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Yak-28B

2023-01-06T15:44:59Z

U96777718: Added personal thoughts in battle usage

{{Specs-Card
|code=yak-28b
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

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

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

This bomber is relatively fast, it can break the sound barrier above 4,000 metres. It also has a very high acceleration, high energy retention and a very good climb rate. However, it has a very poor turn rate and experiences moderate compression above 1,000 km/h.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 12,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 1,864 || 1,860 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.3 || 32.5 || 46.5 || 36.2 || rowspan="2" | 1,500
|-
! Upgraded
| 1,880 || 1,871 || 31.7 || 32.0 || 104.9 || 74.3
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,124  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 630 || ~8 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 640 || < 550 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Tumansky R-11AF-300 || 2
| colspan="2" | 9,196 kg || colspan="3" | 378 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel
|-
| 1,120 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 10,430 kg || 11,588 kg || 12,784 kg || 13,311 kg || 16,500 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 34m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 3,484 kgf || 5,231 kgf
| 1.00 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.79 || 0.63
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 3,484 kgf (0 km/h) || 5,231 kgf (0 km/h)
| 1.00 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.79 || 0.63
|-
|}

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

''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''

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

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

{{main|NR-23 (23 mm)}}

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

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 23 mm NR-23 cannon, nose-mounted (50 rpg)
** 1 x 23 mm NR-23 cannon (50 rpg) + 64 x countermeasures

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

{{main|OFAB-100 (100 kg)|FAB-250M-46 (250 kg)|FAB-500M-46 (500 kg)|FAB-1500M-46 (1,500 kg)|FAB-3000M-46 (3,000 kg)}}

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

* 8 x 100 kg OFAB-100 bombs (800 kg total)
* 6 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bombs (1,500 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (1,000 kg total)
* 1 x 1,500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bomb (1,500 kg total)
* 1 x 3,000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bomb (3,000 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==


This plane is rather fast, has an immense acceleration, but turns also very poorly. This feature however gives it a good energy retention that allows it to juggle enemies if they get behind. The Yak-28B is also infamous for its very inaccurate bombsight in level flight, so to counter this con, you should consider diving at -20° or lower as it makes your bombs more likely to hit their target. The CCIP function is available, however, as it was installed in the bombardier nose, the function is only available in 3rd person view. Once your bombs are dropped, you can either bait enemies (if you have countermeasures) or quickly return to the airfield to get ready for another bomb run.

The Yak-28B can also find some success in the ground attack role in air battles. Carrying 6 x 250 kg bombs provides the best "bang" for your buck, as each bomb will destroy tough targets like medium tanks or light pillboxes in one shot. Your cannon can also be used to easily dispatch medium tank targets with a short burst. Both the cannon and bombs have a ballistic computer which is accurate enough at low level to allow precision strikes. Ground strike is the riskier role as you will be at low altitude, where your plane's structural speed limit may render you easy prey to enemy aircraft. However, provided you can destroy targets uncontested, both you and your team will profit more than if you focus on attacking base targets.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[Harrier (Family)]]: Harriers are very common and can pose you a significant threat, especially the ones that are loaded with the AIM-9G (AV-8A, AV-8C, Harrier GR.3) that has a very long range and a good 18 G overload. Harriers can also very commonly be seen flying very high, so they're very likely to spot you and dive on you. But you have a higher speed and a slightly better climb rate, so when you see a Harrier, make sure you're the farthest away from him and try to keep that distance. But if it fires a missile less than 3 km away from you and you don't happen to have countermeasures, you're very likely to lose your aircraft.

* [[Lightning F.6]] / : another common enemy packed with some dangerous armement ([[Red Top]] missiles) and high performance that can easily sneak behind you. But you have an ace up your sleeve: Vertical manoeuvres. Since the Lightning has a high angle of attack, it will bleed a lot of speed when turning, and even more when manoeuvring vertically. So to avoid it, start a vertical manoeuvre and once the Lightning bled enough speed, dive back, and you'll easily leave him behind. Do remember however that having flares is recommended when attempting this kind of manoeuvre.

* [[F8U-2]] / [[T-2]]: The same applies to the F8U-2 and the T-2, except the T-2 has less dangerous missiles and slightly more speed.

* [[F-4C Phantom II|F-4C]]: Possibly your worst enemy. Although quite rare, this plane has access to the [[AIM-7D Sparrow]]. You can fool these with Chaff, but you don't have RWR so you can't know when the F-4C has you locked and when the Sparrow is coming. This plane also can outperform you in every possible way so if a F-4C is eager to chase you, get rid of it as fast as possible by requesting support from your team.

* [[MiG-21 SPS-K (Germany)|MiG-21 SPS-K]]: Unlike other MiG-21s, there is a decent chance that the premium SPS-K model will be on the enemy team. The MiG-21 is a powerful interceptor, and can easily climb to altitudes that the Yak-28B might otherwise feel safe at. Armed with R-60 missiles and able to sneak up from behind, this MiG-21 poses a significant threat. Matches can and will end abruptly if an enemy SPS-K player spots you and is able to fire off a missile even up to 3 km behind you.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Immense acceleration
* High top speed
* Very good climb rate
* Has access to flares and chaff for self-defense against missiles (64 units in total)
* High energy retention
* Above 1,000 km/h, your plane compresses very slightly. This allows you to pull hard in a turn without any significant overload
* Very resistant flaps and gear that acts like an airbrake
* Very easy stock grind (if you do not count the amount of RP needed)
* The 3,000 kg bomb is very useful for bombing runs in ground RB (in air RB too, as it can destroy every kind of land targets)
* Has a primary weapon that can help you destroy some light ground targets at the end of the match

'''Cons:'''

