War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

AIM-7M Sparrow

2023-09-05T01:19:21Z

U83522373:

== Description ==

The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American [[Air-to-air_missiles#Semi-Active_Radar_Homing_.28SARH.29_missiles|semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missile]]. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]]

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_15_adf}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_15_adf_italy}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_16a_block_20_mlu}}
* {{Specs-Link|f_14b}}

== General info ==


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="2" | Missile characteristics
|-
| '''Mass''' || 231 kg
|-
| '''Guidance''' || SARH
|-
| '''Signal''' || CW
|-
| '''Lock range''' || 40 km
|-
| '''Launch range''' || 100 km
|-
| '''Maximum speed''' || 4.0 M
|-
| '''Maximum overload''' || 25 G
|-
| '''Missile guidance time''' || 75 secs
|-
| '''Explosive mass''' || 15.09 kg TNTeq
|-
|}

=== Effective damage ===
''Describe the type of damage produced by this type of missile (high explosive, splash damage, etc)''

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

== Usage in battles ==

The AIM-7M is far superior to its previous generation of missiles (AIM-7E-2, AIM-7E, AIM-7D, etc) mainly due to its range. Unlike the previous generation of Sparrows, the AIM-7M is suited for both low-altitude and but excels at high-altitude targets.

'''Low-altitude'''

The AIM-7M can hold its own in low-altitude fighting. Due to the lack of a guidance delay, the AIM-7M can confidently be used in close-range engagements at low-altitude in conjunction with the 25 G overload. For low-altitude targets, players can be daring and launch missiles from ~8 km (4.9 mi), but to have a higher chance of hitting the target, it's better to launch from ~5 km (3.1 mi). Launching from 5 km gives the target less time to go into the notch and evade the Sparrow.

'''High-altitude'''

The AIM-7M shines in this aspect. Players can be assured of launching missiles 12+ km out from the target due to the AIM-7Ms long burn time and manoeuvrability. The AIM-7M has the 2nd highest acceleration of any SARH missile, second only to the R-27ER. This allows for very long-range launches at high altitude. In order to achieve a high probability of kill, it's important to stay fast and stay on the target to achieve a clear lock. Staying fast allows the missile to reach a higher speed, increasing the range.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very maneuverable
* Exceptional range
* No guidance delay, unlike all of its contemporaries
* Very large explosive mass
* Superior to the R-27ER within 1.5 Kilometers

'''Cons:'''

* Can be spotted for a very long time due to the motor
* Slower and worse range to the R-27ER

== 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 weapon;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

AIM-7C Sparrow

2022-04-14T18:18:25Z

U83522373: /* Comparison with analogues */ comparing the AIM-7C to 3 other SARH missiles

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage AIM-7E Sparrow.png|thumb|left|420px|The AIM-7C Sparrow missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is an American [[Air-to-air_missiles#Semi-Active_Radar_Homing_.28SARH.29_missiles|semi-active radar-homing air-to-air missile]]. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|f3h-2}}

== General info ==

The {{PAGENAME}} is a SARH guided missile with a 15G overload and is the earliest version of the AIM-7 found in-game.

=== Effective damage ===

The {{PAGENAME}} contains enough explosive to devastate any target. In most cases, this missile will instantly destroy any plane on contact.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
The AIM-7C behaves exactly how you would expect an early Sparrow to behave. Its successor, the AIM-7D, is faster, has a better lock on range, and a missile guidance time twice as long as the AIM-7C

The AIM-9C and R-3R both turn better off the rail, and have a better guidance time, but lack the same damage as the AIM-7C. Both are better at closer ranges

== Usage in battles ==

Using the {{PAGENAME}} can be quite tricky as it requires many variables to align for proper tracking. As with many other AIM-7 Sparrows, the missile has a 1.5 second tracking delay upon launch, which can make leading a target difficult. Due to this and the missile's average G overload tolerance, it is generally best to use this from 4-5 km away on slow moving, high altitude targets who will give the missile ample time to track. However, some success can also be found in head-on engagements when launched from a 5-6 km distance to the target.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* All aspect guidance
* Matchmaking can result in games where many opponents do not have RWR or chaff countermeasures

'''Cons:'''

* Requires a constant radar lock
* Generally does not work at low altitude due to early radar systems
* Has a 1.5-second delay after launch before it begins tracking
* Quite short range, making the optimal launch window small
* Will sometimes completely fail to track, even under optimal circumstances

== History ==

The AIM-7C Sparrow was the first missile produced in the US Armed Forces' 3rd generation of Sparrow missiles. Despite being a 3rd generation missile, it was the first fully operational Sparrow missile, as the previous generations contained only prototypes that were never used in live service. At the time, it was designated AAM-N-6, and entered service in 1958. It would keep this name until 1963 when the Air Force and Navy agreed on standardized naming conventions for their missiles. However, due to its short-range only 2,000 units were ever produced, and it was quickly replaced by the [[AIM-7D Sparrow|AIM-7D]] in 1959.

== 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 weapon;''
* ''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;''
* ''other literature.''

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

P-51

2020-11-14T05:06:51Z

U83522373: nevermind they added practice shot

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-51_mk1a_usaaf
|cockpit=cockpit_p-51_mk1a_usaaf.jpg
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = P-51 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

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

The P-51 Mustang retains a lot of the traits that may be found in its later variants. The main difference comes from the limited Allison power plant and its formidable armament of 4 x 20 mm [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II]] cannons. The plane may not climb very well but does retain the traits of an energy fighter. Even with its limited climb rate the aircraft's dive-speed is excellent, but manoeuvrability is average at best. The armament is the true advantage of this aircraft. The 20 mm cannons are powerful, but with only 500 rounds do not try to go for more than what the P-51 can handle. The best way to use the P-51 is for [[Boom & Zoom]].

