War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Havoc Mk I (Great Britain)

2020-08-06T14:00:51Z

U80031109: /* Pros and cons */ factually correct info added

{{Specs-Card|code=intruder_mk_1}}
{{About
| about = premium British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = DB-7 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_Havoc_Mk_I_Great_Britain.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It costs 400 Golden Eagles {{ge}}.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,634 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
| 502 || 488 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.8 || 28.6 || 9.4 || 9.3 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 533 || 518 || 26.2 || 27.0 || 13.8 || 11.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 445 || 445 || 296 || ~6 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 320 || < 300 || > 320
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot.
* 8 mm Steel plate on fuselage between nose gunner and pilot.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind nose gunner.
* 12.7 mm Steel plates around ventral and dorsal gunners.
* No armour glazing
* Critical components located at the front and in the wings of the aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* Dual fuel tanks located in the wing leading edge

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

{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, chin-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)}}

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

* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

== 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).''

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 7 mm
| Offensive 7 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
| New 7 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
|
|-
| IV
|
|
| Cover
|
|
|-
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Air spawn allows it to hunt opposing bombers
* Fast for rank I bomber
* Premium status
* Has a lot of ammo
* Decent chin mounting of the 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns
* Good bomb load
* Good defensive armament for its rank
* Sleek low drag fuselage offers a smaller target
* Can fly on one engine

'''Cons:'''

* 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns are subpar in offensive capabilities
* Low visibility cockpit with incomplete cockpit model
* Bombardier will almost always be killed from fire anywhere near the front of the aircraft
* Engines will overheat easily at higher altitudes on 100%

== 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).''

=== In-game description ===
In 1936 the Douglas Aircraft Company began work on a new ground attack aircraft for the United States Army Air Corps. After liaising with the USAAC to discuss the exact requirements, it became clear that a twin engine design would be necessary for the payload and firepower required. Designed with an unconventional tricycle undercarriage and a modular nose section to allow a quicker change between the bomber or attack role, the new Model 7B first flew in October 1938. However, even after the success of the highly maneuverable prototype, the USAAC stated that they had no interest in the Model 7B so Douglas began to investigate their options of selling the aircraft on the export market. France was the first company to order the new DB-7 (Douglas Bomber); but after France was defeated by Germany in 1940, arrangements were made to ship the remainder of France's order to Britain. The DB7 initially entered service with the RAF as the Boston Mk.I and was used as a multi-engine conversion trainer.

The British Air Ministry was impressed with the new aircraft, and continued orders from Douglas. Another variant of the aircraft was given the name Havoc Mk.I and was fitted with an Airborne Interception radar, additional armor and nose mounted Browning 0.303 inch machine guns to be used as a night fighter. The navigator's cockpit and the nose glazing remained intact. The aircraft was painted matt black and flame damping exhaust systems were installed in an attempt to add an element of night camouflage. A basic set of second flying controls were also added to the gunner's position, as it was impossible to access the pilot during flight and, in the event of an emergency, the gunner could at least attempt to fly the aircraft to a landing if the pilot was incapacitated. A further modification of this was the Havoc Mk.I (Intruder) which had four 0.303 inch machine guns fitted beneath the bomb aimer's position.

The Havoc's impressive performance did, however, come at a price – the aircraft's range was severely limiting. With this in mind, RAF Bomber Command utilised the Havoc in anti-shipping strikes and night airfield raids over Holland. One tactic employed was for a Havoc to pretend to be a German aircraft that had dropped behind its group: it would fire signal flares over an enemy airfield and turn on its navigation lights as if about to land. If the ruse was successful, the night runway lights would be illuminated, allowing the Havoc to attack the enemy airfield with far greater ease. A bombing run whilst enemy aircraft were landing could also be particularly effective; as well as destroying enemy aircraft on the ground it also cause panic among enemy anti-aircraft gunners who would then open fire on all machines in the air, including their own. Sometimes, after several of these raids in a row, the Germans would even open fire on their own aircraft assuming they were British "blockers".

Some 140 DB7s originally intended for French service were acquired by RAF Bomber Command for use as Havocs, with a further 40 of these being converted to the Intruder role.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|cxkPq8ICn3Y|'''The Shooting Range #25''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 00:42 discusses the Havoc.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26]] Invader

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Bristol [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]]
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 110 (Family)|Bf 110]]
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
* Petlyakov [[Pe-2 (Family)|Pe-2]]

== 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 Douglas}}
{{Britain bombers}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Havoc Mk I (Great Britain)

2020-08-06T13:32:36Z

U80031109: /* Pros and cons */ added more ddetail

{{Specs-Card|code=intruder_mk_1}}
{{About
| about = premium British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = DB-7 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_Havoc_Mk_I_Great_Britain.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It costs 400 Golden Eagles {{ge}}.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,634 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
| 502 || 488 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.8 || 28.6 || 9.4 || 9.3 || rowspan="2" | 550
|-
! Upgraded
| 533 || 518 || 26.2 || 27.0 || 13.8 || 11.5
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 445 || 445 || 296 || ~6 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 320 || < 300 || > 320
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===

* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot.
* 8 mm Steel plate on fuselage between nose gunner and pilot.
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind nose gunner.
* 12.7 mm Steel plates around ventral and dorsal gunners.
* No armour glazing
* Critical components located at the front and in the wings of the aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
* Dual fuel tanks located in the wing leading edge

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

{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, chin-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)}}

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

* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

== 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).''

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 7 mm
| Offensive 7 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
| New 7 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
|
|-
| IV
|
|
| Cover
|
|
|-
! colspan="6" | This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''
* Air spawn allows it to hunt opposing bombers
* Fast for rank I bomber
* Premium status
* Has a lot of ammo
* Decent chin mounting of the 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns
* Good bomb load
* Good defensive armament for its rank
* Sleek low drag fuselage offers a smaller target

'''Cons:'''

* 4 x 7.7 mm machine guns are subpar in offensive capabilities
* Low visibility cockpit with incomplete cockpit model
* Bombardier will almost always be killed from fire anywhere near the front of the aircraft
* Engines will overheat easily at higher altitudes on 100%
* Cannot fly on one engine

== 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).''

=== In-game description ===
In 1936 the Douglas Aircraft Company began work on a new ground attack aircraft for the United States Army Air Corps. After liaising with the USAAC to discuss the exact requirements, it became clear that a twin engine design would be necessary for the payload and firepower required. Designed with an unconventional tricycle undercarriage and a modular nose section to allow a quicker change between the bomber or attack role, the new Model 7B first flew in October 1938. However, even after the success of the highly maneuverable prototype, the USAAC stated that they had no interest in the Model 7B so Douglas began to investigate their options of selling the aircraft on the export market. France was the first company to order the new DB-7 (Douglas Bomber); but after France was defeated by Germany in 1940, arrangements were made to ship the remainder of France's order to Britain. The DB7 initially entered service with the RAF as the Boston Mk.I and was used as a multi-engine conversion trainer.

