War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

User:U70979825

2024-11-11T17:05:59Z

U70979825: Created page with "mildly autistic aviation nerd"

mildly autistic aviation nerd

F3H-2

2024-11-11T17:02:55Z

U70979825: F3H-2 page has overhated the plane to hell, it is a very functional dogfighter at 9.0 and ive changed the usage in battles and pros and cons and erased a solid chunk of the (unwarranted) hate before it being downtiered

{{Specs-Card
|code=f3h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f3h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The F3H-2 Demon was a big improvement over the F3H-1N. Significant issues with the Westinghouse J40 almost killed the Demon project. As the J40 was being remedied, McDonnell inquired to the Navy about a new powerplant in case the J40 was deemed too far gone. After authorization, McDonnell chose the Allison J71 engine which was a vast improvement over the previous J40. Unlike previous versions of the Demon, the F3H-2 could launch the more advanced AIM-7C Sparrow. It could also carry AIM-9B Sidewinders and up to 6,000 lbs of ordnance. Although the F3H-2 was deemed somewhat favorable by its crews, newer and more advanced aircraft like the F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom numbered the Demon’s days. Finally, in 1964, the last naval squadron using Demons, VF-161, switched them out for the new Phantoms.

Introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a decent single-engine fighter. Although the engine issue was largely solved, the Demon was still quite heavy and underpowered. In-game players should not stick to lengthy dogfights due to the Demon’s weak energy retention and energy loss. With excess energy, the Demon can turn quite well however it’s only for a few turns before it becomes slow and an easy target. The AIM-7C Sparrows are very ineffective due to the weak motor, guidance delay time, and overall lacklustre performance. Players should opt for the AIM-9B Sidewinder instead of the AIM-7Cs. Overall, the F3H-2 Demon is a capable aircraft with some quirks that can be mitigated.

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

On first glance the jet may look big and slow (and in many situations it is), but in comparison to the previous American naval aircraft it is an improvement.

You are no longer confined to the slow acceleration, slower turns of the F9F series, but instead are capable of going tip of the spear with full afterburner and charging the enemy, in the event your allies don't have supersonic aircraft. Note that the leading edge slats can be controlled manually by engaged combat flaps (pressing F by default for flaps) which takes your elevator control to a next level at low speeds.

When flying this jet against contemporaries you can really stretch your legs with different tactics, but are the safest in playing as a Close Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft. While you have average ordnance for ground attack, the Demon is much more oriented for using its radar guided missiles for an unparalleled air-to-air advantage.

Important things to remember:

* While you may be able to turn fight a MiG for a short period of time, it's important to employ vertical and hi yo-yo manoeuvres as at low speed your aircraft will feel very brick-like. This can be semi-negated by using the combat flaps to extend your leading edge slats.
* The aircraft is very fuel-hungry when using afterburner which drastically increases flight acceleration and overall performance so it is recommended to bring around 20-30 minutes of fuel.
* On take-off there is a tail strike guard, but the elevator may tap the ground if you're not using a full "stick back" takeoff.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,149 || 1,141 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.6 || 30.6 || 58.0 || 53.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,177 || 1,163 || 26.6 || 28.0 || 87.5 || 72.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 833 || 786 || 370 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 810 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Allison J71-A-2 || 1
| colspan="3" | 9,965 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel
|-
| 2,180 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 11,296 kg || 11,465 kg || 12,216 kg || 13,341 kg || 14,405 kg || 18,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 59m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,590 kgf || 6,334 kgf
| 0.56 || 0.55 || 0.52 || 0.47 || 0.44 || 0.35
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,774 kgf (1,200 km/h) || 8,169 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 0.72 || 0.71 || 0.67 || 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.45
|-
|}

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


* No armour protection
* Large aircraft compared to [[F-86 (Family)|Sabres]] and MiGs
* The engine is quite large resulting in grazing bullets probably hitting your engine
* The wings are more than capable of taking high G forces so there is no need to worry about high speed turns
* Fuel tanks are located throughout the belly and shoulders of the wings so there is the chance of fires being started

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

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

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total).

These guns have good muzzle velocity, good rate of fire and deal decent damage. Combined with their large ammo pool, they are effective offensive armament. The only real downside is the very poor accuracy without the "New 20 mm cannons" modification, making longer range shots problematic despite the good velocity.

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8
| rowspan="12" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[AN-M57 (250 lb)|250 lb AN-M57]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[M118 (3,000 lb)|3,000 lb M118]] bombs
| || || || || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 7, 19 || 7 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7, 19 || 7 || 7, 19
|-
! [[AIM-7C Sparrow]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1
|-
| colspan="9" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,850 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7C Sparrow missiles
* 56 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 1 x 3,000 lb M118 bomb (3,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


Unfortunately for the F3H-2, its BR means that almost every battle will be an uphill battle: nearly every aircraft at this BR can match or surpass its performance (many being supersonic), or radar warning receivers that nullify any surprise to using the Sparrow missiles, or most significantly, countermeasures, meaning that F3H-2 pilots will have to resort to catching enemies off guard, side-climbing and picking lone aircraft off, or get lucky in the classic head-on with your (excellent) cannons. You can attempt to play as a CAS aircraft and hope you aren't shot down, but this can yield varying results due to its mediocre ground armament. The [[AIM-7C Sparrow]] is extremely difficult to use near sea level due to the early radar employed by the aircraft, but can be useful at hunting high-flying enemies (much the same way the [[R-3R]] is used) In the event you find yourself on the defensive in a dogfight, the most you can do is slow down and constantly maneuver on the deck, making them overshoot while still trying to keep speed over 650kph, and to help defeat AAMs. Note that this strategy is almost always suicide against VTOL aircraft like the [[Yak-38 (Family)|Yak-38]] or Harrier variants (as they will easily out maneuver you at low speeds if they haven't already fired their AAMs).

To truly use this aircraft's potential you must be lucky enough to be downtiered in an Air Realistic battle, optionally, where one has the AIM-7C unlocked. Here it is recommended to start a match with a fuel load of 20 minutes, gaining speed of around 950 km/h, and putting the plane at a 15 to 20 degree climb. The amount of climb is entirely dependent on the pilots playstyle, as more aggressive players will enjoy a lower altitude. AIM-7C sparrows are best used at the beginning of the battle, on enemies that are climbing. It may be best to use the radar in ACM mode to get better chances of locking onto targets for the AIM-7C. As most planes around this BR do not have Radar Warning Receivers, if the target did not notice the Sparrow launch, it's likely to get hit by it. If it did notice the missile, it won't have a very hard time dodging it, as the AIM-7C has a considerably weaker performance compared to the AIM-7D/E (worse seeker angles, much weaker rocket engine combined with the slower speed of the F3H-2 leading to much shorter range, worse proximity fuse etc.). Since the F3H has a high manoeuvrability, it is recommended to go after lower-ranked vehicles, like the F-86A, MiG-15, and the Hunter F.1. If the F3H gets into a uncomfortable situation against these planes, it can simply dive away to avoid getting caught. Getting used to the four 20 mm cannons will also assist, as their damage is high, allowing for swift attacks in intercepting manoeuvres.

The F3H-2, while not an easy aircraft is a force to be reckoned with in the hands of a skilled pilot as despite its apparent inferiority to its contemporaries you have the ability to simply outdo other aircraft, with excellent cannons (high rate of fire, ammunition pool, belts, accuracy & ballistics), up to 4 AIM-9Bs, and unmatched turn performance, playing cautiously, keeping your speed high and intercepting lone aircraft can rack up a significant amount of kills, additionally the use of belly-mounted [[FFAR Mighty Mouse|rockets]] as makeshift flares is an option at the cost of a minor performance hit, completely ignoring the radar missiles is an option as your IR missiles can be extremely potent against slow enemies between 0.8 km and 2.0km, the aircraft is not hopeless against its enemies and can very feasibly achieve multiple kills in a single sortie when you utilize its strengths, learning enemy aircraft at the BR is absolutely necessary as the F3H-2 can in some way outplay (nearly) every aircraft it faces if you know their weaknesses and how to exploit them.

In ground battles, it can enjoy some leeway against defenseless helicopters. However, straying too close to the battlefield puts you at risk of the quite capable SAM/AAA systems at this BR, especially if one is uptiered where radar guided SAMs become a common issue. Although if you're lucky enough to have arrived at a battlefield with no deployed AA, the 3,000 lb bomb or large amount of FFARs can be useful in the AT role. Overall, the issues described in the above paragraphs make the F3H-2 a poor choice to bring in as a CAS aircraft (with much better options being available from both: previous BRs and its BR).

