War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-15C MSIP II

2024-10-10T06:58:14Z

U71149482: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-15 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_15c_msip2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a further development of the F-15A, the F-15C being almost impossible to visually distinguish from its earlier predecessor. It was originally intended as a small upgrade to the F-15A, but would go on to be much more. Coming only a few years later, in its initial fit the only major difference was extra fuel, with the same engines, radar, and still no countermeasures. The Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) II refit in the mid-1980s aimed to rectify that. The F-15C gained access to the AN/APG-63 PSP radar, flares, new engines optimised for high speeds, and the ability to carry conformal fuel tanks to further extend range - all part of MSIP.

Soldiering on through the late '80s and '90s, the F-15C would gain access to the [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] and [[AIM-120A|AMRAAM]] before receiving two new radars in the early 2000s: the {{Annotation|AESA|Active Electronically Scanned Array}} AN/APG-63 (v)2 in late 2000, and the worse AN/APG-63 (v)1 in early 2001. The introduction of the AIM-9X and {{Annotation|JHMCS|Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System}} in the early to mid-2000s led to more and more advanced variants of missiles and radars. The F-15C is still in service today, though it is finally in the process of being phased out by the F-15EX after almost five decades of service.

Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]], the F-15C MSIP II in its mid-2000s variant serves as arguably one of the strongest air supremacy fighters in War Thunder. While its flight performance is marginally worse than the preceding [[F-15A]], the F-15C stands out with its large complement of air-to-air missiles, notably sharing the crown for most {{Annotation|ARH|Active Radar-Homing}} missiles at 8 with the [[F-15J(M)]] of the Japanese tree. {{Annotation|HMD|Helmet-Mounted Display}} integration also provides the ability to slave both heat-seeking missiles and radar, which is a very useful capability in the fast-paced battles of 4th generation aircraft. The only real downside is the lacking CAS ability with only dumb bombs and 3 TV-guided bombs compared to many of the other fighters of this rank, as the F-15C wasn't intended as a multirole aircraft; that role was filled by the later F-15E Strike Eagle.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2542 || 2506 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 23.7 || 235.7 || 222 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,590 kg || colspan="3" | 349 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 15,421 kg || 16,583 kg || 18,080 kg || 19,693 kg || 31,486 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,070 kgf || 8,410 kgf
| 1.09 || 1.01 || 0.93 || 0.85 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,500 kgf (1,250 km/h) || 14,250 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.85 || 1.72 || 1.58 || 1.45 || 0.91
|-
|}

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

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

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (940 rpg)
* 240 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="3.5%" | 1 !! width="3.5%" | 2 !! width="3.5%" | 3 !! width="3.5%" | 4 !! width="3.5%" | 5 !! width="3.5%" | 6 !! width="3.5%" | 7 !! width="3.5%" | 8 !! width="3.5%" | 9 !! width="3.5%" | 10 !! width="3.5%" | 11 !! width="3.5%" | 12 !! width="3.5%" | 13
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | 
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| || || || || || 6* || || 6* || || || || ||
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || || || || 6* || || 6* || || || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[GBU-31 JDAM (1,970 lb)|1,970 lb GBU-31 JDAM]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || 3 || || || || || 3 || || || || || 3 ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-120A]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
|-
! 610 gal drop tanks
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 750 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1* || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="14" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,900 kg
|-
| colspan="15 " | * Bombs on hardpoints 6/8 can be equipped in conjunction with 750 gal drop tanks on the same hardpoint
|}

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

* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 3 x 610 gal drop tanks
* 2 x AIM-120A missiles + 2 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles + 2 x 750 gal drop tanks
* 4 x AIM-120A missiles
* 8 x AIM-120A missiles + 2 x 750 gal drop tanks
* 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 9 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Diverse payload options
* Fast at its prime altitude
* Good amount of countermeasures
* Adequate turn time for a jet
* Overall good flight performance

*

'''Cons:'''

* Heaviest F-15 in game

*

*

== History ==

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

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

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

F-15C MSIP II

2024-10-10T06:52:58Z

U71149482: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-15 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_15c_msip2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a further development of the F-15A, the F-15C being almost impossible to visually distinguish from its earlier predecessor. It was originally intended as a small upgrade to the F-15A, but would go on to be much more. Coming only a few years later, in its initial fit the only major difference was extra fuel, with the same engines, radar, and still no countermeasures. The Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) II refit in the mid-1980s aimed to rectify that. The F-15C gained access to the AN/APG-63 PSP radar, flares, new engines optimised for high speeds, and the ability to carry conformal fuel tanks to further extend range - all part of MSIP.

