War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

M551

2021-03-11T10:03:39Z

U8546458: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_m551
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]]. It is armed with a 152 mm cannon, which has a missile launcher to fire 152 mm ATGMs and a .50 calibre machine gun.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Aluminum Alloy 7039
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Turret)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Gun mantlet)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope Angle°) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25.4 mm (70°), 12.7 mm (87°) ''Front Glacis'' 31.7 mm (33°) ''Lower Glacis'' 25.4 mm (2-80°) ''Driver's port'' || 19 + 2 mm ''Top'' 25.4 mm (0-56°) ''Bottom'' || 12.7 mm (49-50°) ''Top'' 19 mm (32-55°) ''Bottom'' || 19 mm 12.7 mm ''Engine grilles''
|-
| Turret || 25.4 mm (6-78°) ''Turret front'' 31.7 mm (1-81°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm (50-55°) || 25.4 mm (46-54°) || 19 mm
|-
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
|-
| Cupola || 31.7 mm || 31.7 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and tracks are 15 mm thick.

Against most opponents, the M551 can be destroyed with a single shot. It's best to just stay in one spot along a road and wait for an enemy to pass by where so that they present their vulnerable side armour and vitals to target at. Once the ATGMS are unlocked then the player can stay out of range from everything but ATGMs.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=465|rbMinHp=265}}

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

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

{{main|M81 (152 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm M81]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 30 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+19° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 38.1 || 52.7 || 64.0 || 70.8 || 75.3 || rowspan="2" | 15.60 || rowspan="2" | 13.80 || rowspan="2" | 12.72 || rowspan="2" | 12.00
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 23.8 || 28.0 || 34.0 || 37.6 || 40.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| M409A1 || HEAT || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380 || 380
|-
| M657A2 || HE || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38 || 38
|-
| MGM-51B Shillelagh || ATGM || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431 || 431
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| M409A1 || HEAT || 682 || 18.9 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,730 || 62° || 69° || 73°
|-
| M657A2 || HE || 682 || 22 || 0 || 0.1 || 4,300 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| MGM-51B Shillelagh || ATGM || 323 || 27.8 || 0 || 0.1 || 3,600 || 80° || 82° || 90°
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''30''' || 28 ''(+2)'' || 26 ''(+4)'' || 21 ''(+9)'' || 14 ''(+16)'' || 1 ''(+29)'' || No
|-
|}

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

{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M73 (7.62 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Pintle || 1,000 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[M73 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M73]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 3,000 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The ''Sheridan'', even with the ability to fire ATGMs, is an extremely difficult tank to use due to it having no armour. Even some high-power MGs can penetrate the armour easily. The stock heat round while having high pen drops like a rock at range and bounces a lot. Immediately upon reaching the tier 2 modifications research the ATGM missiles. Once those are unlocked the ''Sheridan'' becomes a fast and mobile missile platform that out ranges most vehicles in game. With only the stock HEAT always aim for ammo racks. This is pretty much the only way to destroy the heavier tanks. The mobile AAs will be the M551's biggest problems. While the ''Sheridan'' can drive circles around most of its heavy opponents, the fast anti-air turret can keep up with the M551, able to tear the armour to pieces. The ATGMs are a vast improvement over the HEAT rounds, one shotting pretty much everything and extending the ''Sheridan'' range past that of most of its opponents.

Stay in the back, everything will one shot the tank. Use the M551's speed and manoeuvrability to get around enemies. Don't be afraid to get in real close to the enemy, because with only HEAT, the 152 mm's effective range is very limited. Once ATGMs are usable, the ''Sheridan'' becomes an extremely formidable sniper. Able to fire on target, destroy a target, then move position for another opportunity. In Arcade, the ''Sheridan'' is an easy target for everyone, but in realistic and simulator its speed makes it a very hard target to hit.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Dual-purpose cannon, firing regular shells or [[Anti-tank guided missiles|guided missiles]]
* Very fast turret traverse
* Missiles in RB have a point-to-aim guidance system
* Rather small profile in comparison to other Rank V vehicles
* Can unlock NVD (Night Vision Devices) as a Tier 4 modification.
* The ATGM has 431 mm of penetration, therefore, it can almost penetrate all enemy tanks frontally
* Low repair cost

'''Cons:'''

* Virtually no armour
* Uses only chemical rounds, no kinetic rounds (AP) available
* Low ammunition storage (30)
* ATGM has a reload several seconds longer than normal ammunition
* Can only hold 10 ATGM ammunition total
* Can be hull broken with 100 mm HEAT shells
* Considering the low-velocity shells, absence of rangefinder is noticeable

== History ==

{{main|M551/History|l1=History of the M551}}

===Development===
In the post-war period, U.S. Army specified for a new light tank that is light enough for air-transportation and have a large cruising range. The first resulting light tank, the [[M41A1|M41 ''Walker Bulldog'']], did not meet these specifications and the following development such as the [[T92]] were cancelled after the discovery of the amphibious Soviet [[PT-76B|PT-76]] tank, which added a requirement for the light tank to also be amphibious. A new tank design began development, using aluminum alloy to save weight, a fabric screen for flotation, and a controversial [[M81 (152 mm)|152 mm gun/launcher]] for firepower with the Shillelagh missiles. However, the design's lightweight and mobility made it favorable and so the tank was approved for Army standard in May 1966 and designated the '''M551 ''Sheridan'''''. Between 1966 to 1970, 1,662 ''Sheridans'' were produced at a program cost of $1.3 billion.<ref name="ZalogaM551">Zaloga, 2009</ref>

===Deployment===
The ''Sheridan'' first saw service in June 1967 in the 1/63rd Armor Regiment at Fort Riley. The first air usage of the ''Sheridan'' came from the 1/17th Cavalry at Fort Bragg. Its first overseas deployment was to South Korea in November 1968 and Europe in January 1969. 800 ''Sheridans'' were deployed worldwide by 1971. Troubles with the 152 mm Gun/Launcher plagued the M551's early service life as attempts were made to fix the issues in the weapon's ammo propellant and ability to fire missiles.<ref name="ZalogaM551" />