The British Air Ministry was impressed with the new aircraft, and continued orders from Douglas. Another variant of the aircraft was given the name Havoc Mk.I and was fitted with an Airborne Interception radar, additional armor and nose mounted Browning 0.303 inch machine guns to be used as a night fighter. The navigator's cockpit and the nose glazing remained intact. The aircraft was painted matt black and flame damping exhaust systems were installed in an attempt to add an element of night camouflage. A basic set of second flying controls were also added to the gunner's position, as it was impossible to access the pilot during flight and, in the event of an emergency, the gunner could at least attempt to fly the aircraft to a landing if the pilot was incapacitated. A further modification of this was the Havoc Mk.I (Intruder) which had four 0.303 inch machine guns fitted beneath the bomb aimer's position.

The Havoc's impressive performance did, however, come at a price – the aircraft's range was severely limiting. With this in mind, RAF Bomber Command utilised the Havoc in anti-shipping strikes and night airfield raids over Holland. One tactic employed was for a Havoc to pretend to be a German aircraft that had dropped behind its group: it would fire signal flares over an enemy airfield and turn on its navigation lights as if about to land. If the ruse was successful, the night runway lights would be illuminated, allowing the Havoc to attack the enemy airfield with far greater ease. A bombing run whilst enemy aircraft were landing could also be particularly effective; as well as destroying enemy aircraft on the ground it also cause panic among enemy anti-aircraft gunners who would then open fire on all machines in the air, including their own. Sometimes, after several of these raids in a row, the Germans would even open fire on their own aircraft assuming they were British "blockers".

Some 140 DB7s originally intended for French service were acquired by RAF Bomber Command for use as Havocs, with a further 40 of these being converted to the Intruder role.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|cxkPq8ICn3Y|'''The Shooting Range #25''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 00:42 discusses the Havoc.}}

== See also ==

;Related development
* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26]] Invader

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
* Bristol [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]]
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 110 (Family)|Bf 110]]
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
* Petlyakov [[Pe-2 (Family)|Pe-2]]

== 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 Douglas}}
{{Britain bombers}}
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Halifax B Mk IIIa

2020-08-05T19:09:15Z

U80031109: /* Pros and cons */ added more

{{Specs-Card|code=halifax_mk3}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]].

The Halifax is an interesting member of the British bomber line. It is the first true British heavy bomber, a big change from its predecessors, which are all either flying boats, medium, or light bombers. With the transition to heavy bombers, comes a change in tactics. The Halifax will outclass almost every rank 2 and 3 bombers in terms of payload. It will also generally beat every same battle-rated bomber in the payload department as well. However, being a heavy bomber has its drawbacks. Compared to nearly all previous British bombers, this one is slower and has a noticeably slow climb rate. While the payload upgrade is nice, the Halifax is not very durable. Worse, the Halifax lacks effective defensive weapons, a flaw of nearly all British bombers. The main priority, as a result, should be targeting bases and avoiding opposing pilots as much as possible. Use high altitude and less direct travel routes to get to your targets. If you are engaged, your defensive guns can save you, but they are not very reliable. In addition, this bomber does not have any ventral turrets, leaving a massive defensive gap directly under the aircraft. You also only have one singular machine gun able to cover the fore-lower approach to your aircraft and little in the way of armour plating for the pilot other than a steel bulkhead that won't protect against cannon shells or rifle calibre bullets well. However, if you can keep safe and deliver your payload, you will find this to be a very effective bomber.

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,115 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
| 435 || 419 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 35.0 || 35.8 || 3.8 || 3.8 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 477 || 454 || 33.2 || 34.0 || 9.9 || 6.5
|-
|}

==== Details ====
[[File:Halifax 3.png|450px|right|thumb|A Halifax in action over Sicily.]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 260 || ~4 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 350 || < 370 || < 350 || > 280
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,447 m || 1,400 hp || 1,596 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,115 m || 1,300 hp || 1,482 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 6.35 mm steel in front and floor of the cockpit
* 8 mm steel behind the pilot and in rear fuselage bulkhead

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

{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}

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

* 15 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (3,750 lb total)
* 15 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (7,500 lb total)
* 9 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 6 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (12,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===

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

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

* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, dorsal turret (600 rpg = 2,400 total)
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, tail turret (1,700 rpg = 6,800 total)

== Usage in battles ==
[[File:Cool Halifax.png|alt=A Halifax landed on a hill at sunrise.|thumb|550x550px|A Halifax, landed on a hill, looking good.]]
The Halifax Mark IIIa is the first true "heavy" bomber that an allied player will unlock. It has engines that do well at higher altitudes- above the height of 4000 metres- and it has a large payload of nearly 12000 pounds of bombs, going by weight. This is sufficient so that one Halifax can, on their own, annihilate all three minibases and take a small chunk out of the enemy airfield, and otherwise, it can take a sizeable chunk out of the airfield- around three-quarters of the base's total HP. Two Halifaxes can annihilate all the bases '''and''' the airfield together in the 3.7-4.7 BR bracket. Three Halifaxes can destroy everything in a 5.0 uptier. Four halifaxes, should they survive the trip to the enemy bases, can destroy everything they see on the map and result in a fast game-over. It dwarfs the payloads of contemporary 4.0 bombers, such as the [[Pe-2-83]], [[B-25J-1]], and the [[Yer-2 (M-105)]] with its overwhelmingly large bombload.

However, the Halifax is not all explosions, sunshine and rainbows. The aircraft requires you to play very defensively and requires you to be a crack shot with the turrets and able to know where enemies are going and be lucky enough to avoid their ire. The Halifax B Mk IIIa is a British bomber, and in-game, has a notorious reputation for carrying a lot of bombs but being unable to avoid fighter aircraft (doesn't climb fast enough nor perform well enough at high altitude) or defend itself (four/eight 7.7mm machine guns is barely adequate at 3.3, let alone 4.0). While it does have a good bombload, pilots will find that it has problems in actually getting to the target.

One technique that some british pilots use to some degree of success are low-altitude dambusters-style raids flying at treetop level, just above terrain. This allows you to avoid axis fighters (which generally climb high), but if executed wrong, will simply leave you at the mercy of Bf-109s, Fw-190s and low-flying japanese aircraft which will enjoy the opportunity for a free kill. You need to be watching the skies and make course corrections to avoid enemy aircraft, since you do not have the weapons nor performance to take them out or outrun them. You need to pre-empt where enemy aircraft will be and make adjustments as such. You are also harder to see above water, above forests and above large urban areas (e.g. the cities on Ruhr). use this to your advantage.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}
Vent the radiator and set prop pitch to 100% immediately after spawning in. Set supercharger gears to gear 2.

