War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Firecrest

2020-11-07T19:07:53Z

U63771295: Updated it so now the f-82 exists

{{Specs-Card
|code=b_48_firecrest
|cockpit=cockpit_b_48_firecrest.jpg
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] as one of the first Squadron vehicles. It represents the attempt to develop an improved naval aircraft from the troubled [[Firebrand TF Mk IV|Blackburn Firebrand]].

In reality only 3 prototypes were ever made, since the arrival of improved technologies such as the jet engine halted any major development of war birds with piston engines after the Second World War.

However, in-game, everyone's got a chance with the Firecrest. It could be considered as a hybrid between the Firebrand and a [[F4U (Family)|F4U Corsair]], due to its gull shaped wings, durability, powerful engine and beautiful sleek appearance! Howbeit, it has other traits that make this plane well suited for the naval environment of War Thunder.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===


Once upgraded and spaded, the Firecrest is able to go anywhere it must go. Climbing to the sky or speeding steadily to a target. It all can be achieved.

The Bristol Centaurus IX engine producing 2,475 hp is able to accelerate pretty quickly, something greatly needed for sea and carrier operations. This allows the plane to climb consistently to 6 km of altitude where the max speed can also be achieved while conserving all the manoeuvrability due to the supercharger and a great roll rate.

If necessary it can dive very fast and possesses air brakes for handling such speeds with ease. It does not turn that well horizontally but the skilled control of combat flaps and the airbrakes can prove adequate in several instances.

It's recommended to engage planes without carrying ordinance to maximize your flight performance, particularly the torpedo load.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,791 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
| 587 || 568 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.1 || 25.0 || 15.4 || 15.4 || rowspan="2" | 300
|-
! Upgraded
| 636 || 608 || 21.9 || 23.0 || 23.6 || 19.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 430 || 430 || 272 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 460 || < 450 || < 450 || > 330
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,280 m || 2,580 hp || 2,895 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,980 m || 2,310 hp || 2,587 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


The pilots should note that no armour protection is present, this will limit your ability to tolerate heavy fire since any armour-piercing bullet is capable of going through your entire plane. The strongest and yet the more vulnerable part of the plane is the engine. No head-on engagements or attacking bombers are advised since the radial engine with the pilot can be easily taken out.

Separately, the fuselage is quite resilient and sleek. This can often ricochet fire that would otherwise hit the spars and inflict greater damage. The only thing protecting the pilot from behind aside from the fuselage is a fuel tank.

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

{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

Here's the main difficulty of the Firecrest: its offensive armament.

The M3 Browning machine guns are amazing for quick and precise attack. They will inflict severe damage or ignite the enemy plane, mainly because of the rapid fire of the 2 machine guns. What pilots should be constantly alert about is the ammo counter since these machine guns will deplete all the ammo very quickly.

Fixing a convergence up to your preference of attack and having the right ammo belt is necessary, as the low ammo input does not allow for long bursts or consecutive leading shots. It's also relevant to note that such machine guns are only available in American jets such as the '''[[F-86A-5|Sabres]]''' and '''[[F-84 (Family)|Thunderjets]]''', thus making the Firecrest one of the few piston planes with such machine guns!

'''Most notable/useful ammo belts'''

* '''Tracers''': These bullets are completely visible, they will help you adapt with the ballistics of this unique machine gun for the British. They will start a lot of fires thanks to all the bullets being API-T (Armour-piercing incendiary tracer) with a good 23 mm of armour penetration.
* '''Default''': This ammo belt offers 2 types of incendiary ammunition, while it also carries full solid AP bullets. This increases the penetration damage for spars, armour plates or engines while also being able to make the rival plane burn.
* '''Ground targets''': This belt is not commended for anything heavier than light tanks or fully enclosed vehicles, as only a section of it carries full AP bullets. This performs as an all-purpose belt due to the large diversity of bullets that conform it. Great if you are required to engage all kinds of targets, ceding less ammo count of a specific type.

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|RP-3|18 inch Mark XV (450 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 450 mm (18 inch) Mark XV torpedo
* 8 x RP-3 rockets

'''RP-3 rockets''': These are exceptional for many objectives. They have good armour penetration, moderate velocity and satisfactory amount of explosive mass when matched to contemporaries as US's [[HVAR]] or the Soviet's [[RBS-132]].

Appropriate for most tanks excluding some heavy tanks like the Soviet KV series or the German captured variant, the KV I C 756 with a very tough turret of 105 mm. Targeting at the top of these tanks is suggested. Naval objectives such as patrol boats can be annihilated in one single shot; a real spectacle. Destroyers or anything heavier could withstand more damage, but their modules and crew will be decimated by these rockets.

'''500 lb G.P Bombs''': They involve some skills at the moment of delivery since the lethal range for armoured targets is only of 4 m. For naval targets the lethal range is less of a drawback but the actual obstacle is dropping such bombs over AA covered ships. Pilots should note that these bombs might not consistently be enough to sink destroyers or anything bigger.

'''Mark XV torpedo''': It's when everything else doesn't seem enough that the torpedo joins into action. This ultimate ship destroyer is very capable and usually one sole hit is enough. What is more deciding is the way to deliver it without sacrificing your plane.

== Usage in battles ==


The Firecrest is an experimental torpedo bomber with average capacities. It has low anti-air effectiveness in Air Arcade battles due to rather clumsy manoeuvring and no armour protection. A good pilot is needed to fully exploit the handy machine guns this plane is armed with. It has a place in Ground Realistic Battles, thanks to its payload capacities and the extremely powerful 8 x RP-3 rockets. However its best place is in Naval Battles, where you can engage more freely in wider spaces and make use of your full ordnance capacities (once the Mark XV torpedo is unlocked for use). Due to the lacklustre firepower when stock, one of the recommended ways to gain the necessary research points for unlocking modules is to simply attack AI targets like artillery and trucks, then tanks as the 500 lb bombs are unlocked prior to the torpedoes.

