 as their main carrier-based fighter in late 1944.

In late 1944 an earthquake strained the manufacturing of the A7M2 causing only 8 to be built. In early 1945, Allied bombings of Japans mainland lead to the destruction of the A7M plans. This ceased the development of the A7M2 and the plane would never see combat. Only a single A7M2 would be built in 1945 due to allied bombings.

10 A7M variants were built (including prototypes), with none surviving the war.

== Media ==
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== See also ==
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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== External links ==
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{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
{{Japan fighters}}