For some extra speed in level flight set prop pitch to 85%.
{| class="wikitable"
!Compressor
!Optimal altitude
!100% Engine power
!WEP Engine power
|-
!Setting 1
|2,500 m
|2,000 hp
|2,270 hp
|-
!Setting 2
|4,115 m
|1,800 hp
|2,096 hp
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
|
| SUBC mk.I
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| Turret 7 mm
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
| MBC mk.III
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Versatile - It is capable of flying low-altitude runs for minibases, or high-altitude bomb runs.
* Can carry an overwhelming '''12,000 lb''' of bombs, giving it the heaviest payload at rank II-III, and outclasses many rank IV bombers
* (Realistic Battles) Full payload lets it take out all three bases in one pass with '''four''' 1,000 lb bombs to spare (first base : 6 x 500 lb + 1 x 1,000 lb / second base : 2 x 1,000 lb / third base : 2 x 1,000 lb / airfield : 4 x 1,000 lb
* Full payload can also take out 3/4 of an Airfield's HP in the BR 3.7-4.7 range
* Fast and fairly manoeuvrable for a heavy bomber, with flaps that do not rip easily
* Performance is almost unaffected by payload options due to internal payload carriage that doesn't create drag
* Fantastic climb rate with WEP; can easily reach 6,000 m with full payload just by side climbing (which is heavily advised to minimize interception)
* Can fly with two engines if needed - or even one, if trying to land
* Defensive armament is decent for a British bomber. You can put eight guns rearward to defend against enemy targets
* Tail gunner has a lot of ammunition (4 x 7.7 mm machine guns with 1,700 rounds per gun). In addition, he can fire almost directly down, directly under the turret, so unless an enemy goes directly under your airframe, you should have time to react and fire a few bursts
* Economical plane to fly as an easy Silver Lion {{sl}} and Research Points {{rp}} grinder
* The aircraft, if in the hands of a capable pilot, can continue to fly with horrific damage to control surfaces and engines

'''Cons:'''

* Large target
* '''Priority target''' (in Arcade battles) to be eliminated
* Stock payload is useless for base bombing, but plane isn't manuverable enough to effectively attack smaller ground targets
* Nose is defended by a single 7.7 mm gun and the belly has no machine gun coverage, leaving them very vulnerable for enemy attacks
* 7.7 mm turrets are overall not very effective
* Only one pilot, no copilot like other bombers. In addition, the pilot is '''not''' armoured, and is vulnerable to a head-on, since the only frontal defence is a single 7.7mm gun
* WEP causes overheating unless manual engine control is used to force radiators open
* Fragile structure compared to most competing bombers and previous British bombers
* Severe lack of armour for crew leaves them vulnerable

== 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;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Handley}}
{{Britain bombers}}

Stirling B Mk I

2020-08-05T19:07:00Z

U80031109: /* Pros and cons */ expanded section

{{Specs-Card|code=stirling_mk1}}
{{About
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Stirling B Mk III
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]].

The Stirling B Mk I plays as a standard long range bomber. Climbing to high altitudes and using alternative routes or flying at tree-top level to bomb targets to prevent engagement is recommended as the Stirling B Mk I likely won't survive any due to poor armour and strength. It is not well defended at all with low calibre machine guns, which are not very effective at the battle rating of 4.3/5.0. It is extremely flammable and fragile when engaged with cannons, although it may survive machine gun fire lower than 10 mm calibre.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===

The general flight performance of this aircraft is lacking. The Stirling has a very poor climb rate - especially when stock. The turn time is sluggish, as well as acceleration and top speed.

Without performance upgrades, this aircraft will struggle to climb at all carrying a payload.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,268 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
| 372 || 358 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 51.9 || 53.8 || 5.3 || 5.3 || rowspan="2" | 1,170
|-
! Upgraded
| 422 || 396 || 48.3 || 50.0 || 11.4 || 7.9
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 350 || 350 || 245 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 350 || < 350 || < 350 || > 302
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 762 m || 1,325 hp || 1,656 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,267 m || 1,200 hp || 1,500 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 8 mm Steel plate in the left pilot's seat.
* 9 mm Steel plate in front of engine cooling systems.

The survivability of the Stirling B Mk I is very poor. Any encounter with a fighter or bomber hunter will end badly. The entire structure is relatively weak, and it wont take many cannon rounds to tear off the tail or a wing. The fuel tanks are vulnerable and catch fire easily too. For armour, there is a 9 mm plate in front of the cooling systems of each engine, and an 8 mm plate protecting the pilot from rounds coming from the rear of the aircraft.

Due to the engines being radial, you do not have to worry so much about cooling as there is no liquid cooling system. Oil leaks and high temperature are still a concern though.

If a player does decide to sit on your rear, you do have six 7.7 mm machine guns that can shoot in that direction. Good preparation and a few well placed shots will quickly shred them, if they have not destroyed you first.

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

{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}

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

* 27 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (6,750 lb total)
* 27 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (13,500 lb total)
* 9 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (9,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===

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

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

* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, nose turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, tail turret (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==


===== ''Offensive'' =====
The Stirling B Mk I is very large and very heavy. It has multiple loadout options of bombs, which can get 3 bases with its heavier bombloads. This is also the heaviest bombload at its tier.

===== ''Defensive'' =====
Its onboard LMG defensive armament most probably will not be effective against targets at BR 4.3/5.0. Defensive armament does not have 360° coverage, although it is somewhat effective against attacks from behind, where you can fire the dorsal/ventral and tail guns in unison.

===== ''Mobility'' =====
The Stirling B Mk I has 4 engines with enormous wing surface area, It makes for a good climb rate but it also struggles with heavier bombloads. Fortunately, the control surfaces are extremely large as well, which helps a lot with controlling the plane.

==== Tactics ====
The Stirling has a huge payload but delivering it may be challenging. This is because the plane is very weak for a BR 5.0. Going straight to bomb and enemy base as soon as you spawn is suicide. Keep in mind that if an enemy plane finds you, you are dead. It is much bigger than a Wellington and catches fire easier; a short burst from a Bf 109 or La-7 and you go down in flames. Stay away from any enemy plane if possible as your defensive armament is almost useless and you can only rely on stealth (WWII Stirlings were used primarily on night missions). Depending on the map, you can choose to go at tree top level, or take a long route away from the combat zone, hidden in the clouds. When attacking ground targets at low altitude, pay attention to anti-aircraft guns and trucks, they can set you on fire easily.

==== Specific enemies worth noting ====
Any fighter is very dangerous for the Stirling B Mk I. The [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]], [[La-5]], [[La-7]], [[A6M (Family)|A6M]], and the [[C.205N2|C.205]] are the most lethal opponents. If any risk of engagement is present, the player should seek fighter support.

==== Counter-tactics ====
Directly firing and not using any tactics is enough to kill the Stirling B Mk I. Its defensive armament can be ignored, although attacking from the top will minimize damage. Aiming at wings where the fuel tanks are is recommended, as it will most probably result in a fire.

