War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

MiG-23BN (Germany)

2024-02-22T16:38:52Z

U69590971: /* Pros and cons */ Added bomb speed limit and Cockpit CCRP

{{About
| about = strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = MiG-23 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig_23bn
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

Following adoption of the MiG-23B ground-attack variant of the [[MiG-23 (Family)|MiG-23]], Mikoyan OKB quickly set out to modernize and upgrade the aircraft where possible. The first of these many upgrades was the MiG-23BN variant, with the main difference being the usage of the Type 3 wings of the MiG-23ML and an upgraded variant of the R-29 engine. The BN variant saw almost no use with the Soviets, instead being a very popular export model to both Warsaw Pact and Third World customers. During the mid-late '70s, the East German airforce received 18 MiG-23BNs, especially modified by removal of the dielectric fairings, and received without any countermeasure dispensers. These aircraft would serve in the forefront of the ground attack roles alongside the [[Su-22M4 (Germany)|Su-22]] aircraft used by the East German air force.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO: Flogger-H) is a dedicated ground attack variant of the MiG-23, introduced in [[Update "Drone Age"]] to the German tech tree. It lacks any form of countermeasures, guided ordnance, or air-to-air missiles, but do not let this deter you, as in air battles, the aircraft is not only very versatile and fast (having the flight performance of the MiG-23s at a far lower battle rating), but with the ability to take gunpods and outrun almost every enemy it faces, it is a force to be reckoned with when used in the fighter role at its battle rating. The aircraft also shines in mixed battles, where it can use its ballistic computer to accurately rain bombs and small-calibre rockets over a wide area, or precisely pick enemy tanks off using the powerful [[S-24B]] rockets, accurately aimed using the CCIP computer. All in all, the MiG-23BN is an aircraft that appears bad on paper at first and turns away many players, but those who truly master its playstyle in both air and ground battles are heftily rewarded with a very fearsome aircraft.

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

At first glance, aside from having the LSK's emblem (East German Air Force), the MiG-23BN looks exactly like any other Flogger. A closer inspection on its nose gives its identity away: as an attacker, MiG revised the nose with a flat bottom for the B variants; but the BN removed the optical equipment for this exact job. Since it was based on the first-generation MiG-23 but with a R-29B-300 engine, the overall flight performance is very similar to the [[MiG-23M]] in the Soviet tech tree but without AAMs. Experienced players might take the use of its iconic variable swept wing for dogfights, but do keep in mind that a major problem of these 1st generation Floggers were exactly the wings, it might be sufficient to take down heavier jets like Phantoms if utilized the wings well, but having only guns for air-to-air operations makes it a huge target for other jets. Any extra ordnance ranging from bombs up to AGMs affects the flight model severely, so utilize its speed in missions and avoid dogfights unless in dire situation.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 13,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,182 || 2,172 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.6 || 37.0 || 132.5 || 125.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,220 || 2,200 || 35.4 || 36.0 || 179.3 || 155.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="60%"
|-
! rowspan="2" | Limits
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
! Min sweep
| 1,154 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 508 || 473 || ~__ || ~__
|-
! Max sweep
| 1,417 || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 665 || < 650 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-29B-300 || 1
| colspan="2" | 11,305 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 39m fuel
|-
| 1,780 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 12,666 kg || 13,612 kg || 14,765 kg || 15,835 kg || 18,905 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 39m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 7,950 kgf || 10,208 kgf
| 0.81 || 0.75 || 0.69 || 0.64 || 0.54
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 8,282 kgf (1,417 km/h) || 12,633 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.00 || 0.93 || 0.86 || 0.80 || 0.67
|-
|}

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

The MiG-23BN has only a pair of 16 mm steel plates on the side of the cockpit as extra protection against other targets. If it has to commit to a head-on fight or even a dogfight, it might not have sufficient survivability to leave the combat in one piece.

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

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

{{main|GSh-23L (23 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannon, belly-mounted (200 rpg)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_MiG-27M.png]]</div>
|-
! [[GSh-23L (23 mm)|23 mm GSh-23L]] cannons (250 rpg)
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[OFAB-100 (100 kg)|100 kg OFAB-100]] bombs
| 4 || 1 || 4 || || 4 || 1 || 4
|-
! [[FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|250 kg FAB-250M-62]] bombs
| 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1, 2
|-
! [[FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)|500 kg FAB-500M-62]] bombs
| 1, 2 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1, 2
|-
! [[ZB-500 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[S-5K]] rockets
| 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || || 16, 32 || || 16, 32
|-
! [[S-8KO]] rockets
| 20 || || 20 || || 20 || || 20
|-
! [[S-24B]] rockets
| 1 || || 1 || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[Kh-23M]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! 800 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,050 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 750 kg
|-
|}

