War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

MiG-29

2023-03-18T13:11:35Z

U80572797: It just kind of feels like its right.

{{About
|about = Soviet jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = the other version
|link = MiG-29 (Germany)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mig_29_9_13
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (NATO Code: Fulcrum-C; Izdeliye [Product] 9.13) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].

The first revision of the famous ''Strizhi'' (Swifts; nickname in Russian) family jet fighters, the MiG-29 offers a completely new style of combat, especially when the overall flight performance is vastly superior to the preceding MiG-23s with its light airframe and powerful jet engines, as well as new BVR missiles at its disposal.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 14,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,364 || 2,316 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.2 || 20.3 || 275.7 || 262.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,549 || 2,452 || 19.0 || 19.6 || 368.1 || 320.0
|-
|}

==== 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,575 || 700 || N/A || 532 || 463 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| ~700 || ~700 || ~700 || 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" | Klimov RD-33 || 2
| colspan="2" | 10,895 kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons and fuel load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel
|-
| 1,050 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 11,901 kg || 13,241 kg || 14,248 kg || 18,408 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 (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 28m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,920 kgf || 6,816 kgf
| 1.15 || 1.03 || 0.96 || 0.74
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,430 kgf (1,575 km/h) || 12,445 kgf (1,575 km/h)
| 2.09 || 1.88 || 1.75 || 1.35
|-
|}

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

Aside from the airframe and the alloy skin themselves, the MiG-29 offers no extra protection to pilots or vital components; although the size is not the biggest among jets of its tier. Hits from cannon or missiles will very likely damage the jet beyond repair or taking down the pilot straight away. In case of a fire onboard, the Engine Fire System can save the jet and leave some thrust for a retreat or revenge kill.

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

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

{{main|GSh-30-1 (30 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, cheek-mounted (150 rpg)
** 1 x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures

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

{{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|FAB-250M-54 (250 kg)|FAB-250M-62 (250 kg)|FAB-500M-54 (500 kg)|FAB-500M-62 (500 kg)}}
{{main|ZB-500 incendiary|S-8KO|S-24B}}
{{main|R-27ER|R-27R|R-27T|R-60|R-60M}}

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

* 1 x 1,500 l drop tank
* 2 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60M missiles
* 6 x R-60 missiles
* 2 x R-27T missiles
* 2 x R-27R missiles
* 2 x R-27ER missiles
* 80 x S-8KO rockets
* 4 x S-24B rockets
* 16 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (1,600 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 4 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 8 x 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 2 pylons
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 4 pylons
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 2 pylons
* 4 x 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs (2,000 kg total) across 4 pylons
* 4 x ZB-500 incendiary bombs

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs
| || 4 || 4 || || 4 || 4 ||
|-
! 250 kg FAB-250M-54 bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! 250 kg FAB-250M-62 bombs
| || 1, 2 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1, 2 ||
|-
! 500 kg FAB-500M-54 bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! 500 kg FAB-500M-62 bombs
| || 1 || 1, 2 || || 1, 2 || 1 ||
|-
! ZB-500 incendiary bombs
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! S-8KO rockets
| || 20 || 20 || || 20 || 20 ||
|-
! S-24B rockets
| || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! R-27ER missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! R-27R missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! R-27T missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! R-60 missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! R-60M missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 1,500 l drop tanks
| || || || 1 || || ||
|-
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 3,050 kg Maximum permissible wing load: 1,525 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,200 kg
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The MiG-29 has an unique flight character, it's engines consume much fuel thus the external fuel tank, getting rid of the external fuel tank will reduce drag and improve the performance of the aircraft, this is mostly done before engaging a target. But the engines also provide excellent thrust at a very wide range of speeds giving you enough power to engage in long-lasting dogfights. The aircraft is not equipped with variable wing sweep, which is not very noticeable. Only when flying at high speeds at lower altitudes will you begin to notice that the wings produce much lift. The MiG-29 has decent manoeuvrability at high and low speeds, the energy retention is not something to complain about either. The 30 mm guns have a high velocity, making it easy to aim at targets, and are much better than earlier Soviet aircraft. The missiles which are the most effective are the R-60M and R-27ER. The R-60M are very easy to flare off, and at its BR many people will dodge these missiles in a head-on fairly easily. But the R-27ER has some very effective performance, with an improved radar system this missile will rock the battlefield.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High top speed, with enough engine power to reach that top speed even when near sea level
* Good manoeuvrability at low to medium speed
* Effective gun with suitable ammunition load and lethal effect on air targets
* Good radar system able to use Pulse-Doppler and Track-While-Scan to search for targets
* Good radar-guided missiles, particularly the R-27ER
* Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) sights allows more flexibility with both radar and IRST to target enemy planes off the MiG-29's nose
* Has IRST to search and track enemies, as well as slave IR weaponry, without alerting their Radar Warning Receiver (RWR)

