War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Me 262 A-1a/U1

2024-11-12T07:36:02Z

U73405858: added a Con

{{About
| about = squadron German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Me 262 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=me-262a1_u1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_Me_262_A1a-U1.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It can be unlocked with squadron activity points or purchased with Golden Eagles.

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

The Me 262 A-1a/U1 severely lacks engine power compared to its contemporaries and is heavy, resulting in a lacklustre acceleration and a poor climb rate. Control surfaces compress above 650 km/h and G-LOC becomes prominent when slightly manoeuvring above 700 km/h. It also performs poorly in a stall, as the control surfaces become ineffective below 350 km/h, making recoveries difficult.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 823 || 797 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.3 || 30.1 || 15.7 || 14.7 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 908 || 865 || 27.4 || 28.0 || 23.7 || 19.5
|-
|}

==== 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 || 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}} || 558 || 529 || 380 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 600 || < 680 || 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" | Junkers Jumo 004B-1 || 2
| colspan="3" | 4,550 kg || colspan="3" | 310 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel
|-
| 720 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 5,164 kg || 5,311 kg || 5,679 kg || 6,231 kg || 6,525 kg || 6,520 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
! 16m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 53m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 910 kgf || N/A
| 0.35 || 0.34 || 0.32 || 0.29 || 0.28 || 0.28
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 910 kgf (0 km/h) || N/A
| 0.35 || 0.34 || 0.32 || 0.29 || 0.28 || 0.28
|-
|}

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


* 15 mm Steel - Behind the pilot
* 15 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
* 15 mm Steel - Between cockpit and fore fuel tank
* 15 mm Steel - Instrument panel plate
* 16 mm Steel x 2 - Ammunition protection plates
* 90 mm Bulletproof glass

The engines are very fragile. Any hit at this BR often results in critical damage

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

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

{{main|MK 103 (30 mm)|MK 108 (30 mm)|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm MK 103 cannons, nose-mounted (72 rpg = 144 total)
* 2 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, nose-mounted (66 rpg = 132 total)
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, nose-mounted (146 rpg = 292 total)

== Usage in battles ==


As a modified [[Me 262 A-1a]], its role in the battle has not changed that much. The added cannons (namely, the MK 103) make the plane more capable at its battle rating. The MK 103s can carry an ammo belt that has the capability of penetrating the roofs of some tanks when playing in Ground Realistic battles. It is advisable to fire each pair of cannons separately, because all of its autocannons have a different muzzle velocity (about 200 m/s) and different amounts of ammunition. MK 108s will run dry first, followed by the MK 103s, and lastly the MG 151s.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Decent offensive armament of 6 autocannons
* MK 103 cannons can fire HVAP rounds that penetrate 77 mm of armour
* MK 103s have a relatively high muzzle velocity

'''Cons:'''

* Lacklustre acceleration and poor climb rate
* Control surfaces compress above 650 km/h
* Poor stall performance, control surfaces are ineffective below 350 km/h
* G-LOC quickly becomes prominent when slightly manoeuvring above 700 km/h
* Poor survivability. Getting hit by anything often results in critical damage, especially the engines
* Inaccurate and slow guns, difficult to use
* Lack of suspended armaments
* Guns have a high tendency to spark or produce little damage, multiple hits on an enemy are usually required

== History ==


The Me 262A-1a/U1 is a modification of the world's first mass produced jet fighter, the German [[Me 262 A-1a|Me 262]] 'Schwalbe'. The armament of the A-1 sub-serie, being four 30 mm MK 108 auto cannons, had a number of drawbacks, such as cycle failures and complex heavy shell ballistics. For these reasons, engineers experimented with different variations as to the weaponry, including a reinforced cannon battery. As such, the Me.262A-1a/U1 modification was created as part of this program. German engineers managed to fit 6 autocannons in the nose: 2 x 20 mm MG.151/20, 2 x 30 mm stock version MK 108, and 2 x 30 mm MK 103 guns. For the latter, they developed shells with a higher initial speed, and the guns themselves had a longer barrel length than the MK 108, as well as an effective muzzle brake - all to improve the ballistics of the heavy shells. They built a prototype (according to other sources, there were three units), but the project was not entered into mass production. However, one example was flown by one of the most effective jet aces of World War II, Heinz Bär, who flew it at the end of April 1945, and with it, even shot down several Thunderbolts in the skies over Germany.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6386-development-squadron-vehicles-me-262a-1a-u1-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=me-262a1_u1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Me 262 A-1a/U1 Devblog Images" heights="200">
File:Me 262A-1a U1 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:Me 262A-1a U1 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:Me 262A-1a U1 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|V77eUJjifzM|'''The Me-262 family''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:17 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|d5k2T9FP0bQ|'''Avoid them in frontal attack!''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 2:33 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|bxalaBFUfb8|'''The Shooting Range #174''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:45 discusses the Me 262 "Schwalbe".|V7WNaq8wiqQ|'''Me 262 A-1a/U1 - Squadron Vehicle Overview''' - ''Bacongaming''|n7R9ix6KSfY|''' The Germans were NUTS - Me 262 A-1a/U1''' - ''PhlyDaily''|qzjY5kxmkkI|'''The Joke Of The German Tech Tree - Me 262 A-1a/U1 Squadron Vehicle''' - ''DEFYN''}}

== See also ==


* '''Related development'''
** [[Me 262 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6386-development-squadron-vehicles-me-262a-1a-u1-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> Squadron vehicles: Me 262A-1a/U1]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/320881-messerschmitt-me-262-a-1a-a-1au4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Germany jet aircraft}}
{{Squadron aircraft}}

Hunter F.6

2023-03-18T02:56:44Z

U73405858: added a con

{{About
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Hunter (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=hunter_f6
|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 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].

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


As with many early jet aircraft, the Hunter is slow and ungainly on takeoff and landing and is quite lethargic while flying at slow speeds. However, once this fighter begins to accelerate, it can hit speeds exceeding 800 km/h and similar to the early French Mystère fighters, can only achieve supersonic speeds during a dive. While a clumsy aircraft at low speeds, it is a rather good turning aircraft at higher speeds, though still surpassed by some sub and supersonic aircraft. It can hold a 9-10 G turn without risking breaking its wings, however, anything above this and you risk shearing off a wing. This fighter has extremely good energy retention, far above any supersonic and above many subsonic aircraft, which can be used to its advantage to maintain a controlling position on the battlefield.