The P-51, when fully upgraded, is an extremely deadly opponent, especially as a rank II. The engine will have a hard time hitting the "overheated" mark, even when using WEP. Use caution though, as the engine will retain its heat when constantly on 100% power, so it takes a bit to cool down. Also be sure to utilise the flaps: they are a major asset to the plane's overall turn-fighting ability and sometimes allow it to survive a turn-fight with Soviet aircraft. This is an awesome plane for those just starting out in Realistic Battles, as the 20 mm cannons are good at scoring quick victories.

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

"The Need for Speed" is a worthy credo for all [[P-51 (Family)|Mustangs]]. This initial iteration boasts a significant speed advantage over many [[:Category:Third rank aircraft|Rank III]] aircraft, but sacrifices are obvious. On the upside, the good maximum velocity greatly benefits the energy retention coming out of dives and for staying out of trouble.

Manoeuvrability is nothing to write home about (except roll-rate), especially without speed to burn. The control surfaces lock up at high speeds which makes the Mustang a comparatively agile fighter when initiating combat, but this is quickly lost. Fortunately the combat flaps have a very high speed tolerance and greatly benefit it in dogfights. Overall the P-51 likes to bleed speed in manoeuvres and the lost energy cannot be easily regained. For another downside is the sluggish acceleration which further causes a low rate of climb. Managing both disadvantage is the Ace's true skill for this elite [[Boom & Run|Boom and Run]] fighter. However this is for an altitude range up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft). High altitude performance suffers which in combat, due the slow climb rate, is rarely reached anyway.

Thus all engagements, may they be Boom & Zoom or Boom & Run style, should be performed below said altitudes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,200 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
| 592 || 578 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 22.0 || 9.2 || 9.2 || rowspan="2" | 491
|-
! Upgraded
| 673 || 631 || 18.9 || 20.0 || 18.6 || 13.1
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 650 || 450 || 280 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 230 || < 550 || > 340
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Compressor
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
! Setting 1
| 3,597 m || 1,150 hp || 1,598 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 19.05 mm Steel - Upper engine cowl armour plate
* 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
* 15.87 mm Steel - Armour plate behind pilot's seat
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)

While the Mustang looks quite defensive on first glance, it is a deceptive one. The fuel tanks are wing-mounted and prone to fires (the D-series has got an inline one). The very small engine cowl plate could just as well be absent. Both issues combined leave many pilots a gliding and/or burning example of why to avoid bomber's defensive fire. The P-51's prime form of defense is speed. As a ''Boom & Run'' fighter, avoiding air-drag inducing bullet holes by not getting hit is a far preferable option anyway. Whilst setting up another attack (a.k.a. retreating from combat) the very generous backseat armour will absorb any stray shots. In general the pilot's survivability is great.

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

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

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

* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)

Quadruple Hispanos are devastating: pressing the trigger will significantly slow down the P-51. Now how is that for firepower? Although this is caused by the too light air-frame which further causes vibrations and heavy shaking due to the wing-mounted position of all arms. Hence the accuracy is appalling after the first shots leave the barrels. Trigger control is important, even more so as the Hispanos tend to overheat during long bursts. Full automatics firing will result in depleting your rounds in approximately 12.5 seconds (if the guns do not overheat and jam), conversely the reload time is quite long at 40 seconds. This gives an incentive to play more of a boom and zoom playstyle.

== Usage in battles ==


In an RPG the Mustang would be a rogue, the damage dealer. Quickly darting in and out of combat to deal devastating blows, the P-51 in War Thunder is a DPS main, too. Featured playstyles are [[Boom & Zoom]], repeatedly diving on enemies and returning up high, and [[Boom & Run]], flying into danger zone, picking of a target and retreating, all while running at top speed. Coupled with its manoeuvrability and acceleration deficits, the P-51 punishes any pilot who does not play to its strength, namely the top speed. Only late war or diving aircraft are able to catch a Mustang on the run and for the latter only with the correct timing and plenty of altitude to burn. Maintaining a cool head and areal observation are important. Retreating may look the cowardice choice, but with the speed to disengage many options open up for reversals. Note, do not perform flat turns, but rather slow, deliberate high Yo-Yos or Immelmanns for turning around. A careful approach when leading up for a shot helps in conserving precious momentum, too.

In Arcade Battles the option for in-air reloads may tempt the pilot to spray & pray and dump all the ammunition. However, with the inaccuracy issues and the short fire windows, a more deliberate approach is necessary. Waiting outside a furball or dogfight for the right moment to intercept is key, as the key role for the Mustang is heavy fire support. This is especially helpful against armoured attackers such as the [[Ju 87 (Family)|Stuka]] or [[IL-2 (Family)|IL-2]]. Due to the lack of climb rate and poor altitude performance, bombers should not be sought out. In general the P-51 plays akin to many heavy fighters in Arcade mode.

In Realistic Battles the combat role is a tricky game. Lacking climb rate and high altitude performance the Mustang pilot needs to wait for the combat to come down to about 4,000 m (13,000 ft). Climbing should be done away from the expected combat zone (a.k.a. side-climbing) and at 20° with or 14° without WEP. At this point initial combat should be Boom & Run, utilizing the superior top speed to avoid combat while the enemy is focused on other team mates. Once the hostiles have dropped to a lower altitude Boom & Zooming can be engaged in. With 125 rounds per gun the fighter has got plenty of ammo to kill about six aircraft and with 30 min of fuel minimum, returning to base will be a rare occurrence. Overall this is a support fighter as in the current climbing meta engagements against higher flying interceptor-fighters are often deadly, as the Mustang then lacks the critical ability to choose the time of engagement.