Soldiering on through the late '80s and '90s, the F-15C would gain access to the [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] and [[AIM-120A|AMRAAM]] before receiving two new radars in the early 2000s: the {{Annotation|AESA|Active Electronically Scanned Array}} AN/APG-63 (v)2 in late 2000, and the worse AN/APG-63 (v)1 in early 2001. The introduction of the AIM-9X and {{Annotation|JHMCS|Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System}} in the early to mid-2000s led to more and more advanced variants of missiles and radars. The F-15C is still in service today, though it is finally in the process of being phased out by the F-15EX after almost five decades of service.

Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]], the F-15C MSIP II in its mid-2000s variant serves as arguably one of the strongest air supremacy fighters in War Thunder. While its flight performance is marginally worse than the preceding [[F-15A]], the F-15C stands out with its large complement of air-to-air missiles, notably sharing the crown for most {{Annotation|ARH|Active Radar-Homing}} missiles at 8 with the [[F-15J(M)]] of the Japanese tree. {{Annotation|HMD|Helmet-Mounted Display}} integration also provides the ability to slave both heat-seeking missiles and radar, which is a very useful capability in the fast-paced battles of 4th generation aircraft. The only real downside is the lacking CAS ability with only dumb bombs and 3 TV-guided bombs compared to many of the other fighters of this rank, as the F-15C wasn't intended as a multirole aircraft; that role was filled by the later F-15E Strike Eagle.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2542 || 2506 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 23.7 || 235.7 || 222 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,590 kg || colspan="3" | 349 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 15,421 kg || 16,583 kg || 18,080 kg || 19,693 kg || 31,486 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,070 kgf || 8,410 kgf
| 1.09 || 1.01 || 0.93 || 0.85 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,500 kgf (1,250 km/h) || 14,250 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.85 || 1.72 || 1.58 || 1.45 || 0.91
|-
|}

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

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

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (940 rpg)
* 240 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="3.5%" | 1 !! width="3.5%" | 2 !! width="3.5%" | 3 !! width="3.5%" | 4 !! width="3.5%" | 5 !! width="3.5%" | 6 !! width="3.5%" | 7 !! width="3.5%" | 8 !! width="3.5%" | 9 !! width="3.5%" | 10 !! width="3.5%" | 11 !! width="3.5%" | 12 !! width="3.5%" | 13
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | 
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| || || || || || 6* || || 6* || || || || ||
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || || || || 6* || || 6* || || || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[GBU-31 JDAM (1,970 lb)|1,970 lb GBU-31 JDAM]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || 3 || || || || || 3 || || || || || 3 ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-120A]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
|-
! 610 gal drop tanks
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 750 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1* || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="14" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,900 kg
|-
| colspan="15 " | * Bombs on hardpoints 6/8 can be equipped in conjunction with 750 gal drop tanks on the same hardpoint
|}

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

* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 3 x 610 gal drop tanks
* 2 x AIM-120A missiles + 2 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles + 2 x 750 gal drop tanks
* 4 x AIM-120A missiles
* 8 x AIM-120A missiles + 2 x 750 gal drop tanks
* 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 9 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Diverse payload options
* Fast at its prime altitude
* Good amount of countermeasures
* Adequate turn time for a jet
* Overall good flight performance

*

'''Cons:'''

- Heaviest F-15 in game

*

*

== History ==

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

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

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

F-15C MSIP II

2024-10-10T06:52:28Z

U71149482: /* Pros and cons */ Added a con

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-15 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_15c_msip2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a further development of the F-15A, the F-15C being almost impossible to visually distinguish from its earlier predecessor. It was originally intended as a small upgrade to the F-15A, but would go on to be much more. Coming only a few years later, in its initial fit the only major difference was extra fuel, with the same engines, radar, and still no countermeasures. The Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP) II refit in the mid-1980s aimed to rectify that. The F-15C gained access to the AN/APG-63 PSP radar, flares, new engines optimised for high speeds, and the ability to carry conformal fuel tanks to further extend range - all part of MSIP.