{| 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
| 1,138 || 1,132 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.8 || 27.2 || 56.1 || 50.0 || rowspan="2" | 820
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,159 || 1,148 || 24.5 || 25.0 || 86.0 || 70.0
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,193  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 603 || 581 || 465 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.203 || 1
| colspan="1" | 6,499 kg || colspan="2" | 249 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 4m fuel || 13m fuel
|-
| 1,175 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 6,910 kg || 7,868 kg || 10,886 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="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 4m fuel || 13m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,242 kgf || N/A
| 0.61 || 0.54 || 0.39
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,132 kgf (1,193 km/h) || N/A
| 0.74 || 0.65 || 0.47
|-
|}

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


* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot

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

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

{{main|ADEN (30 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, chin-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

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

{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|SNEB type 23|SRAAM}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x SRAAM missiles
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x SRAAM missiles
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 4 x SRAAM missiles

== Usage in battles ==

The Hunter F.6 is a transonic aircraft in level flight but can reach supersonic in a dive. That means that it is faster than other subsonic aircraft it will face but slower than supersonic aircraft like the [[F-100D]] and the [[MiG-19PT]]. Make sure to maintain speed, as it is most manoeuvrable at higher speeds, and very slow to turn when slow. The energy retention is almost an order of magnitude higher than supersonic aircraft, which bleed speed in sharp turns, this can be both a blessing and a curse, when in a prolonged turning engagement, your energy retention advantage will allow you to pull away from a supersonic at the end of a turn; however, a plane such as the [[F-100D]] can use it's worse energy retention to stay on your tail. In many situations, when you have a supersonic on your tail, making them overshoot is very difficult, but if you can, the SRAAMS will make short work of them. When facing subsonic aircraft, simply outrun them with your superior speed, try not to engage in a turn-fight with subsonic aircraft, as they are often able to best you in a dogfight, especially at low speeds, where the Hunter really shows its weaknesses. The plane, under most circumstances, does not rip it's wings, even under extended, high G turns; although if you combine a 9-10 G turn and roll or yaw, the plane can rip. Unlike some other planes, you have almost no chance of making it back to the airfield with a broken wing.

The SRAAMs (short range air-to-air missiles) have a unique playstyle. They are much shorter range than other missiles, but extremely manoeuvrable, able to turn inside most aircraft. Anytime that you are within around 1 km of the target and the speed difference is not too great, they are very unlikely to miss. If you are out of around 1.2 km or greater, the missile will run out of fuel before reaching its target. An important note is that the missile cannot manoeuvre after the rocket motor burns out, and self-destructs. The best use case is to fire them while in a turn with another aircraft, as the missile is manoeuvrable enough to cut them off.

The aircraft does have a rangefinding [[Airborne radars|radar]], but it is near useless except in [[:Category:Game modes#Simulator Battles|simulator battles]].

=== Counterplay ===
This aircraft is an extremely potent aircraft at its tier, but it has its weaknesses. For one, it does not turn very well, most supersonics and nearly all subsonic aircraft can outturn it. Secondly, it has good energy retention, so even supersonics may find it hard to disengage from a turning engagement. To attack this aircraft, come in from behind it, and preferably from the top or bottom. Do not attack from the front, as the quad 30 mm cannons will make short work of anything in their path. If your initial attack is unsuccessful, do not attempt to extend out in front of the Hunter; rather go into the vertical, as you will get caught by an SRAAM if you extend horizontal. If you suspect that a Hunter is nearby, do not allow your speed to drop below 800-1,000 km/h, as anything below these speeds will allow the Hunter to catch and kill you.

If you have one on your tail, and if you are in a supersonic, you should try to out-accelerate them, if they launch an SRAAM within 1km, you will not be able to dodge. If you are in an subsonic, do not attempt to extend, rather bring the Hunter to your teammates to get rid of them. If they launch a missile, there is very little you can do, but a hard roll while fully pitching up may allow you to dodge an SRAAM. In a subsonic, the Hunter can outrun you, so the best play would be to stay out of range of the Hunter, with teammate cover. In a supersonic, you are faster than the Hunter, so stay out of its range, while looping around and making passes at it, remember to never venture in front of it.

===Radars===

The Hunter F.6 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:'''

* Highly agile short-range air-to-air missiles
* Deadly nose-mounted 30 mm ADEN cannons
* Enhanced handling at high speeds
* Good payload options
* Excellent energy retention

'''Cons:'''

* Subsonic
* No Countermeasures
* No RWR
* Heavily dependent on the missiles to perform well
* No afterburner
* No drag chute - landing can be difficult on short runways
* As with most jets, not very manoeuvrable at low speeds
* Can rip wings when pitch+roll is combined with New Boosters equipped

== History ==

When the Avon-engined Hawker Hunter F.1 and the Sapphire-engined Hawker Hunter F.2 entered service in 1954, it soon became apparent that the initial variants suffered a number of issues, the most important of which was its general lack of range. Flying on internal fuel supplies only, the aircraft's endurance was limited to about an hour, an issue which became painfully apparent on February 8th 1956 when a flight of 8 Hunters of the ''Central Fighter Establishment'', a Royal Air Force training unit, were unable to land at their assigned base or divert to any suitable other base due to deteriorating weather conditions, with 6 aircraft being lost and one pilot killed in the ensuing confusion. Another important issue with the type was its nose-mounted armament which caused two distinct issues: at higher altitudes - and oddly enough, only on the Avon-engined F.1 variant - the gun exhaust gasses could be ingested by the wingroot air intakes, causing a compressor stall; on both versions, the cannon ammo links, which were ejected from the aircraft, had a tendency to strike the fuselage undersides, causing damage to the surfaces. The original concept of using the flaps as a split airbrake would in turn cause sudden pitch trim changes when deployed. While the latter issue was resolved relatively easily by adding a simple one-piece airbrake underneath the rear fuselage, the flight range and gun firing issues were much more serious, effectively rendering these early variants of the Hunter useless as fighter aircraft.

The issues with the design were identified relatively early on, leading to a crash program to rectify them. To improve the range of the Hunter, new bag-type fuel tanks were added inside the wing leading edge, as well as the ability to carry external fuel tanks underneath the wings, outboard of the landing gear. This increased the aircraft's endurance from just under an hour to about an hour and twenty-five minutes. Oddly, despite the comparatively short range of the type, the Hunter would never be given an in-flight refuelling capacity, simply because no funds were allocated for such a project in 1950s austerity Britain. The issues with the armament were in turn solved by the addition of baffles to the gun barrels, which diverted the gun exhaust gasses; and by adding large blisters underneath the nose to collect the spent ammo links. The resulting improved designs, the Avon-engined F.4 and Sapphire-engined F.5, first flew on October 19th and 20th 1954 respectively, entering squadron service in the spring of 1955 (the F.4 doing so with 54 Squadron in March of 1955; the F.5 with 263 Squadron in February of 1955). Despite the Sapphire variants suffering less issues than the Avon ones, production of them was cut short as they had only been intended as a 'fall-back' design in case the more advanced Avon had proved to be a failure. As a result, just 45 Sapphire-engined F.2s and 105 F.5s were built, compared to 139 Avon 100-engined F.1s and 349 F.4s. Additionally, 96 F.4s were built under license by Fokker for the Royal Netherlands Air Force, and 112 by Fairey Aviation for the Belgian Air Force. Another 120 F.50s - a nation-specific export version of the F.4 - were built by Hawker for the Royal Swedish Air Force, and 30 F.51s for the Royal Danish Air Force.