The ''Sheridan's'' tank's first combat would be seen in Vietnam under the urging of General Creighton Abrams. The tank first arrived in January 1969 modified for the environment in a configuration dubbed "Two-Box M551" with many complex mechanical instrument boxes removed (save for two), as well as the ability to fire the Shillelagh missiles disabled and the production of a fletchette ammunition for the 152 mm gun/launcher. First impressions of the ''Sheridan'' were positive due to the weapon's effectiveness in anti-infantry and bunker busting roles, as well as the mobility able to maintain speed with the M113 armoured personnel carriers. However, experience soon soured when the lack of armour became apparent compared to the [[M48A1|M48 Pattons]] employed in the theater, with the M551 vulnerable to mines and the numerous hand-held anti-tank weaponry.<ref name="ZalogaM551" />

Post-Vietnam, the M551 Sheridans underwent a product improvement program (PIP) that upgraded the design. The next combat operation would be in ''Operation Just Cause'' in Panama, featuring the first and only time tanks were parachuted into a combat zone. Inserted with the 82nd Airborne Division, the M551 proved a popular psychological weapon against the opposing forces. After Panama, the M551 were also deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of the Gulf War in both Operation ''Desert Shield'' and ''Desert Storm'', where in the latter they fought Iraqi units equipped with [[T-55A|T-55s]] and [[T-72A|T-72s]] in the only time in the M551's history that the gun-launched Shillelagh missiles were used against an enemy.<ref name="ZalogaM551" />

Back in the United States, the M551 also found use in the U.S. Army's National Training Center at the Mojave desert in California, where they are dressed up to look like Soviet vehicles to play as the "opposing forces" to train the army units on tactics in the battlefield. After the Gulf War, the Sheridan's combat career came to an end and so they remained in service at the National Training Center until 2004. The ''Sheridans'' were retired without any replacement in the airborne tank role. Though attempts had been made in the late 1990's for a replacement, the Army decided that an airborne tank was simply not worth the cost for a specialized vehicle.<ref name="ZalogaM551" />

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=light_tank&vehicle=us_m551 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|YuBjyMQLRy0|'''Airmobile tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:53 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}

== 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 vehicles;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/3736-development-m551-sheridan-en|[Devblog] M551 Sheridan]]

=== References ===
'''Citations:'''
<references />

'''Bibliography'''

* Zaloga Steven. ''M551 Sheridan: US Airmobile Tanks 1941-2001'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2009

{{USA light tanks}}

[[Category:ATGM vehicles]]

A-26B-50

2021-01-21T11:31:05Z

U8546458: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
|about = American attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = other uses
|link = A-26 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a-26b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]].

The A-26B-50 "Invader" is an excellent ground attack aircraft, with an impressive armament of 14 forward-facing M2 Browning .50 cal machine guns, as well as a potential secondary armament of up to 4,000 lbs worth of bombs (4 x 1,000 lbs) or 14 HVAR rockets. The Invader also boasts two dual-M2 Browning machine gun turrets, remote controlled by a gunner located in the rear section of the aircraft.

The Invader's strength over many similar dual-engine aircraft is its powerful armament. The A-26B-50, compared to the [[A-26C-45DT]], has an additional 8 M2 Browning .50 cal machine guns mounted in the nose, making it a terrifying opponent to anything unfortunate enough to end up in front of it's nose.

== 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 4,573 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
| 536 || 521 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.2 || 30.3 || 7.8 || 7.8 || rowspan="2" | 700
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 525 || 525 || 350 || ~6 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 390 || < 375 || < 460 || > 350
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,310 m || 2,000 hp || 2,440 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,572 m || 1,600 hp || 1,952 hp
|-
|}

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


* 12.7 mm Steel - Nose plate
* 8 mm Steel - Under engine armor plate (each nacelle)
* 12.7 mm Steel - Fore/aft nacelle fuel protection plates x 2 (each nacelle)
* 12.7 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armor plate
* 9.5 mm Steel - Cockpit tub
* 9 mm Steel - Pilot/Co-pilot's seat backs
* 12.7 mm Steel - Gunner aft armor plate
* 12.7 mm Steel - Gunner lower armor plate
* 12.7 mm Steel - Aircraft tail armor plate
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot

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

Though speed is a factor in survival for the Invader, it should seek to first obtain its diverse payload to allow it to effectively fulfill its intended role. Start off researching the ''SBC-25'', then ''Fuselage repair''. Proceed to research ''SBC mk.I'', the ''Compressor'', and the ''Radiator''. Once you have those three, go for ''MBC mk.I'' and ''Engine''. From here-on out, it is personal preference. If you are skilled in using HVAR rockets, research ''FRC mk.5'' at this point, otherwise take ''Engine injection'' and ''Wings repair'' first. Finally, finish off ''Airframe'' and ''Cover'' then upgrade your weaponry.

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

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

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

* 8 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, nose-mounted (360 rpg = 2,880 total)
* 6 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)

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

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,600 lb total)
* 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 14 x HVAR rockets

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

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

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

* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

== Usage in battles ==

Though the Invader will suffer in combat versus more nimble single-engine fighters, it still has some tricks it can employ to eek out a victory in the skies. Due to the incredible ''14'' M2 Browning machine guns mounted within the nose and on the wings of the aircraft, the A-26B-50 is able to destroy greedy opponents in head-on engagements, even if they are armed with cannons. The A-26B-50 is a very resilient aircraft, similar to other dual-engine aircraft like the [[Beaufighter Mk 21]]. Because of this, the pilot of the Invader can allow his opponent to land some hits in exchange for coming in view of either the A-26's forward facing armaments, or of its two rear-facing turrets. Though M2 Brownings lack the stopping power of cannons such as the 23 mm NS-23 cannon, they are still capable of inflicting immense damage to enemy aircraft, lighting up fuel tanks and disabling key components like control surfaces. This can buy the pilot some breathing room, by forcing enemy fighters to return to base after coming under fire from the Invader's guns.