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

* 1 x 800 l drop tank
* 2 x Kh-23M missiles
* 64 x S-5K rockets
* 128 x S-5K rockets
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
* 18 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,800 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 6 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 6 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (3,000 kg total)
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs
* 2 x 23 mm GSh-23L cannons (250 rpg = 500 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

For players who jumped from the subsonic [[G.91 R/3 (Germany)|G.91 R/3]] into the MiG-23BN, not only it is supersonic and goes up to mach 2.0, it also carries as much ordnance as its TT predecessor [[IL-28 (Germany)|IL-28]]. For players of MiG-27 or MiG-23 variants, the flight performance is very similar as they were built under similar airframe but with some revision differences per blocks (batches). Some players might want to take it for a dogfight for its manoeuvrability as well as the variable swept-wing; but as an attacker, it doesn't have any AAM at disposal, the only viable option is the 23 mm gun for gunning down enemy jets with its fast rate of fire and sufficient damage. Additional 23 mm cannons can be mounted as wing-mount gunpods. The MiG-23BN doesn't have countermeasures either, the airframe is also rather unprotected other than 2 steel plates on the sides of the cockpit, so avoid enemies at all cost and only fight enemies when there's only one of them- any more than this number means the MiG-23BN will become an easy prey for the enemies due to its enormous size.

=== High-altitude bombing ===

For the reasons mentioned above, dogfights should be completely avoided in Air RB and Combined Battles. Instead, in a contested airspace such as Air RB, the MiG-23BN excels as a high-altitude bomber. The two loadouts recommended for this are either 6 x 500 kg bombs (roughly 1.5 bases' worth) or 16 x 100 kg and 2 x 500 kg bombs (1.33 bases' worth, but gives higher rewards). With the latter, the optimal drop order is either 2 drops first for a third of a base, then the rest for a full hp one, or 12 "drops" first (which coincides with a preset bomb series) for a whole base, and the rest for a third of one.

After takeoff, maintaining a 10-15° climb allows the jet to reach a 9,000 m altitude before encountering the enemy. Pilots should watch for condensation trails from the enemy's direction, as that means that an enemy fighter is also climbing to a high altitude. If no support is available, avoid the area until the hostile engages someone else. After reaching 9-10,000 m, fully extending the wings allows the plane to maintain the altitude without afterburner when in a 3-5° climb. Disengaging the afterburner greatly reduces the range enemy missiles can achieve a lock-on. It is recommended to wait until the bases have respawned at least once, as the bombs can take more than 40 seconds to hit the target, and are easily wasted if a teammate takes out the base.

Once the teammates are returning to base, the CCRP target selector can be used to align the plane with a base, then, holding the bomb series key (with the series set to 4 or 12) and maintaining level flight, allows the bombs to accurately hit the target (With Weapon Maintenance maxed out, the bombs should have near 100% accuracy). Alternatively, a dive can be used to align the bomb indicator and drop manually.

It is not recommended to return to base in a dive, as the plane can destroy itself due to its excessive speed. Keeping the altitude change positive completely avoids this and allows for a greater speed to be maintained.

=== Combined battles ===

Relative to its BR, it is a very fast attacker in-game (only slower than its [[Su-22UM3K (Germany)|Sukhoi counterpart]]) and the payload is sufficient to deal devastating damage to enemies. It might not be as much as USAF's [[F-4C Phantom II|F-4C]] or British's [[Buccaneer S.2|Buccaneer]], but the variety of bombs or AGMs will fit the player's playstyle one way or another. For players who demand a fireworks show on the ground and create as many craters as possible, conventional and incendiary bombs are at your disposal. The Kh-23M missiles are arguably the least useful weapon in its loadout. With a ballistic computer, its unguided rockets are actually significantly easier to use than the MCLOS missile and are much more forgiving thanks to the large number it can carry. One unconventional and highly situational use for the AGMs is to launch them at enemy fighters with maximum horizontal guidance. The smoke trail and the movement gives the appearance of a radar-guided missile and can deter inexperienced players. Attempting to actually hit a jet fighter with a manually-guided missile yields very little results.