Simulator Battles is where the P-51 (NA-91) truly shines. Flying at top speed with military rated power (100%) keeps the engine cool and enemies usually far away at one's tail. Most of all combat happens slightly below the Mustang's preferred altitude and the cockpit view is great, albeit with limited rearward view. Without the instructor the manoeuvrability markedly improves in comparison, for the P-51 has generous stall characteristics and is an overall stable gun platform, as long as one does not pull the trigger. Only the lack of acceleration in prolonged dogfights is a trap that even experienced pilots still fall into. An emergency dive to top speed will however fix this, if the pilot remembered to keep some altitude. And one should, for the greatest advantage is the ability to disengage any unfavourable battle and like with many things, the early Mustangs do not disappoint.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 20 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 20 mm cannons
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Mk.II year 1942
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| Mk.II year 1943
|-
|}

The P-51 Mustang can seem a very underwhelming aircraft at first. The primary module to focus on for early success is the 20 mm ammo belts. Ground targets belts will give more consistent results as an attacker and the Air targets belts can be devastating against flying opponents. After improving the firepower on the aircraft, begin focusing on performance upgrades.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great performance
** Great dive-speed and acceleration
** High energy retention
** Good performance at high speeds
** Good roll rate
* Powerful armament
** Gains access to British belt load-outs, incl. the devastating air-targets belt
** Very efficient at destroying bombers
* 20 mm guns on the Mustang are mounted in close proximity, dealing a deadly double punch when hitting
* Can easily tackle higher BR foes
* Can be very deadly in the hands of a skilled pilot

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre climb rate
* Low maximum altitude
* No separate gun control
* No payload options available
* Firing guns slows the plane down
* Poor visibility in simulator mode
* Hispano cannons overheat extremely quickly and are inaccurate unless upgraded
* Low ammo capacity compared to machine gun-armed variants
* Priority target when in AB mode due to its reputation of destroying planes with relative ease, smart players will try to eliminate the P-51 first.
* Minimal elevator authority without the engine producing net thrust as the plane relies heavily on streamline effect along the tail for elevator authority. Aircraft should not be landed with flaps down without an engine.

== History ==

The North American P-51 was born when the British Government showed interest in purchasing the Curtiss P-40C. Curtiss was at max production capacity, so the British inquired to North American Aviation if they would build it under license for them. North American agreed, but they wanted to build a better aircraft. A condition of the sale from North American to the British was to supply the U.S. Army with two samples free of charge. The original prototypes were designated XP-51. The U.S. Army was given fourth and tenth aircraft. One of them can still be found at the EAA Museum in OshKosh, Wisconsin. Testing of the two prototypes started in October of 1941. The new aircraft received high marks and were clearly superior to other U.S. fighters at that time. Although, the U.S. Army decided to not immediately place orders.

The first order of Mustangs to the British were designated Mustang I. The RAF received these aircraft behind schedule in October of 1941. Problems showed up immediately including the Allison power-plant and other design flaws. It is also important to note the Mustang Mk I's armament consisting of four .30 Cal machine guns mounted in the wings, as well as a set of two .50 Cal mounted in the wings and two .50 Cal machine guns mounted in the nose.

The next evolution of this aircraft was designated [[Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain)|Mustang Mk IA]]. Due to the recently signed Lend Lease Act the U.S. Army was able to place an order for 150 more Mustangs on behalf of the British. These aircraft were equipped with four 20 mm [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II]] cannons mounted in the wings. Only 93 of the new Mustangs made it to the RAF. The U.S. Army pulled 55 for themselves and they immediately saw service. Two were kept by North American Aviation for internal use.

These P-51 Mustangs first saw service in April 9th of 1943 and the first combat loss came shortly afterwards on April 23rd. Mustangs saw action against the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands but a majority of them found their way to the Mediterranean theatre. The Mustang saw combat early on in the country of Algeria. Over time these P-51 Mustangs were converted to Reconnaissance planes. A K-24 camera was placed in the left window behind the pilot. The camera faced towards the back and down and took pictures providing battlefield reconnaissance. These aircraft saw continued service until the later part of 1944 continuing to fill the Attacker and Recon role.

=== In-game description ===
The North American P-51 Mustang was a single seat fighter which was designed, developed and entered service all during the course of the Second World War. The origins of the aircraft came about in April 1940, when the British Purchasing Commission approached the North American aviation company to design a fighter to augment those already in service with RAF Fighter Command. The prototype first flew on October 26th 1940 and, after a highly successful test and evaluation period, 320 aircraft were ordered and the first production aircraft flew on May 1st 1941. Delivered to No.26 Squadron at Gatwick, the new American fighter was designated the Mustang Mk.I by the RAF. It was considered to be superior to any other American fighter at the time, particularly at low level. However, the 1100 hp Allison V-1710 engine had a poorer performance at high altitude, particularly above 15,000 feet which was above where the engine supercharger was optimized for.

For this reason, the Mustangs were used in support of ground operations rather than in their intended original role as a fighter. The Mustang was very successful in this role and an additional order for a further 300 aircraft was placed. The new batch was modified by fitting self sealing fuel tanks and replacing the earlier Mustang's eight machine guns with a new armament of four 20 mm cannon, to create the Mustang Mk.IA. The RAF's successes with the Mustang led to a good deal of attention from the United States Army Air Force; after highlighting the fighter's only serious shortcoming as its high altitude performance, inquiries were made into fitting the aircraft with a different engine. The British Rolls-Royce Merlin was selected for testing in five converted Mustangs, and the performance of the fighter increased dramatically. The airframe and wings were strengthened to harness the power of the Merlin engine, which also resulted in the fitting of under wing stores now being an option. Mustangs could now carry bombs, rockets or long range drop tanks. Now more than capable of competing across all altitude bands and boasting a particularly long range for a single engine fighter, the Mustang was rapidly evolving into one of the most capable air assets of the entire war. However, with British and American interest in the fighter still growing, future variants of the Mustang would show yet more improvements.