As a ground attack aircraft, the pilot should seek to employ the A-26B-50's varied payload to full use to ensure his team's victory on the ground. On maps such as Ruhr or Krymsk, the pilot can choose to take out 8 250 lb bombs, or 6 500 lb bombs to take out enemy Light Pillboxes and Pillboxes, and use the numerous M2 Brownings located around the aircraft to strafe AAA emplacements or artillery batteries. When the map lacks ground targets that the Invader can destroy, namely on Norway, the pilot can instead take out the plane's full bomb load of 4 1000 lb bombs, enough to take out bombing targets normally reserved for the team's Heavy Bombers (eg. [[B-17E/L|B17E/L]])

The final factor to note is that, whilst it is by no means the fastest at its battle rating, the A-26B-50 is quite fast for an aircraft of the attacker role. Though single-engine fighters will catch up to the Invader, it can delay this process by simply opening the throttle and flying directly away from them. This may buy time for allied aircraft to intervene, a safety that other American attackers like the [[PBJ-1J]] before it may not be able to rely on.

Late model aircraft have the ability to intercept the fast A-26B-50, such as the Bf-109 "Gustav" series, the [[Bf 109 K-4|Bf 109 K-4]], the Fw 190 A-5, Fw 190 A-8 and any of the Focke Wulf Ta-152s. Any of these aircraft will be able to intercept, and most likely destroy the A-26B, as the majority of them sport the "Minengeschoß" rounds that will tear the aircraft apart.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Impressive forward-facing armament.
* Diverse secondary armament.
* Highly durable.
* Decent climb rate for an attacker.
* Two remote-controlled turrets.
* Decent energy retention.
* Very fast at low altitudes

'''Cons:'''

* Not very maneuverable.
* Is not mounted with any cannons.
* High repair cost for its battle rating.
* Large silhouette
* Gunner is easily knocked out
* Gunner controls both dorsal and ventral turret. Having him knocked out will result in losing control of both defensive turrets.
* Usually explodes pretty soon after catching fire.

== History ==

In the mid 1930s, Douglas Aircraft analysed contemporaries like the Do 17 and Blenheim, making them gamble on a fast, versatile, and manoeuvrable bomber. The resulting world leading DB-7, A-20 attacker/bomber paid off in immediate orders from France and England if not initially from USA. A great start, the pace of aircraft innovation only accelerated and Douglas knew its world leading design would soon be outdated. Work began on a new design.

Master engineer Edward Heinemann reassembled a team of Robert Donovan and Ted R. Smith from the A-20 program. Most important was aerodynamicist Apollo M.O. Smith who chose the innovative NACA 65-215 laminar flow airfoil that promised better top speed. Laminar Flow was still a radical technology at the time, the yet unproven Mustang Mk 1 was the only production aircraft using the technology. To make this high speed wing also fly slowly for safe landing, a double-slotted flaps system was created, the first production aircraft to use what is now common in all modern jet liners. The wing also had a relatively high aspect ratio for long range performance.

Design features from the breakthrough A-20 design were carried into the A-26. It is easy to spot the family resemblance of the nose gear, high wing, straight fuselage, and dihedral wing and tail. The easily replaceable nose unit, either a solid nose unit or the glass bombardier's unit, was also carried over, the latter used a Norden M-9 bombsight. The engines were also upgraded to the much more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800-27 Double Wasp fourteen-cylinder, double-row, radial air-cooled engines. Armaments were now standardized as the Colt-Browning AN/M2 .50 cal machine guns offensively mounted in all versions' noses. All models had space in wing for ammo belts feeding up to four dual gun pods mounted underneath the wing. Versatility was a key point and many other armament options were made, including large cannons and wing-mounted bombs and rockets. A-26's could even carry two torpedoes, however there is no evidence it was ever used operationally. Another key feature was the General Electric remote control turret top and bottom of the attacker, both controlled by a single crewman using a periscope sighting system (a year ahead of a similar system created by the Germans).

The ХА-26 prototype made its first flight on July 10, 1942. Mass production began in September 1943. Parallel production lines started in Douglas, Long Beach (code DL) making the solid nose A-26B, and Douglas, Tulsa making the bombardier nose A-26C (but both could be easily swapped in less than an hour). A total of 2,503 were built.

While praised by the pilots at home, its first trial by fire in May 1944 over New Guinea was less enthusiastic mainly due to limited downward view and other issues soured the Pacific crews. Less than 4 months later, missions in Europe received a completely different response where as a low altitude level bomber it excelled at its operation and easily countered defending Luftwaffe with strong defences or high speed. Over this time, upgrades to the design came about, including a new canopy that improved pilot view with the А-26C-30-DT, and integrating six .50 machine guns into the wings starting with the А-26B-50-DL and А-26C-55-DT.

After WW2 ended only the A-26 was kept in active service, its performance securing its usefulness, but the designation changed to B-26 (causing confusion with the name of the retired B-26 Marauder). When the Korean war started in 1950 the underappreciated attacker suddenly became vital again, heavily employed in day and night attacks against North Korean forces. Conflict did not end with Korea, so the B-26 was now needed elsewhere, but quirk of political nuance forced the name back to the original A-26 so they could be sold to Thailand.

In short, with continuing conflicts and numerous upgrades the A-26 was actively used decades after it first flew, with the last known military mission in 1977.

It was not done with "combat" missions then; however, being actively used to fight wildfires that ravaged parts of the US, Canada, and Australia, immortalized by the 1989 film "Always".

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=assault&vehicle=a-26b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|E1IDVFUqzrI|'''The Shooting Range #83''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 10:27 discusses the Douglas A-26 Invader.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Douglas [[A-20G-25|A-20]] Havoc

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Bristol [[Brigand B 1|Brigand]]
* Junkers [[Ju 288 C|Ju 288]]
* North American [[B-25 (Family)|B-25]] Mitchell
* Tupolev [[Tu-2 (Family)|Tu-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/3230--en|[Vehicle Profile] Douglas A-26C]]

{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
{{USA attackers}}

A-26B-10

2021-01-21T11:30:31Z

U8546458: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
|about=American attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=A-26 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=a-26b_10
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].

The A-26 ''Invader'' is an excellent ground attack aircraft, boasting 6 nose-mounted M2 Browning .50 cal machine guns, as well as a potential payload of up to 4,000 lbs worth of bombs (4 x 1,000 lbs). The Invader also sports two dual-M2 Browning machine gun turrets, remote controlled by a gunner located in the rear section of the aircraft, that flawlessly track aircraft transitioning in the vertical.