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

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
|
| SUBC mk.I
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| Turret 7 mm
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
| MBC mk.III
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Rear gunner and top fuselage gunner can fire in unison (If the rear gunner gets knocked-out, The top gunner will still be able to defend)
* Best payload at rank III, enough to destroy 3 bases

'''Cons:'''

* Not "short" at all, it is large enough to be an easy target to nearly everything faced
* Cannot take many hits
* Flammable
* Mediocre LMG defence
* Almost no armour
* Vulnerable fuel tanks
* Very bad climb rate with full payload
* Sways very heavily in RB when trying to climb
* Huge glass cockpit means near-certain death from head-on attacks

== 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Short}}
{{Britain bombers}}

Achilles

2020-08-04T17:14:10Z

U80031109: details of turret armour

{{Specs-Card|code=uk_17_pdr_m10_achilles}}
{{About
| about = British tank destroyer '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the premium version
| link = Achilles (65 Rg.)
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_Achilles.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{specs|name}}''' (nickname '''{{specs|pseudonym}}''') is a rank {{specs|rank}} British tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. This tank destroyer was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]] along with the rest of the British Ground Forces Tree.

The Achilles is based on the American [[M10 GMC|M10]], but carries [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|17-pounder]] as the main armament, making it an effective tank destroyer. Thanks to a well assigned BR, the Achilles won't feel in the wrong game even when facing higher rank tanks. For a Battle Rating 4.0, the Achilles plenty of firepower, especially once the Mk.8 APCBC shot modules is unlocked, which is more effective against the [[T-34 (1942)|T-34]] sloped armour. The 17-pdr cuts through the enemy [[Pz.III M|Panzer III]] and [[Pz.IV H|IV]] (the shots enter the front and exit from the rear) so try to aim vital points to cause the maximum damage (first shot to the turret to disable enemy firepower). The T-34 is a bigger problem due to its sloped armour. When facing Russians, the first shot should always be to the gunner. The Mk.8 APCBC is quite able to penetrate the T-34 glacis even from a distance but keep in mind that the damage the 17-pdr will cause is unreliable (sometimes 2 or more shots are required to destroy a T-34, sometimes one shot is enough). The M10 mobility is not outstanding, but the Achilles is pretty capable of carrying the player, gun, and event team where it needs to go.

Protection is not good. The sloped armour and the track links added to the front will protect the Achilles from some low calibre shots, but the vast majority of enemies will be able to destroy the Achilles quickly. The frontal turret armour may be able to bounce or survive some hits from heavier weapons, but this is inconsistent at best. Side armour is paper thin. The high profile and the very slow turret traverse (man-powered) are not suitable for close range combat so avoid deep flanking tactics.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet, Transmission area)
* Structural steel (Counterweight)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 38.1 mm (55°) ''Front glacis'' 50.8 mm (7-55°) ''Transmission area'' || 19.05 mm (38°) ''Top hull'' 25.4 mm ''Bottom hull''|| 19.05 (28-33°) ''Top Hull'' 25.4 mm (7-52°) ''Bottom hull'' || 19.05 mm ''Front'' 9.5 mm ''Rear''
|-
| Turret || 25.4 mm (66-88°) ''Turret front'' 57.15 mm (0-47°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm (22-46°) || 25.4 mm (0-29°) ''Turret rear'' 50 mm (0-50°) ''Counterweight'' || N/A
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 20 mm thick while the bogies are 10 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 12.7 mm thick.
* Hull rear sides are protected by attached grousers that give 20 mm of extra armour.
* Tracks placed on the front transmission area provide 30 mm extra armour.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 582|rbMinHp= 363|AoAweight= 0.32}}

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

{{main|QF 17-pounder (76 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm QF 17-pounder]] || 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" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+30° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 3.96 || 5.48 || 6.66 || 7.37 || 7.84 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 2.68 || 3.15 || 3.83 || 4.23 || 4.50
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
|-
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
|-
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 190 || 187 || 172 || 155 || 140 || 126
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="11" | 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)
! rowspan="2" | Normalization at 30° from horizontal
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 6.98 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 580 || +0° || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || -1° || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || +4° || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 754 || 8.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[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
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''50''' || 48 ''(+2)'' || 45 ''(+5)'' || 34 ''(+16)'' || 23 ''(+27)'' || 12 ''(+38)'' || 1 ''(+49)'' || Yes
|-
|}

Turret empty: 45 ''(+5)''

===== Optics =====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} [[Optics]]
|-
! Which ones
! Default magnification
! Maximum magnification
|-
! Main Gun optics
| x1.85 || x3.5 
|-
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2" | [[M10 GMC]]
|-
|}

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 300 (200) || 576 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Achilles is best used for sniping and shoot and scoot tactics. Find a good spot where to shoot at enemies, aim carefully (RB need a good use of mils range estimation) and enjoy the fireworks!

Keep in mind the low fire rate (compared to other 17-pdr AFVs). Once the Achilles have destroyed (or damaged) the enemy, the best thing to do is to relocate. Don't stay in the same spot for too long: the Achilles has weak armour and an open top. Artillery barrages will cripple the tank destroyer and the crew.

Another thing to think about is the turret traverse. Yes, it is ''really'' slow. Therefore, changes to the play style must be taken. If an enemy needs to be targeted quickly, do not rely on the turret. Instead, traverse the entire tank so that the hull is facing the enemy head-on, similar to turretless, casemate style tank destroyers. To avoid situations like this, stay way back, avoiding urban areas and other areas where the Achilles will be flanked easily.

The Achilles performs very well on large maps with plenty of vegetation or terrain variations to hide. On maps like this, the Achilles can find a good hiding place and wait for enemy tanks to drive into the sights. Even the most heavily armoured tanks in the BR range cannot withstand the APCBC round. It is this tanks most redeeming factor. A well positioned Achilles can deal massive damage to an opposing team, and can even hold out an entire section of the map if it is protected from air support and can get the jump on attacking enemies. Remember to change position regularly as the Achilles will become easy prey for enemy aircraft if the situation is compromised.