===Radars===

The F3H-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-51 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft and can be used to guide the AIM-7C.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-51 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 370,000 m (theoretical) || 46,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-51 - Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
|-
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Can carry maximum of four radar guided AIM-7C missiles, quite the advantage when downtiered to face aircraft with no RWR
* Wide variety of payloads for versatile playstyle
** Can equip both Sidewinders and Sparrows for variety in attacking enemy aircraft
** Can equip both a pair of missiles or ground attack ordnance for dual-purpose role
* Very good maneuverability compared to contemporary aircraft
* Good cockpit visibility and radar position
* Despite being a large aircraft, this plane can pull high AOA maneuvers with combat flaps
* Excellent cannons

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of both ballistic computer and guided air-to-ground weaponry make it a highly questionable CAS option despite having a wide variety of payload options
* AIM-7C missiles are unreliable, nearly unusable close to the ground
* Average acceleration
* Bad energy retention
* Rarely reaches its top speed
* Is a relatively large target
* Has no countermeasures (no Flares/chaff or RWR)
* Is subsonic while it commonly faces supersonic aircraft

== History ==

The McDonnell F3H Demon was the product of a new swept-wing naval fighter to compete with the F4D Skyray. The aircraft was McDonell's first swept-wing fighter, and also one of the first American fighters to be armed with air-to-air missiles. Originally intended to fight MiG-15s over the Korean peninsula, the aircraft entered service too late to participate in that conflict but went on to become an important carrier-based fighter aircraft, serving until 1964. Along with the F11F Tiger and F8U Crusader, the aircraft was eventually replaced by the F-4 Phantom II - itself being an enlarged evolution of the Demon.

'''Design and development'''[[File:F3H Demon.jpg|thumb|The first F3H-1N aircraft in 1954.]]
The F3H Demon was a new swept-wing aircraft design built around the Westinghouse J40 engine, competing with the F4D Skyray. At that time, the Navy desperately needed a naval fighter to engage the swept-wing MiG-15s commonly encountered over the skies of Korea. As a result, the F3H-1N aircraft were ordered even before the test flight of the XF3H prototype. However, by that time, the Korean war was drawing to a close, meaning the aircraft would not see combat in the Korean theatre.

The aircraft was centred around the Westinghouse J40, an ambitious engine design intended to produce 50 kN of thrust. However, the engine was a failure, only producing half its required thrust. Even worse, the engine was unreliable and resulted in loss of eleven aircraft and four pilots out of the 35 F3H-1N aircraft. As a result the remaining 24 F3H-1N aircraft were permanently grounded, leading to a major fiasco. The J40 engine was cancelled in late 1955.

At that point, the aircraft required a new engine. It was subsequently redesigned around the Allison J71, a more powerful engine producing 64 kN of thrust with afterburner. This engine dramatically improved the aircraft's flying characteristics, though problems were still encountered with engine reliability and ejection seats. At this point, the redesigned aircraft became the F3H-2.

'''Operational history'''

Despite the remaining issues with the aircraft's airframe, the Navy ordered a total of 239 F3H-2 Demons. These aircraft began entering service in March 1956, and additional Demons were delivered until the end of production in late 1959. By that point, a total of 519 aircraft of various variants had been built. The aircraft gained praise from pilots for being a reliable aircraft, and relatively easy to take-off and land from carrier decks. The aircraft was also the first naval fighter to be fitted with a radar, giving it some night-fighter capabilities. The aircraft was capable of carrying the AIM-9B Sidewinder, and later F3H-2M variants introduced the first AIM-7 Sparrows.

Despite the aircraft's strong capabilities, it was still limited by fundamental issues with the aircraft's performance. The J71, though powerful, did not give the aircraft sufficient performance. As a result, the plane was limited to subsonic speeds, and had inferior acceleration to many of its Air Force counterparts. Despite that, the aircraft still served as the primary carrier-based fighter on American aircraft carriers, complemented by the F11F and F8U daylight dogfighters. During service, the aircraft was frequently nicknamed "The Chair" due to its excellent cockpit visibility, as well as "Lead sled" due to its lacking engine power. Pilots of the F3H were called "Demon Drivers" while ground personnel were nicknamed "Demon Doctors".

The F3H Demon started to get replaced by the larger and faster F4H (F-4) Phantom II beginning from 1961. The Phantom itself began as an advanced development of the Demon, known as the "Super Demon". The larger and faster Phantom went on to enjoy a long and distinguished service life serving with the air forces of many countries. The last Demon squadron, VF-161 "Chargers", flew their Demons until late 1964 when they traded them for the newer Phantom. Though the aircraft saw some action over the skies of the South China Sea, the aircraft never engaged in actual combat. Three F3H airframes remain intact today, held at various museums.

=== [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the F3H began in 1949, with the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation starting work on developing a successor to their F2H Banshee. Although the initial design work was heavily based on the Banshee, the final design of the F3H would depart from its predecessor by most notably offering a single engine configuration and introducing a swept-wing design - a first for McDonnell.

With the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s and the Navy's first encounters with the Soviet MiG-15, the Navy found itself realizing that they lacked an aircraft which could match the MiG's performance. As a result, the F3H was hastily ordered into production before even the first test flights were held. In fact, the F3H would undertake its maiden flight in August 1951, but it would take several more years until the aircraft was fit for service, by which time the Korean War had already ended.

The F3H Demon entered service with the USN in March 1956, by which time it had already gained an unfavorable reputation, mainly due to issues concerning its underpowered and unreliable Westinghouse J40 turbojet engine. As a result, the aircraft had to be redesigned in order to accept a more reliable alternative - namely, the Allison J71.

Due to its various problems, the F3H had a relatively short service life with the USN, being decommissioned by 1964 and succeeded by the much more successful F-4 Phantom II. Despite this, well over 500 units of the F3H Demon were built, taking part in some conflicts during the late '50s, such as the Lebanon Crisis in 1958. In addition, it was one of the first U.S. aircraft to be fitted with missile armament.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f3h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
File:F3H-2 Demon WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kmLZDtH7FpU|'''The Shooting Range #208''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:52 discusses the F3H-2 Demon.}}

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6708-development-f3h-2-demon-linking-eras-en|[Devblog] F3H-2 Demon: Linking Eras]]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

A-4B

2024-11-11T16:38:24Z

U70979825: /* Pros and cons */ Added how awful the A4's energy retention is

{{About
| about = American strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = A-4 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a_4b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The A-4B was a compact and lightweight attack aircraft designed by Ed Heinemann of Douglas Aircraft Company in response to the U.S. Navy's need for a cost-effective and agile attacker. It was a successful solution for the Navy, offering simplicity, low weight, and ease of maintenance. Despite its small size, the A-4 was a capable aircraft, equipped with two 20mm autocannons and various hardpoints for missiles, rockets, and bombs. It played a significant role in the Vietnam War as the primary light bomber for the Navy. With over 540 A-4Bs manufactured, it featured upgrades like improved navigation equipment and the AGM-12 Bullpup missiles. The A-4 remained in service for over 20 years and continues to be operational in some countries like Brazil and Argentina even after six decades since its inception

It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]]. The {{PAGENAME}} is an excellent aircraft for pilots who like to perform multiple roles without having to switch up aircraft. Possessing options to carry up to 5,000 lbs in bombs, 133 unguided rockets or five 20 mm autocannons with a total of 2,350 rounds of ammunition in what is effectively a "hot rod" of the jet world allows pilots to maximize their playstyle. Though the manoeuvrability suffers when fully loaded, this jet attacker operates well at mid and lower altitudes, especially when unloading bombs and rockets on ground-based targets

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


The A-4B is a carrier-based light attack aircraft. Its powerplant is the Wright J65-W-16A engine that can produce up to 3,200 kgf of thrust giving it good thrust to weight ratio. At sea level it can reach up to 1063 km/h, that puts it on par with the planes like a MiG-15 and M.D.452, while other planes like a G.91 or Swift F.1 are faster by up to 20 km/h. Its structural speed is over 100 km/h higher, however it does not remain controllable near that speed anymore.
Its climb rate is decent, getting to 6,000 m will take about 3 minutes, slightly worse than the F-86F-25 and other dedicated interceptors, for example the MiG-15. The plane accelerates very well, the thrust to weight ratio is 0.47 with full fuel tanks and can be increased to 0.59 after loading 20 minutes of fuel, that means it can outaccelerate a F-86F or F9F-8 at low and medium speed. The engine does not overheat so fast: it can operate for 30 minutes on maximum power and up to one hour at 96%.