If the enemy SPAAGs, interceptors or in some occasion, helicopters with AAMs (namely, [[TY-90|TY-90s]] found on PLAGF helicopters) are in business, the excellent speed of the MiG-23BN will certainly help you to get away from trouble since there are few jets that can catch up with your mach 2.0 top speed (but in high-altitude). Speed is what makes MiG-23BN unique among jet attackers of its era and BR; any prolonged fight in the combat area hugely increase its risk of meeting its end.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Great top speed
* Great acceleration
* Great energy retention
* Sufficient payload for ground-attack
* Variable swept-wing makes it maneuverable
* Equipped with RWR

'''Cons:'''

* Lacks flares
* Lacks AAMs
* Bombs won't drop above Mach 1.
* Relatively small ammo pool for the fixed 23 mm cannon
* Rather large size makes it easier to hit
* RWR only shows radar pings and locks from 4 sides
* Due to swept wing design it is hard to aim at high speeds
* The plane can only reach up to Mach 1 below 5000 meters
* At high altitudes the engine's performance drops significantly
* Gunsight lacks information to effectively use CCRP in simulator battles

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_23bn Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|HqDtRttvNBk|'''The Shooting Range #331''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Fw 190 A-8

2020-09-03T20:22:14Z

U69590971: /* Pros and cons */ Added pros about radiator and flaps

{{Specs-Card|code=fw-190a-8}}
{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Fw 190 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

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

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,500 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
|-
| 622 || 601 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.3 || 10.2 || 10.2 || 450
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,500 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
|-
| 687 || 652 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.4 || 22.8 || 19.5 || 14.1 || 450
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flaps
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || 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|body}}||{{Specs|destruction|gear}}|| 900 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 420 || < 240 || < 550 || > 280
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 700 m || 1,498 hp || 1,874 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,300 m || 1,301 hp || 1,628 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 6 mm Steel - Fore cowl ring
* 10 mm Steel - Cowl ring
* 6 mm Steel - Under engine armour
* 8 mm Steel - Under cockpit/fuel tank armour plate
* 5 mm Steel - Rear fuel tank armour
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat armour
* 6 mm Steel - Pilot's seat armour
* 12 mm Steel - Headrest armour
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass

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

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

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

* 4 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (140 rpg outer + 250 rpg inner = 780 total)
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|Wfr.Gr.21}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

The Fw 190 A-8 possesses far below average speed, acceleration, and climb ability for its rank. It does, however, have great high-speed control and a wicked armament that will shred any fighter almost instantly. It is recommended that you climb to the side and let your teammates engage first so you can put your excellent BnZ ability to work. You should climb to either 3000 meters altitude or 5000 meters and wait for friendlies to engage enemy aircraft first. Don't forget to use your flaps in a dive as the A-8 gains a massive amount of speed in a dive, generally resulting in overshooting the target if he is distracted with a dogfight. Don't worry about your flaps breaking as they can survive speeds up to 900 km/h, far faster than you're ever going to go in combat.

If you spot a bandit co-alt, a head-on attack followed by an evasive manoeuvre and then extending away to repeat the process is a recommended tactic. If a bandit has superior energy and is pressing an attack against you, try to drag them to friendlies, but don't sacrifice too much energy to do so. If you are skilled enough, another tactic would be to initiate a scissors manoeuvre; either rolling or flat, and then break away when he goes to yo-yo to control his overshoot. The scissors is a highly effective manoeuvre in the 190 A-8. If you are ballsy enough to press for a gun solution when scissoring an enemy, you could be greatly rewarded. In summary, climb to the side, BnZ like a champ, never get in a sustained turn fight, and use your rate of roll to free yourself when cornered.

The Fw 190 A-8 sits at a high battle rating, close to the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]] and [[La-7B-20]], both of which are vastly superior planes overall. It frequently faces [[Tempest (Family)|Tempests]], [[Fw 190 A-5]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109 G variants]], [[Spitfire (Family)|Griffon Spitfires]] and [[F4U-1C]]'s. Unfortunately, the A-8 is by and large worse than all of these planes, but it still possesses some unique advantages and if piloted correctly is going to give anyone trouble. However, these advantages are quite predictable and easily countered by an attentive opponent.

=== 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 controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 2 gears || 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
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
| R6 modification
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing roll rate, as to be expected of the Fw 190 line
* Great energy retention
* Gets an interceptor airspawn
* Massive pool of cannon ammunition
* Well armoured frontal profile
* Powerful MG 151/20 with access to '''''Minengeschoß''''' dense belts
* MG FF/M's found on previous Fw 190 variants replaced with MG 151/20
* Radiator rarely overheats
* Flaps are effectively unbreakable and can be used at high speeds

'''Cons:'''

* Poor pitch/turn rate without combat flap angle makes dog fighting very risky, but not impossible
* Elevator response and pitch rate very slow at low-medium speeds
* Outboard wing 20 mm cannon loaded with 140 round belts, while inboard/wing root mounted cannon fed from 250 round belts
* Manoeuvrability at speeds below 350 km/h
* Generally outclassed by other Fw 190 when engaging in turn fights
* Mediocre climb rate for its battle rating and as Fw 190's go
* Slow turn rate, can even be outturned by a B-25

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

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|vtCKzvbLfNg|'''The Shooting Range #18''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:03 discusses the Fw 190A.}}

== See also ==


* [[Fw 190 A-8 (USA)]], the premium American version.
* [[NC.900]], the gift French version.