'''Naval Battles'''

Once the torpedoes are unlocked, the Firecrest performs similarly to other torpedo bombers of the rank. One of the outstanding traits is in its high survivability that can help in destroying one target if the tactics are played to the plane's strength (the good roll is perfect for low altitude flying). Aim towards destroyers or cruisers as they are larger targets that are easier to hit and prioritize the vessels that are threatening allies on the seas. However, try to ensure that the enemy ship is occupied with attacking surface targets so that their anti-air armament is not focused on the Firecrest to allow for some breathing room to position for an attack run.

'''Encounter mode''' proves to be one of the best for this plane. Here will be possible to infiltrate by the sides at low level flight behind the enemies to the cargo ships, and release a torpedo from a safe distance. Always keeping in mind the torpedo drop requirements and the target. You can risk a bit more if you equip bombs, but a tactic that might also work its to skip the bombs to the cargo ship swiftly retreating in the same direction, in a tactic that is known as ''Skip bombing''.

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

The main aspects of using MEC with this aircraft are the Supercharger and Radiators, since this will increase drastically your climb and high altitude performance as well as your dive speed and energy retention.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
|
| HMBC mk.2
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| Offensive 12 mm
| FTC mk.IV
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
| HRC mk.8
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 12 mm MGs
|
|-
|}

Pilots should focus on improving all the flight performance first then the payloads, since this plane won't perform like it should when stock. Rockets, bombs and torpedoes should be secondary.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High rate of fire of M3 Browning provides rapid damage output
* Default ammo for M3s are better than other Default belts (AP incendiary tracers, AP, and incendiary)
* Good top speed overall with decent acceleration
* Respectably durable
* Has RP-3s and bombs against ground targets
* Good all altitude performance
* Excellent high speed control
* Has airbrakes (can be used as a dive bomber)
* Interceptor spawn

'''Cons:'''

* Not very manoeuvrable, especially at low speeds
* Only 300 rounds per machine gun; trigger discipline is needed
* Only 2 machine guns which means very limited firepower
* Limited payload options compared to Firebrand and contemporary naval planes of the FAA
* Large engine is vulnerable to incoming fire
* No armour; not recommended to engage bombers

== History ==


The Blackburn Firecrest was a British Torpedo Strike Fighter, derived from the earlier [[Firebrand TF Mk IV|Blackburn Firebrand]] but designed from the outset as a torpedo strike fighter. Designed to the S.28/43 specification set by the Admiralty on February 26th 1943 for a 'Firebrand Torpedo Fighter with improved wing and improved pilot view', the Firecrest was designed with a number of issues of the Firebrand in mind. Specifically, effort was done to produce a type which had improved forward visibility to facilitate deck landings, and which had better lateral control at landing speeds. The design specification also called for the Firecrest to be powered by a Bristol Centaurus 77 engine powering a contra-rotating propeller.

Early on during its design, the Admiralty also ordered three prototypes which would have been driven by the Napier E.122 24-cylinder H-block engine, a 3500 hp development of the Napier Sabre used on the original Firebrand. However, it was soon found that in order to maintain an acceptable center of gravity, the heavy Napier engine would have to be installed behind the cockpit, which would require an extensive redesign and add considerable weight to the aircraft. As a result, the Napier E.122 powered variant was cancelled in October of 1945 before metal was cut on any of their prototypes. Just before completion of the design, the Centaurus 77 variant with its contra-rotating propeller was cancelled in January of 1946, and it was replaced by a 2,825 hp Centaurus 57 with a conventional five-bladed propeller. The first of three completed prototypes of the Firecrest flew on April 1st 1947.

The Firecrest differed from the Firebrand in having a cockpit that was set higher and more forward than that of the Firebrand, which combined with a shortened nose did improve the forward visibility during deck landing. A redesigned inverted gull wing conceptually not unlike that of the Vought Corsair did much to improve the type's low speed handling and take off characteristics: even at full weight, take-off was possible in just under 430 ft with a 29 mph headwind; its landing run was an impressive 390 ft with a 5 mph headwind. With its conventional five-bladed propeller, the Firecrest's top speed lay at 380 mph, some 38 mph faster than the Firebrand despite weighing slightly more. Unlike the Firebrand which used hand-folded wings, the Firecrest had power-assisted folding wings with a double fold.

However, it soon became apparent that the Firecrest was even more sluggish in handling than the Firebrand, that the design in itself did not give any distinct advantages over the Firebrand or the newly developed [[Wyvern_S4|Westland Wyvern]], and that it was less versatile than types such as the [[Firefly_FR_Mk_V|Fairey Firefly]] or [[Sea_Fury_FB_11|Hawker Sea Fury]]. As a result, all development work on the Firecrest ceased in September of 1947, with the second prototype only being used for structural testing, and the third prototype used to test the power-boosted ailerons which were eventually fitted to the Firebrand TF.5A. All three prototypes were bought back by Blackburn in 1950, and scrapped in 1952.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|qoZv-sA80aI|'''Squadron Vehicles''' discusses the Firecrest at 02:10 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== See also ==


'''Related Development:'''

* [[Firebrand TF Mk IV]]

'''Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era:'''

* [[F4U (Family)|F4U Corsair (Family)]]
* [[Firefly FR Mk V]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:Blackburn_Firecrest|[Wikipedia] Blackburn Firecrest]]
* [https://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/blackburn-b-48-firecrest <nowiki>[BAE Systems]</nowiki> Blackburn B-48 Firecrest]

{{AirManufacturer Blackburn}}
{{Britain fighters}}
{{Britain squadron aircraft}}

M2A2

2020-10-26T07:15:22Z

U63771295: 2 minor things 1. Grammatical error 2. Changed from Buddy to Teammate

{{Specs-Card|code=us_m2a2}}
{{About
| about = American light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = M2 (Disambiguation)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"|Update 1.49 (1.70.1945) "Weapons of Victory"]].