The A-4B has a low mounted delta wing with slats, it gives the plane decent manoeuvrability and allows it to fly at higher angle of attack than the other planes like the Sabre series, MiG-15 or British Supermarine Swift F.1. Since its wing loading is not so high, its turn rate at low speed is mediocre and it is easy to pull the A-4B too much, make it reach a very high angle of attack and then bleed lots of speed.
In the higher speed range, from medium to high it can give a hard time to many jet fighters including the MiG-17, or G.91 thanks to its very good instantaneous turn rate. However its sustained turn rate compared to these planes is worse, any longer fight will decrease the chance of winning the fight. When turning too tight at high speed there is a risk of breaking a wing, their G limit is very low, with full fuel tanks it can pull up to 8G. The pitch authority is good up to ~1000 km/h, then after that the high speed compression is starting to get noticeable.
The rolling performance is excellent, at 300 km/h IAS it gets close to 200°/s, then increases to almost 300°/s at 500 km/h IAS and reaches 230°/s at 900 km/h, the only planes that can rival it is the Sabre or G.91.
Its airbrake has very similar effectiveness to the one used by the Sabre, so can significantly reduce the speed after being deployed. The flaps can be used up too 600 km/h in the combat position, but cannot be extended above 390 km/h due to a mechanism that blocks them above that speed and makes them extend automatically below it (after setting them to combat or lower positions), however after extending them they will not retract automatically.

In simulator battles it can be a challenging plane to fly due to low G limits, its stall characteristics also might cause a few issues, especially with extended flaps, the speed will keep dropping and it will start rolling to one side after reaching critical angle of attack. Another problem can be its energy retention, it is very easy to pull it too much and unintentionally lose lots of speed.
The plane will need up 8% of positive pitch trimming to keep it in level flight at 900 km/h and lower.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,050 || 1,040 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.7 || 39.0 || 30.8 || 28.3 || rowspan="2" | 900
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,079 || 1,065 || 36.5 || 37.0 || 54.1 || 42.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 592 || 562 || 410 || ~8 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 700 || < 870 || 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, no boosters)
|-
| colspan="2" | Wright J65-W-16A || 1
| colspan="2" | 4,540 kg || colspan="3" | 290 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no boosters) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel
|-
| 1,270 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,280 kg || 5,620 kg || 6,160 kg || 7,008 kg || 10,206 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 (100%, no boosters)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,178 kgf || N/A
| 0.60 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.45 || 0.31
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,213 kgf (200 km/h) || N/A
| 0.61 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.46 || 0.31
|-
|}

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


The {{PAGENAME}}, designed to be a light-weight attack aircraft was half the weight of the Navy's design spec requirements. This initial weight savings meant that the plane did not have to skimp on pilot protection. Since the primary role of the aircraft is as an attacker, the pilot protection from the front and the underside is critical. From the front, the windshield portion of the canopy contains 50 mm bulletproof glass. Protective armour from the ground or naval based targets comes in the form of a 2.54 mm steel "tub" which the pilot's seat is situated in. The protective shield surrounds the pilot on all four sides (front, back, left and right) and makes up for most of the floor panelling, leaving room for the controls to go through. While the pilot is not invulnerable, the armour will provide a buffer for lighter calibre fire or shrapnel effects from missiles. The pilot does remain vulnerable to fighter aircraft approaching from above the cockpit.

There are three fuel tanks in the aircraft of which the two in the wings are non-self-sealing and pose a fire hazard if they catch on fire, however, the fuel tank situation directly behind the pilot is self-sealing.

* 50 mm bulletproof glass
* 2.54 mm Steel-plated "tub"
* Self-sealing fuel tank behind the pilot
* Non-self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings

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

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

{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 0 cannons, wing-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="15%" | 1 !! width="15%" | 2 !! width="15%" | 3
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[Mk 11 mod 5 (20 mm)|20 mm Mk 11 mod 5]] cannons (750 rpg)
| 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| 6 || 6 || 6
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| 6 || 6 || 6
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| 3 || 3 || 3
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| 3 || 3 || 3
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
| 1 || 3 || 1
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || 1 ||
|-
! [[Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary]] bombs
| 2 || 3 || 2
|-
! [[Mk 79 Mod 1 incendiary]] bombs
| 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| 38 || 57 || 38
|-
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
| 8 || 12 || 8
|-
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1
|-
| colspan="4" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 2,710 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 1,800 kg
|-
|}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
* 133 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 28 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
* 3 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
* 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 9 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 18 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 9 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (4,500 lb total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 7 x Mk 77 mod 4 incendiary bombs
* 3 x Mk 79 Mod 1 incendiary bombs
* 3 x 20 mm Mk 11 mod 5 cannons (750 rpg = 2,250 total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:A-4B an trn 26 007.png|400px|thumb|right|An '''{{PAGENAME}}''' set up for air-to-air combat with its suspended centerline gunpod and AIM-9B Sidewinders.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} while designated by the U.S. Navy as an attacker can work as a multi-role aircraft. Though the variety of armament leans heavily to the attacker side, this aircraft also has a fighter side which can feel more like a hotrod compared to some of the other fighters out there such as the [[F-4C Phantom II|F-4]] coming in at 14-tonnes more massive.

;Attacker

[[File:A-4B an trn 26 004.png|400px|thumb|right|Zuni rockets streaking towards their target.]]
The Douglas Aircraft Company built the {{PAGENAME}} from the ground up to be a small, fast and effective as an attack aircraft. While conventional wisdom would dictate that a larger aircraft would be necessary to carry enough suspended ordnance into battle to be effective, the Skyhawk shatters that myth. With only three hardpoints to attach ordnance to, specialized racks can extend the number of suspended weapons which the aircraft can carry. For instance, if using this aircraft to take out a mobile vehicle or anti-aircraft artillery, strapping on 18 x 250 lb bombs provides an opportunity to hit targets which may spread out or to divide ordnance between different clusters of targets. When attacking more heavily armoured targets or bases, the {{PAGENAME}} can choose to load up on 5 x 1,000 lb bombs or a single 2,000 lb bomb which creates considerable damage against ground targets.

Though bombs do a considerable amount of damage where they land, they are not the end-all answer to ground attack. Unguided rockets provide another option to the attacker-role of the aircraft. This aircraft has the option of loading up on 133 FFAR Mighty Mouse or 28 Zuni unguided rockets. When the pilot selects to fire these rockets in salvo mode, they have effectively turned their rockets into a large calibre autocannon which will not overhead or jam and continue to fire off rockets until the rocket tubes deplete of their ordnance. A salvo of Mighty Mouse rockets can also be extremely effective against aircraft or helicopters which may have a hard time getting out of the way when fired at from shorter distances. On domination maps, a salvo of rockets can make quick work of aircraft attempting to capture a runway. Bullpup rockets are another option; however, with only three loaded at a time, it is essential to be selective with the targets. To help with stabilizing the {{PAGENAME}} in a dive and while lining up targets, fuselage-mounted airbrakes can assist in preventing speed build up and stabilize the aircraft, however, once exiting an attack point, it is important to retract the airbrakes to allow for the aircraft to gain speed.
[[File:A-4B an trn 26 003.png|400px|thumb|right|The 133 FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets effectively turns into a 70 mm autocannon which will not jam or overheat when fired as a salvo.]]

;Fighter

Typically the {{PAGENAME}} was not used as a fighter; however, it carried armament which allowed it to defend itself or take on targets of opportunity. Always at its disposal is two 20 mm autocannons each with 100 rounds, however, these won't last too long in an extended engagement. Other options which allow the aircraft to flex its offensive muscles include AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles or suspended 20 mm gun pods. The AIM-9B provides the Skyhawk with a bit more reach allowing it to hit aircraft which may be faster or out of range of the guns. Typically, when launched from less than a mile away, the missile does not track to the target and instead fly off. For those pilots who enjoy fighting with aircraft guns, then the option to attach gun pods may be the way to go. Whether it is a single centerline gun pod or the addition of two more on each of the wing pylons, each suspended gun pod each contain 750 rounds of 20 mm ammunition.

Due to the diversity of weapons options afforded to the {{PAGENAME}} and their various configurations, pilots can customize their payloads to meet both their playstyle and missions. For those who want to unload the maximum damage against ground targets can choose solely to load up on bombs or rockets, while those opting for air-to-air can choose missiles and guns. Some pilots may want to take a smaller ground-attack load while affording some air-to-air protection with missiles. There is no right or wrong selection; it all depends on the fighting style of the pilot.