== 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 Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany fighters}}

Fw 190 A-8

2020-09-03T20:17:02Z

U69590971: /* Usage in battles */ Added notes about preferable combat altitudes and hint about using flaps in a dive.

{{Specs-Card|code=fw-190a-8}}
{{About
| about = German fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Fw 190 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

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

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,500 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
|-
| 622 || 601 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.3 || 10.2 || 10.2 || 450
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,500 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
|-
| 687 || 652 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.4 || 22.8 || 19.5 || 14.1 || 450
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flaps
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || 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|body}}||{{Specs|destruction|gear}}|| 900 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 420 || < 240 || < 550 || > 280
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 700 m || 1,498 hp || 1,874 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,300 m || 1,301 hp || 1,628 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 6 mm Steel - Fore cowl ring
* 10 mm Steel - Cowl ring
* 6 mm Steel - Under engine armour
* 8 mm Steel - Under cockpit/fuel tank armour plate
* 5 mm Steel - Rear fuel tank armour
* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat armour
* 6 mm Steel - Pilot's seat armour
* 12 mm Steel - Headrest armour
* 57 mm Bulletproof glass

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

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

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

* 4 x 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons, wing-mounted (140 rpg outer + 250 rpg inner = 780 total)
* 2 x 13 mm MG 131 machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|Wfr.Gr.21}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x Wfr.Gr.21 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

The Fw 190 A-8 possesses far below average speed, acceleration, and climb ability for its rank. It does, however, have great high-speed control and a wicked armament that will shred any fighter almost instantly. It is recommended that you climb to the side and let your teammates engage first so you can put your excellent BnZ ability to work. You should climb to either 3000 meters altitude or 5000 meters and wait for friendlies to engage enemy aircraft first. Don't forget to use your flaps in a dive as the A-8 gains a massive amount of speed in a dive, generally resulting in overshooting the target if he is distracted with a dogfight. Don't worry about your flaps breaking as they can survive speeds up to 900 km/h, far faster than you're ever going to go in combat.

If you spot a bandit co-alt, a head-on attack followed by an evasive manoeuvre and then extending away to repeat the process is a recommended tactic. If a bandit has superior energy and is pressing an attack against you, try to drag them to friendlies, but don't sacrifice too much energy to do so. If you are skilled enough, another tactic would be to initiate a scissors manoeuvre; either rolling or flat, and then break away when he goes to yo-yo to control his overshoot. The scissors is a highly effective manoeuvre in the 190 A-8. If you are ballsy enough to press for a gun solution when scissoring an enemy, you could be greatly rewarded. In summary, climb to the side, BnZ like a champ, never get in a sustained turn fight, and use your rate of roll to free yourself when cornered.

The Fw 190 A-8 sits at a high battle rating, close to the [[Spitfire LF Mk IX]] and [[La-7B-20]], both of which are vastly superior planes overall. It frequently faces [[Tempest (Family)|Tempests]], [[Fw 190 A-5]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109 G variants]], [[Spitfire (Family)|Griffon Spitfires]] and [[F4U-1C]]'s. Unfortunately, the A-8 is by and large worse than all of these planes, but it still possesses some unique advantages and if piloted correctly is going to give anyone trouble. However, these advantages are quite predictable and easily countered by an attentive opponent.

=== 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 controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 2 gears || 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
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
| R6 modification
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing roll rate, as to be expected of the Fw 190 line
* Great energy retention
* Gets an interceptor airspawn
* Massive pool of cannon ammunition
* Well armoured frontal profile
* Powerful MG 151/20 with access to '''''Minengeschoß''''' dense belts
* MG FF/M's found on previous Fw 190 variants replaced with MG 151/20

'''Cons:'''

* Poor pitch/turn rate without combat flap angle makes dog fighting very risky, but not impossible
* Elevator response and pitch rate very slow at low-medium speeds
* Outboard wing 20 mm cannon loaded with 140 round belts, while inboard/wing root mounted cannon fed from 250 round belts
* Manoeuvrability at speeds below 350 km/h
* Generally outclassed by other Fw 190 when engaging in turn fights
* Mediocre climb rate for its battle rating and as Fw 190's go
* Slow turn rate, can even be outturned by a B-25

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

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|vtCKzvbLfNg|'''The Shooting Range #18''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:03 discusses the Fw 190A.}}

== See also ==


* [[Fw 190 A-8 (USA)]], the premium American version.
* [[NC.900]], the gift French version.

== 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 Focke-Wulf}}
{{Germany fighters}}