In addition, later upgrades of this particular A-26 model grant the user the ability to use a nose-mounted M4 37 mm cannon, at the expense of two of the .50 cals.

The Invader's strengths over many similar dual-engine aircraft is a surprising punch that it packs, especially when the 37 mm cannon is equipped, which can possibly turn the attacker into a fearsome, yet cumbersome blitzer due to its incredible speed.

== 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 4,573 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
| 554 || 541 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.1 || 32.0 || 9.9 || 9.8 || rowspan="2" | 1,000
|-
! Upgraded
| 596 || 576 || 29.1 || 30.0 || 14.2 || 12.0
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 527 || 527 || 351 || ~6 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 370 || < 375 || < 460 || > 350
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,310 m || 2,000 hp || No WEP
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,572 m || 1,600 hp || No WEP
|-
|}

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


* 12.7 mm Steel - Nose plate
* 8 mm Steel - Under engine armour plate (each nacelle)
* 12.7 mm Steel - Fore/aft nacelle fuel protection plates x 2 (each nacelle)
* 12.7 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
* 9.5 mm Steel - Cockpit tub
* 9 mm Steel - Pilot/Co-pilot's seat backs
* 12.7 mm Steel - Gunner aft armour plate
* 12.7 mm Steel - Gunner lower armour plate
* 12.7 mm Steel - Aircraft tail armour plate
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot

With this array of armour, the A-26B-10 is well-protected from any glancing rounds from machine guns.

As mentioned earlier, the A-26B-10 has the option to mount a 37 mm cannon in the nose. That in combination with its speed and additional four .50 cals in the nose will punish any opponent foolish enough to head on this aircraft. In addition, the rear of the aircraft is well defended by the two remote-controlled .50 cal turrets.

Thus, to fight an A-26, the best method of attack is to perform a Boom & Zoom run and aim for the engines. As fast as the A-26 is, it loses a fair deal of speed if one of the engines is out of action and, (if your aim is good enough), you may even snipe the gunner, leaving a massive blind spot from the rear of the Invader. If you find yourself in front of this plane, and there are no alternatives, aim for the cockpit only! This is as a result of the A-26 having both a pilot and a co-pilot, meaning if one is knocked out, the other can still take command of the plane. Nonetheless, the best possible angle to attack an Invader is from the sides, where the gunner cannot traverse the turrets.

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

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

{{main|M4 (37 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}

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

* A choice between three presets:
** 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)
** 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg) + 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (400 rpg = 1,600 total)
** 2 x 37 mm M4 cannons, nose-mounted (30 rpg = 60 total)

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

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)}}

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

* Without load
* 16 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,600 lb total)
* 12 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,000 lb total)
* 10 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (5,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

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

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

* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

== Usage in battles ==


Though the A-26B-10 Invader will suffer in combat versus more nimble single-engine fighters, it still has some tricks it can employ to eke out a victory in the skies. Due to all the offensive weaponry being mounted in the nose of the plane, it creates a rather dense cone of fire, similar to that of most heavy fighters. This enables the Invader to nearly guarantee either to destroy or critically damage any fighter greedy enough to head you on, even if they are armed with cannons. The A-26B-10 is a very resilient aircraft, similar to other dual-engine aircraft like the [[Beaufighter Mk 21]]. Because of this, the pilot of the Invader can allow his opponent to land some hits in exchange for coming in view of either the A-26's forward facing armaments, or of its two rear-facing turrets. Though M2 Brownings lack the stopping power of cannons such as the 23 mm NS-23 cannon, they are still capable of inflicting immense damage to enemy aircraft, lighting up fuel tanks and disabling key components like control surfaces. This can buy the pilot some breathing room, by forcing enemy fighters to return to base after coming under fire from the Invader's guns.

While the A-26 Invader is fast for its battle rating, it will still be intercepted by almost any late models of aircraft such as the Bf 109 "Gustav" series, the [[Bf 109 K-4]], almost any later model of the [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]], including the Focke-Wulf [[Ta 152 C-3|Ta 152]] series. Any of the above-mentioned German aircraft will tear you apart due to all of them sporting the "Minengeschoß" shells.

Due to its versatility the A-26 can play a variety of play styles and once you learn its strengths and weaknesses it is very easy and fun to use:

'''In air battles'''

Despite being an attacker designed to perform tactical attacks and close air support, the A-26 is good at air battles and not just ground battles. It can perform a large amount of essential roles such as a bomber or an attacker.

'''Low altitude bomber'''

This play style is the easiest to execute even when stock, so it is recommended for players who are new to the plane.

Before you spawn in make sure to load the 10 x 500 lb bombs loadout. Fly towards the enemy bases in a shallow dive, the A-26 is capable of cruising at 500 km/h so you won't need to wait much before you will reach the enemy bases. Check the battle rating of the match, if it is 4.7 and below drop 6 bombs on your chosen base, if it is 5.0 and above drop 7 bombs.

'''Attacker'''

This role can be played both from the start of the battle or after you finished your role as a low altitude bomber. Before the battle, make sure to load all 6 x .50 calibre [[M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|M2]] machine guns since they are more effective overall then the [[M4 (37 mm)|37 mm]] cannons. In this role, the bomb loadout does not matter much since it is quite hard and inefficient to bomb ground targets. The only targets worth bombing are light and regular pillboxes, and these can also be destroyed with your main weaponry. After spawning, fly to the ground targets and start firing. If you didn't manage to destroy your target in your first pass, try firing at them with your turrets, if that still didn't destroy your target, move on or return for a second pass.

'''In ground battles'''

In ground battles the A-26 gets a chance to do what it was designed to do - provide close air support for troops on the ground. it is recommended to use the 4 x 1,000 lb bombs loadout since the 1,000 lb bombs provide twice the TNT equivalent and almost twice the destruction radius of the 500 lb bombs making them much easier to use. You can also load the [[M4 (37 mm)|37 mm]] with ground targets belt and strafe enemy tanks.

'''Defensive flying'''

Once someone gets behind your tail you are probably not going to out-manoeuvre them, so your only options are to either shoot them down, scare them away or out-run them.