For engagements with fighters the Skyhawk can utilize its superior maneuverability to make other aircraft overshoot, beware of losing your speed as the delta wings of the aircraft give it abysmal energy retention, use flaps sparingly as they will bleed even more speed, any armament will exacerbate the issue further, extended dogfights are highly cautioned against but in shorter engagements a skilled pilot can dominate the larger and heavier aircraft at its battle rating.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Small aircraft profile
* Wide variety armament options for air-to-ground, air-to-air or a mix of both
* Pilot protection with cockpit armor and bullet-proof windscreen
* Very maneuverable with minimal suspended ordnance (or after ordnance has been expended)
* 20 mm autocannons mounted in the wing roots, convergence adjustment may come into play for extreme distance shots
* Can research Bullpup AGMs as a rank I modification.

'''Cons:'''

* Air-to-ground ordnance mounted under the wings negatively affect roll rate
* Fully loaded with ordnance heavily impacts flight performance
* Average speed, can reach Mach 1 in an extended dive
* High stall speed
* Limited ammo for wing-root mounted 20 mm autocannons
* No CCIP of any type, no CCRP for bombs
* Abysmal energy retention

== History ==

[[File:A-4B an trn 26 002.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
At a time when military aircraft were becoming more substantial in size to hold larger engines, more weapons, essential fuel and new technology, Douglas Aircraft's concept of the A-4 Skyhawk seemed counter-intuitive. The A-1 Skyraider, while a potent aircraft was starting to age out of the service as faster jets began to supplant the propeller-driven attacker. In the early 1950s, the U.S. Navy began its search for the next generation attacker and put out a requirement for an attacker with a maximum cost of $1 million and a maximum empty weight of 20,000 lbs (9,071 kg) and could carry enough ammunition to at least compete with the older but beefy A-1.

Ed Heinemann, a designer at Douglas Aircraft Company, responded with the XA4D-1 attack aircraft. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Heinemann's design focused on an attack aircraft which would be minimal in size and weight along with being a simple aircraft to maintain. Douglas Aircraft succeeded in winning the contract and what became known by nicknames such as "Scooter" or "Bantam Bomber", the XA4D-1 (later changed to A-4) was a winning solution to the Navy's needs. The resulting attack aircraft came in at just over $850,000 each while weighing half of what was the Navy's original specification, owing to weight savings with the wings, being as short as they were, there was no need for them to fold to save space while stowed on an aircraft carrier. "Scooter" was an appropriate nickname for the A-4 as its original prototype set a world speed record in 1955 with a speed of 695.163 mph (1,118.756 km/h).

The A-4 though small in size, did not differ much in design from other military aircraft of the day. The wing was a low-mounted delta shape which had single forge spars which spanned to both wingtips for extra strength. Tricycle configuration for the landing gear allowed the nose to remain relatively low for excellent pilot visibility mainly when operating on the deck of an aircraft carrier. A single turbo-jet engine mounted at the rear of the aircraft was fed by two air intakes located just behind the cockpit on each side of the fuselage. Offensive weapons for this aircraft consisted of two 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 autocannons, each one located in a wing root. Only 100 rounds are available for each gun. Still, a single fuselage centerline hardpoint and a hardpoint under each wing allow for utilisation of a wide variety of missiles, rockets, bombs and gun pods.

At the start of the Vietnam War, the A-4 Skyhawk was the primary light bomber for the Navy. A total of 542 A-4Bs were built and delivered to the Navy. Upgrades over the A-4A consisted of improved navigation equipment and flight control systems. AGM-12 Bullpup missiles were also a new weapon for this aircraft. The Skyhawk also utilised the AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles; however, these were mostly used as a defensive weapon and rarely for offensive purposes.

The A-4 is a rugged little attack aircraft which remained in service with both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for over 20 years before being retired. However, more than sixty years after initial operations began, some variants of the Skyhawk remain in service to this day with the Brazilian Navy and Argentine Air Force.

=== [[wt:en/news/6597-development-douglas-a-4b-skyhawk-a-story-of-simplicity-en|Devblog]] ===
Development of the A-4 Skyhawk began in the early 1950s, after the U.S. Navy issued a set of specifications for a potential successor to the AD Skyraider. Douglas, being the manufacturer of the proven Skyraider, received the order to come up with a new jet-powered replacement, also capable of carrying nuclear ordnance.

Taking up the task, Douglas developed the requested replacement within 2 years of the order coming in, and by doing so, developed an aircraft that was well under the allocated budget for the project and went well above the minimum requirements set out by specifications. The first prototype of the Skyhawk took to the skies in June 1954.

Highly impressed by the aircraft's capabilities, relative simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the U.S. Navy officials didn't wait long to sign the first production orders. As a result, the first A-4 Skyhawk production models rolled off the assembly lines in 1956 and entered official service with the U.S. Navy and USMC.

Already by the time the first production units were being completed, Douglas finished work on an improved variant of the Skyhawk - the A-4B. Among other changes and improvements, the B model of the Skyhawk allowed the aircraft to carry more sophisticated weapon systems, such as the AIM-9B Sidewinder AAMs as well as the AGM-12 Bullpup missiles.

In total, close to 3,000 A-4 Skyhawks were produced, participating in numerous conflicts, such as the Lebanese Crisis of 1958, the Vietnam War during the 1960s as well as in the Falklands War in 1982 under Argentine colors. The Skyhawks served for nearly five decades before being retired from U.S. service in the late 1990s and early 2000s, although the A-4 is still in limited use, being used as a mock aircraft, mimicking the MiG-17, for example.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_4b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 005.jpg
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 006.jpg
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 007.jpg
File:A-4B WTWallpaper 008.jpg
File:A-4B an trn 26 001.png
File:A-4B an trn 26 005.png
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|lIgoj8bT0H4|'''The Shooting Range #196''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:33 discusses the A-4B.|2-a9gkeZNc0|'''Maximum Rush /// A-4B Skyhawk''' - ''DEFYN''}}

== See also ==


* [[A2D-1]]
* [[FJ-4B]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6597-development-douglas-a-4b-skyhawk-a-story-of-simplicity-en|[Devblog] Douglas A-4B Skyhawk: A Story of Simplicity]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/479187-a-4b-a4d-2-skyhawk/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [[wikipedia:Douglas_A-4_Skyhawk|[Wikipedia] Douglas A-4 Skyhawk]]

{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

AGM-12C Bullpup

2024-10-25T00:40:56Z

U70979825: Added some info, corrected some stuff, might add more later on

{{About
| about = air-to-ground missile '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = AGM-12B Bullpup
}}
== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AGM-12C Bullpup.png|thumb|left|420px|The AGM-12C Bullpup missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American manually-guided air-to-ground missile. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].

The AGM-12C entered service with the USAF in 1965, by Lockheed Martin. The warhead was semi-armour piercing and weighed 810kg. The motor generated 33,000 pounds of thrust or 147 Kn, to produce a range of 16 km. The total amount produced was around 4,600 for the C variant.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===
[[A-4E Early|A-4E]], [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]], [[F-105D]]
* {{Specs-Link|a_4e_early}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4c}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-4e}}
* {{Specs-Link|f-105d}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 810 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || Manual (MCLOS)
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 445 m/s
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 30 secs
|-
| '''Firing range''' || 16 km
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 136.5 kg TNTeq
|-
| '''Armour penetration''' || 83 mm
|-
| '''Warhead type''' || HE
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Massive damage against ground targets, some splash damage, nearly guaranteed kill with a direct hit''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of missiles that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''The AGM-12C is an effective and useful missile in the hands of a skilled pilot, ideally wielded against armored ground targets, attacking from altitude with a steep incline makes aiming the weapon easier, beware of its severe impact on flight performance, especially on lighter aircraft such as the [[A-4 (Family)|A-4 series]]'', fire from 3-5km.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High explosive mass
* Excellent armour-piercing capabilities
* 16 km maximum range

'''Cons:'''

* Slow speed and acceleration
* Command-guidance control
* Significant overall weight

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

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[AGM-12B Bullpup]]

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

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

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

F2H-2

2024-10-24T19:01:28Z

U70979825: was outdated, current air targets belts have 3/4 high explosives, making the upgrade useful

{{Specs-Card
|code=f2h-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f2h-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The Banshee first started life as the XFD-1 Phantom (not to be confused with the [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantom II]]) in the very late stages of World War 2. It was intended to be used during the planned invasion of Japan in 1946. A decent number of Phantoms were built, but they were quickly out of service when the far improved XF2D-1 Banshee was designed. It was more powerful and had more range thanks to its better engines and larger airframe. The F2H-2 Banshee was the second production variant of the Banshee. It had provisions for more fuel tanks and better engines than the F2H-1. The Westinghouse J34-WE-34 engine provided an 8% increase in thrust and allowed for more pylons to be added to the airframe. This would also be the most produced variant, with over 300 being built.