'''Cons:'''

* Manoeuvrability drops at higher speed due to pilot pulling more G's, which can make it difficult to turn quickly without G-LOCing the pilot, such as evading a radar missile fired at close range
* Underperforming IR missiles
* Radar mechanics may have larger margin of error against very long-range (greater than 30 km) and very low altitude planes, even if enemy are within radar missile's weapon envelope.

== History ==

As proxy wars between the Soviet Union and the USA went on in different battlefields where the latest jets of the era could have been shot down by first generation jets like the MiG-17 (J-5) or the MiG-19 (J-6) in Vietnam, the USAF started their development on the new F-X program to ensure the air superiority in future combats (resulting in the F-15 Eagle). To counter the possible superiority of the new jet, the Soviet Union also started their ''Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel'' (lit. "Advanced Frontline Fighter"), a program for an equivalent to the F-X in 1969. But after some development between Soviet firms TsAGI and Sukhoi, since the need for another lightweight jet to counter USAF's Lightweight Fighter program and its resulting product [[F-16A|F-16]] Fighting Falcon in 1971 arose, VVS also called for an ''Perspektivnyy Lyogkiy Frontovoy Istrebitel (lit. "Advanced Lightweight Frontline Fighter")'' where the new jets would become the cornerstones at a 1:2 ratio. After the intensive developments in 1970s, Sukhoi came up with the famous Su-27 Flanker while Mikoyan came with the other famous jet in Warsaw Pact service: the MiG-29 Fulcrum.

Compared to its Sukhoi rival, the MiG-29 traded the advanced flight control system and range of Flankers (until the introduction of the MiG-29S and MiG-29SMT with additional fuel tanks) with its infamous agility over NATO jets. When they were first publicly shown in different occasions through the 1980s, they had already become the new export fighter of choice for Warsaw Pact countries and allied customers over most continents of this planet such as Peru, Libya, Eritrea, India etc. Most of the MiG-29s didn't join conflicts during the Cold War aside from Iraqi ones, where they had to fight Iranian jet fighters, then later the coalition of NATO forces. These jets were then seen in many conflicts up to this date, sometimes even facing other Soviet jets, including the MiG-29's "higher-end" rival: the Su-27 (Eritrea vs. Ethiopia).

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mig_29_9_13 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|EEdjVf5IDOM|'''The Shooting Range #336''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[MiG-29 (Germany)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8006-development-mig-29-9-13-the-fulcrum-en|[Devblog] MiG-29 (9-13): the Fulcrum]]

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

F8F-1

2022-07-07T08:25:40Z

U80572797: the numbers were false

{{About
|about=American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=F8F (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f8f1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_f8f1.jpg
}}

== Description ==

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

The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with only four M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands. The plane was developed to achieve two things: the best possible climb rate and the ability to land on escort carriers.

The in-game F8F-1 retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F ''Wild Cat'', and the F6F ''Hellcat''. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.

The main issue with the F8F-1 is its armament. With only four 12.7 mm M2 machine guns, the F8F-1 is lacking especially when compared to the succeeding F8F-1B that has four 20 mm M3 autocannons. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 API-T rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has eight M2s which can chew through aircraft fuselages by hurling twice as many bullets down range. Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed. And unlike other Browning armed airplanes, it has mediocre ammo load of only 1250 rounds.

Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of HVAR rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.