Once they are about 1.6 km away from you start shooting with your defensive turrets, use zoom to aim better and make sure to make slight manoeuvres to dodge their bullets. If they cannot get closer you win, but if they are faster and you couldn't kill them, once they are closer than 800 metres pull hard and try to make them overshoot, after they overshoot try to open as much distance as possible between you and them in order to trap them in the ideal shooting range (1.6-0.8 km). Repeat this until they either get shot down or pull off.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

Against the Russians, any of the La-7s or La-9s can and will be able to catch you. In addition, aircraft such as the [[Yak-9P]] or [[Yak-9UT]], which wield both [[ShVAK (20 mm)|20 mm]] and either a [[NS-37 (37 mm)|37 mm]] or [[NS-45 (45 mm)|45 mm]] will tear your plane to bits. While the Russians do not have cannons armed with the same round types as a German fighter does, the multitude of cannons they wield can make short work of you.

The British can also give you a run for your money. The most common adversary that could give you an issue is the [[Wyvern S4|Wyvern]], due to its blistering speed and four 20 mm [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]] cannons. In addition, a Tempest could also make quick work of you due to the same reasoning in firepower. While it is unlikely you will see any of the Griffon Spitfires, earlier models can still inflict a heavy amount of damage to your air frame.

One SPAA to worry about in Ground Realistic Battles is the Chinese [[ZSD63]]. Though it is hard to identify specific SPAA vehicles on the ground (especially when they are shooting tracers at the plane), if a ZSD63 can be identified, avoid it at all costs and '''do not''' attempt head-ons with it, ever. It can easily snap a wing off by causally putting a short burst in the {{PAGENAME}}'s flight path. Don't even get close to it unless it is occupied with another friendly or if the {{PAGENAME}} is equipped with a bomb that it can use. Some identifying features of the ZSD63 is its rather boxy and tall hull with a geometric turret sitting at the back, slightly similar to a Wirbelwind's. The firing manner is also distinctive: the sound and green tracers are very rapid, much like a buzz saw, but then it will remain silent for half a minute reloading. Note that an experienced ZSD player will hold its fire or shoot in single salvos with long halts between, making it look like that it's reloading. Armour-piercing belt is recommended since their high penetration can tear through the ZSD's armour with ease and knock out its crews.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Respectable forward-facing armament
* Impressive secondary armament when compared to its counterparts
* Highly durable
* Fast
* Decent energy retention
* Two remote-controlled turrets
* Respectable climb rate for an attacker
* Can mount up to 2 cannon for either air targets or ground targets
* Pilot and co-pilot: if one is knocked out, the other can take command

'''Cons:'''

* Not very manoeuvrable
* As fast as it is, it is slower when compared to single-engine fighters
* Poor roll and rudder performance
* Large silhouette
* Fairly high repair cost
* Only one gunner, if he is knocked out both of the turrets stop working
* Usually explodes pretty soon after catching fire.

== History ==

In the mid 1930s, Douglas Aircraft analysed contemporaries like the Do 17 and Blenheim, making them gamble on a fast, versatile, and manoeuvrable bomber. The resulting world leading DB-7, A-20 attacker/bomber paid off in immediate orders from France and England if not initially from USA. A great start, the pace of aircraft innovation only accelerated and Douglas knew its world leading design would soon be outdated. Work began on a new design.

Master engineer Edward Heinemann reassembled a team of Robert Donovan and Ted R. Smith from the A-20 program. Most important was aerodynamicist Apollo M.O. Smith who chose the innovative NACA 65-215 laminar flow airfoil that promised better top speed. Laminar Flow was still a radical technology at the time, the yet unproven Mustang Mk 1 was the only production aircraft using the technology. To make this high speed wing also fly slowly for safe landing, a double-slotted flaps system was created, the first production aircraft to use what is now common in all modern jet liners. The wing also had a relatively high aspect ratio for long range performance.

Design features from the breakthrough A-20 design were carried into the A-26. It is easy to spot the family resemblance of the nose gear, high wing, straight fuselage, and dihedral wing and tail. The easily replaceable nose unit, either a solid nose unit or the glass bombardier's unit, was also carried over, the latter used a Norden M-9 bombsight. The engines were also upgraded to the much more powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800-27 Double Wasp fourteen-cylinder, double-row, radial air-cooled engines. Armaments were now standardized as the Colt-Browning AN/M2 .50 cal machine guns offensively mounted in all versions' noses. All models had space in wing for ammo belts feeding up to four dual gun pods mounted underneath the wing. Versatility was a key point and many other armament options were made, including large cannons and wing-mounted bombs and rockets. A-26's could even carry two torpedoes, however there is no evidence it was ever used operationally. Another key feature was the General Electric remote control turret top and bottom of the attacker, both controlled by a single crewman using a periscope sighting system (a year ahead of a similar system created by the Germans).

The ХА-26 prototype made its first flight on July 10, 1942. Mass production began in September 1943. Parallel production lines started in Douglas, Long Beach (code DL) making the solid nose A-26B, and Douglas, Tulsa making the bombardier nose A-26C (but both could be easily swapped in less than an hour). A total of 2,503 were built.

While praised by the pilots at home, its first trial by fire in May 1944 over New Guinea was less enthusiastic mainly due to limited downward view and other issues soured the Pacific crews. Less than 4 months later, missions in Europe received a completely different response where as a low altitude level bomber it excelled at its operation and easily countered defending Luftwaffe with strong defenses or high speed. Over this time, upgrades to the design came about, including a new canopy that improved pilot view with the А-26C-30-DT, and integrating six .50 machine guns into the wings starting with the А-26B-50-DL and А-26C-55-DT.

After WW2 ended only the A-26 was kept in active service, its performance securing its usefulness, but the designation changed to B-26 (causing confusion with the name of the retired B-26 Marauder). When the Korean war started in 1950 the underappreciated attacker suddenly became vital again, heavily employed in day and night attacks against North Korean forces. Conflict did not end with Korea, so the B-26 was now needed elsewhere, but quirk of political nuance forced the name back to the original A-26 so they could be sold to Thailand.

In short, with continuing conflicts and numerous upgrades the A-26 was actively used decades after it first flew, with the last known military mission in 1977.