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.45 "Steel Generals"]]. The F2H-2 Banshee is a fantastic jet fighter with great overall speed and good manoeuvrability. The Banshee is a very stable platform at high speeds. With a structural speed limit of just under 1,000 km/h (621 mph), the Banshee can easily out-dive many early jet fighters. Furthermore, the Banshee comes armed with four chin-mounted 20 mm cannons, which are devastating to enemy aircraft with the air target belt. Overall, this jet is one of the best early US jets; its BR coupled with its very good performance make it a very pleasant aircraft to fly and grind the whole US air tree.

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


The F2H-2 Banshee is a carrier-based jet fighter aircraft. The plane is powered by the Westinghouse J34-WE-34 engine, the same that can be found in the F3D-1, although it is over 90 km/h faster than the former in level flight at sea level, it can reach 933 km/h. The Banshee is significantly faster than the F-80C and slower than jets from other nations, the Yak-30, M.D.452, J29 or export versions of the F-84G, also the structural speed which is 994 km/h is lower than their maximum level speed, so it can struggle with catching up to them.
Its level acceleration is decent, it varies a lot on the fuel amount since the plane carries a lot of it and when there is 30 minutes or less left it is very comparable to jets at similar battle rating, but any F-86 or MiG-15 version will easily outperform it. When it comes to climbing it can start struggling against any other planes, when the plane is fully loaded it is only 27 m/s and increases to ~37 m/s when there is only 20 minutes (30%) of fuel left.
The F2H can fly for around 30 minutes at 100% of power, then it can start to overheat. There is no time limit for flying at 94%.

The manoeuvrability is also decent: at low and medium speed it can give a hard time to jets with swept wings and some other like the F-84G, performing a full horizontal circle will take 25 seconds at 1000 m with full fuel tanks and around 20 seconds with 20 minutes of fuel. The flaps also can decrease the turn time by 20% but their drawback is their quite low speed limit. The plane will suffer from high speed compressibility near 1000 km/h IAS. Since it is a carrier-based jet, its stall speed is low: it varies from 185 to 205 km/h IAS, depending on the weight.
The positive and negative G limit for wings are very low, the plane can suffer from wing failure after reaching close to 9G with full loadout. When rolling, it can reach up to 100 degrees per second at 600 km/h IAS and it is mediocre below 300 km/h IAS, 50 degrees per second and lower. The Banshee has also access to airbrakes which can help during landing or in combat situations to slow down the plane.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 910 || 884 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.8 || 27.8 || 21.6 || 20.2 || rowspan="2" | 670
|-
! Upgraded
| 947 || 933 || 25.8 || 26.0 || 33.9 || 27.4
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || {{Annotation|325|Automatic flap retraction beyond this speed}} || {{Annotation|325|Automatic flap retraction beyond this speed}} || {{Annotation|325|Automatic flap retraction beyond this speed}} || ~8 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 620 || < 650 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Westinghouse J34-WE-34 || 2
| colspan="3" | 5,620 kg || colspan="3" | 335 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 60m fuel || 69m fuel
|-
| 600 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 6,674 kg || 7,178 kg || 7,980 kg || 8,689 kg || 9,142 kg || 11,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 60m fuel || 69m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,469 kgf || N/A
| 0.44 || 0.41 || 0.37 || 0.34 || 0.32 || 0.27
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,469 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.44 || 0.41 || 0.37 || 0.34 || 0.32 || 0.27
|-
|}

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

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

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

''Compressor'' and ''Engine'' are always useful upgrades and all acceleration unlocks are a top priority. Given the ''uniqueness'' of the AN/M3 armament ''New 20 mm cannons'' and ''[[G-Suit]]'' should be preferable tier 4 goals. The stock belts are better than any other type of ammo, due to more two times more HEFI-T inside of them, but for the improved cannons, they need to be researched, albeit that can wait past the G-Suit. To help with the manoeuvrability issues, boosters should be considered a priority as well.

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

{{main|M3 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[AN-M57 (250 lb)|250 lb AN-M57]] bombs
| || || || 1* || 1 || 1 || 1* || || ||
|-
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
| || || || || 1* || 1* || || || ||
|-
! [[HVAR]] rockets
| || 1 || 1 || 1* || 1 || 1 || 1* || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 200 gal drop tanks
| 1† || || || || || || || || || 1†
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 300 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * 500 lb bombs cannot be equipped with ordnance in the adjacent hardpoint † Drop tanks can only be equipped simultaneously.
|-
|}

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

* 2 x 200 gal drop tanks
* 8 x HVAR rockets
* 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The Banshee is first in the US naval jet lineup and possesses many characteristics that make it a fantastic start for jet players.

Some tips to use it effectively are:

*Staying at a high altitude (side-climbing)
*Avoiding/evading higher-flying prop and jet planes (Stay aware of your surroundings and watch for enemy fighters)
*Using Boom & Zoom or Hit & Run tactics

In AB, the F2H is actually quite mediocre. Its high BR makes it liable to be put with superior jets such as the Me-262 (which has unlimited fuel, as is characteristic of AB) or the F-86 Sabre.

AB will initially be frustrating as the un-upgraded Banshee is a very poor performer. Its cannons jam, it has a relatively poor climb rate, and acceleration is poor as well.

Once upgraded, however, the Banshee can be a very effective and useful plane.

The F2H-2 is most effectively used as an energy fighter. It has great energy retention, turns well, and accelerates quite well once fully researched. However, the stock Banshee is terrible compared to super-props such as the [[Tempest Mk II]], [[F8F-1B]], [[La-9]], and others. Therefore, it is recommended to climb at the beginning of a match to at least 4-6 km as the Banshee performs extremely well at these altitudes. However, keep in mind that evasion of superior planes such as the F8F-1B or the [[MiG-15]] is key. Once optimal altitude is reached, Boom & Zoom can be employed. The F2H has sluggish controls at speeds below 482 km/h (300 mph) so try to maintain above that speed in level flight. But when facing super-props, low-speed stability coupled with an airbrake makes the Banshee an extremely good prop-killer.

If you are unlucky, you will face the [[F-86A-5|F-86A]] and [[MiG-15]] in some battles, be sure to avoid them at all costs as they climb far better than the Banshee and have superior top speed.

Unfortunately, like most other jets, modifications take a long while to grind. Go for anything that increases the Banshee's climb rate. Use the Air Targets belts as they have the most HE shells (alongside Stealth), and research the ''New Cannons'' modification; It will markedly improve the terrible spread of the cannon.

The cockpit of the F2H-2 is fantastic- the bubble canopy provides good visibility to the front and back of the aircraft.

Even with good advantages as a starting jet fighter (if you went with the Naval Line of USA Fighters), it has some disadvantages going up against MiG-15's and MiG-17's. It can certainly outrun La-174's and La-15's with splendid ease, but it will never be able to outrun a MiG once it's on your tail. As for MiG-9's, they can't outrun the Banshee but can probably out-turn it if the MiG-9 pilot is properly trained and experienced.

It's best used as a support fighter in EVERY situation unless you are down-tiered and you are put against Ho-229's and Me-262's. In this case, you can become an aggressive fighter and easily score some kills. Although if you are put up against MiG-17's, MiG-15's and La-15's, best prepare yourself to side-climb and get behind your allies. Get some altitude and be patient to pursue MiG's that are either chasing Hunters or Sabres or an unfortunate bomber.

A good recommendation is that you should never go for [[IL-28|IL-28s]] alone. Other recommendations are that you should never take rockets or bombs unless you're in a squad and you bomb points together. It is NOT recommended either way. Another tip is to try holding your speed and use airbrakes when being tailed by a MiG.

=== Radars ===

The F2H-2 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing firepower (especially when spaded)
* Very good energy retention
* Good sustained turn rate
* Landing hook for carriers

'''Cons:'''

* Cannon jams quickly and are very inaccurate when stock
* Large turn radius
* Poor acceleration
* Poor instantaneous turn rate

== History ==

The twin-engine F2H Banshee was a follow up to McDonnell's successful FH-1 Phantom and was designed to become the Navy's next carrier-borne aircraft. The two aircraft appear very similar but the F2H was improved in several ways. Primary upgrades include larger airframe, heavier armament, and better power-plants. Nearly 800 Banshees were built for the Navy and Marine Corps during the early 1950s.