In the early 1950s, Rolls-Royce began working on the development of the Avon engine: the Avon 200 series was an uprated variant, which featured a can-annular combustion chamber and Sapphire style compressor. Due to these design changes, the Series 200 had a larger diameter than the Series 100, effectively making retrofitting the type impossible to earlier Hunters without rebuilding the entire fuselage. As such, a new fuselage was designed for the Hunter, which was capable of housing the large-diameter Avon 200, necessitating the move of a number of fuselage fuel tanks from the central fuselage to the rear. The increase of power offered by the new engine - 10,000 lb thrust for the Avon 203/207 as compared to 7,500 to 8,000 lb of the earlier Avon 113/115/119/120 and 121 - did introduce a new issue, namely a severe tendency for the type to pitch up at transonic speeds. In order to cure this, an altered wing was designed, which featured a distinctive 'dog-tooth' leading edge. Finally, the number of wing hardpoints capable of carrying additional fuel tanks was increased from two to four, considerably increasing the type's range. The resulting variant, the P.1099 or Hunter F.6, first flew on January 22nd 1954. This would prove to be the last dedicated fighter modification intended for Royal Air Force service.

Serial production of the Hunter F.6 commenced in 1956 with the first of 383 aircraft being delivered to the Royal Air Force in August of that year. As was the case with the F.4, license-production of the F.6 was taken up by Fokker and Fairey Aviation, who respectively produced 93 and 144 aircraft for the Royal Netherlands and Belgian Air Forces.

The Hawker Hunter F.6 remained the Royal Air Forces' frontline fighter until 1963 when it increasingly began to be replaced by the English Electric Lightning, which was a supersonic design capable of carrying air-to-air missiles. As its duties as a dedicated fighter came to an end, many of the Royal Air Force's Hunters were either converted to the FGA-9 ground attack variant (144 built including 12 F.6 conversions, entering RAF service in 1960) or bought back by Hawker for conversion to export variants.

While in Royal Air Force service the Hunter never carried any guided air-to-air armament, it is worth noting that the F.6s of the Royal Netherlands Air Force was the first of their type to be fitted with the Philco Ford GAR-6 (or AIM-9B) Sidewinder missiles and this as early as 1959. Similarly, the Hunter F.50s of the Royal Swedish Air Force were equipped with locally-built RB24B (AIM-9B) Sidewinder missiles in 1960. However, a single Hunter F.6 (XG210) was used as a testbed in 1977 during the development of a new type of air-to-air missile. This weapon, the '''Hawker Siddeley SRAAM''' or Short Range Air-to-Air Missile, was a weapon system developed as an alternative to the American Sidewinder and the British Firestreak missiles.

Originally developed as private venture under the name ''Taildog'', the new weapon was intended as a Sidewinder replacement, a short-range, low-cost missile that would fill the gap between guns and then-current missiles like Firestreak and Red Top. Originally, its design aims were a missile capable of engaging targets between 250 m and 2 km on a very wide field of view, so that it would be capable of locking onto a target even if this was rapidly crossing the interceptor aircraft's path. In order to make it extremely agile, the weapon would make use of thrust vectoring through six vanes in the rocket exhaust. Design work started in 1968, but following an official request for proposals in 1972, 'Taildog' evolved from a private venture into an official study.

Under the new program, two versions were studied, namely the 'basic' SRAAM-75 and the 'advanced' SRAAM-100, both sharing the same airframe but having a different electronics fit each. Compared with Taildog, SRAAM was slightly longer and made use of a single-piece dome-shaped deflector, but otherwise, both designs were very similar. Unlike other designs of the time, SRAAM was designed to operate fully autonomic, with the target seeking system contained within the weapon rather than requiring radar or other feedback from the carrier aircraft. As such, SRAAM could be mounted on any aircraft without the need for weapons-specific modifications. Furthermore SRAAM was designed to be fired from a twin-tube pod that could be mounted to a single hardpoint, effectively doubling the number of weapons that could be carried by any aircraft (as opposed to designs like the Sidewinder, Firestreak or Red Top, of which just one could be carried on a single hardpoint).

Due to defence cuts, the contract for the SRAAM was cancelled in 1974 in favour of development work on the AIM-7 Sparrow-derived ''Skyflash'', but development work continued, with the SRAAM being designated a technology demonstrator. As such, eight missiles were launched during weapons trials in 1977, both from a ground test stand and from a Hawker Hunter testbed. The same year, the improved AIM-9L Sidewinder was selected to cover the requirements originally covered by the SRAAM. Work performed on the SRAAM design would go on to form the basis of the ASRAAM program, which was started in 1980 and eventually resulted in the AIM-132 ASRAAM which entered RAF service in 1998.

=== [[wt:en/news/6206-development-hunter-f-6-winged-comfort-en|Devblog]] ===
With the availability of the more powerful Rolls-Royce Avon 200 series engines in the early 1950s, the Hawker company began developing a new modification of their Hunter jet fighter, which would eventually result in the creation of the Hunter F.6 - one of the last dedicated fighter modifications of this aircraft.

The new Hunter featured, apart from a more powerful engine, a number of other tweaks and changes, most notably, a redesigned wing which contributed to the aircraft's overall stability during transonic flight. The first prototype of the F.6 flew in January 1954, with serial production commencing in 1956. Overall, 383 aircraft of the type entered service with the RAF before being decommissioned in the early 1980s.

In the late 1970s, the Hunter F.6 was used as a testbed for a new type of air-to-air missile developed by Hawker Siddeley since the late '60s. The SRAAM, or Short Range Air-to-Air Missile, was a weapon system developed as an alternative to the American Sidewinder and the British Firestreak missiles.

As the name suggests, the SRAAM was designed for shorter range deployments during dogfights, in situations where pilots would find it difficult to achieve a reliable lock-on with existing missiles. As such, the SRAAM possessed extremely good agility and didn't cost as much to produce, but was severely limited in range. Despite this however, the weapon didn't see active use, but was instead further developed into a more advanced version which eventually did get adopted and is still in use today.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hunter_f6 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Hunter F.6 Devblog Images" heights="150">
File:HunterF6 WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
File:HunterF6 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:HunterF6 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:HunterF6 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:HunterF6 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
File:HunterF6 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|qWTDsJ9xbfg|'''Hunter F6 complete guide - How to always win dogfights - Hunter F6 vs Mig21MF - Energy trap''' - ''CaSama''|cHakCK96pjA|'''The Shooting Range #155''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the Hunter F.6.|kxWhI8VTd14|'''How to use the SRAAMS in Warthunder''' - ''hachersk_Anon'' ([https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/454482-wiki-war-thunder-wiki-short-guides-competition/ Short Guides Competition] Winner)|Z7IMi56S0Z0|'''Is The Hunter F.6 Worth Your Time?''' - ''DEFYN''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Hawker [[Sea_Hawk_FGA.6|Sea Hawk]]
* Hawker [[Hunter F 1]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Mikoyan [[MiG-17 (Family)|MiG-17]]
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B]] Fury

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6206-development-hunter-f-6-winged-comfort-en|[Devblog] Hunter F.6: Winged Comfort]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/453523-hawker-hunter-f6/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Hunter FGA.9

2022-09-19T12:23:35Z

U73405858: Added usage in battles info

{{About
| about = premium British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Hunter (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=hunter_f9_rhodesia
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as a premium pack, and was removed from the store after the [[wt:en/news/7417-shop-war-thunder-birthday-sale-in-gaijin-net-store-en|9th Anniversary Sale]]. It was made available briefly to purchase with Golden Eagles {{ge}} during the [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/552122-zimbabwe-independence-day/ 2022 "Zimbabwe Independence Day"]

The FGA.9 is a fighter aircraft which was used primarily by the Rhodesian Air Force for ground attack purposes, and can carry a large payload for close air support. It also excels in air-to-air combat thanks to two [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles, and its high speed and energy retention for the battle rating.