Generally regarded as the greatest American fighter of the Second World War, Mustang pilots were to claim nearly 5,000 air-to-air kills by the end of the conflict. The Mustang would go on to serve the USAF in the Korean War, and was exported to over 50 foreign air forces.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|qsWhqJrd4og|'''"War Thunder Realistic: P-51 Mustang [Speed is Vital]"''' by ''Jengar''|aKgfzlJMxQU|'''"P-51: The Altitude Advantage (Lite New Player Tutorial)"''' by ''MagzTV''}}

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/393387/en/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>Skin<nowiki>]</nowiki> "Big Mac Junior" - by ''PROx'']
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/359448/en/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>Skin<nowiki>]</nowiki> Fictional; USAAF motto "Aim high... fly, fight, win" - by ''pathaber'']
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/508720/en/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>Skin<nowiki>]</nowiki> RAF experimental marking scheme - by ''JohnnyAlpha65'']

== See also ==


;Related development

* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51 Mustang]] all variants
** [[P-51A|P-51A ''TL'']] Thunder League Event vehicle, [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|M2 Browning HMG]] armed version
** [[Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain)|Mustang Mk IA]] for Great Britain, better horse power due higher manifold pressure
** [[A-36]] Attacker variant, bomb pylons and six 12.7 mm [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|M2 Brownings]]
** [[P-51D-5|P-51''D'']] successor with British Merlin engine

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Fw 190 A-5]]
* [[Typhoon Mk Ib]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:North_American_P-51_Mustang_variants#P-51/Mustang_IA_(NA-91)|[Wikipedia] P-51 (NA-91)]]
* [http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/mustang/mustang-I.html <nowiki>[</nowiki>wwiiaircraftperformance.org<nowiki>]</nowiki> P-51 Mustang (Allison Engine) Performance Trials]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{USA fighters}}

P-51

2020-11-14T04:34:28Z

U83522373: added some more information to the armament section

{{Specs-Card
|code=p-51_mk1a_usaaf
|cockpit=cockpit_p-51_mk1a_usaaf.jpg
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = P-51 (Family)
}}

== Description ==

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

The P-51 Mustang retains a lot of the traits that may be found in its later variants. The main difference comes from the limited Allison power plant and its formidable armament of 4 x 20 mm [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II]] cannons. The plane may not climb very well but does retain the traits of an energy fighter. Even with its limited climb rate the aircraft's dive-speed is excellent, but manoeuvrability is average at best. The armament is the true advantage of this aircraft. The 20 mm cannons are powerful, but with only 500 rounds do not try to go for more than what the P-51 can handle. The best way to use the P-51 is for [[Boom & Zoom]].

The P-51, when fully upgraded, is an extremely deadly opponent, especially as a rank II. The engine will have a hard time hitting the "overheated" mark, even when using WEP. Use caution though, as the engine will retain its heat when constantly on 100% power, so it takes a bit to cool down. Also be sure to utilise the flaps: they are a major asset to the plane's overall turn-fighting ability and sometimes allow it to survive a turn-fight with Soviet aircraft. This is an awesome plane for those just starting out in Realistic Battles, as the 20 mm cannons are good at scoring quick victories.

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

"The Need for Speed" is a worthy credo for all [[P-51 (Family)|Mustangs]]. This initial iteration boasts a significant speed advantage over many [[:Category:Third rank aircraft|Rank III]] aircraft, but sacrifices are obvious. On the upside, the good maximum velocity greatly benefits the energy retention coming out of dives and for staying out of trouble.

Manoeuvrability is nothing to write home about (except roll-rate), especially without speed to burn. The control surfaces lock up at high speeds which makes the Mustang a comparatively agile fighter when initiating combat, but this is quickly lost. Fortunately the combat flaps have a very high speed tolerance and greatly benefit it in dogfights. Overall the P-51 likes to bleed speed in manoeuvres and the lost energy cannot be easily regained. For another downside is the sluggish acceleration which further causes a low rate of climb. Managing both disadvantage is the Ace's true skill for this elite [[Boom & Run|Boom and Run]] fighter. However this is for an altitude range up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft). High altitude performance suffers which in combat, due the slow climb rate, is rarely reached anyway.

Thus all engagements, may they be Boom & Zoom or Boom & Run style, should be performed below said altitudes.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,200 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
| 592 || 578 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.2 || 22.0 || 9.2 || 9.2 || rowspan="2" | 491
|-
! Upgraded
| 673 || 631 || 18.9 || 20.0 || 18.6 || 13.1
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 650 || 450 || 280 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 500 || < 230 || < 550 || > 340
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Compressor
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
! Setting 1
| 3,597 m || 1,150 hp || 1,598 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 19.05 mm Steel - Upper engine cowl armour plate
* 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
* 15.87 mm Steel - Armour plate behind pilot's seat
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)

While the Mustang looks quite defensive on first glance, it is a deceptive one. The fuel tanks are wing-mounted and prone to fires (the D-series has got an inline one). The very small engine cowl plate could just as well be absent. Both issues combined leave many pilots a gliding and/or burning example of why to avoid bomber's defensive fire. The P-51's prime form of defense is speed. As a ''Boom & Run'' fighter, avoiding air-drag inducing bullet holes by not getting hit is a far preferable option anyway. Whilst setting up another attack (a.k.a. retreating from combat) the very generous backseat armour will absorb any stray shots. In general the pilot's survivability is great.

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

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

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

* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (125 rpg = 500 total)

Quadruple Hispanos are devastating: pressing the trigger will significantly slow down the P-51. Now how is that for firepower? Although this is caused by the too light air-frame which further causes vibrations and heavy shaking due to the wing-mounted position of all arms. Hence the accuracy is appalling after the first shots leave the barrels. Trigger control is important, even more so as the Hispanos tend to overheat during long bursts. Full automatics firing will result in depleting your rounds in approximately 12.5 seconds (if the guns do not overheat and jam), conversely the reload time is quite long at 40 seconds. This gives an incentive to play more of a boom and zoom playstyle and the default belt lacks a practice shot meaning these Hispano cannons are usually more effective stock than others.