It was not done with "combat" missions then; however, being actively used to fight wildfires that ravaged parts of the US, Canada, and Australia, immortalized by the 1989 film "Always".

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=assault&vehicle=a-26b_10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|E1IDVFUqzrI|'''The Shooting Range #83''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 10:27 discusses the Douglas A-26 Invader.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* Douglas [[A-20G-25|A-20]] Havoc

;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Bristol [[Brigand B 1|Brigand]]
* Junkers [[Ju 288 C|Ju 288]]
* North American [[B-25 (Family)|B-25]] Mitchell
* Tupolev [[Tu-2 (Family)|Tu-2]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/3230--en|[Vehicle Profile] Douglas A-26C]]

{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
{{USA attackers}}

P-61C-1

2021-01-21T11:27:02Z

U8546458: /* Pros and cons */

{{About
| about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the premium version
| link = P-61A-1
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-61c_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_p-61c_1.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].

The Northrop {{PAGENAME}} Black Widow is a heavy twin-engine strike fighter designed as the USAAF's first dedicated night-fighter and aircraft outfitted with radar. Though a large aircraft with a crew of three (pilot, turret gunner and radio/radar operator/gunner), the Black Widow utilised its speed, radar, and weapons advantages to dispatch enemy aircraft in the dead of night.

The {{PAGENAME}} is powered by dual Pratt & Whitney R-2800-73 double wasp engines, the same engines which powered the Republic P-47N Thunderbolt. The one difference between the Thunderbolt's -57C and the -73s built explicitly for the P-61 was each had a General Electric CH-5-A3 turbocharger installed. The modified engines allowed the {{PAGENAME}} to fly at all altitudes effectively. While outfitted with powerful engines, turning the aircraft causes loss of energy, and such manoeuvres should be limited as places the aircraft in vulnerable situations.
[[File:P-61c-1 bomberpilot1784 001.png|300px|thumb|left|Three-quarter view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in standard all-black night-fighter paint scheme.]]

One of the roles of the {{PAGENAME}} is to operate as a bomber interceptor. During these operations, if detected, the heavy fighter is likely to encounter defensive fire. To increase survivability and protection of the crew, the Black Widow utilizes various bulletproof glass and armour protective plates throughout the fighter. The gunner who operates the remote turret has the option to utilise armour plates, which fold out of the way when not in use. The crew member sitting in the aft of the aircraft has the least amount of armour protection but is the least likely to be shot at unless being attacked from the rear.

The armament configuration of the {{PAGENAME}} is unique compared to most fighters which either utilise nose-mounted or wing-mounted guns. The Black Widow incorporates two weapon systems, the first consisting of four 20 mm AN/M2 autocannons mounted in the belly of the aircraft with 200 RPG, or 800 rounds total. Convergence is not a factor when utilising these guns. The aircraft also incorporates a dorsal turret outfitted with four 50 calibre machine guns (2,120 rounds or 530 RPG), which can be remotely operated by the gunner or the radio/radar operator. The turret has 360-degree mobility and can fire at elevations up to 90-degrees. The turret cannot depress lower than horizontal or else it would risk firing into the wings, cockpit, tail booms or tail section. The dorsal turret is utilised for both offensive and defensive uses.

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

[[File:P-61c-1 argiegrit 002.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' opening up with its four 20 mm autocannons.]]
The P-61 climbs very well compared to twin-engine fighters from other countries. The engines overheat very slowly even when stock, while never really overheating at all when fully upgraded if using MEC or just being careful with the control of the engines. The turn rate is very slow, but to be expected from a twin-engined heavy fighter with a turret. The air brakes are very efficient, helping you slow down quickly in dives or when landing.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,100 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
| 656 || 643 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.3 || 27.5 || 12.2 || 12.2 || rowspan="2" | 457
|-
! Upgraded
| 732 || 692 || 23.8 || 25.0 || 21.3 || 16.0
|-
|}

;Takeoff and landing speeds (critical for Simulator battles)- all speeds in km/h

* AB: '''173''' RB/SB: '''163''' - VR (aircraft rotate speed) - The speed at which the aircraft's control stick can safely be pulled back for takeoff, causing liftoff without risk of a tailstrike on the runway.

* AB: '''126''' RB/SB: '''120''' - VS0 - Landing speed with full flaps (depending on the aircraft, this could be landing flaps or take-off flaps).

* AB: '''148''' RB/SB: '''145''' - VS1 - Landing speed ''without'' flaps (clean). Knowing this speed is useful when the flaps are damaged or missing to prevent spins or tail strikes upon landing.

==== Details ====
[[File:P-61_airbrakes_and_spoilers_extended.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A view of the '''{{PAGENAME}}''' Black Widow's wing. Note the air brakes, "fences" are fully extended on the upper and lower surface of the wings. Also, note the long spoiler extended on the upper surface of the wing replaced ailerons due to increased efficiency at high speeds. The P-61 was the only aircraft in US inventory during WWII which utilised spoilers.]]
{| 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}} || 340 || 340 || 280 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 530 || < 420 || < 450 || > 337
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 8,000 m || 2,200 hp || 2,783 hp
|-
|}

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


* 12.7 mm Steel - Nose armour plating (behind radar unit)
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot and gunner armoured windscreens
* 12.7 mm Steel - Gunner front armour (folds out of the way when not in use)
* 12.7 mm Steel - Lower gun plate
* 9.5 mm Steel - Gun turret ammo protection plates
* 12.7 mm Steel - Turret protection plate

With such beefy engines on the {{PAGENAME}} it stood to reason that armour protection would be necessary to help protect the pilot and the gunner during a conflict against a potential bomber or attacker aircraft which may have defensive gunner positions. Since the main source of incoming bullets would most likely come towards the front of the {{PAGENAME}} from defensive positions, it was reasonable to protect both the pilot and the gunner position, while the radio/radar operator received most of their protection from the gun turret and radio/radar equipment as there is no protection provided from the rear plane of the aircraft.

The pilot is afforded protection through the bulletproof canopy windscreen which is 60 mm thick and a 12.7 mm steel plate located directly behind the radar unit in the nose. These two items will aid to protect the pilot in the event a bomber or attacker's defensive gunners fire on an attacking {{PAGENAME}}, however, note that these protections will wane in their ability if the pilot of the Black Widow decides to take another aircraft head-on, especially if that aircraft is sporting 20 or 30 mm autocannons.