The Banshee saw use in Korea with the Navy and Marines escorting Air Force B-29s on bombing missions but would never encounter an enemy fighter throughout the whole war. As a fighter/bomber, the Banshee saw limited use, but the greatest role the F2H performed in the war was doing reconnaissance over hostile territory. A majority of the F2H's service took place in the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans but its appeal came from its ability to go unnoticed by enemy forces and would primarily serve recon or escort purposes. The Navy and Marine Corps would retire the Banshee from active service around the early 1960s and would replace it with aircraft such as the F9F Cougar, F3H Demon, and the F4D Skyray. In the 1950s several refurbished Banshees were purchased by the Canadian government where they saw limited service on the HMCS ''Bonaventure'' until the early 1960s when they were finally retired from military service.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f2h-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:FighterImage_Banshee2.jpg|The Banshee in flight with other identical aircraft.
File:FighterImage_Banshee1.jpg|F2H attacking swarm of Me 262s in test flight mode.
</gallery>

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/264956-mcdonnell-f2h-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer McDonnell}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Vampire F.B.5

2023-01-09T09:28:57Z

U70979825: /* Pros and cons */ originally: 'Weapon create significant recoil" should be "Weapons create significant recoil"

{{About
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| and
| usage = other versions
| link-1 = Vampire FB 52A
| link-2 = J28B
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=vampire_fb5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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

When using the Vampire, the first thing a pilot should know is that it is inferior in most aspects to its opposition, thus requiring constant vigilance and consciousness of weakness. The Vampire cannot reach the speeds a [[MiG-9 (l)]] or an [[F2H-2]] can, it cannot accelerate as well as many of its counterparts and it is appalling in a dive against most of its opponents. So, essentially, the "Vamp" cannot climb well, it can't catch many jets in a straight line and it can't out-accelerate much of its opposition. However, the Vampire has one impressive advantage against its jet-powered opponents: it can turn incredibly well. In fact, a good analogy to flying the Vampire is fighting jets in propeller aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,572 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
| 817 || 792 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.0 || 25.7 || 16.1 || 15.1 || rowspan="2" | 650
|-
! Upgraded
| 895 || 855 || 23.5 || 24.0 || 24.4 || 20.0
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} ||496||464|| 300 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 550 || < 600 || < 600 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | de Havilland Goblin II || 1
| colspan="2" | 3,385 kg || colspan="3" | 190 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 39m fuel
|-
| 705 kg || colspan="2" | Centrifugal-flow turbojet
| 3,734 kg || 4,014 kg || 4,325 kg || 4,605 kg || 5,606 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 (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 39m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 1,290 kgf || N/A
| 0.35 || 0.32 || 0.30 || 0.28 || 0.23
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 1,290 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.35 || 0.32 || 0.30 || 0.28 || 0.23
|-
|}

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


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot's head
* 3 mm Steel - Armour plate under the engine

The Vampire provides adequate protection to the pilot, as well as some armour under the engine. As with most jets, damage to the wings or fuselage greatly hampers flight performance, decreasing top speed and manoeuvrability. There are quite a few fuel tanks located in this plane's wings, so fuel fires may be common, especially when taking a high fuel loadout.

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

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

{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

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

{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 8 x RP-3 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

The Vampire is well-known for its ability to turn on a dime, but its incredible manoeuvrability also means that it has poor manoeuvring energy retention. Climbing is important for this plane, as is careful airspeed maintenance. When in a battle situation, it is advisable to always stay above 400 km/h; any slower, and the Vampire will greatly struggle to evade enemy fire.

If the Vampire is able to keep its energy, it becomes one of the best dogfighters at this rank. It can outturn nearly every other jet of its tier, and has a powerful engine to boot. Thanks to its great manoeuvrability, it is often quite easy to line up a shot against the enemy. One common tactic is to try luring the enemy into a turnfight. The Vampire will almost always come out on top. However, never commit to a dogfight if there are multiple enemies nearby. Turning will cause the Vampire's airspeed to fall dramatically, at which point enemies can easily swoop in and destroy it.

It is valuable to note that the Vampire has a low top speed for a jet, at only ~880 km/h. It also tends to compress as higher speeds. The Vampire may have difficulty in chasing down a faster enemy. Also note that firing the main cannon armament causes a downward recoil.

For attacking ground targets, the Vampire can be equipped with either bombs or rockets.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Powerful armament
* Great manoeuvrability
* Decent payload options
* Good cockpit visibility
* Good at gliding without engine power

'''Cons:'''

* Low top speed and acceleration
* Weapons create significant recoil
* Poor dive rate

== History ==


{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The de Havilland DH.100 Vampire was a single engine jet fighter which entered service with the RAF in 1946. Designed to Air Ministry specification F.6/41, the demand was for a fighter with a maximum speed in excess of 500 mph and a combat radius of at least 300 miles. The twin tail boom layout design allowed a short tailpipe from the powerplant, a de Havilland Goblin centrifugal turbojet. This limited the loss of thrust and reduced overall weight. Also of note in the design was the use of plywood and balsa wood in the construction of the cockpit section; de Havilland already had experience of using wood in the construction of high performance aircraft.

Preliminary flight testing in September 1943 proved to be a success, with modifications made to the rudder to reduce drag and increase stability. The third prototype aircraft was also fitted with the planned standard armament of four 20mm Hispano cannon. In May 1944 an order for 120 aircraft was placed, and the first production Vampire F.Mk.I made its maiden flight in April 1945; the Vampire briefly held the record as the fastest British jet fighter with a top speed of 540 mph. No.247 Squadron was the first unit to be equipped with the Vampire in March 1946, shortly followed by No.54 and No.72 Squadrons to form the first Vampire Wing at RAF Chilbolton. In 1948 Vampires were employed by the 2nd Tactical Air Force based in Germany. A specially modified Vampire again hit the record books when it achieved a world altitude record of 59,446 feet.

1948 also saw the first testing of the FB.Mk.5. This was initially a modified Vampire F.3 with a strengthened and clipped wing, increased armour and greater ground clearance for the carrying of external ordnance. This fighter-bomber variant of the Vampire was capable of carrying up to 2000 lbs of bombs or 60 lb rockets, and went on to equip 40 squadrons within the RAF as well as being the first RAF jets to operate in the Far East. The Vampire FB.Mk.5 was used operationally in ground attack missions against insurgents in Malaya until it was replaced by the Venom in 1953. The FB.Mk.5 was also used as the basis for the Royal Navy's Sea Vampire F.Mk.20 which, fitted with an arrestor hook, long travel landing gear and larger wing flaps, entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in June 1949. A popular export fighter, just under 3300 Vampires were built - many under license overseas.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=vampire_fb5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|rpvKhy22Erc|'''The Shooting Range #85''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 08:59 discusses the Vampire FB 5.|ghlDnZShfzE|'''Dogfights: Me 262 vs Vampire FB 5''' - ''Azi''}}

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

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

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/262866-de-havilland-vampire-fb5/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer deHavilland}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Vickers K (7.7 mm)

2023-01-09T08:31:17Z

U70979825: /* Description */ Added description to vickers k, linked notable aircraft that used it

== Description ==
The '''''Vickers K machine gun''''', known as the '''.303-inch''' in British service, was a rapid-firing machine gun developed and manufactured for use in aircraft by Vickers-Armstrongs. The high rate of fire was needed for the short period of time when the gunner would be able to fire at an attacking aircraft.

The Vickers K was a development of the Vickers-Berthier (VB) light machine gun, adopted in 1932 by the Indian Army. The VB locked its breech only at the last moment of forward travel and this enabled the development of the Vickers K also known as the "Vickers Gas Operated" (VGO) or "Vickers GO" . With lighter moving parts and the VB locking design, the Vickers K had an adjustable rate of fire between 950 and 1,200 rounds per minute. The weapon was adopted for British service as the VGO.

The Vickers K was fitted to light and medium bombers in RAF service such as the and the [[Hampden (Family)|Hampden]]. It was also used in gun turrets, such as the dorsal turret in the [[Blenheim Mk IV|Bristol Blenheim]], the [[Wellington (Family)|Wellington]], and on British built carrier (Torpedo Strike Reconnaissance) aircraft like the [[Swordfish Mk I|Fairey Swordfish]]

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===

This weapon is only mounted on defensive turrets in-game.