Soldiering on through the late '80s and '90s, the F-15C would gain access to the [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] and [[AIM-120A|AMRAAM]] before receiving two new radars in the early 2000s: the {{Annotation|AESA|Active Electronically Scanned Array}} AN/APG-63 (v)2 in late 2000, and the worse AN/APG-63 (v)1 in early 2001. The introduction of the AIM-9X and {{Annotation|JHMCS|Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System}} in the early to mid-2000s led to more and more advanced variants of missiles and radars. The F-15C is still in service today, though it is finally in the process of being phased out by the F-15EX after almost five decades of service.

Introduced in [[Update "Seek & Destroy"]], the F-15C MSIP II in its mid-2000s variant serves as arguably one of the strongest air supremacy fighters in War Thunder. While its flight performance is marginally worse than the preceding [[F-15A]], the F-15C stands out with its large complement of air-to-air missiles, notably sharing the crown for most {{Annotation|ARH|Active Radar-Homing}} missiles at 8 with the [[F-15J(M)]] of the Japanese tree. {{Annotation|HMD|Helmet-Mounted Display}} integration also provides the ability to slave both heat-seeking missiles and radar, which is a very useful capability in the fast-paced battles of 4th generation aircraft. The only real downside is the lacking CAS ability with only dumb bombs and 3 TV-guided bombs compared to many of the other fighters of this rank, as the F-15C wasn't intended as a multirole aircraft; that role was filled by the later F-15E Strike Eagle.

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2542 || 2506 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.1 || 23.7 || 235.7 || 222 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

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

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

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 2
| colspan="2" | 13,590 kg || colspan="3" | 349 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 15,421 kg || 16,583 kg || 18,080 kg || 19,693 kg || 31,486 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,070 kgf || 8,410 kgf
| 1.09 || 1.01 || 0.93 || 0.85 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 6,500 kgf (1,250 km/h) || 14,250 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.85 || 1.72 || 1.58 || 1.45 || 0.91
|-
|}

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

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

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

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Cross}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (940 rpg)
* 240 x countermeasures

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


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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="3.5%" | 1 !! width="3.5%" | 2 !! width="3.5%" | 3 !! width="3.5%" | 4 !! width="3.5%" | 5 !! width="3.5%" | 6 !! width="3.5%" | 7 !! width="3.5%" | 8 !! width="3.5%" | 9 !! width="3.5%" | 10 !! width="3.5%" | 11 !! width="3.5%" | 12 !! width="3.5%" | 13
| rowspan="15" width="30%" | 
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
| || || || || || 6* || || 6* || || || || ||
|-
! [[Mk 81 Snakeye (250 lb)|250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || || || || 6* || || 6* || || || || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 || || || || || 1, 6 ||
|-
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[GBU-31 JDAM (1,970 lb)|1,970 lb GBU-31 JDAM]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || 3 || || || || || 3 || || || || || 3 ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || || || || || || || || 1 || || 1
|-
! [[AIM-120A]] missiles
| 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1
|-
! 610 gal drop tanks
| || 1 || || || || || 1 || || || || || 1 ||
|-
! 750 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1* || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
| colspan="14" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,900 kg
|-
| colspan="15 " | * Bombs on hardpoints 6/8 can be equipped in conjunction with 750 gal drop tanks on the same hardpoint
|}

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

* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 3 x 610 gal drop tanks
* 2 x AIM-120A missiles + 2 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 4 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles + 2 x 750 gal drop tanks
* 4 x AIM-120A missiles
* 8 x AIM-120A missiles + 2 x 750 gal drop tanks
* 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 12 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 2 x 750 gal drop tanks + 12 x 250 lb Mk 81 Snakeye bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 18 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 9 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''

=== Pros and cons ===

''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''

'''Pros:'''

* Diverse payload options
* Fast at its prime altitude
* Good amount of countermeasures
* Adequate turn time for a jet
* Overall good flight performance

*

'''Cons:'''

Heaviest F-15 in game

*

*

== History ==

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

== Media ==

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

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

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

Leopard 2A5

2022-01-25T21:26:49Z

U71149482: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_leopard_2a5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A4]], the {{PAGENAME}} is distinguished by an overall improved turret front armour, most notably with the add-on armour bulks in the turret front, giving a wedge-shape rather than the flat shapes that the 2A4 variant presented.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against 3BM42 at 500 m.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early APFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.