Also, remember to use the .50 cal. It can disorientate enemy tanks and potentially give a few extra seconds breathing room in a bad situation. It is also useful against SPAA and low flying aircraft. Be aware that if the commander is knocked out, access to the .50 cal will be lost.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="2" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
| Shot Mk.4
| Horizontal Drive
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| Shot Mk.8
| Adjustment of Fire
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
| Elevation Mechanism
|
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
| Add-on Armor
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1
|
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Good gun (17-pounder!)
* High level of penetration. Will often pass through the front of lighter vehicles and leave through the back
* Good speed
* 5 crew members
* .50 cal Heavy machine gun on top to fight lightly armoured tanks and aircraft
* Sloped armour makes incoming rounds more likely to ricochet
* Spare tracks that provided some limited protection on the front and the rear section of the side armour
* Good gun depression

'''Cons:'''

* Hull armour is rather thin
* Gun mantlet is weak, T-34s with stock ammo can penetrate at 500 m
* Big ammo racks
* Open top turret makes it vulnerable to artillery and strafing planes
* Very slow turret traverse
* Will have trouble penetrating some sloped armour before the Shot Mk.8 is purchased
* Lack of explosive filler for AP shells
* Handling is poor on some rough terrain before mobility modifications are researched
* Reverse speed is bad
* Low ammo reserve for Commander's machine gun (300 rds total)
* Add-on armour upgrade is less useful than the one on the M10 GMC with less tracks on the side armour

== History ==

===Development===
The [[M10 GMC|M10 tank destroyer]] was developed in 1942 to fulfil the anti-tank doctrine established by the US military. The doctrine, creating the tank destroyer force, was established with the objective to stop German blitzkrieg tactics by attacking the tanks. Unlike the other armoured fighting vehicles in the theatre, the tank destroyers were made to be placed in reserves to counter any breach in the front lines by taking out the enemy with ambushes. This role led to the desire for a fast vehicle with a powerful gun; armour was not a concern due to the emphasis in speed. The design ended up taking a turret design developed from the [[M6A1|M6A1 Heavy Tank]] and the body from the [[M4A2|M4A2 Sherman]], this with the 3-inch 1918 gun, provided the backbone of the American tank destroyer force in much of World War II. In total, 6,706 M10s and its variants were produced between September of 1942 to 1943 of the same month.

===British use===
These M10s were given out to America’s allies, though the British were the most well-known of these users, receiving about 1,650 M10s from the Americans from 1943 onward. The British designated the M10s under their service as the '''Achilles''' and unlike popular usage, was called that for both the 3-inch gun variant (''Achilles I/II'') and the variant mounting the 17-pounder (''Achillies Ic / IIc''). Though in most usage, the vehicle was called the ''17pdr M10'', or ''17pdr SP M10'', or even the ''“Firefly”'', despite that name being used for a different design.

The British first received the M10s with the 3-inch cannons, which were much more powerful than the British tank armament at the time, giving them an edge in many tank confrontations in the North African Campaign. It was around 1943 that conversion is done onto the M10 to increase its firepower capabilities against the gradually upgraded German tank designs such as the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] and the [[Panther D|Panthers]]. The conversion used one of the best Allied anti-tank guns at the time, the 17-pounder, which could penetrate about 140 mm of armour at 500 meters away with APCBC rounds, and 209 mm at the same distance with APDS rounds (Armour-Penetrating Discarding Sabot). The conversion is done onto the M10 also required a counterweight to be placed on the 17-pounder to compensate the heavier weight of the 17-pounder compared to the 3-inch gun. This gave the M10 Achilles a much more defining profile and attempts were made to hide this more substantial cannon length with optical illusion. Aside from the gun conversion, the M10 Achilles also had an extra 17 mm of armour welded onto the front and sides of the hull for added protection, plus a 20 mm shield on the top of the turret to compensate for the open-turret design. About 1,000 M10 Achilles with the 17-pounders were ordered, but by D-Day, only 124 were available, and 816 were done by the end of the year. The low number of these converted Achilles made meant that any lost units were hard to replace with a 17-pounder one, and the disgruntled crew would be issued an M10 with a 3-inch gun instead. In the end, about a total of 1,000 Achilles were converted into 17-pounder ones by the end of World War II, making the M10 Achilles the second-most numerous design to mount the 17-pounder, coming before the [[Sherman Firefly|Sherman Firefly]].

===Combat usage===
The British doctrine with the Achilles differed from the Americans who saw it as a reserve tank destroyer. The British viewed it as a mobile anti-tank gun, thus the Achilles served in a role akin to the [[StuG III G|StuG III]] in German service, moving the 17-pounder into position to take a shot on incoming German [[Tiger E|Tiger]] or [[Panther G|Panther]] tanks. These Achilles were used more with Churchill tank units rather than the medium tanks due to the lack of 17-pounder equipped on [[Churchill Mk III|Churchills]] while the medium tanks have the Firefly available for use. Disadvantages with the M10 Achilles design were carried over from the original, the slow turret traverse speed, high profile, and open-top turret made it a rather harder vehicle to use than a regular tank, but it still had its advantages and was still suitable for the role it had.

The Achilles were deployed on D-Day onward in artillery forces in anti-tank regiments in armoured divisions. A typical anti-tank regiment would have four batteries, two with towed 17-pounders, one equipped with 17-pounder Achilles, and another with regular M10s with the 3-inch gun (though replaced with another Achilles unit once more were available). A notable event with the Achilles was during Operation Charnwood, where Achilles in the 62nd Anti-Tank Regiment fought off a German counterattack comprising of [[Pz.IV H|Panzer IVs]] and Panthers from the 12th Panzer Regiment were routed by the Achilles 17-pounder fires, destroying about 13 German tanks with the loss of four Achilles knocked out and four more damaged.

== Media ==

Skin and Camouflages for the [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=tank_destroyer&vehicle=uk_17_pdr_m10_achilles Achilles] in Warthunder Live.

== See also ==


* [[Achilles (65 Rg.)]] - Gift version, representing the 65th Anti-Tank Regiment.
* [[M10 GMC]] - Original American configuration of the M10 platform.

== External links ==


* [[Wikipedia:17pdr_SP_Achilles|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> 17pdr SP Achilles]]

{{Britain tank destroyers}}

QF 17-pounder (76 mm)

2020-08-04T17:07:13Z

U80031109: Added much more to pros and cons

== Description ==
''Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game.''

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


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

{{Navigation-First-Line|'''Medium tanks'''}}{{Specs-Link|uk_ac4_thunderbolt}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uk_centurion_mk_1}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uk_a30_challenger}}
{{Navigation-Line| }}{{Specs-Link|uk_sherman_ic_firefly}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uk_sherman_vc_firefly}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|it_sherman_vc_firefly}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|it_sherman_VII}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Heavy tanks'''}}{{Specs-Link|uk_a_43_black_prince}}

{{Navigation-Line|'''Tank destroyers'''}}{{Specs-Link|uk_17_pdr_m10_achilles}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uk_17_pdr_m10_achilles_norfolk_yeomanry}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uk_sp_17_pdr_valentine}}{{-}}{{Specs-Link|uk_a30_sp_avenger}}

{{Navigation-End}}

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

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

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

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

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

'''Pros:'''

* High penetration on most rounds
* Average reload
* Lack of spread
* Very powerful APDS round

'''Cons:'''

* Lack of APHE

*

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

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

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

* ''reference to the article about the variant of the cannon/machine gun;''
* ''references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.''