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


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,098 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
| 650 || 626 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.1 || 21.8 || 17.0 || 17.0 || rowspan="2" | 220
|-
! Upgraded
| 731 || 686 || 19.0 || 20.0 || 30.7 || 22.6
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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}} || 616 || 585 || 427 || ~10 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 465 || < 466 || < 600 || > 460
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 995 m ||2,299 hp||2,384 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 5,090 m ||1,852 hp||1,918 hp
|-
|}

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


* 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine armour plate
* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
* 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield

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

* The "holy trinity" of flight performance upgrades: Compressor, Engine, and Engine injection. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2,000 feet/min)
* Armament upgrades are worth considering due to lacking armament, bad stock belts and mediocre ammo count
* G-suit is very useful, given the plane is most manoeuvrable at medium to high speeds

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


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

* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 + 325 rpg each wing = 1,250 total)

The M2 Browning machine gun by this rank is a very familiar machine gun to most American players. The usage of the M20 API-T rounds in the belts available makes the {{PAGENAME}} able to dish out similar damages to that of other Rank III-IV fighters with the M2 Browning armaments.

However, the mounting of the armaments on the {{PAGENAME}} has some downsides. The {{PAGENAME}} only comes with four machine gun totals, two per wing, compared to the usual six machine guns in American fighters. Not only that, the {{PAGENAME}} guns come with less rounds per gun in the wing. This means the {{PAGENAME}} overall loses out in firepower and firing time available with the click of the trigger.

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

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR|Tiny Tim|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (gunpods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
* 4 x HVAR rockets
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 4 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)

In modes outside of Arcade Battles, the F8F-1 releases some suspended armaments in pairs rather than singular. The Tiny Tim rockets are both fired at the same time, so the pilot will only have one chance to hit the target. In configurations with multiple bombs, the wing-mounted bombs drop off first before the fuselage-mounted bomb.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]]
This aircraft is best when used as an energy fighter; however, unlike other American planes, it doesn't fulfil the Boom-and-Zoom role very well because of lacking armament and rudder lock-up above 720 km/h.

Originally designed to achieve best possible climb rate, this aircraft sacrifices almost everything else, including armament, supercharger, fuel load and radiator. However, as it was also made to be able to use escort carriers, it is also small and durable.

This aircraft has great climb rate of 22.6 m/s in Air Realistic Battles (spaded and with minimum fuel) as well as great acceleration; these two traits should be used accordingly for the plane's best performance. At the beginning of the match, climb into the battlefield, and attack the opponents with the highest energy. If there is an enemy above you, disengage using your great acceleration. Do not be afraid to attack lower enemies, as this plane's optimal altitude is below 1,000 m. It is also quite fast in a straight line, especially on low altitudes.

The bad low speed manoeuvrability isn't really an issue given the plane's acceleration.

=== 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 Auto control available || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

* Although the name "Ovencat" may not sound encouragingly, MEC lets pilot completely forget about the overheating problem. Set the prop pitch to 100%, Mixer to ~95%. Change supercharger gear @~1,100m. Manage radiators according to the temperatures.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great climb rate
* Great acceleration
* Good top speed, especially at low altitudes
* Great turn rate at medium to high speeds
* Good roll rate at higher speeds
* G-suit modification
* Fast weapon reload (AB)
* Great energy retention in the vertical
* Can take a punch
* Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can set everything on fire with only a couple of bullets
* Has access to gunpods
* Has carrier hook which makes it useful on Pacific maps
* It doesn't see jets as often as the F8F-1B

'''Cons:'''

* Sluggish low speed handling (roll rate) and turning
* Loses a lot of energy when turning
* Bad high altitude performance above 5,000 m
* Rudder compresses hardly when speeding above 720 km/h
* Engine overheats on 100% when using auto controls
* Limited supply of ADI ('''A'''nti-'''D'''etonant '''I'''njection - mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance for WEP)
* Extremely poor weapons when compared to Fw-190, J2M, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others
* Limited ammo count

== History ==

The first idea for the creation of the Grumman F8F Bearcat was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an aircraft's rate of climb. This of course meant that an increase in power was necessary. In 1943 the design work on the new aircraft began. The outline called for a fighter-interceptor, capable of operating even from small escort carriers. While the engine – the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial – was the same model used on the earlier [[F6F-5|F6F Hellcat]], the new fighter would be lighter which also meant an increase in speed and climb rate. The concession was limiting the range of the new aircraft. The F8F would also feature a bubble canopy for better all around visibility. The first prototype, the XF8F-1, first took to the skies on the 21st August 1944. Further tests proved the aircraft's reliability and ruggedness, and the F8F was accepted into mass production. The first serial models rolled off the assembly line in February 1945 and were delivered to VF-19 fighter squadron, which began operating flights with the Bearcats in May 1945.