The most common and most used American tank in pre-war years. The M2A2 was armed with a .50 and .30 calibre machine gun. The Spanish Civil War showed that tanks with MG main armament were ineffective. This led to the upgrade to the [[M2A4]]. In the game, the M2A2 is lightning fast, with very weak armour and a subpar armament.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

The whole armour is made out of '''rolled homogeneous armour ''' plates. Tracks provide 15 mm of armour.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 15.8 mm (20°) ''Driver port'' 15.8 mm (71°) ''Front Glacis'' 15.8 mm (18-59°) ''Lower Glacis'' || 12.7 mm || 6.35 mm (2-61°) || 6.35 mm
|-
| Turret || 15.8 mm (0-2°) ''Turret front'' 15.8 mm (2°) ''Gun mantlet' ''|| 15.8 mm (0-1°) || 15.8 mm (2°) || 6.35 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 15.8 mm (2°) || 6.35 mm
|}

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 308|rbMinHp= 232|}}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 1,400 (200) || rowspan="2" | 576 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | -170°/+20° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 14.28 || 19.76 || 24.00 || 26.54 || 28.24 || rowspan="2" | 10.40 || rowspan="2" | 9.20 || rowspan="2" | 8.48 || rowspan="2" | 8.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 8.93 || 10.50 || 12.75 || 14.10 || 15.00
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Common:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|I|M1 incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''AP:''' {{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP|M2 armour-piercing}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''API:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-I|M8 armour-piercing incendiary}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''APIT:''' {{Annotation|API-T|M20 armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belts
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Common || 31 || 30 || 26 || 22 || 18 || 15
|-
| API || 23 || 22 || 16 || 10 || 6 || 5
|-
| AP || 31 || 30 || 26 || 22 || 18 || 15
|-
| APIT || 23 || 22 || 16 || 10 || 6 || 5
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''7''' || 4 ''(+3)'' || 6 ''(+1)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}

The M2A2 is armed with a secondary .30 cal machine gun in a separate turret, as well as another emplaced in the hull. This extra turret restricts the traverse angles of both this and the main turret. The machine guns can be against very lightly armoured AA vehicles and can be used as a distraction against enemy tanks.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Turret || 9,500 (250) || 500 || -10°/+20° || -5°/+160°
|-
| Hull || 9,500 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The M2A2 is a strange vehicle as a twin-turreted machine-gun armament only vehicle. It is, however, fast, and could be sped around as a scout tank to get on the enemy's side. Your main turret, which uses 12.7 mm (.50) MG can only fire forward and to the left, with secondary turret (which sports standard 7.62 mm (.30) MG, which can only really scare SPAA trucks) firing to the right.

The .50 cal main armament makes it necessary to rush as close to enemy as possible, as it could only penetrate ~20 mm at standard ranges, meaning that it is only really effective against the reserve tanks, and even so, the machine guns often may only be effective when shot at the flat sides or even only at the engine deck.

Avoid any "medium" and "heavy" tanks like [[M13/40 (Family)|M13/40]] or [[R.35 (SA38)]], as they will resist even pure AP belt fired point blank. Avoid messing with tanks of BR 2.0, as even lightly armoured tanks of that rank are only vulnerable from the sides and only from about 100 m away or closer. If you absolutely have to attack them, drive in circles around them and shoot at their weakspots, like engines or turret neck, whenever you get a chance.

Mostly your targets will be "[[AB41|scout]]" and "[[A13 Mk II|sniper]]" tanks, as you can do serious damage to them. To avoid getting annihilated while attacking them from the front, you can fire at their turret while approaching them. Quite often, even if you can't penetrate them as is, they will un-angle themselves, trying to fire at you by turning their flat turret armour parts towards your fire, dooming themselves. If it didn't penetrate, you already lost and shouldn't have attacked them in the first place.

A lot of light tanks and tank destroyers will have stronger turret or gun mantlet armour, than the hull. In such case, simply fire at their hull, trying to get their gunner and driver as soon as possible. Remember, they often don't have to turn their hull towards you to fire back, and angled hull may actually ricochet MG bullets, so it's better to attack from their sides, or at the very least completely head-on.

Overall, it is best to not go around the map without a teammate with a cannon to provide a substantial upgrade in firepower, should it come face to face with the enemy.

Another way to use the M2A2 is as an SPAA. The turrets have decent gun elevation so hitting aircraft is quite easy. The .30 and .50 cal machine guns are very good at destroying any planes at its BR or at least will cripple them. It is recommended to turn the hull with the turrets so you can fire both guns and will not end up only firing one.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="2" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
| API
| Horizontal Drive
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| AP
| Adjustment of Fire
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
| APIT
| Elevation Mechanism
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
|
| Artillery Support
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very fast, can reach 60 km/h on a road in AB
* Can sacrifice speed to make a fast turn
* Accurate in the long run
* High and stable fire rate

'''Cons:'''

* Armour is only sufficient to protect itself against machine gun fire
* Pathetic armament, which can be used only against anti-air vehicles and some light tanks, and some sides or rears of medium tanks, but not all
* Two non-fully rotating turrets
* In an event in which the .50 gunner is knocked out, the .30 machine gun can't do much to protect the tank
* Cramped crew
* Any high speed collision can result in the driver and co-drivers knockout, or worse the entire crew
* Terrible steering, not adequate under gear 2
* Can get stuck when driving up the hills without track upgrade

== History ==

===Development===
The '''M2 Light Tank''' series was an American pre-World War II design as their answer to a fast, effective tank in a cavalry role.

The idea of light tanks started with the Defense Act of 1920, which defined tanks as an infantry support weapon, but the idea of a cavalry role for the tanks was brought up by multiple theorists, to which the British were the first to incorporate with the ''cruiser tanks''. Limitation in American development leads to the establishment of light tanks as the ''combat cars''. The development team soon looked at the tank prototypes ''T1 Light Tank'' and the ''T2 medium tank'' and decide to use them as the basis for the light tank design.

Modifications made onto the experimental tanks, mostly installing the new Vertical Volute Spring Suspension (VVSS) that would be the main suspension in future American tank development, made the tanks into the '''M2A1 Light Tank'''. The main version used before the war was designated the '''M2A2''', which had two turrets, both with a .50 calibre M2 Browning as its armament. However, the Spanish Civil War showed that this kind of tank is insufficient in tank warfare, so initially the design was revised with improved armour up to 22 mm ('''M2A3''') and then with one turret with a 37 mm cannon, this would become the [[M2A4|'''M2A4''']], which would be the main light tank variant in US service before World War II broke out.