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

Although without an afterburner, this aircraft will out-accelerate almost all aircraft at its battle rating. The [[MiG-15bis (Germany)|▀MiG-15]] bis and [[MiG-17AS]] will out-accelerate you on the runway. The aircraft has one of the best acceleration rates for a non-afterburning jet in the game, beaten by the Harrier models, Etendard IVM and then the Yak-38/38M. It also has a good top end speed for its battle rating. Be warned the aircraft is a brick(especially at lower speeds) so most aircraft will out-turn you. Turning is advised only against larger aircraft like [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]].

{| 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
| 1,138 || 1,133 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.5 || 26.3 || 53.6 || 46.6 || rowspan="2" | 820
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,158 || 1,148 || 24.6 || 25.0 || 88.8 || 70.0
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 603 || 581 || 465 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.207 || 1
| colspan="1" | 6,209 kg || colspan="2" | 240 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 3m fuel || 13m fuel
|-
| 1,175 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 6,620 kg || 7,578 kg || 10,900 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="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 3m fuel || 13m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,272 kgf || N/A
| 0.65 || 0.56 || 0.39
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,229 kgf (1,225 km/h) || N/A
| 0.79 || 0.69 || 0.48
|-
|}

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


The FGA.9 is quite survivable with a robust airframe due to it being primarily intended for ground attacking or close air support. It may take a few hits from enemy cannon fire and still survive, and also stay flying with critical components (wing, engine, etc.) damaged long enough to return to base. However, don't expect the FGA.9 to soak up 30 mm DEFA or other ADEN armed aircraft. Head-on attacks are recommended, albeit from further away than other aircraft (about 2.5/2km away and pull off) due to closure rates and the aircraft being a brick so you have to pull off earlier than normal. Do not commit fully to a head-on attack, as your ADEN cannon muzzle velocity is slower than most other guns. Do not head-on aircraft .50cal, like F-86s as they will ruin you before your shots even get anywhere near their aircraft. The placement of the cannons also makes head-on attacks tricky.

The only armour on the aircraft are a 64 mm bullet proof glass in front of the pilot, with a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot.

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

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

{{main|ADEN (30 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

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

{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|AIM-9E Sidewinder|SNEB type 23}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

== Usage in battles ==


Side rush and burst climb, then enter the main cluster of aircraft in the middle (ideally with a height advantage). Your AIM-9Es (if you choose to bring them into battle) will quickly dispatch any enemies at a low energy state (hopefully distracted by fighting someone else). Use your superior speed in the cluster and launch your ordnance then zoom back up (the [[Boom & Zoom]] strategy). When you have expended your missiles, use your 30 mm ADENs as they are VERY destructive and typically only one shell is enough to critically damage or destroy any aircraft they come in contact with.

If caught out in a low speed scenario against aircraft such as the [[Shenyang F-5]], [[MiG-17]] / [[MiG-17AS|AS]] and [[MiG-19PT]] / [[MiG-19S (Germany)|S]], your primary advantage will be to utilize your superior role rate and the high inaccuracy level of their 23mm NR-23 and 37mm N-37D autocannons to force them into a rolling scissors maneuver, at which point you can only hope that they will overshoot, giving you a chance to get back in the game, though if possible, only engage these aircraft when you have a significant energy advantage and above all do NOT vertically turn against them.

If up-tiered into fighting top-rank fighter jets, planes such as the [[MiG-21SMT]] / [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MF]] , [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]]/[[F-4EJ Phantom II|EJ]]/[[Phantom FGR.2|FGR]] Phantoms will ruin the {{PAGENAME}} due to good turn rate (in the MiG's case) and very high speeds - they are problematic as the {{PAGENAME}} has a non-afterburning engine, so they will out-accelerate you easily, while the [[R-60M]]/[[AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9J]]/[[AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-7]]/[[Matra R550 Magic 1|R550 Magic]] missiles will easily out-pull the Hunter every time if they acquire a strong lock and send you back to the hangar. The only way to get a shot against the higher BR jets is to dive on them while they are distracted or fighting someone else and launch a missile at them.

===Radars===

The Hunter FGA.9 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:'''

* AIM-9Es are very good with a longer burning motor (longer range and better energy retention, 10G manoeuvrability and up to (around) 4 km range from the rear)
* 30 mm ADEN cannons are devastating to aircraft and ground targets with a good ammo pool and high fire rate
* Very good energy retention

'''Cons:'''

* High speed manoeuvrability is bad due to locking up from about 1,000 km/h onwards
* Low level pilot can pass out instantly from pulling 3G from about 700 km/h, requires upgrades in G-Tolerance and Stamina to perform well
* If you spray with your cannons, 600 rounds will disappear quite quickly, so fire in controlled bursts.

== History ==


Towards the end of the 1950s, the Royal Air Force was faced with the increasing obsolescence of the de Havilland [[Venom FB.4]] in the ground attack role. At the time, the Venom was still in use as a Close Air Support aircraft both in South East Asia and the Middle East; especially in the Aden Emergency it was intensely used, and as a result, a replacement was urgently required. In 1958 the Royal Air Force started the Venom Replacement Evaluation Trials (VRET), selecting the Royal Air Force bases of RAF Khormaksar (Aden) with its long paved runway, and RAF Riyan (Quaiti State, Eastern Aden Protectorate) with its unhardened airstrip as trials bases.

For the VRET, three types were selected: the Hunting Jet Provost T.3; the Folland Gnat F.1; and last but not least, the Hawker [[Hunter F.6]]. Before the trials began, the Folland Gnat was considered the forerunner, while the Hawker Hunter was initially not even considered for the trials, as the type was thought to be uneconomical for use in the Middle East, however, this decision was overturned after intense lobbying by Hawker. Early on during the trials, it became clear that the Hunting Jet Provost was not able to fulfil any of the requirements set by the trials, and while the type would go on to be developed into the successful BAC Strikemaster, it was eliminated from the contest. The trials had become a straight contest between the Hunter and the Gnat.

Early on, the Folland appeared to be a clear favourite: above 40,000 ft it was more manoeuvrable than the Hunter, and its diminutive size made it a difficult target to spot and aim at. Additionally, it required only a minimum of external equipment to operate it from unprepared airstrips. However, the diminutive size of the Gnat also worked in its disadvantage: its relative short landing gear gave the aircraft unpleasant characteristics on unpaved airstrips, and its relatively low-set exhaust damaged the runway surface. However, the main problem for the Gnat was that it was unable to meet range requirements. Fully loaded for combat it had a range of 188 nm, which fell short of the 250 nm requirement set up in the VRET; with external tanks, its maximum ferry range was 673 nm, which was insufficient to ferry it between the Royal Air Force's main Middle East Air Force bases. At the end of the trials, the Hunter came out as the winner on all points except agility above 40,000 ft.