The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the [[F2H-2|F2H Banshee]] jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f8f1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Other F8F aircraft

* [[F8F-1B]]
* [[F8F-1B (France)]]

== External links ==


* [http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/F8F/F8F-1_Standard_Aircraft_Characteristics.pdf Standard Aircraft Characteristics of the F8F-1]

{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
{{USA fighters}}

I-225

2022-04-25T21:39:32Z

U80572797: The I-225 got a change in BR (from 6.3 to 5.3) so this infomation is no longer relevant.

{{Specs-Card
|code=i_225
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]]. As of [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]], it is the last prop plane in the MiG/Polikarpov line and is one of the best prop fighters the Soviet Union has to offer.

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

The I-225 is the latest claim to the throne of Soviet prop-fighters. With its high speed at high altitudes, decent armament, good turning capabilities and insane climb rate, this Super-MiG is the best all-around dog-fighter Russia has to offer. Although relatively useless as an interceptor in real life, the I-225 is quite potent in War Thunder, being one of four Soviet props that are good at altitude, which is very unique for the Soviet tech tree that is mostly comprised of low-altitude prop planes. From take-off and into the fight, this MiG is an overall smooth operator and can be very competitive even when facing early jets.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,000 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
| 702 || 682 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.9 || 20.4 || 16.7 || 16.6 || rowspan="2" | 257
|-
! Upgraded
| 751 || 726 || 18.5 || 19.0 || 25.8 || 20.8
|-
|}

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

{| 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 || 354 || 280 || ~12 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 350 || < 280 || < 400 || > 370
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 8,800 m || 1,500 hp || 1,610 hp
|-
|}

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

'''Armour plates:'''

* 9 mm steel behind the pilot

'''Critical components'''

* Fuel tank in the fuselage behind the pilot
* Fuel tank in front of the guns and behind the engine
* Liquid cooling systems in front of the spars near the slats
* Oil Cooling systems underneath the nose

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

The default belts of the ShVAK's are quite efficient and the cannons themselves are very accurate, so you should focus on performance upgrades. The most important upgrades are the engine, engine injection and then the survivability modules to help remedy the weak airframe of the I-225.

Your module research should look something like this:

* Fuselage repair
* Radiator
* Compressor
* Airframe
* Wings repair
* Engine
* Engine injection
* Cover
* Offensive 20 mm
* New 20 mm cannons

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

{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, nose-mounted (100 rpg = 400 total)

The 20 mm ShVAK cannons are very accurate and are extremely powerful in controlled, well-aimed bursts to enemy wings and critical components. Your default belts are quite powerful and the cannons themselves are highly accurate due to the nose mountings. While most players recommend the "Ground Targets" belt, this is not necessarily the best choice when it comes to the I-225 thanks to the poor ballistics and damage output of the Soviet HEF and FI-T shell. The "Armoured Targets" belt contains three AP-I shell and one HEF shell, and this combination provides the best option as to start fires and damaging modules.

== Usage in battles ==

The I-225 can be used to climb to bomber altitude (4-6 km) and act as an interceptor, and it can perform this role amicably with its good climb rate, high speed and fast-firing quad ShVAK 20 mm cannons that can start fires. Be wary that the I-225 has no bulletproof glass in the front to protect this pilot, so you should never tail any bomber and approach from oblique angles or force head-ons. Also its armament of four 20 mm can be lacking against large aircraft, so I-225 players will likely have to expend all of their ammo in a bomber if they want to bring it down.

If one either destroys all the bombers or there are no bombers to be found, you are free to fly as a fighter versus other fighters. When engaging fighters, primarily try to employ a Boom-&-Zoom or energy fighting tactics which are exceptionally great when performed at high altitudes. Versus less manoeuvrable planes such as the F8F-1B, you can potentially turn-fight but be careful to not lose too much energy, as you may struggle to regain it. Also avoid tunnel visioning, as the I-225's weakness is anything extended due to an increased chance that multiple enemies will engage you.