One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily.
[[File:Leopard 2A5 CE armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal CE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against MIM-146.]]
Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof
|-
|Hull
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' 40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull'' 35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull'' 20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
|-
|Turret
|80 mm (57-59°) ''Right cheek add-on'' 80 mm (55-58°) ''Left cheek add-on'' 30 mm (63°) ''Upper mantlet add-on'' 400 mm (1°) ''Mantlet armour'' 250 mm (9°) ''Mantlet shroud''
|80 mm (20-22°) ''Right add-on'' 80 mm (22°) ''Left add-on'' 35 mm (0°) ''Forward'' 15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
|20 mm (10°) ''Basket'' 20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
|35 - 40 mm (80-89°) ''Forehead Armour'' 14 mm (68-82°) ''Forward sides'' 20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret'' 20 mm (83°) ''Basket''
|-
!Composite armour
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Hull
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 600 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" | N/A
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Turret
| colspan="2" | '''''turret cheeks''''' 800 mm ''Kinetic'' 1200 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Center)''''' 
260 - 325 mm ''Kinetic'' 
600 - 690 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Outer)''''' 
425 - 460 mm ''Kinetic'' 
825 - 905 ''Chemical''

| colspan="2" | '''''Side armour''''' 260 mm ''Kinetic'' 230 - 285 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* ''Upper hull'' and ''Lower rear hull'' overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
* ''Upper mantlet add-on'' and ''Mantlet armour'' overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}

The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility since, despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the {{PAGENAME}} is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the [[Leopard 2A4]], but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
The engine remains the same {{Annotation|MTU|MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH}} MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.

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

The first modifications to research should be Parts and FPE. After those, aim for the NVD, DM33/DM43, laser rangefinder, or mobility upgrades, depending on the desired playstyle.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}

The {{PAGENAME}} has access to DM53 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
|-
| DM53 || APFSDS || 623 || 620 || 610 || 598 || 586 || 573
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,150 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM53 || APFSDS || 1,670 || 5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* The 2nd rack serves as first-stage ammo stowage.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Pintle || 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The {{PAGENAME}} is slower, but it has much better armour and access to the DM53 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:

* ''Hull down'': In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armour of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the {{PAGENAME}} invulnerable, but try to keep your turret protected as well, so then the armour package could last longer throughout the battle.
* ''Sniping'': With the DM53 APFSDS round, the {{PAGENAME}} can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Try also make use of hull-down positions whilst sniping.
* ''Flanking'': Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like ''hull-down'' and ''sniping''. However, with a little bit of caution, flanking can still be successful.
* ''Staying with nearby teammates:'' Try and stick to nearby teammates as this can improve your lifespan throughout the game.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent 120 mm gun, DM53 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 623 mm maximum at point-blank range
* Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
* Good armour on the UFP (430 mm against APFSDS), immune to older shells; though many top-tier tanks possess shells which can go straight through
* Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
* Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
* Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
* Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
* Gun breech and mantlet has a smaller profile than other western MBTs
* Good thermal imaging quality (Generation 2 for Binoculars, 800 x 600, and Generation 1 for Gunner's view, 500 x 300)
* Very good all round tank especially when played properly

'''Cons:'''

* Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells (but is expected for most MBTs)
* 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
* If your turret ammo rack is shot, you might survive but then you lose all your unloaded ammo storage
* Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried consequently making the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
* A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
* A penetrating shell on the right side of the hull will most likely hit the ammo-rack, destroying the tank
* Just like all Leopard series, raised engine deck means less gun depression when the turret is facing the rear
* The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
* Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the {{PAGENAME}} slower compared to the 2A4
* Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
* Is outperformed by its successor, the Leopard 2A6, in terms of firepower. The longer L/55 cannon on the Leopard 2A6 increases the performance of both DM33 and DM53 shells.