===Combat usage===
Although the M2 light tanks were promising in their introduction, they were soon succeeded by the [[M3 Stuart|M3]] and [[M5A1|M5]] light tanks. The M2 light tanks were seen by armament as a stopgap solution for the dire need of tanks and a development project for tank improvements. By December 1941, the M2 light tanks were being used for training only in the US Army, but the Marine Corps used them in the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Pacific due to the lack of M3 light tanks available.

Britain ordered some M2 light tanks in early 1941 in part of the Lend-Lease Act, but only 36 were delivered before switching to the improved M3 light tanks.

A unique feature on the M2 Light tank was the number of machine guns it could house. Aside from the coaxial and the bow gunner's ball mounted one, two machine guns were fixed facing forward on the sides of the hull, fired by the driver. Another M1919 Browning machine gun could be mounted on the turret top for anti-aircraft use.

===In-game description===
The M2A2 light tank developed and built by Rock Island Arsenal (RIA). A total of 239 of these tanks were built in 1935. The M2A2 was used to train tank operators, who gave it the unofficial nickname “Mae West.” It was never used in combat.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=us_m2a2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|1yg1DAEbG8A|'''The Stuart Family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:05 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|RyA5KcS2hAw|'''Multi-turreted Tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:38 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|9kZ4LDGlkew|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''}}

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/776/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> M2A2 / 4M GAZ-AAA / BF109B-1]

{{USA light tanks}}

BT-7

2020-02-15T00:10:49Z

U63771295: changed crew from 2 to 3 *correction*

{{Specs-Card|code=ussr_bt_7_1937}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_BT-7.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{specs|name}}''' is a rank {{specs|rank}} Soviet light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41. Like the [[BT-5]], but with improved front armour, it is fast and has an adequate 45 mm cannon able to destroy opposing tanks.

The BT-7 is a fast tank with relatively thin armour. It can be useful to flank and hit the side armour of enemy tanks, taking advantage of it's very high top speed. The armour is very well angled at certain points, however being as thin as it is, don't count on it to protect you very well; your speed can be your best defense, so move fast and try to zig-zag a bit to make yourself a more difficult target for tanks farther away (not too much though, or you'll bleed off too much speed).

The BT-7 surprises with its Christie suspension. Closer to a race-car than a tank, this lightning on tracks is fun to drive, but not particularly easy. With its high top speed and lightweight, this tank will drift in turns. For maximum control in turns, reduce throttle beforehand and the only tip/nudge the turn-keys. It needs some time to get used to, however, it does prepare you for the T-34s break-turns.

Off-road behaviour is good and the aforementioned drifts aren't as extreme as on city-roads. Top speed is not really reduced as well, making the BT-7 one of the fastest early tanks due to its very wide tracks, something both the ''[[M2A4|Light tank M2]]'' and [[Pz.II C|Panzer II]] miss.

The crew compartment is very small and only inhabited by the driver, commander and another crew member. The latter has to perform the tasks of the gunner and radio-man."Not getting shot at" is the best advice for the crew to survive.

The BT-7 was the last of the BT series of Soviet cavalry tanks that were produced in large numbers between 1935 and 1940. They were lightly armoured, but reasonably well-armed for their time, and had much better mobility than other contemporary tank designs. The BT tanks were known by the nickname Betka from the acronym, or it's diminutive, Betushka.

The BT-7 Tank's successor would be the famous T-34 medium tank, introduced in 1940, which would replace all of the Soviet fast tanks, infantry tanks, and medium tanks then in service.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 15 mm (62°) ''Front glacis'' 20 mm (19°) ''Driver's hatch'' 20 mm (5-52°) ''Lower hull''|| 20 mm ''Front'' 15 mm ''Rear'' || 10 mm (55°) ''Top'' 13 mm (16-58°) ''Bottom'' || 10 mm
|-
| Turret || 15 mm (7-53°) ''Gun mantlet'' 15 mm (13-14°) ''Turret front'' || 15 mm (13°) ''Front'' 13 mm (10°) ''Rear'' || 13 mm (15°) || 10 mm
|}
'''Notes'''

* Tracks and suspension wheel are both 15 mm thick.

=== Mobility ===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
|-
! Weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armor weight (tons)
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
|-
| rowspan="2" | 13.7 || rowspan="2" colspan="1" | N/A || colspan="1" | 60 (AB)
|-
|54 (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|620
|763
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|354
|400
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
!Stock
!Upgraded
|-
|''Arcade''
|45.25
|55.69
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
|25.84
|29.20
|-
|}

== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===

{{main|20-K (45 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[20-K (45 mm)|45 mm 20-K]]
|-
! style="width:5em" rowspan="1" colspan="3" |Capacity
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
! rowspan="1" | Stabilizer
|-
| colspan="3" | 188 || -6°/+25° || ±180° || N/A
|-
! colspan="6" | Turret rotation speed (°/s)
|-
! style="width:4em" |Mode
! style="width:4em" |Stock
! style="width:4em" |Upgraded
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| ''Arcade'' || 9.50 || 13.20 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Realistic'' || 9.50 || 11.20 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
! colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! style="width:4em" colspan="1" |Stock
! style="width:4em" colspan="1" |Prior + Full crew
! style="width:4em" colspan="1" |Prior + Expert qualif.
! style="width:4em" colspan="1" |Prior + Ace qualif.
|-
| 3.80 || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

===== Ammunition =====
{| width="100%" class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! class="unsortable" rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 90°'''
|-
! 10m
! 100m
! 500m
! 1000m
! 1500m
! 2000m
|-
| BR-240 || APHEBC ||69||68||59||50||42||35
|-
| BR-240SP || AP || 73 ||71||62||52||44||37
|-
|}
{| width="100%" class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="11" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! class="unsortable" rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" |Velocity in m/s
! rowspan="2" |Projectile Mass in kg
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse delay''
''in m:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Fuse sensitivity''
''in mm:''
! rowspan="2" | ''Explosive Mass in g (TNT equivalent):''
! rowspan="2" | ''Normalization At 30° from horizontal:''
! colspan="3" | ''Ricochet:''
|-
! 0%
! 50%
! 100%
|-
| BR-240 || APHEBC || 760 || 1.4 || 1.2 || 15 || 32.3 || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| BR-240SP || AP || 757 || 1.4 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
|}