Following the trials, conversion work was started to bring the Hunter F.6 up to full ground attack standard, the FGA.9 (for Fighter, Ground Attack). The wing spars were restressed and strengthened, a brake chute was added in a housing above the exhaust for use on unprepared airstrips, the flight controls were adjusted to give a better response at low altitude, and the oxygen supply was increased; as the FGA.9 was primarily intended for use in the Middle East, the aircraft were also given a tropicalised refrigeration and ventilation system. New drop tanks were designed for the inner wing hardpoints, capable of carrying 230 gallons (instead of the 100-gallon drop tanks in use up to then); as they were larger, a cut-out was made in the flaps so they could be extended while carrying the new tanks. Initially, these tanks were fixed and intended for ferry use only, but gradually they were redesigned so they could be jettisonable and used in combat. The first Hunter FGA.9 made its maiden flight on July 3rd 1959. The initial batch was built to 'interim' FGA.9 with an Avon 203 which provided 10,000 lb thrust; the production variant was equipped with an Avon 207 which provided 10,050 lb thrust.

Around the time the Hunter FGA.9 started entering RAF service in 1960, the Hunter F.6 was considered obsolete as a day fighter with the impending service entry of the English Electric Lightning. As a result, many Hunter F.6 airframes were taken back by Hunter for a rebuild to the FGA.9 standard. In all, 144 Hunter F.6s were rebuild to FGA.9 standard. A dedicated reconnaissance variant was also developed out of the FGA.9: the FR.10 had the same capabilities as the FGA.9, except for the adjusted flight controls, its main difference being a set of reconnaissance cameras in a new nose.

In Royal Air Force service, the Hunter FGA.9 was first deployed in Aden in 1960, where it replaced the obsolete Venom; it was used during the Radfan Emergency to attack insurgent forces. During the Borneo Confrontation of 1963-1966, RAF Hunter FGA.9s were used in counter-insurgency operations. The withdrawal from the Royal Air Force from its former protectorates in the late 1960s saw the need for these ground-attack Hunters disappear; the last frontline RAF Hunter FGA.9 unit was disbanded in 1971, however, the type remained in RAF service as an advanced trainer until the 1980s, with trainer variants remaining in RAF service until the early 1990s.

The Hunter FGA.9 variant also became the basis of numerous close air support variants intended for export. This was partly possible due to the disbanding of numerous RAF day fighter units following the 1957 Defence White Paper, and partly due to the early retirement of the Hawker Hunter F.6 in Belgian (1963) and Dutch (1968) service. This released several hundreds of Hunter F.6 airframes which could be rebuilt to FGA standard. Dedicated 'national' variants were built for India (FGA.56), Kuwait (FGA.57), Switzerland (F.58A), Iraq (FGA.59), Lebanon (FGA.70), Chile (FGA.71), Jordan (FGA.73), Singapore (FGA.75), Abu Dhabi (FGA.76), Qatar (FGA.78) and Kenya (FGA.80). Additionally, numerous ex-Royal Air Force FGA.9 airframes were refurbished by Hunter for export.

In foreign service, the Hawker Hunter had a considerably long life. It was relatively easy to maintain type, which could be deployed quickly if needed. In the absence of aerial threats, it was an excellent ground attack aircraft, making it suited for low-intensity conflict and counter-insurgency operations. Many aircraft were locally modified to carry a wide variety of ordnance: some air forces such as those of Switzerland and Singapore modified theirs to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder; in their ultimate guise, Swiss Air Force Hunters were even capable of firing the AGM-65 Maverick. Most aircraft were withdrawn from frontline service in the 1990s, with Switzerland being the last Western nation to withdraw the type from frontline service in 1994. The Indian Air Force was the last major user of the type, withdrawing the last of its Hunters in 2000; the last nation to withdraw the Hunter from frontline military service was Lebanon, retiring the Hunter in 2014. Even so, a handful of Hunters remain in limited military service: as of 2019, ATAC in the United States, Apache Aviation in France, Hawker Hunter Aviation in the UK and Lortie Aviation in Canada operate a number of civilianised Hawker Hunters under government military contracts to provide high-speed aerial threat simulation, mission support training and trials support services.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hunter_f9_rhodesia Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|9ivnMchdhqE|'''Fighter Theory: The Premium Hunter FGA.9''' - ''Sako Sniper''|zU7Nfa-Aqso|'''Should You Buy The Hunter FGA. 9?''' - ''Sako Sniper''}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Hawker [[Sea Hawk FGA.6|Sea Hawk]]

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Mikoyan [[MiG-17]]
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B]] Fury

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

SRAAM

2022-02-02T07:50:52Z

U73405858: haha you wish, no the sraam no longer has the highest G pulling ability, that honour is bestowed to the russian missiles and the Aim-9L

[[File:SRAAM Fired.jpg|thumb|x250px|SRAAM fired from a [[Hunter F.6]]]]

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage SRAAM.png|thumb|left|420px|The SRAAM missile with fins folded and deployed (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''SRAAM''', or '''Short Range Air-to-Air Missile''' is a British [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|Infrared homing air-to-air missile]], it was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], along with the Hunter F.6 (the first aircraft to carry it). As the name suggests the SRAAM has a short range compared to other missiles, however this is made up for by it being by far the most manoeuvrable and hardest to avoid air-to-air missile carried by any fixed wing aircraft in the game.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|hunter_f6}}
* {{Specs-Link|harrier_gr1}}

== General info ==

The SRAAM is a highly manoeuvrable infrared homing air-to-air missile. The missile's use of thrust vectoring, and an IR seeker with very wide gimbal limits, means that it can track targets incredibly well compared to other air-to-air missiles. The missile has an uncaged seeker with a very wide gimbal limits, which makes maintaining locks on targets prior to launch much easier. The uncaged seeker also means that once the missile has been locked you can turn the plane and "lead" the missiles, as if you would an aircraft's guns, making them much more likely to hit.

Thrust vectoring also allows the missiles to start manoeuvring immediately after launch, unlike more traditional missiles which need to gain speed before their fins become fully effective; making the SRAAM much better suited for short range combat.

The SRAAMs are carried in launch tubes, mounted in pairs under the wings.

=== Effective damage ===

The SRAAM has a relatively small warhead consisting of 4 kg of TNT with a 5 m proximity fuse. Most of the time this is adequate to outright destroy an enemy aircraft, however depending on the location of the missile when it explodes it is possible the target will only receive a varying amount of damage. While it is not uncommon for the enemy aircraft to eventually crash due to the damage they receive, some can make it back to the airfield or even continue fighting.

=== Comparison with analogues ===

The main standout feature of the SRAAM, which sets it apart from all other infrared homing missiles (carried by fixed-wing aircraft at least) is its astonishingly good manoeuvrability. The SRAAM can pull a maximum overload of 20 G. Despite having the same maximum overload the SRAAM is still capable of out-manoeuvring the AIM-9L, owing to its thrust vectoring system. The SRAAM also powers up its IR seeker faster than other missiles (taking 3 seconds while most others take closer to 5), and can keep its seeker active for longer at 20 seconds (Sidewinders can do it for 10 seconds, and most Russian missiles 15 seconds).

The drawback of the SRAAM, however, is its short range, it is largely ineffective at ranges greater than 1 km; by comparison, other missiles such as the [[AIM-9E]] can hit targets from well over 2 km in a good situation. The SRAAM also has lower explosive mass than other missiles, at 4 kg of TNT. By comparison, the AIM-9B, D and E have 4.5 kg, the [[R-13M]] has 5.5 kg, and the [[R-3S]] has 11 kg.