'''Offensive flying:'''

When offensively engaging an enemy, the pilot should use the amazing performance and superb dive speed to their advantage, as the I-225 is the most vulnerable when it is unable to use these traits. Your go-to flying style should be energy fighting or Boom-&-Zoom, as both of these rely on top speed, energy retention, diving speed, climb rate, and these areas are where the I-225 excels the most. Always make sure to be above your enemy so you maintain an energy advantage. Your ideal altitude is 6 km, as this is where you can make the most out of the powerful turbocharged AM-42 engine and abuse your insane dive speed to its potential.

Do not tail any bombers Due to the lack of bulletproof glass and the frail airframe, tailing a bomber is an invitation for a pilot snipe or destroyed engine of the attacker. Depending on the bomber, attacking from above or below from oblique angles is your best bet. Aim for the engines and the wings if you can't force a head-on.

'''Defensive flying:'''
[[File:Example of the vertical spiral maneuver.jpg|thumb|An example of the Vertical Spiral, which the I-225 can make very good use of.]]

If an enemy manages to get on your tail or has you in their gunsights, you should enter a slight dive in order to make use of your amazing dive speed and excellent acceleration. Being an energy fighter, you can make use of energy-wasting manoeuvres such as spiral climbing, displacement rolls, Immelmann turns or vertical spirals. Vertical spirals are particularly effective thanks to your excellent energy retention.

'''Specific enemies worth noting'''

* [[Spitfire F Mk 22]] and [[Spitfire F Mk 24|Mk 24]]. The extremely powerful Griffon engined Spitfires are some of the most dangerous enemies you will encounter at this BR. They possess an amazing climb rate, amazing roll rate, brutal acceleration, high speed, solid manoeuvrability and excellent high altitude performance. Their quad [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk II's]] can load a very potent "Air targets" belt which is filled with HEF-I and HEF-SAPI rounds that will shred your airframe to bits with a quick burst. Try to keep a higher altitude than it and dive on it if it's unaware of your presence. When one is engaging you, try to bleed its energy with vertical manoeuvres or if you're confident enough, you can turn fight it.
* [[Bf 109 K-4]]. The last of the legendary Bf 109's can also be encountered. You can outspeed it by a large margin and have superior acceleration and dive speed. Avoid employing an energy fighting playstyle as the K-4 has amazing energy retention and a solid climb rate, although the I-225 can take advantage of its strange refusal to stall when using WEP in order to beat the 109 in the vertical, although it is not recommended to use it in this way. Always remain on its tail and steer clear of its gunsights, as its powerful array of armaments (1 x 30 mm cannon or 3 x 20 mm cannons, both of which are loaded with the brutal Minengeschoß round) will down you quickly if they land a few good hits. Employ a Boom-&-Zoom play style to take advantage of your superior speed and high diving speed.
* [[F8F-1B]]. The feared Bearcat is one of the best prop planes in the game and is the worst enemy for the I-225 to face, as the Bearcat outclasses it in practically every way aside from performance above 6 km. The Bearcat out-turns you, out-rolls you, out-climbs you, and has an extremely devastating set of [[AN/M3 (20 mm)|AN/M3]] cannons which are effectively [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk V's]]. Avoid them at all costs unless they are unaware of your presence, and if one forces an engagement on you, seek assistance from teammates.
* [[Ta 152 H-1]]. While not a major enemy, it is possible to encounter the Ta 152 at higher altitudes where its engine performs the best. The outcome of the fight comes down to the more skilled pilot, as the two planes are fairly even performance-wise. Never let a Ta 152 get you in its gunsights, as it sports an incredibly powerful array of armaments that can shred through you like paper. You have a superior turning rate and energy retention but the 152 beats you in a dive, so focus on vertical manoeuvres.

=== 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 Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}
Manual engine controls can be used to counter the rapid overheating caused by using WEP. Following these instructions will allow you to use WEP indefinitely unless on a warm map.