== Usage in battles ==


In an RPG the Mustang would be a rogue, the damage dealer. Quickly darting in and out of combat to deal devastating blows, the P-51 in War Thunder is a DPS main, too. Featured playstyles are [[Boom & Zoom]], repeatedly diving on enemies and returning up high, and [[Boom & Run]], flying into danger zone, picking of a target and retreating, all while running at top speed. Coupled with its manoeuvrability and acceleration deficits, the P-51 punishes any pilot who does not play to its strength, namely the top speed. Only late war or diving aircraft are able to catch a Mustang on the run and for the latter only with the correct timing and plenty of altitude to burn. Maintaining a cool head and areal observation are important. Retreating may look the cowardice choice, but with the speed to disengage many options open up for reversals. Note, do not perform flat turns, but rather slow, deliberate high Yo-Yos or Immelmanns for turning around. A careful approach when leading up for a shot helps in conserving precious momentum, too.

In Arcade Battles the option for in-air reloads may tempt the pilot to spray & pray and dump all the ammunition. However, with the inaccuracy issues and the short fire windows, a more deliberate approach is necessary. Waiting outside a furball or dogfight for the right moment to intercept is key, as the key role for the Mustang is heavy fire support. This is especially helpful against armoured attackers such as the [[Ju 87 (Family)|Stuka]] or [[IL-2 (Family)|IL-2]]. Due to the lack of climb rate and poor altitude performance, bombers should not be sought out. In general the P-51 plays akin to many heavy fighters in Arcade mode.

In Realistic Battles the combat role is a tricky game. Lacking climb rate and high altitude performance the Mustang pilot needs to wait for the combat to come down to about 4,000 m (13,000 ft). Climbing should be done away from the expected combat zone (a.k.a. side-climbing) and at 20° with or 14° without WEP. At this point initial combat should be Boom & Run, utilizing the superior top speed to avoid combat while the enemy is focused on other team mates. Once the hostiles have dropped to a lower altitude Boom & Zooming can be engaged in. With 125 rounds per gun the fighter has got plenty of ammo to kill about six aircraft and with 30 min of fuel minimum, returning to base will be a rare occurrence. Overall this is a support fighter as in the current climbing meta engagements against higher flying interceptor-fighters are often deadly, as the Mustang then lacks the critical ability to choose the time of engagement.

Simulator Battles is where the P-51 (NA-91) truly shines. Flying at top speed with military rated power (100%) keeps the engine cool and enemies usually far away at one's tail. Most of all combat happens slightly below the Mustang's preferred altitude and the cockpit view is great, albeit with limited rearward view. Without the instructor the manoeuvrability markedly improves in comparison, for the P-51 has generous stall characteristics and is an overall stable gun platform, as long as one does not pull the trigger. Only the lack of acceleration in prolonged dogfights is a trap that even experienced pilots still fall into. An emergency dive to top speed will however fix this, if the pilot remembered to keep some altitude. And one should, for the greatest advantage is the ability to disengage any unfavourable battle and like with many things, the early Mustangs do not disappoint.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Auto control available || Combined || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 20 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 20 mm cannons
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Mk.II year 1942
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| Mk.II year 1943
|-
|}

The P-51 Mustang can seem a very underwhelming aircraft at first. The primary module to focus on for early success is the 20 mm ammo belts. Ground targets belts will give more consistent results as an attacker and the Air targets belts can be devastating against flying opponents. After improving the firepower on the aircraft, begin focusing on performance upgrades.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great performance
** Great dive-speed and acceleration
** High energy retention
** Good performance at high speeds
** Good roll rate
* Powerful armament
** Gains access to British belt load-outs, incl. the devastating air-targets belt
** Very efficient at destroying bombers
* 20 mm guns on the Mustang are mounted in close proximity, dealing a deadly double punch when hitting
* Can easily tackle higher BR foes
* Can be very deadly in the hands of a skilled pilot

'''Cons:'''

* Mediocre climb rate
* Low maximum altitude
* No separate gun control
* No payload options available
* Firing guns slows the plane down
* Poor visibility in simulator mode
* Hispano cannons overheat extremely quickly and are inaccurate unless upgraded
* Low ammo capacity compared to machine gun-armed variants
* Priority target when in AB mode due to its reputation of destroying planes with relative ease, smart players will try to eliminate the P-51 first.
* Minimal elevator authority without the engine producing net thrust as the plane relies heavily on streamline effect along the tail for elevator authority. Aircraft should not be landed with flaps down without an engine.

== History ==

The North American P-51 was born when the British Government showed interest in purchasing the Curtiss P-40C. Curtiss was at max production capacity, so the British inquired to North American Aviation if they would build it under license for them. North American agreed, but they wanted to build a better aircraft. A condition of the sale from North American to the British was to supply the U.S. Army with two samples free of charge. The original prototypes were designated XP-51. The U.S. Army was given fourth and tenth aircraft. One of them can still be found at the EAA Museum in OshKosh, Wisconsin. Testing of the two prototypes started in October of 1941. The new aircraft received high marks and were clearly superior to other U.S. fighters at that time. Although, the U.S. Army decided to not immediately place orders.

The first order of Mustangs to the British were designated Mustang I. The RAF received these aircraft behind schedule in October of 1941. Problems showed up immediately including the Allison power-plant and other design flaws. It is also important to note the Mustang Mk I's armament consisting of four .30 Cal machine guns mounted in the wings, as well as a set of two .50 Cal mounted in the wings and two .50 Cal machine guns mounted in the nose.