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

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

{{Britain tank cannons}}
{{Italy tank cannons}}

[[Category:Tank cannons]]

Centurion Mk 3

2020-08-04T17:03:22Z

U80031109: /* Pros and cons */ made more in line with reality

{{Specs-Card|code=uk_centurion_mk_3}}
{{About
|about = the medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = similar vehicles
|link = Centurion (Family)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_CenturionMk3.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was released along with the entire British tree line in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]]. The Centurion boasts relatively strong sloped front armour, decent mobility, and a powerful [[Ordnance_QF_20-pounder_Mk.I_(84_mm)|20-pounder cannon]].

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull, Turret roof)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret)

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 76.2 mm (58°) ''Front glacis'' 76.2 mm (47-48°) ''Lower glacis'' || 50.8 (12°) + 6 mm || 38 mm (8-12°) || 29 mm 8-14 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Turret || 152 mm (6-27°) ''Turret front'' 152 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 89 mm (5-12°) || 89 mm (1-18°) || 50.8 mm ''Border of turret'' 29 mm ''Center of turret''
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 152 mm || 90 mm || 29 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

*Tracks and suspension wheels are both 20 mm thick.
*The steel boxes around the turret and hull give a 4 mm additional protection, though this seems to be a negligible addition.
*Spaced armour plates are placed on the side of the Centurion, giving an additional 6 mm of side armour.

=== Mobility ===


{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 1007|rbMinHp= 575}}

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

{{main|20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[20pdr OQF Mk.I (84 mm)|84 mm 20pdr OQF Mk.I]] || 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" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 19.04 || 26.35 || 32.00 || 35.39 || 37.65 || rowspan="2" | 8.19 || rowspan="2" | 7.25 || rowspan="2" | 6.68 || rowspan="2" | 6.30
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 11.90 || 14.00 || 17.00 || 18.80 || 20.00
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| Shot Mk.1 || APCBC || 232 || 229 || 216 || 201 || 187 || 173
|-
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 285 || 283 || 262 || 239 || 218 || 198
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15 || 15
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| Shot Mk.1 || APCBC || 1,000 || 9.1 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| Shot Mk.3 || APDS || 1,400 || 3.2 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 600 || 7.5 || 0.4 || 0.5 || 1,130 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile Mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 250 || 9.3 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

==== [[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
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''65''' || 59 ''(+6)'' || 57 ''(+8)'' || 55 ''(+10)'' || 53 ''(+12)'' || 33 ''(+32)'' || 17 ''(+48)'' || 1 ''(+64)'' || style="text-align:center" | No
|-
|}

Turret empty: 53 ''(+12)'' Front empty: 33 ''(+32)''

=== Machine guns ===

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,600 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in the battles ==

The Centurion Mk. 3 is an effective medium tank if played to its strengths. If one wants to keep it simple, just use the powerful gun to snipe from distance. More advanced tankers can utilize the not too impressive max speed (35kmph/22mph) to move with this medium tank into the flanks of enemy tanks (close to the border of a map) and search for positions like hills and ridges where one can make use of the amazing -10° gun depression to hide the vulnerable lower plate of this tank. Once in such a position, one should use the binoculars to scout for enemies without exposing the turret. If an enemy tank is spotted that could be a potential threat (dangerous tank / faced towards you) pop out a little bit and start to take out the enemies gunner/cannon barrel/cannon breech to prevent him from returning fire. Now utilize the quick reload to take out one crew member after the other to finish your opponent. If an enemy is spotted who is exposing their side or even the rear while not aiming towards you, shoot the engine first to immobilize and possibly even ignite the enemy tank, preventing him to take cover. The next shots should again disable the gun of the enemy, now finish your prey by shooting all crew members or if you feel lucky shoot an ammo rack.

The best choice to pierce enemy tanks is obviously the Shot Mk.3 (APDS) although it is quite expensive in terms of Silver Lions. The Shot Mk. 1 (APCBC) works in most situation as well but lacks penetration compared to the Mk. 3 APDS shot. The amazing penetration characteristics of this APDS shot enables this gun to pierce front plates of all Panther models (apart from the Panther II) to ranges up to 2000m. T-44s and Panther IIs front plates can be penetrated to ranges up to almost 1000m. Keep in mind though that the front plate of the T-44 is angled at 60°, so it bounces even this powerful APDS shot quite often. Even the front plate of the mighty Tiger II is not able to stop this APDS shot if not angled and the range is shorter than 100m.

In a head to head situation with an enemy tank approaching try to angle the centurion not more than 5° degrees to either side since the side armour is quite weak (50.8mm), try to hide your lower front plate which is a massive weak spot, while reloading turn the turret 10° to the right to maximize chances of bouncing shots (right side of the turret front has some extra armour) and keeping the gunner alive.

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Mobility
! Protection
! colspan="2" | Firepower
|-
| I
| Tracks
|
| Parts
| Horizontal Drive
|
|-
| II
| Suspension
| Brake System
| FPE
| Adjustment of Fire
| Shot Mk.3
|-
| III
| Filters
|
| Crew Replenishment
| Elevation Mechanism
| Smoke grenade
|-
| IV
| Transmission
| Engine
|
| Artillery Support
| 20pdr Shell SS Mk.1
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

'''Pros:'''

* Powerful and high penetrating gun, stock round is adequate enough to deal with other vehicle it faces and APDS can punch through anything it will face.
* Has a base reload time of 8.1 seconds, which can be lowered further into around 7.4 seconds (which is on average 2 seconds faster than its competitors).
* Excellent gun angles
* Strong gun mantlet.
* Neutral steering, can turn on the spot without having to switch into gear 1.
* Good maneuverability.
* Good reverse speed.
* Gun stabilizer.
* Top (Roof) armour is resistant to aircraft guns.

'''Cons:'''

* Low top speed.
* Ammo rack in the front, penetration through the lower glacis will likely ends up destroying or detonating the ammo rack.
* Top armor covering the engine compartments is not improved from the Mk 1, still 8mm which can be penetrated by most aircraft guns.
* Small internal compartment (only 4 crew members), easy to one shot.
* APDS shot causes only punctual damage (aim carefully).
* No explosive filler on any AP shells.
* Weak side armour, do not angle the hull to much.

== History ==

===Development===
The tank's concept was made in 1943 when the Directorate of Tank Design, under Sir Claude Gibb, was asked to produce a new heavy cruiser tank for the General Staff under the designation ''A41'', which was to become the standard of a British "Universal Tank" to replace the separated "infantry" and "cruiser" tanks currently used. As World War II progressed and the Germans unveiled their heavier tanks with an [[KwK 36 (88 mm)|88 mm cannon]] like the [[Tiger H1|Tiger]], War Office made a revision to their design requirements to counter this threat. The requirements now include an increased durability and reliability, with the ability to protect itself against the 88 mm gun and mines, an agility similar to the [[Comet I|Comet tank]] and with good reverse speed, all while staying under a 40 ton weight.