===== [[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] =====
[[File:Ammoracks_BT-7.png|right|thumbnail|x250px|[[Ammo racks|Ammo racks]] of the BT-7.]]
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Full ammo
! class="wikitable unsortable" |1st rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |2nd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |3rd rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |4th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |5th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |6th rack empty
! class="wikitable unsortable" |Visual discrepancy
|-
|| '''146''' || 122 ''(+24)''|| 97 ''(+49)'' || 73 ''(+73)'' || 49 ''(+97)'' || 24 ''(+122)''|| 1 ''(+145)''|| style="text-align:center" | Yes
|-
|}

Turret empty: 97 ''(+49)''

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|DT (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | [[DT (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm DT]]
|-
! colspan="7" | ''Coaxial mount''
|-
! style="width:5em" rowspan="1" colspan="4" |Capacity (Belt capacity)
! rowspan="1" | Fire rate (shots/minute)
! rowspan="1" | Vertical guidance
! rowspan="1" | Horizontal guidance
|-
| colspan="4" | 1,890 (63) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

Best tactics are probably, however, to not charge right into the combat, but wait a while to see how the battle develops - observe where and how many enemy tanks go, maybe fire a few shots from the distance. Use your great mobility to get to the best positions. And then use its awesome speed to charge at lonely opponents, which at close range have no chance of keeping their guns pointed at you. Keep in mind that charging into more than 1 opponent is usually a quick end, as it is very hard to not get hit from either of them at the same time. There is basically paper armour on BT-7 to stop anything other than machine gun fire. Finally, try to avoid AA vehicles, as they will have no problem targeting and destroying you, even from the distance.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Very fast and nimble
* Excellent offroad capability
* Powerful engine and wide tracks make the BT-7 a good climber
* Good cannon with a good rate of fire
* Often used as a rusher/scout in higher rank matches. It can get to capture points more quickly than most tanks

'''Cons:'''

* Exposed tracks and suspensions are prone to be damaged
* The whole tank is basically ammo rack and fuel tank on tracks
* Very large and difficult to hide
* Difficult to drive with precision - can slew on turns and bounces a lot after braking.
* Very weak armour all around, more flat un-angled areas than BT-5
* Vulnerable to heavy machine gun fire

* Worse gun depression than BT-5 (below average now)
* Sometimes stalls on turns on soft terrain

== History ==

===Development===
The success of the [[BT-5|BT light tanks]] in Soviet service prompted additional upgrades and other developmental projects done on the design to increase its service life. The development led to the final model of the BT light tank series, the '''BT-7'''. The tank differed from the older BT-5 tank with a welded hull, redesigned hull front, and a new engine in the Model 1935 version. The '''Model 1937''' version of the BT-7 added a redesigned turret that featured sloping armour.

The tank initially had a canted-ellipse shaped turret mounting the main gun and coaxial machine guns with the focus of allowing the tank to mount different tanks without changing the whole design, which led to the development of two main kinds of BT-7s, the normal variant with a 45 mm 20K gun for anti-armour and a artillery variant called the ''BT-7A'' which mounted a 76.2 mm KT-26 howitzer for anti-infantry. The tank was redesigned before it entered production by using the BT-5 turret instead with the main gun and coaxial machine gun still attached, though the concept of swapping to different guns was still in development for the tank. A radio was also installed on the turret as well. The tank had a three-man crew, the commander/gunner and loader in the turret, and the driver in the front. Production started in 1935 but was redesigned in 1937 with a new conical turret that allowed more ammunition to be stored and a machine gun on the rear of the turret. The BT-7 mod. 1937 also had improvements on the drive wheels, gearbox, and tracks by 1938. The BT-7 went on to be produced from 1935 to 1940 for a total unit production of between 2,700 to 5,300 tanks.

===Combat usage===
The BT-7 served alongside its older counterpart BT-5 tanks. The BT light tanks were meant to be a cavalry tank, and at the time of their introduction, they were considered some of the finest tanks against other countries' tanks. They had great mobility of all available tanks, and it's 45 mm gun could perform very well in combat. The only drawbacks of the design were its light armour and its gasoline engine, which caused the design to be rather flammable to improvised incendiary weapons. The BT-7's most notable combat service came against the Japanese at Khalkhin Gol. The tactics of Soviet Marshal Georgi Zhukov and the performance of his BT-5 and BT-7 tanks led to a decisive victory. It was during this battle that the BT tanks tendency to catch fire was found, but its performance was positive against the inferior Japanese armoured forces.

The BT-7 next combat use was during the opening stages of Operation Barbarossa when Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union. The superior German tanks [[Pz.III F|Panzer III]] and [[Pz.IV F1|Panzer IV]] was able to easily take out these lightly armoured tanks. Reports note that about 2,000 BT-7 tanks were lost in the first 12 months alone against the German forces, with hundreds broken down from low maintenance and were abandoned. Despite their inferiority, the Soviets continued to produce and field them among armour and mechanized units to boost their operational capacity, though most were kept away from the front lines due to their inadequacy. The BT-7 would finally see its service again in Soviet invasion of Japanese-controlled Manchuria. The Soviets fielded the BT-7 and other tanks in its inventory against the inferior Japanese forces in Manchuria, where it proved very effective against the more lightly armoured Japanese tanks employed. The BT series were all retired after the end of World War II due to their obsolete design as an inter-war period tank design.

===Legacy===
Perhaps the most important impact the BT light tanks series was that it kick-started the development of the [[T-34 (1940)|T-34]] medium tank, which would go on as the most produced tank of World War II. A new design team was formed in 1937 at the KhPZ factory, where they built prototypes utilizing the more armour and a heavier gun onto the design, which was called the ''A-32'' and was approved for production as the T-34 tank. The BT tanks also serve as the basis of support vehicles such as the ''BT-7A'' artillery tan, ''BT-7TU'' command tank, ''OP-7'' flamethrower tank, and even the ''TT-BT-7'' remote-controlled tank. An attempt in 1940 also had the BT-7 up-armoured with hinged homogeneous armour, which added five tons to the design weight. These vehicles are not known to have seen service in combat units.