== Usage in battles ==

The SRAAM is one of the most forgiving air-to-air missiles in the game because of their superb manoeuvrability; however, there are still things you need. to learn and practice in order to use them to their full potential. The first thing you need to learn when using the SRAAMs is their range; as a general rule, to start with you should not fire the missiles when you are more than 1 km from the target. SRAAMs have a very short range and generally firing them from further away will result in the missile exploding before it reaches the target. If you have a significant speed advantage over your target you can push the firing range up to around 1.2 km, but ultimately you have to learn to tell from experience when you can fire from in excess of 1 km.

Just because you shouldn't fire the missile from outside 1 km does not mean that you shouldn’t try to lock on to targets from outside 1 km. The SRAAM can lock on to targets up to 4 km away; you should be trying to obtain a lock once you are within about 2.5 km of your target; it is also possible to lock on to aircraft when approaching them from almost 90 degrees (directly to their side), under ideal conditions. Once the seeker is active, it will stay active for 20 seconds, giving you plenty of time to close the distance. Once you have a lock the seeker will be able to maintain the lock so long as the target is still somewhere within the outer ring on your screen. Once you have closed the distance to within 1 km if the target is turning (or you are approaching from an angle) then you will want to "lead" the missile, in the same manner, you would lead your guns if you were using them to attack. This will make the missiles much more like to hit, as they will not have to try to do a sharp turn immediately after leaving the tube.

If an enemy gets on your tail then activate the missile seeker and force an overshoot, as they pass you attempt to get a lock on and fire the missile as soon as possible; this will often result in a kill.

=== Counter tactics ===
The old adage "prevention is better than cure" is certainly true when trying to dodge SRAAMs. Once an SRAAM is on its way to you it is going to be very hard to avoid (baring a mistake on the part of the person who fired it), therefore it is always best to take preventative action when facing aircraft armed with SRAAMs. As is always a good practice, the first step to countering SRAAMs is to maintain good situational awareness, if the first time you are aware of an SRAAM is when you get the missile warning at the top of your screen (AB & RB), you are usually as good as dead. To avoid an SRAAM most of the work you do will have to take place before the missile is launched.

To start with you need to keep an eye out for enemy aircraft that can hold the SRAAM; you need to identify any of them lining up for an attack run as soon as possible and take action accordingly. The main drawback of the SRAAM is its short-range, missiles fired much outside of 1 km have a significantly reduced chance of hitting their target, and by the time you get to more than 1.2 km hitting a target is exceedingly rare (unless the attacker has a significant speed advantage over you). With this in mind, your best tactic is to keep your distance from the enemy aircraft, if you are in a supersonic aircraft this should be relatively easy, however for other subsonic aircraft this can be difficult. If simply outrunning your attacker is not possible then your options are limited, but still there.

Like all heat-seeking missiles, the SRAAM will lock onto the sun if its IR seeker passes to close to it. If you see an SRAAM-armed aircraft on your tail then flying towards the sun (not necessarily directly at it but within 10 or so degrees of it) will prevent the enemy obtaining a lock on you; obviously this is often not possible in-game, but can certainly buy you time in some situations.

Another key thing to note is that despite its incredible manoeuvrability the SRAAM is not an all-aspect missile, so can only keep track of you from behind.

* Hunter pilots will often fly in from angles up to 90+ degrees from the side of you and turn into you until they achieve a lock (the SRAAM can lock on to a target from quite extreme angles); once a lock is achieved they will turn hard into you to "lead" the missile before firing it. If you see a Hunter moving in for this manoeuvre your best hope is to turn hard in the same direction they are. The effects of this are twofold, you will direct your engine exhaust (your main source of infrared light) away from the missile reducing its chance of tracking you, and will rapidly close the distance between you and your attacker, often creating a turn too tight for even the SRAAM to pull.
* Harrier GR.1 pilots follow a similar playbook as the Hunters in their attack angles with SRAAM. However, due to their VTOL configuration, the Harrier GR.1 can more easily cause jets on their six o'clock to overshoot during their pursuit. If overshooting the Harrier, quickly make distance and follow evasive manouvres like when dealing a Hunter as the Harrier can quickly orient itself to fire a SRAAM into a fleeing plane's engine exhaust.

If the missile is already on its way to you, and you are not already doing something about it, then you are usually going to end up back in the hangar within the next few seconds; however there are some last-ditch attempts you can try (although don't expect them to work every time, or even most the time). If the missile was fired from around 1 km away then by turning one way, then hard the other once the SRAAM begins to turn you can sometimes throw it off or keep it flying long enough that it exceeds its maximum flight time (3.7 seconds) and explodes. If however the missile was fired from a closer range you will have to just try to dodge it and hope for the best. Usually, the best way to dodge the SRAAM is to pull into a sort of barrel roll, or otherwise carry out a manoeuvre, which involves rolling the aircraft; SRAAMs generally find it much harder to follow you through these manoeuvres than through a simple turn.

If you overshoot a target, carrying SRAAMs then pull hard up immediately; if you carry on straight, or go below the target you are just asking to get an SRAAM fired at you. Likewise, if you pull away to the side then your opponent will find it much easier to turn after you and get a lock than if you pull into the vertical.

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Incredibly good manoeuvrability make it extremely hard for enemy aircraft to dodge.
* Has the joint highest maximum overload of any missile in the game (shared with the [[AIM-9L]] at 20 G)
* One of the best tracking missiles in the game, rarely loses its target (compared to other missiles
* Has an uncaged seeker with an extremely wide field of view, allowing you to "lead" the missiles very well
* IR seeker powers up quickly and can stay active for a long time
* Faster than some other missiles

'''Cons:'''

* Very short range, missiles fired outside of 1 km are unlikely to hit unless you have a notable speed advantage over your opponent.
* Relatively small explosive mass means hits are not always fatal (at least immediately)
* Flares can easily fool the SRAAM due to its high FOV

== History ==

Following the widespread use of early air-to-air missiles in the Vietnam War, it became apparent that such weapon systems had major limitations. They would frequently lose targets due to their IR seekers having a narrow field of view, or the missile not being manoeuvrable enough to keep on the tail of the target. In 1968, a team of engineers working at Hawker Siddeley Dynamics (the missiles division of Hawker Siddeley) began work on a new short-range air-to-air missile to address these shortcomings; the company funded the project as a private venture under the name "Taildog". The missile was to have an IR seeker with a wide field of view, capable of keeping track of targets under all conditions and would have to be extremely manoeuvrable.

The Taildog missile would be 2 m long and make use of thrust vectoring to give it excellent manoeuvrability. In 1970, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) decided that a new air-to-air missile with better manoeuvrability than the other missiles that were in service at the time was required. Hawker Siddeley Dynamics adapted their Taildog missile design to meet the new requirements and after evaluation, they were awarded the contract in 1972. Work on the programme continued under the name of Short Range Air-to-Air Missile or SRAAM. The SRAAM would be bigger than the Taildog (2.75 m long instead of 2 m) and feature a better thrust vectoring system. Due to budget cuts, the government cancelled the SRAAM program in 1974, instead choosing to pursue the Skyflash missile (a British upgrade to the United States AIM-7 Sparrow missile). The SRAAM program continued however until 1978 as a technology demonstrated.