The {{PAGENAME}}'s gunner sits directly behind the pilot, however, his station is slightly elevated giving him an unobstructed view of the front and side of the aircraft, allowing him great visibility to be able to aim and fire the machine gun turret. Since the gunner station is elevated, the gunner is exposed to incoming fire which the pilot's protective plate and armoured windscreen will not cover. To remediate this there are two 12.7 mm steel plates which the gunner can swing in front of him for protection or out of the way when not in use.

The rest of the armour protection for this aircraft are several steel plates which protect the critical components and the ammunition of the turret. Since the turret is mechanical in operation (remotely by the gunner or radio/radar operator), it is important that critical components are protected to ensure continued usage, as when the remote components fail, the turret is useless. Protecting the ammunition storage is also important not only to have it available for usage, setting the ammunition on fire or off in the storage container could cause catastrophic results to the aircraft and crew in the event they start firing.

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

The P-61C-1 is a thoroughbred Boom & Zoom aircraft. However, when the plane is first unlocked the flight performance will be very lacklustre to support this tactic. As such, the initial priority should be to improve the aircraft, by researching the upgrades that improve flight performance the most, namely '''Compressor''', '''Engine''' and '''Engine injection'''. When the flight performance has reached a satisfactory level to allow for effective Boom & Zoom tactics, the priority should be switched towards researching the '''New 20 mm cannons''' upgrade in order to improve the accuracy of the cannons. After this is done, either finish upgrading the flight performance or focus on the turret upgrade. The bomb racks should be left to research last, as they are not critical to the P-61's main role as a fighter.

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

[[File:P-61_upperturret_cone_of_fire.jpg|350px|thumb|right|The cones of fire for the upper machine gun turret on the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, belly-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

The {{PAGENAME}} is armed with 4 x 20 mm AN/M2 autocannons which are mounted in the belly of the fuselage just below the cockpit. Each cannon is outfitted with 200 rounds which may not seem like very much, but for those who are conservative by maintaining trigger control (short bursts), the ammunition will go a long way. Having the guns clustered along the lower fuselage allows for both in-close and longer-ranged shots without the necessity of having to calculate for convergence, the only factor will be bullet-drop over a distance which comes with practice. The cannons are very effective when used against any aerial vehicle encountered as they have no problem disabling engines and destroying wings or puncturing fuel tanks.

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

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

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

* Without load
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)

The {{PAGENAME}} is typically used as a night or strike fighter which is used to sneak up on unwary targets and destroy them with the four forward-facing 20 mm autocannons, however, there is an opportunity to mix it up as a multi-role aircraft and outfit the plane with bombs. There are four external hardpoint pylons in which either 500 lb or 1,000 lb bombs can be loaded for a total of either 2,000 or 4,000 lbs of bombs. With payloads like this, the {{PAGENAME}} can rival the [[B-25 (Family)|B-25]] bombers in their payload deliveries. Unfortunately, for a strike fighter, the {{PAGENAME}}'s flight performance and manoeuvrability suffer when adding the extra 2,000 or 4,000 lbs of weight and can be a challenge to fly when attacked, however after the bombs have been released on their target, the {{PAGENAME}} can get back to its heavy-fighter role.

=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}

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

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

* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (560 rpg outer + 500 rpg inner = 2,120 total)

It is interesting to note that later fighters started to reduce or eliminate the ability to carry defensive weapons in order to help save on weight and crew needed to staff the aircraft, however, it was deemed necessary that the {{PAGENAME}} should have a defensive turret. Utilising state-of-the-art technology, four .50 calibre machine guns were mounted on a dorsal turret which could be remotely controlled by either the gunner (sitting behind the pilot) or the radio/radar operator located in a separate compartment at the rear of the fuselage. The four machine guns in the dorsal turret had virtually a full 360° rotation field with an elevation straight up. Effectively the only dead zones for this turret were the upper propeller arcs and the vertical stabilizers to the rear. When enemy aircraft attempt to sit on the rear of the aircraft, the pilot will need to pitch the aircraft up and to one side or the other to allow the gunner the best possible chance of bearing the turret down on the enemy fighter.

== Usage in battles ==

[[File:P-61c-1 knightskeemo 001.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Heavy vs heavy.]]
The below tactics are recommended for all game modes:

'''How to offensively engage an enemy aircraft:''' Climb to high altitude and keep on a straight heading once you have seen the enemy. Overshoot the enemy plane, then perform a 180-degree turn. Make sure you stay on his tail and gradually descend. It is recommended to do something similar to a shallow descent, where you can keep speed and height to your advantage in case the enemy aircraft changes course and altitude. Do not perform a dive which requires you to dive straight down since you will rip the wings off and crash. Once you are within firing range, fire a short salvo from your cannons. A couple of bursts from the Black Widow are sufficient to easily rip an enemy plane to shreds.

'''How to perform defensive fighting:''' When you are being engaged by an enemy fighter, make sure you keep descending. '''Very Important''': Do not allow enemy aircraft to get lower than your elevator on the tail boom. You have no defensive armament to cover the belly or full-rear of the plane; these are your weakest defended parts.

*Tactic one: Descend slowly. Put the plane in a steep dive that does not exceed your structural limit. However, it must be steep enough to provide the turret gunner full visibility of the enemy plane. The four [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning machine guns]] will take care of the enemy plane.

*Tactic Two: Put the plane in a steep climb and make sure you set the throttle to at least 70%. Jump into the gunner turret and operate it. This will be the most accurate and fastest way of shooting down the hostile plane. When you operate the turret, make sure you try and perform defensive manoeuvres when operating it i.e. sharp turns, rapidly decreasing in height as well as gaining height and changing the speed of the plane in an irrational way. This will give you a higher chance of survival against the enemy.

*Tactic Three: Fly the plane almost touching the ground, this way the enemy can't get under your gunners. Use rudder yaw to fly side to side while shooting back at your pursuer. With a few hits you can heavily damage if not take out the enemy following you, or at least make them break off from your six and hopfully one of your allies can come and help you. If the enemy is not very fast in a straight line (eg: Japanese fighters, etc) you can fly straight and use your better top speed to kite the enemy.