=== In-game description ===
In the second half of 1937, the BT-7 tank was mass-produced with a conical turret, a three-speed gearbox and strengthened suspension. In comparison to the BT-7 Mod. 1935, the tank's weaponry became more powerful due to the inclusion of a DT machine gun in the turret. Its ammunition capacity was increased by 44 and totalled 188 rounds in the battle vehicles and 145 rounds in the command vehicles equipped with a radio set. Some of the tanks were equipped with an anti-aircraft gun.

The unit command vehicles were equipped with a 71-TK-1 radio set with a hand-rail antenna, and later with a rod antenna. To allow the vehicle to fire its cannon and coaxial machine gun at night, it was equipped with two special projector headlights. Over the course of its modernisation, the thickness of its frontal hull armour reached 22 mm. The turret's armour was also strengthened using vertically sloping armour plates. Its combat-loaded weight grew to 13,925 kg. Factory No. 183 alone manufactured 4,727 tanks of this series.

The BT-7 underwent its trial by fire in the Khalkhyn Gol river region as part of the 6th and 11th tank brigades. In the process, the latter undertook a hurried 500 km trek to the scene of the conflict. On the whole, the tanks gained a good reputation, but their drawbacks were noted as well: they were difficult to drive, which meant they required highly trained drivers, and they had insufficient armour and poor communication equipment. All these flaws were confirmed in the Poland Campaign of September 1939 and in the Winter War with Finland.

With appropriate tactics and a well-trained crew, the BT-7 could successfully oppose all types of German tanks at the beginning of the war, being inferior to them only in armour.
BT-7 tanks participated in combat operations on the Soviet-German front right up until 1944, and in 1945 they served in the war with Japan. A few captured tanks served in the Finnish army until the beginning of the 50s.

== Media ==
[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23bt7 Skins and camouflages for the BT-7 from live.warthunder]

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

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

''ETC.''

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

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

{{USSR light tanks}}

Wellington Mk X

2020-02-10T05:57:14Z

U63771295: just some smol stuff

{{Specs-Card|code=wellington_mk10}}
{{About
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Wellington (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

== 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 4,053 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
|-
| 392 || 377 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.3 || 37.5 || 3.2 || 3.2 || 650
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,053 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
|-
|431||410|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||33.8||35.0||8.0||5.3|| 650
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 355 || ~5 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 275 || < 275 || < 310 || > 320
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,250 m || 1,420 hp || 1,662 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 3,710 m || 1,315 hp || 1,539 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 9 mm Steel plate in the pilot's seat.

When being attacked, the points of concern will be the engines, which are relatively easy to be set on fire. The 7.7 mm machine guns can be sufficient for some harassing fire against enemies so that they do not stay in one location and open fire, affecting their accuracy as they maneuvre around. But against a determined enemy, the {{PAGENAME}} would otherwise be a sitting duck.

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II (4,000 lb)|Mark XII}}

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

* 10 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 18 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 9 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 2 х 18 inch Mark XII torpedoes
* 1 x 4,000 lb H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II bomb (4,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, nose turret (1,200 rpg = 2,400 total)
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, rear turret (2,000 rpg = 8,000 total)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine gun, 2 x side turret (1,200 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

====Air battles====
In Arcade Battles, the winning tactic is to climb high and do base bombing with 500’s "from orbit"; it helps to have escorts.

In Realistic Battles you start in the air so you have the advantage to trade altitude for airspeed and bomb ground targets and retreat before enemy fighters start to arrive, however, be close to friendlies so they can intercept chasers.

==== Naval battles ====
All of the Wellington bombers are well suited for the naval warfare, The {{PAGENAME}} being the best of them as it provides improved Browning turrets, more speed and two supreme payloads that will allow you to change the tides of a naval war in both Arcade and Realistic battles.

Those are:

* 2 х 18 inch Mark XII torpedoes
* 1 x 4,000 lb H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II bomb

With the torpedoes, the strategy goes in finding a good approach angle to successfully deliver both torpedoes to preferably '''gunboats''' and '''destroyers''' as they will have a tougher time evading them. Beware of anti-aircraft fire and swiftly turn back to safety while preparing the next drop.

The technique at the moment of launching the torpedoes is pictured below:
[[File:Wellington Torp Launching technic.jpg|thumb|left|364x364px|The best way to launch a torpedo at close range (AB) without sacrificing the aircraft its to find a middle ground between the suggested drop direction and the target. That way making harder the evasion of the torpedoes, whether the target slows down or turns. The torpedoes will be on collision course.]]
{{clear}}

With the 4,000 lb bomb, the scenario takes place a bit higher. Way above the enemies' short and medium anti-aircraft guns that reach around 3,000 - 4,500 meter altitude. Here you will be able to spot the biggest of the fishes. Those will be your targets and with some developed practice in predicting the drops you will decimate the entire enemy destroyers population in a a short time, tanks to this extremely lethal bomb.

Just be alert of enemy planes that will be eager to take you down, using the '''Armored target''' belt provides some of the boost in defence you need as it cripples engines and pierces through metal.

===Manual Engine Control===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Combined || 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
| Protective vest
| Turret 7 mm
| TC mk.I
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
|
| LBC mk.I
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
| SBC mk.I
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
|
| MBC mk.I
|-
|}

The default bomb load is a meagre 10 x 250 lb (117 kg) so upgrading to 18 x 250 or 9 x 500 "pounders" (500 lb (226 kg)) should be task number one. In order: unlock the Turret 7 mm ammo first, then the TC mk.I (torpedo) rack, and then the LBC mk.I.

Unlocking the 7 mm ammo gives access to the "Universal" AP-I belt as one works up to the bomb racks for 18 x 250 lb or 9 x 500 lb. After that, you can pursue your choice of upgrades.

Upgrades to the turret should also be considered. The different belts do not have a considerable effect, but the upgraded turrets allow for a longer fire at a greater rate, which is very important for the small rifle calibre machine guns.

However, speed and climb rate is also a necessity and the unlocks help the sluggish Wellington a lot. The decision should depend on the pilot's flying style. When rushing in, better armament will help in the retreat, but better performance will aid in returning to friendly zones quickly.

The sneaky approach, on the other hand, relies less on speed, but on surviving the random combat encounters. Turret upgrades are the way to go for this playstyle.