In 1977, Hawker Siddeley Dynamics merged with the missiles division of British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) to form BAe Dynamics (other companies, including the rest of Hawker Siddeley, merged to form the remainder of British Aerospace (BAe). Starting in 1980 BAe Dynamics used research from the SRAAM programme to help with the development of the Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), which is still in use to this day.

The SRAAM was 2.75 m long and weighed 70 kg. In-flight the missile was carried in a lunch tube to protect it until it was fired; once fired the missile had a series of small fins which unfolded to air stability (although they were fixed in place once deployed so did not help control the missile). In the life of the programme eight missiles were fired, some of which from Hawker hunter F.6 XG210. There was an incident during testing where immediately after launch the missile turned sharply after launch and almost collided with the Hunter that fired it.

The SRAAM has also been seen on the Trainer 2 seat version of the [[Harrier GR.1]], they were only mounted for exhibition purposes.

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|kxWhI8VTd14|'''How to use the SRAAMS in Warthunder''' - ''hachersk_Anon'' ([https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/454482-wiki-war-thunder-wiki-short-guides-competition/ Short Guides] Competition Winner)|3Zgt3Ep2ADM|'''The Shooting Range #150''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:06 discusses the SRAAM.}}

== See also ==


* [[AIM-9L]] a missile with the joint highest overload in the game (20 G)
* [[AIM-9D]] / [[AIM-9E]] other fixed-wing aircraft-mounted missiles with an uncaged seeker

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6206-development-hunter-f-6-winged-comfort-en|[Devblog] Hunter F.6: Winged Comfort]] (has a section on SRAAM)
* [[wikipedia:SRAAM|[Wikipedia] SRAAM]]

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Hunter FGA.9

2021-07-10T02:16:28Z

U73405858: outdated information in pros and cons

{{About
| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Hunter (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=hunter_f9_rhodesia
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|store=7212
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]]. It is available for purchase on the Gaijin Store and console stores (Microsoft store, Playstation Store). The FGA.9 is a fighter aircraft which was used primarily by the Rhodesian Air Force for ground attack purposes, and can carry a large payload for close air support. It also excels in air-to-air combat thanks to two [[AIM-9E Sidewinder]] missiles, and its high speed and energy retention for the battle rating.

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

Although without an afterburner, this aircraft will out-accelerate almost all aircraft at its battle rating. The [[MiG-15bis (Germany)|▀MiG-15]] bis and [[MiG-17AS]] will out-accelerate you on the runway, but from about 400-1,000 km/h you can pretty much outrun everything, even [[Shenyang F-5]]s, [[F-86K (France)|F86K]]s and [[F-100D|F100]]s all with afterburners. The aircraft has one of the best acceleration rates for a non-afterburning jet in the game, beaten by the Etendard IVM and then the Yak-38/38M. It also has extremely good top end speed for its battle rating. Be warned the aircraft is a '''brick''' (especially at lower speeds) so most aircraft will out-turn you. Turning is advised only against larger aircraft like [[F-4 Phantom II (Family)|F-4 Phantoms]].

{| 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
| 1,138 || 1,133 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.5 || 26.3 || 53.6 || 46.6 || rowspan="2" | 820
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,158 || 1,148 || 24.6 || 25.0 || 88.8 || 70.0
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 603 || 581 || 465 || ~14 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 850 || < 600 || < 690 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Avon Mk.207 || 1
| colspan="1" | 6,110 kg || colspan="2" | 237 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="2" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 4m fuel || 14m fuel
|-
| 1,175 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 6,510 kg || 7,487 kg || 10,900 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="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 4m fuel || 14m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,272 kgf || N/A
| 0.67 || 0.57 || 0.39
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,991 kgf (1,100 km/h) || N/A
| 0.77 || 0.66 || 0.46
|-
|}

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


The FGA.9 is quite survivable with a robust airframe due to it being primarily intended for ground attacking or close air support. It may take a few hits from enemy cannon fire and still survive, and also stay flying with critical components (wing, engine, etc.) damaged long enough to return to base. However, don't expect the FGA.9 to soak up 30 mm DEFA or other ADEN armed aircraft. Head-on attacks are recommended, albeit from further away than other aircraft (about 2.5/2km away and pull off) due to closure rates and the aircraft being a brick so you have to pull off earlier than normal. '''''Do not commit fully to a head on attack''''', as your ADEN cannon muzzle velocity is slower than most other guns. Do not head-on aircraft .50cal, like F-86s as they will ruin you before your shots even get anywhere near their aircraft. The placement of the cannons also makes head-on attacks tricky.

The only armour on the aircraft are a 64 mm bullet proof glass in front of the pilot, with a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot.

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

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

{{main|ADEN (30 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 30 mm ADEN cannons, nose-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

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

{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|AIM-9E Sidewinder|SNEB type 23}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles

== Usage in battles ==


Side rush and burst climb, then enter the main cluster of aircraft in the middle (ideally with a height advantage). Your AIM 9E's (if you choose to bring them into battle) will quickly dispatch any enemies at a low energy state (hopefully distracted by fighting someone else). Use your superior speed in the cluster and launch your ordnance then zoom back up (the [[Boom & Zoom]] strategy). When you have expended your missiles, use your 30 mm ADENs as they are VERY destructive and typically only one shell is enough to critically damage or destroy any aircraft they come in contact with.

If up-tiered into fighting top-rank fighter jets, planes such as the [[MiG-21SMT]]<nowiki/>s / [[MiG-21MF (Germany)|MF]]<nowiki/>s , [[F-4E Phantom II|F-4E]]/[[F-4EJ Phantom II|EJ]]/[[Phantom FGR.2|FGR]] Phantoms will ruin the {{PAGENAME}} due to good turn rate (in the MiG's case) and very high speeds - they are problematic as the {{PAGENAME}} has a non-afterburning engine, so they will out-accelerate you easily, while the [[R-60M]]/[[AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9J]]/[[AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-7]]/[[Matra R550 Magic 1|R550 Magic]] missiles will easily out-pull the Hunter every time if they acquire a strong lock and send you back to the hangar. The only way to get a shot against the higher BR jets is to dive on them while they are distracted or fighting someone else and launch a missile at them.

===Radars===

The Hunter FGA.9 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:'''

* AIM-9Es are very good with a longer burning motor (longer range and better energy retention, 10G maneuvrability and up to (around) 4 km range from the rear
* 30 mm ADEN cannons are devastating to aircraft and ground targets with a good ammo pool and high fire rate
* Good SL and RP modifier, allowing you to grind out the British tech tree, while earning good SL.

'''Cons:'''

* High speed maneuverability is bad due to locking up from about 1000 km/h onwards
* Low level pilot can pass out instantly from pulling 3G's from about 700 km/h, requires upgrades in G-Tolerance and Stamina to perform well
* If you spray with your cannons, 600 rounds will disappear quite quickly, so fire in controlled bursts.
* Will find itself extremely out-classed in up-tiers to fighting top-rank aircraft

== History ==


Towards the end of the 1950s, the Royal Air Force was faced with the increasing obsolescence of the [[Venom_FB.4|De Havilland Venom FB.4]] in the ground attack role. At the time, the Venom was still in use as a Close Air Support aircraft both in South East Asia and the Middle East; especially in the Aden Emergency it was intensely used, and as a result, a replacement was urgently required. In 1958 the Royal Air Force started the Venom Replacement Evaluation Trials (VRET), selecting the Royal Air Force bases of RAF Khormaksar (Aden) with its long paved runway, and RAF Riyan (Quaiti State, Eastern Aden Protectorate) with its unhardened airstrip as trials bases.