Responding to these requirements, the department developed a larger hulls by adapting the suspension on the Comet, lengthening with another road wheel and spacing between the wheels. The standard Christie suspension used on the previous cruiser tanks was replaced by the Horstmann suspension, which uses coil springs on two-wheel bogies on each side and is proven to be easier to maintain than the Christie suspension. The hull used a welded and sloped armour with a cast turret mounting the famous [[Ordnance QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|17-pounder cannon]]. The speed of the tank would be established by using the Rolls Meteor engine previously used on the Comet and [[Cromwell V|Cromwell]]. Despite these changes, the department concluded that the weight restriction would not allow the tank design to withstand the 88 mm rounds. The weight restriction was done so the tank would be able to be carried around in the Mk.I and Mk.II transport trailers, which had a 40-ton load. This restriction was rescinded to allow more freedom in the tank design, which showed potential to War Ministry. The heavier tank designs developed had armour equivalent to the heaviest infantry tanks like the [[Churchill Mk VII|Churchill tank]], yet with superior cross-country mobility due to improved suspension and engines.

The tank was given the name '''Centurion''' and the first mock-ups of the design was made by AEC and was presented in May 1944. After that, 20 pilot models were ordered with a various armament combinations. Ten had a 17-pounder and a 20 mm Polsten gun (5 with a machine gun in turret rear, 5 with an escape door instead), five had a 17-pounder and a BESA machine gun and an escape door, five more with the 77 mm HV gun with a driver operated hull machine gun. The prototypes of the 40-ton design, the Mk.1, had a 76 mm armour on the front glacis, which was made very powerful with the heavy sloping design on the tank. Added with a 152 mm thick turret armour, the Centurion became a very protected tank design, yet it was also very agile, outperforming the Comet tank in tests. The next Centurion model, Mk.2, featured a much thicker 118 mm front glacis armour and a thicker side armour. Production began for the Centurion Mk.2 in November 1945 for 800 tanks from Leyland Motors, Royal Ordnance Factories, and Vickers. The Mk.2 was put into service in the 5th Royal Tank Regiment in December 1946.

After the Centurion Mk.2 was put into service, Royal Ordnance developed the successor to the 17-pounder, the [[Ordnance QF 20-pounder Mk.I (84 mm)|84 mm 20-pounder]]. With this, the Centurion went through another upgrade to mount the 20-pounder. The 20 mm Polsten gun was removed and replaced by a BESA gun due to its questionable utility. The new upgrade, now the [[Centurion Mk 3]], also featured an automatic stabilization system that improved firing accuracy while on the move. The tank was first produced in 1948 and overtook the previous Mk.1 and Mk.2 in service. However, the 20-pounder also did not stay in service for long and were replaced by the more powerful [[L7A1 (105 mm)|105 mm L7 gun]] from Royal Ordnance Factories. All Centurions versions after Mark 5/2 used the L7 gun, including the [[Centurion Mk 10]], which also featured additional armour with the new gun.

===Combat usage===
The Centurion first saw combat in the Korean war in 1950 in the British 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars. The Centurion Mk.3 issued to them had to be cared for in the winter conditions of Korea. Steps such as parking the tank on straw, starting the engine every half-hour, and keeping the gear engaged has to be done to keep the tank from becoming frozen in place. The Centurions made a great impact in the battlefield, covering the withdrawal of the 29th Brigade. In 1953, the Centurion saw part in the battle of the Hook in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, repelling the swarming Chinese infantry. General John O'Daniel from the US 1st Corps praised the Centurion's mobility throughout the mountain terrains.

After the Korean War, the Centurions saw service again during the Vietnam War in the Royal Australian Armoured Corps after complaints were made on the thin armour of their armoured vehicles. The Centurions landed on 28 February 1968. Headed by Colonel Donald Dunstan, he ordered the Centurions to reinforce firebases at Coral and Balmoral. The use of the Centurions by the 1st Australian Task Force helped them in the Battle of Coral-Balmoral that caused massive casualties in two infantry regiments among the enemy with no known tank losses. After the battle, more Centurions landed into Vietnam, with a total of 58 Centurions in the country at once in the span of three and a half years. In this time period, 42 suffered damages, two were written off, and two crewmen were killed in action.

The Centurions also made up the bulk of India's tank forces, to which they used against Pakistan in the conflicts that occur in 1965 and 1971. In the middle east, the Centurions were supplied to Israel and Jordan in the 1950s. At the time of the Six-Day war, Israel had 293 Centurion tanks and Jordan had 90 Centurions. Both countries used the Centurions against each other in the war. Sometime in early 1970s, the Centurions on both side were upgraded with the 105 mm L7 gun. Both Jordan and Israel used the Centurion again in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, where the Israel establish the Centurion's prowess in battle during the Battle of Golan Heights, where 100 or so Centurions are able to beat back 500 or more Syrian [[T-54 (1951)|T-55]] and T-62 tanks. While the Centurion still see use in Jordan today, the Centurions in Israel were retired in the 1990s, only staying as armour personnel carriers and armour recovery vehicles. In the middle east, the British used the Centurions again during the 1991 Gulf War against Iraq, though only as an AVRE in the 32 Armoured Engineer Regiment. Three were lost in training incidents with no deaths among the crew.

Sweden and South Africa also used the Centurions, buying them from Britain after World War II. The Centurions in South Africa were retained and upgraded due to their superiority over anything their neighbors had at the time, with a focus on the upgrade to the 105 mm gun and belly armour to protect itself against mines. Sweden bought the Centurions in an attempt to standardize their tank forces as it was the most cost-effective method, plus the Centurions have a huge upgrade potential to counter future threats. The British offered to sell the Centurion in late 1952, to which 80 were ordered by Sweden. The first deliveries were made in April 1953, followed by more orders and more deliveries until about 350 Centurion tanks ranging from Mk.3, Mk.5, and Mk.10 were in Sweden. The Swedish military used the Centurions until 1990s, modernizing the tanks with upgrades in equipment and internal mechanics. They replaced the Centurions with [[Leopard 2A4|Leopard 2s]].

== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''

==References==
<references />

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

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

''ETC.''

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

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

{{Britain medium tanks}}

Seafire FR 47

2020-08-04T16:41:22Z

U80031109: edited to be more correct

{{Specs-Card|code=seafire_fr47}}
{{About
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Spitfire (Family)
}}

== Description ==

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

Unlike the previous [[Seafire Mk XVII]] which is a low altitude fighter, the Seafire FR 47 has excellent high altitude performance, and you will perform most competitively above 6-7 km. It is good for engaging other fighters and bombers up to 12 km due to a 2nd supercharger gear that peaks in power at 8.4 km.