=== Pros and cons ===
[[File:Wellington bombing.png|thumb|Wellington releasing a 4,000 lb "''Cookie''" blockbuster bomb onto a Destroyer.]]

'''Pros:'''

* Airframe itself is very durable
* Regular payload stock, but greatly improves roles when upgraded
* Extreme horizontal firing arc on front and rear turret of just over 180 degrees
* Good gunner ammunition supply
* 4,000 lb bomb it's devastating for ground/naval targets

'''Cons:'''

* Hopelessly outclassed by enemy fighters of similar rank
* Defensive turrets are easy to take out
* Defensive armament is poor
* Slow speed
* Bad climb rate, largely due to the combination of the heavy airframe with only average engines
* Lack of armour makes engines, crew, fuel tanks, etc noticeably vulnerable
* Control stiffening becomes a serious issue at airspeeds over 450 km/h
* Very clumsy in vertical maneuvers
{{clear}}
== History ==


Performance-wise the Wellington was not notably remarkable, its strength lay on the inside. Devised by one of the greatest innovative thinkers in history, Sir Barnes Neville Wallis devised a geodesic structure resulting in an exceptionally strong airframe. Together with Reginald Kirshaw "Rex" Pierson, they designed their record-making "Vickers Wellesley", paving the way for the "Wellington" and larger "Warwick".

With high aspect ratio wings and a spacious fuselage, it proved capable of handling a myriad of missions including early airborne radar and robust enough to absorb severe damage and fly home. Although the bomb bay configuration limited bomb size, its payload was slightly more than the Heinkel [[He 111 H-3]] and with greater range. It is also one of the first aircraft to have a powered turret in the extreme tail with a very wide arc; however, it was still inadequate to defend itself against attacking fighters and early models lacked self-sealing fuel tanks. Still, this aircraft was admired by crews and affectionately called “Wimpy” after Popeye's hamburger loving friend and sidekick whose full name is J. Wellington Wimpy.

Over 11,000 made, it equipped many RAF squadrons including those comprised of foreign crews like the Polish (4 squadrons), New Zealand (No. 75), and Czech (No. 311), one of which was captured by the Germans who used it for intelligence and training. "Viking", a passenger transport variant, became the world's first pure jet transport prototype aircraft in 1948.

=== In-game description ===
"A twin-engine medium bomber, the Wellington Mk.X became the last production variant used by RAF Bomber Command. Its design was based on the Mk.III's airframe, and it featured similar armament and equipment. The main difference was a new 1,675 hp Bristol Hercules Mk.VI (though some planes featured the Hercules Mk.XVI) fourteen-cylinder double-row air-cooled engine. There was also a difference less noticeable but no less important than the replaced engine: the switch to newly developed light alloys with a better strength-to-specific gravity ratio. Using this alloy in the aircraft's structure allowed a higher take-off weight while preserving the Mk.III's flight characteristics.
Full-scale production of the Mk.X (Type 448) model started in the autumn of 1942 and it became the most numerous variant of the Wellington, with a combined total of 3,803 aircraft built.

After initial heavy losses in daylight bombing raids at the beginning of the war, the Wellington saw more success after changing role to night bombing. The aircraft also began serving in North Africa in September 1940 and in the Far East in April 1942. By 1942-43, the Wellington became the RAF Bomber Command's primary medium bomber; it was faster than the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley and it had a longer range than the Handley Page Hampden, even though its payload was just as great. In the first ""1,000 bomber raid"" on Cologne on May 30th 1942, 599 of the 1,043 aircraft were Wellingtons.

The Wellington bombers' last operational sortie with Bomber Command in Western Europe was on the night of October 8, 1943. The Wellington was succeeded by heavy four-engine aircraft such as the Short Stirling, the Handley Page Halifax, and the Avro Lancaster, as the RAF Bomber Command increased its pressure on Germany. However, variants of the Wellington Mk.X continued to serve with RAF Coastal Command for the remainder of the war; the Mks.XI through to XIV were all maritime versions of the Mk.X, fitted with ASV radar. And a variety of armaments.

Coastal Command Wellingtons were employed in protecting allied shipping in the South West Approaches from enemy submarines. Notable successes were scored by 172 Squadron, operating from RAF Chivenor, who were the first unit to attack a U-Boat at night using a combination of radar and a special carbon arc searchlight. October 1945 saw the construction of the last of 11,461 Wellingtons, and the aircraft was withdrawn from service in March 1953 after finishing its RAF career as a pilot and navigator trainer.

== Media ==

[[File:Wellington Gunner.png|left|thumb|Gunner inside the Wellington handles his .307 Browning MG]]
{{clear}}
== See also ==


* [[Wellington Mk Ic]]
* [[Wellington Mk III]]
* [[Wellington Mk Ic (Germany)]]
* [[He 111 H-6]]

== 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 Vickers}}
{{Britain bombers}}

BV 238

2019-10-07T04:29:25Z

U63771295: changed the bombs being in the hull to in the wings

{{Specs-Card|code=bv-238}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===

The BV 238, as expected of an aircraft of its size and class, is a '''very''' sluggish plane. With slow acceleration, poor climb rate, agonisingly slow roll rate, a low top speed, and a pitiful turn rate, the BV 238 will not find itself able to out-perform anything it faces. While using combat flaps, the bomber's turn rate does increase significantly, but it will still not be able to out-manoeuvre any plane it finds itself near. The only notably good flight characteristic of the BV 238 is the low stall speed, allowing it to glide long distances at low speeds as well as allowing the plane to enjoy incredibly slow and smooth landings.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,600 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
|-
| 401 || 390 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.4 || 33.2 || 1.6 || 1.6 || 3,000
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,600 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
|-
| 443 || 421 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.7 || 30.0 || 4.6 || 3 || 3,000
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 420 || ~3 || ~1
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 360 || < 360 || < 280 || > 314
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,000 m || 1,500 hp || 1,650 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 5 mm Steel plate behind pilot.

Though the BV 238 almost entire lacks armour, it is a highly survivable plane. Massive areas of empty space within the fuselage as well as the iconic ''six'' engines of this behemoth cause the bomber to be an incredibly tough target to take down. With smart use of Manual Engine Controls to disable engines and manipulate radiators, a BV 238 pilot can nurse even a critically damaged bomber several kilometres home safely. Due to the plane's role as a flying boat, the belly of the bomber is unusually durable, and can easily survive landings on land-based runways in spite of the BV 238's lack of a wheeled landing gear.