===Radars===
{{main|AI Mk. X}}
[[File:P-61_-_Nose_Radar.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A front view of an '''{{PAGENAME}}''' [[AI Mk. X]] radar.]]
The P-61C-1 is equipped with an [[AI Mk. X]] search radar, located in the nose of the aircraft. The radar utilised a 29 in (74 cm) parabolic dish which it rotated at 360 rpm when set to ranges below 100 miles, however, it is slowed down to 100 rpm when set to the 100 miles setting. The scopes could be set to one of four ranges, 1, 10, 20 or 100 miles (1.6, 16, 32 or 160 km). The parabolic dish could be adjusted to different altitude settings which included 0° to 0°, -5° to +5°, +5° to +20°, and +20° to +50°. One of the benefits to the multiple choices in range and altitude settings of the radar was that it provided partial immunity to chaff and other radar interference or countermeasures deployed by the enemy.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | [[AI Mk. X]] - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed Detection Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
|-
| 14,000 m || 8,500 m || ±75° || -20°/+40°
|-
|}
[[File:P-61_cockpit_pilots_radar_indicator.png|250px|thumb|right|A view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' pilot's instrument panel with a BC-1152-A pilots indicator portion of the [[AI Mk. X]] radar. (''The BC-1152-A is the square box with the rectangular window just above the control yoke'')]]

=== 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 Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===

[[File:P-61c-1 iscari 002.jpg|300px|thumb|right|A '''{{PAGENAME}}''' night-fighter as seen at night, virtually invisible.]]
'''Pros:'''

* The offensive armament is mounted under the belly of the plane, this provides excellent accuracy
* Powerful offensive armament with 4 x [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]] cannons with a total amount of 800 rounds
* Powerful defensive armament with 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning]] machine guns in a rotating turret, a total of 2,120 rounds
* Defensive armament is able to be used offensively by the gunner, also remotely controlled
* Defensive turret can elevate to a full 90 degrees, can provide a Schräge Musik-like surprise of its own to enemy bombers, providing the P-61 is below the bomber and in the enemy bomber gunners' dead zones
* Very stable climb rate
* Engines are able to cool down very fast
* Able to perform sharp movements at low and high speed
* Excellent bomber hunter
* Very strong and rugged airframe; is able to fly with wing tips missing
* Can keep a lot of momentum from a gradual dive
* Can carry 4 x 1,000 lb bombs: enough to fully destroy one base or four light pillboxes
* Air brakes installed, allows you to slow down faster for a bomb run or landing
* Powerful engines when upgraded giving great acceleration
* Can fly on one engine
* Fairly good roll rate at high speeds thanks to spoilers
* Very little adverse yaw effect thanks to spoilers (SB)
* Has access to a target detection radar, with much better range than German radars found around this battle rating
* Low stalling speed, enabling it to land on carriers

[[File:P-61c-1 iscari 001.jpg|300px|thumb|right|The fearsome '''{{PAGENAME}}''' bearing down on an opponent.]]
'''Cons:'''

* Slow acceleration when not upgraded and requires a long airstrip to take off due to weight
* Uncompetitive roll rate at slow speeds
* Bad turn rate (utilise Immelmann turns, chandelles or normal loops)
* Due to size, slow to gain speed in a dive, however, can exceed structural limits if not careful. Per the pilot's manual while in a dive:
** Between 0 - 10,000 ft do not exceed 415 mph IAS
** Between 10,000 - 20,000 ft do not exceed 375 mph IAS
** Between 20,000 - 30,000 ft do not exceed 305 mph IAS
* Bottom of aircraft is unprotected (utilise climbs and/or dives that does not exceed the structural limits of the plane, along with manually controlling the gunner to protect the bottom of the aircraft, though not completely)
* Large body airframe, not meant for turn-fighting (Boom & Zoom or Boom & Run)
* Dorsal turret might hit friendlies when active under AI control during furballs or when you're behind friendlies chasing an enemy
* Loses tail control pretty easily

== History ==

P-61C is the final production version of the P-61 family with the production primarily in 1945. The most notable changes are the turbocharger fitted under each engine and the redesigned larger propeller system. With the turbocharger made by General Electric, the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine could output 2,800 hp each. Alongside the larger propeller, P-61C could perform much better at higher altitude. The 4 hardpoints under the wings for external fuel tanks and bombs from the P-61B variants were also kept, allowing the P-61C to not only perform as a night fighter, but also as a night intruder. Airbrakes were also added so P-61C would not overshoot its intended targets.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=p-61c_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:P-61 rearview.jpg|Rear view of the '''P-61''''s aerodynamic airframe.
File:P-61c-1 zippitydoodah 001.jpg
File:P-61c-1 argiegrit 001.jpg
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Qyr_aw3YTe8|'''The Shooting Range #2''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 02:59 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|rpp-GqXiaKg|'''The Shooting Range #214''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:41 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|B_KJXo2w0IQ|'''P-61 BLACK WIDOW: America's Night-Interceptor''' - ''jimi daen''|_iGQOR9Dtyg|'''BLACK WIDOW - The P-61C-1 RB Gameplay''' - ''MikeGoesBoom''|fL0pyZ5VZSM|'''War Thunder Arcade- P-61C-1 Black Widow''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See also ==


* [[P-61A-1]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/devblog/current/869|[Devblog] P-61: The American "Flying Tank"]]
* [https://ia801208.us.archive.org/33/items/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP61/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP-61.pdf Pilot Training Manual for the P-61 Black Widow][[File:Pdf_fileicon.png|.pdf document|link=]] - By Headquarters Army Air Forces - Office of Flying Safety, 1944
* [https://ww2aircraft.net/forum/threads/p-61-pilots-manual.6789/ Northrop P-61 Black Widow Pilot's Flight Operations Instructions][[File:Pdf_fileicon.png|.pdf document|link=]] - Pilot's Flight Operating Instructions for Army Model P-61C Airplane, July 1945, ISBN:[https://www.google.com/search?tbm=bks&q=isbn:9781411689008 978-1-4116-8900-8]

{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}
{{USA twin-engine fighters}}