{{Navigation-Start|Vehicles equipped with this weapon}}

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Strike aircraft'''}}{{Specs-Link|beaufighter_mk6c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|beaufighter_mkx}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|beaufighter_mk21}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|wirraway}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Bombers'''}}{{Specs-Link|blenheim_mkiv}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|boston_mk_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|halifax_mk3}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|hp52_hampden_mk1_late}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|hp52_hampden_tbmk1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|hp52_hampden_tbmk1_ussr_utk1}}
{{Navigation-Line| }}{{Specs-Link|hudson_mk_v}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|intruder_mk_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|maryland_mk1_france}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|sunderland_mk5}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|swordfish_mk1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|swordfish_mk2}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|wellington_mk1c}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|wellington_mk1c_luftwaffe}}

{{Navigation-End}}

== General info ==
''Tell us about the tactical and technical characteristics of the cannon or machine gun.''

=== Available ammunition ===
''Describe the shells that are available for the weapon and their features and purpose. If it concerns autocannons or machine guns, write about different ammo belts and what is inside (which types of shells).''

=== Comparison with analogues ===
''Give a comparative description of cannons/machine guns that have firepower equal to this weapon.''

== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the cannon/machine gun in the game - its distinctive features, tactics of usage against notable opponents. Please don't write a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought.''

=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.''

'''Pros:'''

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== History ==

The origins of the Vickers K go back to before World War I. French civilian engineer André Virgile Paul Marie Berthier, already famous in France for his Berthier rifle and carbine, developed a machine gun around 1910 called the Fusil Mitrailleur Berthier Modèle 1910. He proposed the machine gun for infantry use but it was never adopted. Berthier would continue updating his design through World War I until after the war when he made his final version the Modèle 1920. While it was not accepted by the French to replace the Chautchaut rifles, the design was purchased by Vickers-Armstrong in 1925 for production at the Crayford factory as a replacement for the British [[Lewis (7.7 mm)|Lewis gun]]. Like the future Bren gun, the Vickers-Berthier is gas-operated with a tilting breech block. In 1933, the design was adopted by British Indian Army. While the British Army did trial it, they instead decided to adopt the Bren.

The Vickers K is a development of the Vickers-Berthier taking the design and improving it for aircraft use with lighter moving parts, a cyclic rate adjustable between 950 and 1,200 rounds per minute, and a 300-round pan drum magazine replacing the original box magazines. The Vickers K was trialled against the [[Browning (7.7 mm)|Browning]] for service as an aircraft gun and lost due to the drum magazine creating problems for wing-mounts. However, the lack of supply of Brownings early in the war led to the Vickers K seeing use on some light bombers such as the Fairey Battle and [[Hampden (Family)|Hampden]], and it would be the main turret-mounted armament for the Royal Air Force. As the war progressed, however, the Royal Air Force got increasing numbers of Browning machine guns and started replacing their Vickers K machine guns. A significant number were transferred to Commonwealth Air Forces and would remain in use with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm on Torpedo Strike Reconnaissance aircraft such as the Fairey [[Swordfish Mk I|Swordfish]]. It would remain in use with the FAA until 1945 with the final squadron to use them being No 812 Squadron's Fairey Barracudas that performed piracy patrols in the waters around Hong Kong. While it stopped seeing service on aircraft, the Vickers K would continue to see service with the British Army and Royal Navy as the [[Vickers GO No.5 (7.7 mm)|Vickers GO No.5]].

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|OZnoh4KSros|'''Vickers Gas-Operated Machine Gun (the Vickers 'K'): An Overview''' - ''Vickers MG Collection & Research Association''|USpjAIcdcEk|'''Vickers "K" - For Aircraft and the SAS/Long Range Desert Group''' - ''Forgotten Weapons''}}

== See also ==


* [[Vickers GO No.5 (7.7 mm)]]: Naval variant of the Vickers K

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

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

{{Aircraft machine guns}}

[[Category:Aircraft machine guns]]

Beaufort Mk VIII

2022-05-05T16:27:17Z

U70979825: /* In-game description */ Added section about Beauforts being converted into the beaufighter, combined unnecessary paragraphs and changed title to history

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. Though the plane is in the British tech tree, it is painted with Australian markings.

The Beaufort Mk VIII is a superb low-level bomber. For a bomber, it's fast and agile and it has a great rear armament for its rank (the twin rear .50s can be more powerful than the Lancaster's 4 x .303s!). It is able to do very good low-level bombing runs. With its 4 x 250 lb or 2 x 500 lb bombs, it is easily able to destroy light, medium and heavy tanks. The Beaufort is also able to take a few hits, making it a great bomber to start the British line.

The best thing to do with this bomber is to put it in a shallow dive after you spawn in and head for where you want to bomb (be careful when diving, the plane locks up at high speed). Get low to the ground, as your rear turret does not provide cover below the plane. Once you have dropped your bombs, you have a decision to make. You can re-arm and go for another bombing run (or just wait if you are playing in Arcade Battles), or go fighter hunting with your tail gunner.

Overall, this is a great low-rank bomber and easily able to turn the tide of any battle.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 1,981 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
| 420 || 405 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 40.8 || 41.8 || 3.8 || 3.8 || rowspan="2" | 414
|-
! Upgraded
| 460 || 437 || 38.6 || 39.6 || 8.9 || 6.1
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 415 || 383 || 216 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 330 || < 330 || < 360 || > 290
|-
|}

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


* 12.7 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot
* 6.35 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the gunner

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

Researching all the belts and turrets is helpful in this very aggressively played bomber. Further enhancements should be in the plane's performance. ''Compressor'', ''Engine'' and ''Engine Injection'' for the quickest gain in top speed. As bomber ''Airframe'' and ''Cover'' are also useful but to a lesser extent. They improve the maximum possible damage received.

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

{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 450 mm 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)

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

{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose turret (1,150 rpg = 2,300 total)

== Usage in battles ==

When engaging fighters ([[Yak-7B|Yak-7's]], [[Bf 109 E-3|Bf 109 E's]], [[Spitfire Mk Ia|Spitfires]], [[P-36G|P-36's]], [[A5M4|A5M's]] etc...) try to force them onto your tail. The Beaufort's twin rear .50 calibre machine guns tear everything up at this rank. Try to avoid head-ons, as your pilots are prone to be wounded behind that large glass window. If you get an enemy fighter to stay on your tail at wing level, your gunner will show no mercy!

When engaging bombers, try to come below them and pepper them with your tail gunner. Flying in front of them and aiming for the enemy bombers pilot is also effective.

Be mindful of these things too; watch out for players diving on you, as they can easily kill your tail gunner from above. Also watch out for rockets, even a B-17 can't take a rocket hit! Plus some of the American planes ([[F2A-3|F2A]], [[F4F-3|F4F]]) are armed with four or more .50s, try to avoid these as their ammunition count is very large and they are easily able to critically damage a Beaufort.

=== 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 Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very strong rear 12.7 mm machine guns
* Fast and agile (for a bomber)
* Two pilots (if one is killed, you can still fly)
* Universal ammo belt for the 12.7 mm machine guns contains a large amount of API ammo
* 12.7 mm machine guns can engage enemy aircraft effectively over 1,500 m away

'''Cons:'''

* Low endurance
* Below average payload
* Does not have a ventral gunner
* Dorsal turret cannot turn 360 degrees, cannot fire forward
* Loses the single offensive machine gun of the Blenheim. Doesn't seem like much, but it comes in useful sometimes
* Arguably has less effective defensive armament than the Blenheim. Experienced players will be able to take advantage of your limited coverage
* Has no offensive control of the front facing gun

== History ==


=== History ===
The Bristol Beaufort was a twin-engine torpedo-bomber used in large numbers by RAF Coastal Command and the Royal Australian Air Force.

The Beaufort design process began in 1935, when Great Britain's Air Ministry formulated the M.15/35 and G.24/35 specifications for the development of a torpedo bomber and a general reconnaissance aircraft/bomber, respectively. While working on these aircraft designs Bristol proposed one aircraft, manufactured in two different variants, for both of these specifications. After submitting two separate designs to the Air Ministry, the favoured design was selected and named the Beaufort.

The Beaufort was based on the Blenheim light bomber, from which were borrowed the designs of the wing, tail unit, and landing gear. To increase the bomb bay's size to carry a torpedo, the cockpit's floor was raised. Nevertheless, the torpedo did not fully fit in the bomb bay and had to be partially suspended.

Bristol was commissioned in August 1936 to produce 78 Beauforts, before the first prototype had even flown. Teething problems with the prototype resulted in a number of design modifications, and the first aircraft did not enter service until January 1940.

In 1940, production of the Beaufort began in Australia. But due to the fact that the Australian government was not confident in an uninterrupted supply of Taurus engines, it was decided that the Twin Wasp engine would be used instead. In addition, the Australians expanded the fin to increase stability.