It has has a rather versatile selection of secondary armaments. You can take two 250 lb bombs or two 500 lb bombs. Whilst the first will result in marginally better performance, the latter is preferred for attacking ground vehicles and for pillboxes. The fact that you can carry rockets is even better. You have a choice of either 4 x RP-3 rockets or 8 x RP-3 rockets. It is more advisable to take 8 x rockets as having only 4 will means both your salvos have to be dead-on the target. This isn't helped by the fact that rockets utilized are woefully inaccurate. When strafing a group of AI light tanks, it is at this point when utilizing 4 rockets make a bit more sense as you are almost guaranteed to take out some of the AI vehicles. If in a mixed RB battle, you should probably not even be carrying rockets and should just stick with bombs, however, if you are attacking vehicles with exposed crew members like the 8.8 cm Flak 37 you can benefit a bit more by using the rockets.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,315 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 697 || 675 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.4 || 23.5 || 18.2 || 18.2 || rowspan="2" | 500
|-
! Upgraded
| 802 || 755 || 18.9 || 20.1 || 35.0 || 25.6
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
|{{Specs|destruction|body}}
|{{Specs|destruction|gear}}
| N/A || 370 || 250 || ~10 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 482 || < 400 || < 400 || > 500
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Compressor
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
! Setting 1
| 4,100 m || 1,510 hp || 2,114 hp
|-
! Setting 2
| 8,100 m || 1,340 hp || 1,857 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front
* 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
* 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
* 3 mm Steel box around the wing ammunition
* 1 mm Steel plate on top of the fuel tank and oil cooling system

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

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

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

* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, wing-mounted (134 rpg inner + 114 rpg outer = 496 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|RP-3}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x RP-3 rockets
* 8 x RP-3 rockets

== Usage in battles ==

The Seafire FR 47 excels in high altitude performance, performing best at around 6-7 km. Therefore, it is adept at engaging heavy bombers and high-altitude fighters.

The plane is a heavier modification of the Griffon Spitfires and in general has a worse climb rate and acceleration than they do. Since climb rate is below-average, side-climbing is recommended in order to gain an altitude advantage over the enemy and to get to those altitudes where the Seafire's engine performance is maximized. Also, this vehicle's turn rate is only average. It certainly isn't a dedicated turnfighter, and usually it is best to stick to a boom and zoom or energy fighting playstyle. In an extended turn, the Seafire can be outmanoeuvred or out-energied by many of the enemies it might face.

Although this plane's energy retention, acceleration, climb rate, and manoeuvrability are worse than that of its peers, it does accelerate quite well in a dive; and, remember that engine performance gets better at high altitude. Additionally, the Seafire has a good top speed for its rank.

If necessary, the Seafire is equipped with an arrestor hook for landing on carriers.

The Seafire is armed with 4 wing-mounted 20 mm cannons which have a high muzzle velocity and high rate of fire. Although this makes aiming easier, it also means that there is not as much available firing time as the ammunition count might suggest. Trigger discipline is advised. Additionally, the location of the cannons means that convergence must be kept in mind. It is recommended to set a convergence of 300 to 500 m. When attacking lightly armoured or open top ground targets, a higher convergence may be set. Attacking heavily armoured tanks with the Seafire's 20 mm cannons is usually futile, since the rounds cannot penetrate their roof armour in most cases. Still, it is possible to spot and mark such tanks for teammates on the ground to locate and destroy.

Speaking of ground targets, the Seafire is able to equip up to 2 x 500 lb bombs or 8 RP-3 rockets. Notice that the rocket loadout allows for more attack runs and potentially more kills, than the bomb loadout. However, they must be aimed precisely in order to do the most damage. These ordnance options can be used to attack ships or to destroy ground targets in either Air Realistic or Ground Realistic battles.

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
|
| HSBC mk.2
|
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
|
| HMBC mk.2
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 20 mm
|
|
|-
| IV
| 150 octane fuel
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons
| GRC mk.8
| GRC mk.9
|-
|}

* The engine improvements should be prioritized. The engine performance does not improve drastically until you unlock the ''150 Octane Fuel''.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good high altitude performance
* Neutral torque, so cruising is relaxing for the joystick and aiming isn't difficult
* Hispano Mk V cannons means a high rate of fire and high muzzle velocity
* Can land on carriers
* Fast acceleration when diving
* Low silver lion repair fee
* Good top speed for its rank

'''Cons:'''

* High stall speed and hence, bricky in its turn (even Bf 109 K-4s on equal speed can out-turn the FR 47)
* Abysmal climb rate at slow speed (Try zoom climbing once you reach about 400 kph), but competitive when fully researched
* Very weak engine when not upgraded
* Play style is completely different than the other Spitfires

== History ==


=== In-game description ===
The last and ultimate incarnation in the life of the legendary Spitfire series, the Seafire F Mk.47 which entered service in 1948 was so different from the Spitfire Mk.I that it was barely recognizable. Now fully navalised after the previous Griffon Seafires’ fixed wings, the F Mk.47 was fitted with folding wings and a new Rolls-Royce Griffon 88 which generated 2350 hp at 1250 feet and, fitted with a two-stage two-speed supercharger and petrol injection system, giving a steady flow of fuel under all conditions of accelerated ‘g’. The fastest of all Seafires, the F Mk.47 was capable of reaching over 430 mph at some 24,000 feet.

Compared to other contemporary Royal Navy fighters, the Seafire F Mk.47 was faster in the dive and possessed a greater rate of climb above 25,000 feet than the Sea Fury, the Sea Hornet and, incredibly, the jet powered Sea Vampire. The Seafire could also out roll its contemporaries and was beaten in the turn itself only by the Sea Fury. The contra-rotating propellers which had been introduced on the Seafire F Mk.46 were retained, leading to far greater ease of control input in take off, landing and weapons firing due to the near elimination of torque effect with power changes.

Further modifications included the Spiteful-pattern enlarged fin and rudder, an altered forward fuselage profile and repositioning of the ram-air supercharger intake. Strengthening of the wings allowed a 500 lb bomb to be carried beneath each wing, theoretically allowing the aircraft to carry three 500 lb bombs when also adding a third beneath the fuselage. As with all late marque Seafires, rockets could also be carried. Air-to-air armament consisted of for 20mm Hispano cannon.

Whilst the Seafire F Mk.47 was praised for its control response, handling and deck landing characteristics, it was criticized for its cramped cockpit, uncomfortable seating position, awkward control positioning and lack of modern features such as a properly heated cockpit.

Whilst the Seafire F Mk.47 was one of the greatest piston engine fighters ever produced, it was unfortunately a fighter out of its time period. Advances in jet aircraft meant that piston fighters were finding themselves outclassed more and more with each passing year, and the Seafire F Mk.47 was no exception.

The F Mk.47 first entered service with 804 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Ford in January 1948. 90 Seafire F Mk.47s were produced, and first saw action in ground attack sorties against bandits in Malaya in October 1949. 800 NAS embarked aboard HMS Triumph were amongst the first aircraft to take part in the Korean War, taking part in their first offensive sorties in July 1950.

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

== See also ==


* [http://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/770/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Seafire FR.47 & Sea Fury FB 11]
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/3268/current/ [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> Supermarine Seafire FR 47]

== 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 Supermarine}}
{{Britain fighters}}