The next evolution of this aircraft was designated [[Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain)|Mustang Mk IA]]. Due to the recently signed Lend Lease Act the U.S. Army was able to place an order for 150 more Mustangs on behalf of the British. These aircraft were equipped with four 20 mm [[Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.II]] cannons mounted in the wings. Only 93 of the new Mustangs made it to the RAF. The U.S. Army pulled 55 for themselves and they immediately saw service. Two were kept by North American Aviation for internal use.

These P-51 Mustangs first saw service in April 9th of 1943 and the first combat loss came shortly afterwards on April 23rd. Mustangs saw action against the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands but a majority of them found their way to the Mediterranean theatre. The Mustang saw combat early on in the country of Algeria. Over time these P-51 Mustangs were converted to Reconnaissance planes. A K-24 camera was placed in the left window behind the pilot. The camera faced towards the back and down and took pictures providing battlefield reconnaissance. These aircraft saw continued service until the later part of 1944 continuing to fill the Attacker and Recon role.

=== In-game description ===
The North American P-51 Mustang was a single seat fighter which was designed, developed and entered service all during the course of the Second World War. The origins of the aircraft came about in April 1940, when the British Purchasing Commission approached the North American aviation company to design a fighter to augment those already in service with RAF Fighter Command. The prototype first flew on October 26th 1940 and, after a highly successful test and evaluation period, 320 aircraft were ordered and the first production aircraft flew on May 1st 1941. Delivered to No.26 Squadron at Gatwick, the new American fighter was designated the Mustang Mk.I by the RAF. It was considered to be superior to any other American fighter at the time, particularly at low level. However, the 1100 hp Allison V-1710 engine had a poorer performance at high altitude, particularly above 15,000 feet which was above where the engine supercharger was optimized for.

For this reason, the Mustangs were used in support of ground operations rather than in their intended original role as a fighter. The Mustang was very successful in this role and an additional order for a further 300 aircraft was placed. The new batch was modified by fitting self sealing fuel tanks and replacing the earlier Mustang's eight machine guns with a new armament of four 20 mm cannon, to create the Mustang Mk.IA. The RAF's successes with the Mustang led to a good deal of attention from the United States Army Air Force; after highlighting the fighter's only serious shortcoming as its high altitude performance, inquiries were made into fitting the aircraft with a different engine. The British Rolls-Royce Merlin was selected for testing in five converted Mustangs, and the performance of the fighter increased dramatically. The airframe and wings were strengthened to harness the power of the Merlin engine, which also resulted in the fitting of under wing stores now being an option. Mustangs could now carry bombs, rockets or long range drop tanks. Now more than capable of competing across all altitude bands and boasting a particularly long range for a single engine fighter, the Mustang was rapidly evolving into one of the most capable air assets of the entire war. However, with British and American interest in the fighter still growing, future variants of the Mustang would show yet more improvements.

Generally regarded as the greatest American fighter of the Second World War, Mustang pilots were to claim nearly 5,000 air-to-air kills by the end of the conflict. The Mustang would go on to serve the USAF in the Korean War, and was exported to over 50 foreign air forces.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|qsWhqJrd4og|'''"War Thunder Realistic: P-51 Mustang [Speed is Vital]"''' by ''Jengar''|aKgfzlJMxQU|'''"P-51: The Altitude Advantage (Lite New Player Tutorial)"''' by ''MagzTV''}}

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/393387/en/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>Skin<nowiki>]</nowiki> "Big Mac Junior" - by ''PROx'']
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/359448/en/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>Skin<nowiki>]</nowiki> Fictional; USAAF motto "Aim high... fly, fight, win" - by ''pathaber'']
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/508720/en/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>Skin<nowiki>]</nowiki> RAF experimental marking scheme - by ''JohnnyAlpha65'']

== See also ==


;Related development

* North American [[P-51 (Family)|P-51 Mustang]] all variants
** [[P-51A|P-51A ''TL'']] Thunder League Event vehicle, [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|M2 Browning HMG]] armed version
** [[Mustang Mk IA (Great Britain)|Mustang Mk IA]] for Great Britain, better horse power due higher manifold pressure
** [[A-36]] Attacker variant, bomb pylons and six 12.7 mm [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|M2 Brownings]]
** [[P-51D-5|P-51''D'']] successor with British Merlin engine

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[Fw 190 A-5]]
* [[Typhoon Mk Ib]]

== External links ==


* [[wikipedia:North_American_P-51_Mustang_variants#P-51/Mustang_IA_(NA-91)|[Wikipedia] P-51 (NA-91)]]
* [http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/mustang/mustang-I.html <nowiki>[</nowiki>wwiiaircraftperformance.org<nowiki>]</nowiki> P-51 Mustang (Allison Engine) Performance Trials]

{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
{{USA fighters}}

P-47D-22-RE

2020-09-16T19:11:49Z

U83522373: Added pros and cons list

{{Specs-Card|code=p-47d_22_re}}

== Description ==

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

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

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, maneuverability, 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 9,144 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
|665||654|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||26.2||27.1||6.5||6.5|| rowspan="2" |600
|-
! Upgraded
| 719 || 695 || 23.8 || 25.0 || 14.6 || 10.0
|-
|}

==== 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}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

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

=== Survivability and armour ===


The pilot and fuel tanks have decent armor protection from the front, but the engine is vulnerable from the front. The pilot has no armor protection from the rear, leaving him vulnerable.