== History ==

In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank's defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.

The gunner received improved and less vulnerable optics, and the tank commander – a panoramic periscope with thermal imaging. The build of the driver's hatch was also modified, along with several other minor improvements made to the general design.

Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of {{PAGENAME}} tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=germ_leopard_2a5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|5WHTEcO9zKo|'''German Efficiency Continued - Leopard 2A5''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|xCV32NWy8Kc|'''Should You Grind The Leopard 2A5?''' - ''Sako Sniper''|Htx2jqp0aEA|'''German ground forces Tier VI/VII''' - ''Oxy'' (Leopard 2A5 at 27:52)|efyCTykFiO0|'''Leopard 2A5 - Much WoW, Such GooD''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==

[[File:GarageImage_Leopard_2A5_Cup.png|300px|thumb|right|␙ Leopard 2A5, currently only owned by content creator Slickbee]]

;Related development

* [[Leopard 2A4]] - (Preceding vehicle)
* ␙ Leopard 2A5 - (YT 2019 Cup Prize)
* [[Strv 122A]]
* [[Strv 122B PLSS]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|[Devblog] Leopard 2A5: This Time We Are Dead Serious]]

{{TankManufacturer KMW}}
{{Germany medium tanks}}

Leopard 2A5

2021-12-05T19:36:11Z

U71149482: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Leopard 2 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=germ_leopard_2a5
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]].

The succeeding variant of the [[Leopard 2A4]], the {{PAGENAME}} is distinguished by an overall improved turret front armour, most notably with the add-on armour bulks in the turret front, giving a wedge-shape rather than the flat shapes that the 2A4 variant presented.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}

[[File:Leopard 2A5 armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal KE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against 3BM42 at 500 m.]]

The {{PAGENAME}} has improved armour compared to its predecessor, the hull is much better protected and the already impenetrable turret cheeks have more protection on the side of the turret. Add-on armour boosts the ability to protect against HEAT-FS and early APFSDS rounds. The wedges on the front of the turret are able to be blown off if a round with enough energy hits it.The gunners optic is also moved into the roof to eliminate the weak spot which was easily penetrated by any tank.

One big changeover along with the armour wedges in the front is the repositioning of the gunner's sight. In the 2A4, the gunner's sight in the turret front presented a weakness that was easily compromised. In the 2A5, the gunner's sight was relocated to the turret roof, and so this weakness is no longer present on the 2A5. Additionally, the large mantlet of the 2A4 has been replaced by a far smaller and more armoured mantlet, making it far harder to hit, though most ammunition at top tier can still penetrate it easily.
[[File:Leopard 2A5 CE armour scheme.png|thumb|The frontal CE protection of the {{PAGENAME}} against MIM-146.]]
Be aware of Soviet tanks though! Most of them will carry their HE rounds that can easily destroy you anywhere they hit. A hit directly to the turret will most likely send fragments into your hull, penetrate and lets your fuel tank explode or at least set a fire and knock out the gun barrel.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Armour !! Front (Slope angle)!!Sides!!Rear!!Roof
|-
|Hull
|35 mm (53-82°) ''Upper glacis'' 40 mm (50-51°) ''Lower glacis''
|10 mm (5°) ''Upper hull'' 35 mm (0°) ''Lower forward hull'' 20 mm (0°) ''Lower rear hull''
|20 mm (12-50°) ''All rear''
|20 mm (0-8°) ''Hull roof incl. engine deck''
|-
|Turret
|80 mm (57-59°) ''Right cheek add-on'' 80 mm (55-58°) ''Left cheek add-on'' 30 mm (63°) ''Upper mantlet add-on'' 400 mm (1°) ''Mantlet armour'' 250 mm (9°) ''Mantlet shroud''
|80 mm (20-22°) ''Right add-on'' 80 mm (22°) ''Left add-on'' 35 mm (0°) ''Forward'' 15 mm (0°) ''Rear''
|20 mm (10°) ''Basket'' 20 mm (70°) ''Turret underside''
|35 - 40 mm (80-89°) ''Forehead Armour'' 14 mm (68-82°) ''Forward sides'' 20 mm (89°) ''Rear turret'' 20 mm (83°) ''Basket''
|-
!Composite armour
! colspan="2" |Front
! colspan="2" |Sides
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Hull
| colspan="2" |'''''Upper+Lower glacis''''' 400 mm ''Kinetic'' 600 mm ''Chemical''
| colspan="2" | N/A
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
|Turret
| colspan="2" | '''''turret cheeks''''' 800 mm ''Kinetic'' 1200 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Center)''''' 
260 - 325 mm ''Kinetic'' 
600 - 690 mm ''Chemical''