The last Australian modification, the Beaufort Mk VIII, used 1200 hp engines and had an ASV Mk II radar. It also had additional wing-mounted fuel tanks, this modification made up 520 of the 700 Beauforts built in Australia in addition to the 1180 aircraft built in Britain until production ceased in November 1944.

Although it was designed as a torpedo-bomber, the Beaufort was more often used as a medium day bomber. The Beaufort also flew more hours in training than on operational missions and more were lost through accidents and mechanical failures than were lost to enemy fire. The Beaufort was adapted as a long-range heavy fighter variant called the [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]], which proved to be very successful and many Beaufort units eventually converted to the Beaufighter.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|ck6fcnvKpSQ|'''Beaufort - Torps Away''' - ''Ash''}}

== 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 ==


* [[wikipedia:Bristol_Beaufort|[Wikipedia] Bristol Beaufort]]

{{AirManufacturer Bristol}}
{{Britain bombers}}

PBY-5 Catalina

2022-05-05T16:18:10Z

U70979825: /* History */ Added extra roles that the PBY-5 Catalina served during WW2

{{About
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = PBY-5 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=pby-5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The plane is overall good but, when using it in air arcade or custom, it was easy to get shot down even with the AI gunners on the side protecting you. When bombing with it, you will get 16 100 lb (pounds) bombs. The first module unlock is the 100 lb bombs. Beyond that, you can research torpedoes weighing 2216 lbs and are very effective against long boats and ships in general. One torpedo is often enough to sink pretty much anything in the game save AI carriers which require two. Also there are two more unlockable bomb loadouts. In order to get the 1000 lb bomb, you need to get the improved torpedo, and once your done with that you can research it, with the 1000 lb bomb you can destroy 3 tanks at once, possibly even more if it lands in the center of a cluster of enemy tanks. You can also attach 500 lb bombs but they are only limited to four bombs, same with the 1000 lb bombs. The PBY-5 is easy to get shot down or burnt down because it is slow, and most fighter planes could take it down easily, so just stay at high altitude. Overall, it is hard to bomb without getting shot from AAA's or other planes but a fairly decent starter bomber.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 2,135 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
| 260 || 252 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.0 || 29.8 || 2.3 || 2.3 || rowspan="2" | 535
|-
! Upgraded
| 320 || 288 || 27.1 || 28.0 || 9.2 || 4.8
|-
|}

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 220 || < 220 || < 230 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,886 m || 1,050 hp || 1,491 hp
|-
|}

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


* 9.5 mm steel pilot seats
* 6.35 mm steel behind tail gunner
* 6.35 mm and 4.7 mm steel plates inside the structural pylon
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* 2 self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings

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

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

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}
{{main|Mk.13-1 (1,927 lb)|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)|Type A Mark I mine}}

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

* 16 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,600 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 4 x Type A Mark I mines
* 2 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 torpedoes
* 2 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedoes

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

{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (478 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

Although technically a medium bomber, the PBY-5's strategies are much like that of heavy bombers in higher tiers such as the B-17. It is best to fly high, as flying low will make you an easy target for fighters and AA. The best tactic for fending off enemy fighters is to use the rudders to direct one of the side gunners towards the attacking plane. It is also smart to use the guns manually in this situation, as the AI is often very inaccurate and will refuse to fire beyond a certain distance. In the worst case scenarios, a dive can be used to greatly increase the plane's speed to get to attack a ground target before a pursuing enemy fighter shoots it down.

The plane is quite unmanageable, and its wings are very weak, being able to snap just by turning just a little too tight at higher speeds in a Realistic Battle. It's also a huge target. Its lack of landing gear means that extra caution should be taken when landing, as it must land on its belly to rearm in a Realistic Battle.

Although the PBY-5 Catalina is slow and clunky, it offers a heavy payload that is sure to be a game changer if used properly. One of the bomber's biggest cons is its lack of landing gear, although it can still belly land onto airstrips. It also has a very good defensive armament for its tier, which can occasionally be a saviour against an enemy fighter.

The armament on the PBY-5 Catalina is what makes up for its clunky movement. The plane is capable of carrying a heavy payload of bombs or torpedoes and has defensive gunners on all sides. The two side gunners have .50 cal machine guns, making it more than capable of destroying enemy aircraft that stay within their range.

=== 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 || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good payload
* Good rear defensive armament with a high coverage angle
* Durable
* Can capture points (in Naval)

'''Cons:'''

* Very bad at climbing
* Slow top speed
* No wheels for landing on hard surfaces (hydroplane only)

== History ==

Produced from the 1930's to the 1940's by Consolidated Aircraft, the PBY-5 was one of the most widely produced (a total of 3,282 were built) and used seaplanes of World War II. During its service lifetime, it was found and operated in every branch of the United States Armed Forces.

Before the start of the war many aviation critics and engineers considered the flying boat obsolete due to its slow speed, its max being 189, but despite this its two big selling points were its amazing range about 2,990 miles (4811.939 kilometres) and durability. Earlier versions of the Catalina were true flying boats and could only land on water. Pilots needing to ground their plane in emergencies could land on water and beach the aircraft. To prevent this unnecessary damage, Consolidated designed and first flew the [[PBY-5a Catalina|PBY-5a]] in 1939 with a retractable landing gear mounted directly between the 2 support beams underneath the wings. With this new ability to land on land it allowed the Catalina to become ERS or Emergency Rescue Squadrons with the role of airlifting stranded bomber crews such as those from a downed [[B-29A-BN|B-29-A-BN]].

During the Second World War, PBY-5s were used in anti-submarine warfare, patrol bombing, convoy escort, and cargo transport, the aircraft operated in nearly all operational theatres of World War II. The Catalina served with distinction and played a prominent and invaluable role in the war against Japan.

After the war, peacetime Catalina's were converted to civilian use whether it be casual flying or emergency duties such as firefighting. It lives on in game the same as it did in battle, being very slow but carrying a great number of armaments which represents its many roles it played in World War II and at its Battle Rating able to take a great number of hits before finally getting shot down.

=== In-game description ===
There were two firms competing for the naval patrol bomber supply contract: Consolidated and Douglas. Although both prototypes met the U. S. Navy demands, on June 29, 1935 the contract was awarded to Consolidated due to lower production costs (the firm projected the cost of one aircraft to be $90,000, while their colleagues from Douglas quoted $110,000).

Manufacturing orders for PBY-2 and PBY-3 were concluded before the delivery of the first production aircraft from the previous series (accordingly, PBY-1 and PBY-2). However, when the order for PBY-4 was signed toward the end of 1937, which consisted of just 33 boat planes (this was the smallest of the PBY series), by the time production began the model was already considered outdated and likely to be the last of the series (when PBY-5 was commissioned, development of the next series of hydroplanes set to replace PBY was already underway).

That's exactly what would have happened if the Germans hadn't attacked Poland on September 1, 1939, thus greatly increasing the demand for patrol aircraft. Great Britain immediately ordered 106 units of PBY-5 (dubbed Catalina I), while the USA ordered 200 units of PBY-5 (which were later officially named Catalina as well). Other countries to place orders for PBY-5 included Australia, Canada, Holland and France.

The main difference between the PBY-5 and its predecessors included a higher-powered Pratt & Whitney R-1830-82 engine (operating at 1200 hp), a redesigned tail unit, and waist gun blisters instead of flat windows.

The PBY was used as a bomber and torpedo carrier, and was often utilized in night operations, as well as on patrol, rescue and transportation missions.

PBY Catalina was the most massive of the hydroplanes. Out of 3300 planes spanning all modifications, more than 100 are operational to this day, redesigned for civil purposes.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pby-5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
File:PBY-5 Catalina Aotea.jpg|"The Wandering Witch" camouflage by Aotea
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|60IVWW1_Flw|'''The Shooting Range #52''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:38 discusses the PBY-5 Catalina.}}

== 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 ==


* [[wikipedia:Consolidated_PBY_Catalina|[Wikipedia] Consolidated PBY Catalina]]
* [https://www.history.navy.mil/content/history/museums/nmusn/explore/photography/wwii/wwii-atlantic/battle-of-the-atlantic/aviation/pby-5a.html <nowiki>[Naval History and Heritage Command National Museum of the U.S. Navy]</nowiki> PBY-5 and PBY-5A "Catalina"]
* [https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/consolidated-pby-5-catalina/nasm_A19730277000 <nowiki>[Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum]</nowiki> Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina]

{{AirManufacturer Consolidated}}
{{USA bombers}}