* 38 mm Bulletproof Glass - Windshield
* 9.5 mm Steel - Below Windshield
* 9.5 mm Steel - Behind Engine, In Front of Fuel Tanks and Pilot
* Self-Sealing Fuel Tanks

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

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

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

* 8 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (425 rpg = 3,400 total)

=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|M8}}

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

* Without load
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (2,500 lb total)
* 6 x M8 rockets
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb + 6 x M8 rockets (500 lb total)

== Usage in battles ==

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
|-
| I
|Fuselage Repair
|Radiator
|
|Offensive 12 mm
|
|
|-
| II
|
|Compressor
|Airframe
|
|FMBC mk.1
|
|-
| III
|Wings Repair
|Engine
|
|New 12 mm MGs
|
|
|-
| IV
|G Suit
|Engine Injection
|Cover
|
|Rocket Launcher M10
|FLBC mk.1
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

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

'''Pros:'''

* Muscle Car with wings, excellent at Boom and Zoom tactics
* 8 M2 Browning Machine guns are accurate at a longer range than most cannons at its BR
* High speed, even while stock
* Very durable which semi-compensates with its lackluster turn rate
* Plenty of ammo
* Variety of bombs and rockets for close air support

*

'''Cons:'''

* Low climb rate
* Slow and hard to maneuver at low altitudes
* Worse cockpit visibility than in the other bubble canopy P-47s

*

== 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 ==


* [[wt:en/news/6844-development-new-p-47-thunderbolt-variants-en|[Devblog] New P-47 Thunderbolt Variants]]

{{AirManufacturer Republic}}
{{USA fighters}}

F2A-1

2020-09-10T18:39:52Z

U83522373: Weak point in the aircraft as stated by multiple players and testing in battles. Added to cons

{{Specs-Card
|code=f2a-1
|cockpit=cockpit_f2a-1.jpg
}}
{{About
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the premium version
| link-1 = Thach's F2A-1
| usage-2 = the other version
| link-2 = F2A-3
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first carrier-based monoplane of the US fleet, made to replace the outdated biplanes in service with the US Navy. It had a 950 horsepower engine and a total of four machine guns. The nose armament consists of two machine guns of different calibre, a 0.50 calibre (12.7 mm) and a 0.30 calibre (7.62 mm). Each wing is also equipped with a 0.50 calibre for two more machine guns. Many countries ordered the Buffalo, including the Finnish Air Force which was highly successful with theirs against Russian fighters. But by the time WW2 started, and the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the F2A was outclassed by the Japanese [[A6M2]] and [[Ki-43-I|Ki-43s]].

The F2A-1 is a competitive machine if using the proper tactics versus the proper enemy. The Buffalo can outrun biplanes and can out-turn most monoplanes. This plane will get a pilot used to the American style of playing using Boom & Zoom, and armaments of .50 calibre machine guns.

== 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.''
[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 001.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,600 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
|-
| 484 || 468 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.1 || 19.7 || 7.8 || 7.8 || 250
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,600 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
|-
| 527 || 504 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.4 || 18.2 || 14.8 || 10.9 || 250
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 460 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 405 || < 400 || < 380 || > 306
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,800 m || 860 hp || 963 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,650 m || 760 hp || 851 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* No armour
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)

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

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

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (450 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 002.png|400px|thumb|right|An '''{{PAGENAME}}''' rolling with a Japanese A6M2.]]
The best way to fly this aircraft would be as a Boom & Zoom or ''energy fighter''; it can outrun most aircraft it faces unless it is up-tiered and faces something like the [[Bf 109 F-1]]. In such a scenario the best way to destroy more advanced vehicles is through boom and zoom tactics.

In '''Arcade''', there is no need to worry about ammo count as much as in Realistic Battles (RB) and Simulator (SB) since the planes can reload in the air. The target-lead indicator, which shows approximately where their enemy plane will be when the bullets reach the target, also assists aiming. For Arcade, the ammo belts are really useful, it is suggested to use Omni-purpose ammo for the .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine gun and Stealth for the .30 cal (7.62 mm) machine gun. However, another option is to try going all stealth so the F2A can surprise the enemy with bullets they can't see. There are a variety of enemy planes that the F2A-1 faces, ranging from biplanes to low-rank monoplanes.

In the common low-rank Arcade Battle, fur-balls at low altitude are very common, with planes trying to get on each other's tail, a perfect set up for a Boom & Zoomer like the Buffalo. First set the attack angle, which could be from directly above the enemy that is targeted, or from behind (it should be priority to target enemy planes that are chasing friendly planes or for a dangerous threat like [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3s]], [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3s]], [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricanes]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109s]] or other Buffaloes). Once the F2A has made a pass on the enemy plane, what happens next depends on the identity of the target. If the attack didn't destroy them on the first pass, and the enemy is a biplane, then keep up the speed and vacant the area, and set up another pass. If the enemy is a monoplane in the same situation, the F2A can choose to either clear the area, or turn onto their tail, but it is advisable to leave the area and check whether the enemy noticed the attacking F2A. If not, and he is chasing a friendly aircraft or going for ground targets, then latch on to his tail and shoot him down!

In '''Realistic Battles & Simulator Battles''', most of the tactics against fighters would be the same as in Arcade, only with a few restrictions.

# Do not dive too fast, the F2A won't be able to pull up or the plane's wings will break.
# No Enemy-Lead indicator, pilot skill and intuition will be required to estimate where the enemy plane will be when the bullets reach the targets.
# Very limited ammo, plus the armament isn't reliable outside of 400 meters.