'''''Gun mantlet (Outer)''''' 
425 - 460 mm ''Kinetic'' 
825 - 905 ''Chemical''

| colspan="2" | '''''Side armour''''' 260 mm ''Kinetic'' 230 - 285 mm ''Chemical''
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* ''Upper hull'' and ''Lower rear hull'' overlap (10 + 20 mm thick)
* ''Upper mantlet add-on'' and ''Mantlet armour'' overlap (30 + 400 mm thick)
* Holes in the engine deck are covered by 8 mm of mesh

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=2,032|rbMinHp=1,327}}

The only drawback compared to the previous model would be the {{PAGENAME}}'s mobility since, despite the 4 tons increase in weight, the engine remains the same, so the {{PAGENAME}} is both slower and less manoeuvrable compared to the [[Leopard 2A4]], but it can still keep up with the other nations MBTs.
The engine remains the same {{Annotation|MTU|MOTOREN-UND TURBINEN-UNION FRIEDRICHSHAFEN GMBH}} MB 873 Ka-501 engine which produces 1,500 hp (1,100 KW) at 2,600 RPM.

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

The first modifications to research should be Parts and FPE. After those, aim for the NVD, DM33/DM43, laser rangefinder, or mobility upgrades, depending on the desired playstyle.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}
=== Main armament ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}

{{main|Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)}}

The {{PAGENAME}} has access to DM53 APFSDS shells which make it a deadlier foe as few tanks can stand against it.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Rh120 L/44 (120 mm)|120 mm Rh120 L/44]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 42 || rowspan="2" | -9°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 7.80 || rowspan="2" | 6.90 || rowspan="2" | 6.36 || rowspan="2" | 6.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480 || 480
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 481 || 478 || 470 || 461 || 450 || 440
|-
| DM53 || APFSDS || 623 || 620 || 610 || 598 || 586 || 573
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| DM12A1 || HEATFS || 1,140 || 13.5 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 2,150 || 65° || 72° || 77°
|-
| DM33 || APFSDS || 1,640 || 4.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
| DM53 || APFSDS || 1,670 || 5 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''42''' || 16 ''(+26)'' || 1 ''(+41)'' || No
|-
|}
Notes:

* The 2nd rack serves as first-stage ammo stowage.

=== Machine guns ===
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}

{{main|MG3A1 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[MG3A1 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm MG3A1]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 4,500 (1,000) || 1,200 || N/A || N/A
|-
| Pintle || 2,000 (1,000) || 1,200 || -8°/+20° || ±120°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==


The {{PAGENAME}} is slower, but it has much better armour and access to the DM33 round. With these new changes, the playstyle changes a bit too:

* ''Hull down'': In the 2A4, the gunners optic was easily penetrated so the hull-down was still vulnerable. However, in the 2A5, this weak spot is eliminated and the armour of the turret is much better, so a hull-down position can now leave the {{PAGENAME}} invulnerable, but try to keep your turret protected as well, so then the armour package could last longer throughout the battle.
* ''Sniping'': With the DM33 APFSDS round, the {{PAGENAME}} can now make use of the great distance in combat to deal damage while tanking incoming shots. Try also make use of hull-down positions whilst sniping.
* ''Flanking'': Due to the worse mobility compared to the 2A4, it is better to stick to more stationary tactics like ''hull-down'' and ''sniping''. However, with a little bit of caution, flanking can still be successful.
* ''Staying with nearby teammates:'' Try and stick to nearby teammates as this can improve your lifespan throughout the game.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Excellent 120 mm gun, DM53 APFSDS is capable of penetrating up to 623mm maximum at point-blank range
* Impenetrable turret cheeks, the add-on wedge armour makes the turret immune from every shell in the game (average of 850 mm against long rod APFSDS and 1,450 mm against HEAT)
* Good armour on the UFP (430 mm against APFSDS), immune to older shells; though many top-tier tanks possess shells which can go straight through
* Great gun handling: 40°/s turret rotation speed (with Ace crew) and -9°/+20° of vertical guidance
* Side turret covered by add-on armour can bounce early APFSDS shells
* Gunner optics are now mounted on top of the turret, removing the annoying weak spot present on the Leopard 2A4
* Cannon barrel and cannon breech absorbs impact rounds which may otherwise penetrate the turret and injure crews
* Gun breech and mantlet has a smaller profile than other western MBTs
* Good thermal imaging quality (Generation 2 for Binoculars, 800 x 600, and Generation 1 for Gunner's view, 500 x 300)
* Very good all round tank especially when played properly

'''Cons:'''

* Lower glacis can still be penetrated by most shells (but is expected for most MBTs)
* 16 shells in the ready-rack may be insufficient when playing in Arcade Battles
* If your turret ammo rack is shot, you might survive but then you lose all your unloaded ammo storage
* Huge hull ammo-rack if more than 16 shells are carried consequently making the tank extremely vulnerable to HE shells
* A penetrating shot on the left side of the hull will most likely knock out the driver, gunner and commander, thus destroying the tank
* A penetrating shell on the right side of the hull will most likely hit the ammo-rack, destroying the tank
* Just like all Leopard series, raised engine deck means less gun depression when the turret is facing the rear
* The wedges can be shot off with several hits, though the turret cheeks alone provide 650 mm against KE
* Tank's weight is 4 tons increased while the engine is still the same, making the {{PAGENAME}} slower compared to the 2A4
* Despite all the added armour, the turret ring and driver's hatch are both easily penetrated, and the enemy will most likely aim at these two spots to disable or destroy the tank
* Is outperformed by its successor, the Leopard 2A6, in terms of firepower. The longer L/55 cannon on the Leopard 2A6 increases the performance of DM33 while also having access to one of the best APFSDS in the game, the DM53.

== History ==

In 1988, German engineers began work on modernizing the Leopard 2 main battle tank. Improvements were made to the tank's defensive capabilities, primarily the turret armour. Moreover, the 2A5 model was fitted with an electric stabiliser instead of the electro-hydraulic variant that the previous versions used.

The gunner received improved and less vulnerable optics, and the tank commander – a panoramic periscope with thermal imaging. The build of the driver's hatch was also modified, along with several other minor improvements made to the general design.

Leading to the 2A5 modernization program being officially approved by the military officials of Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. It is interesting to note that the models exported to the last two countries on the list were actually different from the ones issued to the German army – for instance, the Bundeswehr tanks received no extra frontal hull armour. Production of {{PAGENAME}} tanks began in 1995. Overall, 350 earlier-version Leopards were upgraded as a result of the program.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=germany&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=medium_tank&vehicle=germ_leopard_2a5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|5WHTEcO9zKo|'''German Efficiency Continued - Leopard 2A5''' - ''JustinPlaysYT''|xCV32NWy8Kc|'''Should You Grind The Leopard 2A5?''' - ''Sako Sniper''|Htx2jqp0aEA|'''German ground forces Tier VI/VII''' - ''Oxy'' (Leopard 2A5 at 27:52)|efyCTykFiO0|'''Leopard 2A5 - Much WoW, Such GooD''' - ''Napalmratte''}}

== See also ==

[[File:GarageImage_Leopard_2A5_Cup.png|300px|thumb|right|␙ Leopard 2A5, currently only owned by content creator Slickbee]]

;Related development

* [[Leopard 2A4]] - (Preceding vehicle)
* ␙ Leopard 2A5 - (YT 2019 Cup Prize)
* [[Strv 122A]]
* [[Strv 122B PLSS]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6098-development-leopard-2a5-this-time-we-are-dead-serious-en|[Devblog] Leopard 2A5: This Time We Are Dead Serious]]

{{TankManufacturer KMW}}
{{Germany medium tanks}}