* Set the propeller pitch to 75%. Don't set it any lower as it will cause significant performance drop.
* Set the oil radiator to 100% and the water radiator to 65%. While these values can be lowered at higher altitudes and colder maps, try to keep the oil temperature below 85°C and water temperature below 120°C.
* On takeoff, set the mixture to 35% and keep it there until you reach an altitude of 4,000 m. Between 4,000 and 6,500 m set it to 25%. Between 6,500 and 8,500 m set it to 20%. Above 8,500 m switch back to auto engine control, as overheating is no longer an issue at extreme altitudes.
* The supercharger and turbocharger are automatically controlled and require no player input.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great low speed control and stall characteristics
* Great energy retention, both in the vertical and while manoeuvring
* Excellent high altitude performance
* Great climb rate
* Decent firepower
* Powerful flaps
* Great rudder effect

'''Cons:'''

* Armament can sometimes feel inadequate against sturdy targets like bombers, low ammo count per gun
* Severe elevator compression past ~650 km/h (IAS), and becomes a brick past 700 km/h
* Engine prone to overheating, can be mitigated with use of MEC
* Can face early jets (SB), which pose a huge challenge because of their high speeds
* Lacks combat flaps, usage of takeoff flaps will bleed speed rapidly
* Fairly fragile airframe that is susceptible to fires
* Rudder effect is too great, it often overturns the plane
* Below average manoeuvrability without flaps

== History ==

The experimental high-altitude fighter/interceptor I-225 was created in the Mikoyan design bureau as part of work to develop new prototypes of fighter aircraft with new engines. The first experimental prototype was finished by May 9, 1944. The aircraft was designed to carry a powertrain consisting of a 2000 horsepower aircraft engine and a turbocharger. Its armament in comparison with previous prototypes was strengthened and consisted of four 20mm ShVAK cannons. In testing (primarily tests of the fighter's speed and altitude options) the aircraft showed impressive results: it could reach a speed of almost 560 km/h near the ground and 720 km/h at high altitude. Just two I-225s were built for testing purposes. For various reasons, both aircraft crashed in testing. After a range of improvements and upgrades, in March 1947 work on this project was stopped.

''- From [[wt:en/news/5768-development-i-225-high-flyer-en|Devblog]]''

"During the early stages of the war on the Eastern Front, the German Ju-86P high altitude reconnaissance plane saw the Soviets lacking in a capable high altitude interceptor. Deeming it necessary to deal with these high altitude recon planes, an order went out for the creation of an interceptor that could fly high and fast enough to dispose of any intruders. The Mikoyan-Gurevich aircraft company, already successful with the high altitude MiG-3, took on the challenge to develop the fighter. The prototypes began development in 1942 as the I-220 series.

The I-225 the last of this series of aircraft. The I-225 was an improvement on the earlier I-220; compared to its predecessor the 225 featured a pressurized cockpit, a cut down rear fuselage, and 4 synchronized 20mm cannons firing through the propeller. The 225 was powered by "a Mikulin AM-42B 12-cylinder liquid-cooled Vee engine equipped with a TK-300B turbo-supercharger on its starboard side and affording 2000hp for take-off and 1750hp at 7500m."

The all metal aircraft flew for the first time on the 21st of July, 1944. On August 2nd of the same year, the plane hit 707kmh at an altitude of 8,500 m. During the 15th flight, the aircraft's engine seized at an altitude of 15 m and was deemed irreparable.

The second prototype and its tests were delayed until March 14th, 1945. The second I-225 was fitted with the AM-42-FB, an improvement on the first prototype's engine. This second prototype reached a speed of 726 km/h, one of the fastest speeds reached by any Soviet aircraft.

By the time of the I-225 the Germans had ceased high altitude operations rendering the existence of the plane largely unnecessary. However, development on high altitude aircraft continued thanks to the possibility of the Soviets going to war with the Western powers, who possessed heavy bombers that could operate well outside the effective operational altitudes of Soviet piston-engined planes.

Development on the I-225 and its brethren was ended in March 1947, when nobody saw a need for a high altitude interceptor and native Soviet jet designs were coming into service."

''- Written by War Thunder user Bobertman From [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/316820-mig-i-225/&ct=1606219578|War War Thunder Forum]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=i_225 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:I-225 WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
Image:I-225 WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
Image:I-225 WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
Image:I-225 WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
Image:I-225 WTWallpaper 005.jpg|
Image:I-225 WTWallpaper 006.jpg|
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|o24D6yl_VLg|'''The Shooting Range #115''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:22 discusses the I-225.|exEU6fM8wsA|'''{{PAGENAME}} The Holy Grail of Russian Props''' - ''TheDon''}}

== See also ==


* [[MiG-3 (Family)]] - the family the I-225 is based on

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/5768-development-i-225-high-flyer-en|[Devblog] I-225: High Flyer!]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/425987-i-225/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer MiG}}
{{USSR fighters}}