So how does one play this in RB with all these drawbacks? A few very simple things will help with those problems: at the beginning of the match in RB, climb at about a 15 degree angle until about 3,000 - 4,000 m in altitude. When an enemy is spotted, if a biplane the F2A will have to take up a Boom & Zoom tactic, do not attempt to turn fight. If the enemy is a monoplane, turn-fighting can be a valid tactic; unless they are the British [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricane]] or Japanese [[A5M4|A5M]] (not to be confused with the [[A6M2|A6M]], which is much superior to the Buffalo) or [[Ki-43-I|Ki-43]], then do not turn fight these monoplanes. For the most part, Russian monoplanes are safe to turn fight ([[I-16 (Family)|I-16s]], [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3s]] and [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3s]]). When diving on an enemy, put the throttle to 0% so the F2A does not accelerate too fast. If a shot can't be gained on the enemy, pull out by putting throttle at 100% and point the nose up to gain altitude. Once on the tail of an enemy, no matter the plane, open fire only at close ranges, firing at 300 meters or less will help conserve ammo and lessens the need to lead your aim, therefore making each shot more effective.
[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 004.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
Surprisingly, especially at its BR, the Buffalo can be effectively used as a CAS fighter in '''Ground RB'''. Using the armour piercing rounds for the M2, this plane can not only destroy soft targets such as open-top AA vehicles, but also damage a majority of its tanks in its BR from the top. For maximum efficiency, after spawning in the Buffalo, increase altitude to around 1,500 m to 2,000 m, scouting potential ground targets and/or incoming air threats (enemy dive bombers like the [[Ju 87 (Family)|Ju87]] with heavy bomb loads must be a priority target as it can cause a lot of damage to your allies). If the skies are clear, drop the throttle to 0%, dive down at an enemy (preferably in a vertical angle to minimise the enemy [[Armour#Armour_angling|armours' angling effect]]) and send your .50 calibre rounds right through the enemy's turret. With the Buffalo's superior firepower, you will most likely disable, or if you are lucky, knock out the enemy with a single pass. As you exit the pass, throttle your engine to WEP as you climb back to your original altitude. Rinse and repeat, you will be a formidable threat to your enemies.

This can apply to all three game-modes: When someone is on the F2A's tail and bullets fly past the plane, with the right altitude, make a short steep dive. With that little dive, it can dodge enemy bullets and it gives an opportunity to take a look back at the offending enemy. If the aircraft is a biplane, continue the dive and get out of range of their guns. If it is a monoplane, attempt to turn fight, but the F2A is still effective in diving away from even faster monoplanes, which will be effective against manoeuvrable monoplanes like the Hurricane and A5M4. Learning the gun sounds also helps, sometimes the sound will help identify the enemy plane so as to make a move more instinctively.

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

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Offensive 7 mm
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Offensive 12 mm
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 12 mm MGs
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fairly fast
* Manoeuvrable compared to most monoplanes it can face
* Good diver
* Good climber (ironic since it was considered overweight in real life)
* Can land on a carrier
* Powerful .50 calibre machine guns

'''Cons:'''

* Tail damage usually results in the rudder and elevators flying off
* No armour-plating or armour for the pilot
* The telescopic sight is a bit of an annoyance in the first-person view (ex. simulator battles), as these have to be used when zoomed in
* The majority of biplanes the plane faces have better turn times

== History ==

{{main|F2A-1/History|l1=History of the F2A-1}}
[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 003.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
The Brewster F2A-1 buffalo was designed to replace the Grumman F3F biplane fighter. In a competition between the Grumman XF4F1 and the XF2A-1 (the P-35 lost early on), the XF2A-1 won as it was more advanced than the Grumman aircraft, so it went into production as F2A-1.

Although the F2A buffalo fought only a few battles with the US military, it fought important ones. In the Battle of Midway, it was one of the main fighter planes of the US fleet (the other being the F4F Wildcat), it played an important role, but its performance showed that it was no match to the A6M, and was soon replaced by more advanced F6Fs and F4U Corsairs.

Many nations acquired the F2A in their air forces, the most successful country with the type was Finland. From January to February 1940, the Finns received their F2A-1s (designated B239), receiving 44 in total. During the Continuation War, the Finnish Air Force was highly successful with the type, they developed tactics that the Russians couldn't counter. One tactic they used was baiting, where 2 Buffaloes flew low and acted as bait, while 2 others dive on attacking enemy planes. In the Continuation War, Squadron 24 of Finland, some sources state, had a victory ratio of 26:1. Buffaloes of 24 Squadron claimed 477 confirmed kills to 15 Buffaloes destroyed.

=== In-game description ===
The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first monoplane carrier-based fighter that served in the American fleet. The aircraft had an all-metal construction, with the exception of the control surfaces, which were covered with cloth.

In 1935, the U.S. Navy announced a competition to create a carrier-based fighter which was to replace the obsolete biplanes. The competition was won by the Brewster company and mass production of their F2A began in the summer of 1938. Of the 55 F2A-1s produced, only 11 entered service in the U.S. Finland, which was less demanding than other countries with regards to fighter specs, purchased the rest of the planes, which were then slightly altered for use on airfields.

The F2A-2 variant had a more powerful engine and a pitched Curtiss Electric propeller. The subsequent F2A-3 had a stronger chassis and larger fuel tank. This last modification increased the aircraft’s weight significantly, and the engine did not provide sufficient power, making the F2A-3 inferior even to the F2A-2 in handling and speed.

The F2A was exported to a number of countries, including Finland and Great Britain.

Of the 509 Buffaloes built, 107 were F2A-3s and 20 were B-439s (an export model of the F2A-3 transferred to the Dutch West Indies).

== Media ==


;Notable pilots
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Ilmari_Juutilainen_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Juutilainen, Ilmari.|Finnish Air Force pilot [[User:U64962917#Juutilainen, Ilmari.|Ilmari Juutilainen]] commented that the Buffalo (US export Finnish B-239) was easy to fly, describing it as a "gentelman's touring plane", though when needed the aircraft performed and helped Juutilainen score 34 (of his 94) victories.]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|aBGRGu-o9us|'''The Shooting Range #3''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F2A.}}

== 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 Brewster}}
{{USA fighters}}

P-51C-10

2020-09-02T18:25:20Z

U83522373:

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P-51C-10

2020-09-02T14:06:24Z

U83522373: Created page with "Placeholder for the actual page, turns out I have no time to edit this someone get on it"

Placeholder for the actual page, turns out I have no time to edit this
someone get on it