In terms of crew, the BV 238 houses an impressive ten crew members, with two crew members in the flight deck and five more each manning various gunner positions around the aircraft, and three more miscellaneous crew. This makes the BV 238 very hard to neuter, as the crew members are spaced '''very''' far apart, with one gunner on each wing past the third engine, two near the flight deck, and one in the tail of the aircraft, altogether making it nigh-impossible to prevent return fire from the bomber.

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)}}

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

* 20 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (5,000 kg total)

With only one ordnance option, the BV 238 does not spoil the pilot with choices. However, this bombload is exceptional for the BV 238's battle rating, allowing a single bomber to destroy three bombing points with no allied aid. The BV 238's bombload is located in the wings, 10 in each bomb bay, which must be opened prior to ordnance drop.

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, front dorsal turret (700 rpg = 1,400 total)
* 4 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose turret (1,800 rpg = 7,200 total)
* 4 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, 2 x wing turrets (900 rpg = 3,600 total)
* 4 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, tail turret (900 rpg = 3,600 total)

The BV 238 is equipped with an excellent selection of defensive positions. On the roof of the aircraft sits a deadly dual-20 mm turret, containing two [[MG 151/20 (20 mm)|MG 151]] cannons that are capable of inflicting critical damage to aircraft with few hits. This turret mainly covers the port and starboard sides of the boat, as well as directly in front of the nose, with the BV 238's massive tail section blocking a considerable amount of the turret's rear view. To cover for this blind spot, the BV 238 also has three rear-facing turrets each equipped with quad [[MG 131 (13 mm)|MG 131]] 13 mm machine guns, with high fire rates and large ammo counts for sustained fire. As a bonus, the bomber also has an additional quad MG 131 turret within the nose.

Unlike most bombers, and especially unlike those comparable in battle rating to it, the BV 238 is '''very''' well defended, which combines with the plane's excellent survivability to make the bomber into an incredible lethal platform, in spite of the plane's extremely poor flight performance. There are very few blind spots not a single gunner can reach, and those that end up on the tail of the BV 238 can potentially end up facing down not only twelve 13 mm machine guns, but also two 20 mm cannons.

== Usage in battles ==

Though slightly unusual in design, the BV 238 is a strategic bomber through and through. It carries a massive bombload allowing the bomber to decimate several bombing points and deliver more ordnance yet to the enemy airfield, and has incredible endurance allowing it to stay airborne far longer than most other aircraft could and through far more damage than its contemporaries could bear.

The BV 238's main job in battle will be to deliver its payload to the strategic objectives found around the map and has a secondary use as a gunship with its impressive 'defensive' armament. BV 238 pilots should seek to bait enemy fighters, who typically have poor high altitude performance at the BV 238's battle rating, into following the behemoth before mowing them down with an unrelenting and lethal cloud of lead.

BV 238 pilots should avoid head-ons where possible; the only true way to guarantee an easy kill on a BV 238 is to instantly knock the pilot out, thus causing immediate target destruction. However, in the event of an unavoidable head-on, manually man the forward turrets and unleash fire and fury on whoever is attempting to bring you down; you have plenty of ammo to spare.

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 13 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 13 mm MGs (turret)
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Turret 20 mm
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons (turret)
|-
|}

* As a premium aircraft, the BV 238's modifications are automatically unlocked upon purchase of the aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Impressive bomb load (2.5 tons of TNT over 20 bombs)
* Extremely durable airframe, with a large crew compliment
* Excellent defensive armament in most-all directions
* Ability to land on water, and rearm/repair from nearby carriers
* Handles well for such a large aircraft

'''Cons:'''

* The largest aircraft in War Thunder, thus an easy target
* Large aircraft with a large payload equals challenge to fly
* No access to landing gear, must belly land or land on water
* Easy to destroy from the underside due to lack of armament

== History ==

The Blohm & Voss BV 238 was an experimental flying boat that saw development and flight trials in 1944. With a wingspan of just over 60 metres and a length of 43.5 metres, the BV 238 was a truly gargantuan aircraft, being, in fact, the heaviest aircraft in existence at the time. Powered by six DB.603V 12-cylinder radial engines, the BV 238 could reach 424 km/h at 6 kilometres altitude, with a range of over 10,000 kilometres.<ref name="Yenne" />

Blohm & Voss Flugzeugbau designer and leader of the flying boat project, Hans H. Amtmann stated in an autobiography, "''The RLM issued a request for a large flying boat. In spite of the fact that Erhard Milch, the powerful secretary to the Air Minister Göring, wanted this flying boat developed and built by the Dornier company, the technical staff of the Air Ministry selected our design and the contract went to our company.''"<ref name="Harrison" />

{{quote
|Little known fact: Blohm & Voss arranged for students to build a manned flyable 1:4 scale model of the BV 238 for early testing.<ref name="Harrison" />
}}

However, the sole flyable BV 238 prototype met an unfortunate end before the series could enter production, as only four days before the end of the war, Allied Fighters discovered and destroyed the BV 238 V1 as it sat hidden near the town of Lübeck in a side arm of the large lake Schaalsee.<ref name="Allward" /><ref name="Harrison" />

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

== See also ==


* [[wt:en/news/4245-development-bv-238-the-largest-aircraft-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> BV 238: The Largest Aircraft]]

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

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

{{Germany bombers}}

== References ==
<references>
<ref name="Yenne">Yenne, Bill. Seaplanes of the World. Cobb: First Glance Books, 1997. ISBN 9781885440075. </ref>
<ref name="Allward">Allward, Maurice. An Illustrated History of Seaplanes and Flying Boats. New York: Barnes and Noble Books, 1993. ISBN 9780880292863</ref>
<ref name="Harrison">Harrison, J. (Ed.). (2016). Hitler's 'Wonder Weapon' Bomber Project - Luftwaffe - Secret Bombers of the Third Reich. (38-40), Lincolnshire, UK: Mortons Media Group. ISBN: 978-1-911276-06-7</ref>
</references>