For the VRET, three types were selected: the Hunting Jet Provost T.3; the Folland Gnat F.1; and last but not least, the [[Hunter_F.6|Hawker Hunter F.6]]. Before the trials began, the Folland Gnat was considered the forerunner, while the Hawker Hunter was initially not even considered for the trials, as the type was thought to be uneconomical for use in the Middle East, however, this decision was overturned after intense lobbying by Hawker. Early on during the trials, it became clear that the Hunting Jet Provost was not able to fulfil any of the requirements set by the trials, and while the type would go on to be developed into the successful BAC Strikemaster, it was eliminated from the contest. The trials had become a straight contest between the Hunter and the Gnat.

Early on, the Folland appeared to be a clear favourite: above 40,000 ft it was more manoeuvrable than the Hunter, and its diminutive size made it a difficult target to spot and aim at. Additionally, it required only a minimum of external equipment to operate it from unprepared airstrips. However, the diminutive size of the Gnat also worked in its disadvantage: its relative short landing gear gave the aircraft unpleasant characteristics on unpaved airstrips, and its relatively low-set exhaust damaged the runway surface. However, the main problem for the Gnat was that it was unable to meet range requirements. Fully loaded for combat it had a range of 188 nm, which fell short of the 250 nm requirement set up in the VRET; with external tanks, its maximum ferry range was 673 nm, which was insufficient to ferry it between the Royal Air Force's main Middle East Air Force bases. At the end of the trials, the Hunter came out as the winner on all points except agility above 40,000 ft.

Following the trials, conversion work was started to bring the Hunter F.6 up to full ground attack standard, the FGA.9 (for Fighter Ground Attack). The wing spars were restressed and strengthened, a brake chute was added in a housing above the exhaust for use on unprepared airstrips, the flight controls were adjusted to give a better response at low altitude, and the oxygen supply was increased; as the FGA.9 was primarily intended for use in the Middle East, the aircraft were also given a tropicalised refrigeration and ventilation system. New drop tanks were designed for the inner wing hardpoints, capable of carrying 230 gallons (instead of the 100-gallon drop tanks in use up to then); as they were larger, a cut-out was made in the flaps so they could be extended while carrying the new tanks. Initially, these tanks were fixed and intended for ferry use only, but gradually they were redesigned so they could be jettisonable and used in combat. The first Hunter FGA.9 made its maiden flight on July 3rd 1959. The initial batch was built to 'interim' FGA.9 with an Avon 203 which provided 10,000 lb thrust; the production variant was equipped with an Avon 207 which provided 10,050 lb thrust.

Around the time the Hunter FGA.9 started entering RAF service in 1960, the Hunter F.6 was considered obsolete as a day fighter with the impending service entry of the English Electric Lightning. As a result, many Hunter F.6 airframes were taken back by Hunter for a rebuild to the FGA.9 standard. In all, 144 Hunter F.6s were rebuild to FGA.9 standard. A dedicated reconnaissance variant was also developed out of the FGA.9: the FR.10 had the same capabilities as the FGA.9, except for the adjusted flight controls, its main difference being a set of reconnaissance cameras in a new nose.

In Royal Air Force service, the Hunter FGA.9 was first deployed in Aden in 1960, where it replaced the obsolete Venom; it was used during the Radfan Emergency to attack insurgent forces. During the Borneo Confrontation of 1963-1966, RAF Hunter FGA.9s were used in counter-insurgency operations. The withdrawal from the Royal Air Force from its former protectorates in the late 1960s saw the need for these ground-attack Hunters disappear; the last frontline RAF Hunter FGA.9 unit was disbanded in 1971, however, the type remained in RAF service as an advanced trainer until the 1980s, with trainer variants remaining in RAF service until the early 1990s.

The Hunter FGA.9 variant also became the basis of numerous close air support variants intended for export. This was partly possible due to the disbanding of numerous RAF day fighter units following the 1957 Defence White Paper, and partly due to the early retirement of the Hawker Hunter F.6 in Belgian (1963) and Dutch (1968) service. This released several hundreds of Hunter F.6 airframes which could be rebuilt to FGA standard. Dedicated 'national' variants were built for India (FGA.56), Kuwait (FGA.57), Switzerland (F.58A), Iraq (FGA.59), Lebanon (FGA.70), Chile (FGA.71), Jordan (FGA.73), Singapore (FGA.75), Abu Dhabi (FGA.76), Qatar (FGA.78) and Kenya (FGA.80). Additionally, numerous ex-Royal Air Force FGA.9 airframes were refurbished by Hunter for export.

In foreign service, the Hawker Hunter had a considerably long life. It was relatively easy to maintain type, which could be deployed quickly if needed. In the absence of aerial threats, it was an excellent ground attack aircraft, making it suited for low-intensity conflict and counter-insurgency operations. Many aircraft were locally modified to carry a wide variety of ordonnance: some air forces such as those of Switzerland and Singapore modified theirs to carry the AIM-9 Sidewinder; in their ultimate guise, Swiss Air Force Hunters were even capable of firing the AGM-65 Maverick. Most aircraft were withdrawn from frontline service in the 1990s, with Switzerland being the last Western nation to withdraw the type from frontline service in 1994. The Indian Air Force was the last major user of the type, withdrawing the last of its Hunters in 2000; the last nation to withdraw the Hunter from frontline military service was Lebanon, retiring the Hunter in 2014. Even so, a handful of Hunters remain in limited military service: as of 2019, ATAC in the United States, Apache Aviation in France, Hawker Hunter Aviation in the UK and Lortie Aviation in Canada operate a number of civilianised Hawker Hunters under government military contracts to provide high-speed aerial threat simulation, mission support training and trials support services.

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

== See also ==


;Related development

* Hawker [[Sea_Hawk_FGA.6|Sea Hawk]]
* Hawker [[Hunter F 1]]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
* Mikoyan [[MiG-17]]
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
* North American [[FJ-4B]] Fury

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

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

{{AirManufacturer Hawker}}
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Sagittario 2

2021-06-04T04:16:38Z

U73405858: added some pros

{{Specs-Card
|code=sagittario_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].

== 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 _,___ 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
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! 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
|-
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _ 
|-
|}

{| 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
|-
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | 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="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Derwent 9 || 1
| colspan="2" | ____ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
|-
| 580 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || N/A
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf (_ km/h) || N/A
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
|-
|}

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

{{main|Hispano HS 825 (30 mm)}}

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

* 2 x 30 mm Hispano HS 825 cannons, nose-mounted (120 rpg = 240 total)

== 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:'''

* Extremely agile, able to outturn most aircraft
* Relatively high top speed for 8.0
* 2x hard hitting 30mm cannons are excellent at tearing through other aircraft
* Relatively high top speed

*

'''Cons:'''

*

== 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.''

{{Italy jet aircraft}}