* At the deck, this plane can redline and snap its wings even with no WEP (70% thrust allows you to stay outside the redline speed)
* No airbrakes
* Below 1,000 km/h, your plane will start to experience extreme overloads that can easily snap your wings within 4 seconds if you pull too hard
* Fuel starvation happens in negative-G manoeuvres
* Horrible turn rate that makes you vulnerable to even AIM-9Bs if you do not have countermeasures
* Low roll rate
* Extremely inaccurate bomb sight
* The drogue chute opens at 280 km/h and drops at 200 km/h
* Absolutely pitiful ammo capacity for NR-23 cannon renders it useless for nearly everything

== History ==

The Yak-28 "Brewer" is a swept-wing turbojet bomber used by the Soviet Air Force in the 1960s. In the late 1950s, the Yakovlev design bureau began work on an improved version of the Yak-26, which underperformed and failed to enter production. The new aircraft was powered by two Tumansky R-11 afterburning turbojet engines producing 57 kn of thrust each, slung in underwing nacelles. Otherwise, the aircraft featured a conventional configuration, with a 45-degree swept wing and a mid-tail-mounted horizontal stabilizer. The aircraft was primarily subsonic at low altitude but capable of 1840 km/h at higher altitude.

The first flight of the new aircraft occurred in March of 1958, and the western world first saw the aircraft at the Tushino Airshow in 1961. Initially, western analysts believed it to be a continuation of the Yak-25 fighter series, and was given the reporting name "Flashlight", but once its actual role was realized, it was redesignated "Brewer". The Yak-28 aircraft was ultimately quite successful in its role and several variants were created, including the Yak-28B tactical bomber, Yak-28P interceptor (armed with air-to-air missiles), the Yak-28R reconnaissance aircraft and the Yak-28U trainer. A total of 1180 Yak-28s of all variants were produced.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak-28b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|3AXZaPoFojs|'''The Shooting Range #264''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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/7184-development-yak-28b-the-bomb-express-en|[Devblog] Yak-28B: the Bomb Express]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/526062-yakovlev-yak-28b/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
{{USSR jet aircraft}}

Black Prince

2022-11-22T16:05:14Z

U96777718: Added inclusion in 2022 Black Friday sale

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_a_43_black_prince
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.53 "Firestorm"]] and is one of the first British tanks to be introduced into the game. It was initially available as a [[wt:en/news/3472--en|pre-order pack]] from the Gaijin store, but was discontinued after the [[wt:en/news/5232-shop-winter-sales-special-bundle-and-gift-certificates-en|2017 Winter sales]]. It has since been made available in the store periodically for "Black Friday" sales in [[wt:en/news/6488-shop-black-friday-sale-en|2019]], [[wt:en/news/6957-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2020]], [[wt:en/news/7431-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2021]], and [[wt:en/news/7975-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2022]].

The A43 Black Prince is a modified Churchill tank equipped with the legendary Ordnance QF 17-pounder cannon; a weapon made famous by the [[Sherman Firefly]], [[Achilles|M10 Achilles]], and its ability to destroy the German 8.8 cm heavy tanks such as the [[Tiger H1|Tiger tank]]. It also features a single 7.62 mm BESA machine gun, which works great for destroying light tanks and SPAA vehicles.

The A43 Black prince offers one of the most powerful guns available in the game, capable of destroying a [[Ferdinand]], [[IS-2]], and other tanks from over 1 km away. The reload time is great for its rank, at a mere 7.6s and when coupled with the tank's heavy armour, can stand as quite a lethal opponent.

However, the Black Prince does have some downsides. The extra armour adds extra weight to the vehicle, which makes it extremely slow with a top speed of 17 km/h (10 mph) and only -2 km/h (-1 mph) reverse speed. With the tank's low profile, it makes it difficult to see over foreign obstacles such as debris, hills and walls.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (Hull)
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret front, Turret sides, Cupola)

It's vulnerable to HE rounds, which will often bounce and enter through the roof. The ammunition is located along the sides of the vehicle, making these a primary weak spot for enemy players to target.

The A43 Black Prince has one of the thickest armour installations of any tanks. The front is able to be continuously hit by larger and more powerful calibre tanks at close range without taking much, if any damage. However, if you come up against a tank shooting HEAT or HE rounds they will likely penetrate the armour with ease. Do not expose the sides to the enemy player, as it is one of the weakest parts of the tank, seconded only to the central portion of the turret's mantlet. Not only that, the sides contain the location of the ammunition; If it is hit, it is likely to detonate. If the ammunition does not detonate, the vehicle's crew will be incapacitated.

It lacks a top-mounted machine gun, which is normally a deterrent against low flying aircraft, making the vehicle more vulnerable to be attacks by a planes, and an easy target for bombers. The turret's slow traverse speed also makes the use of the internal machine gun useless against aircraft attacks.
Due to the low profile of this tank, being hit in the lower front turret is a rare occurrence. You still need to be careful of HEAT and HE rounds, as the low profile design will allow the enemy rounds to enter the turret's machine gun port and either knock out the loader: if using an APCR or solid shot round, OR, if using other rounds such as APCBC, APBC and HEAT, it is very likely that all the turret crew will be eliminated.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 152 mm ''Front plate'' 57 mm (70°) ''Front glacis'' 139 mm (20-60°) ''Lower glacis'' || 82 mm ''Top'' 95 mm ''Bottom'' || 51 mm (20°) ''Top'' 25 mm (60°) ''Bottom'' || 25 mm ''Front'' 18 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Turret || 152 mm (6-83°) ''Turret front'' 152 mm (0-25°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 95 mm || 101 + 4 mm || 38 mm (73°) ''Front'' 18 mm ''Bottom''
|-
| Cupola || colspan="3" style="text-align:center" | 100 mm || 38 mm
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels and chassis construction are 20 mm thick while tracks are 30 mm thick.
* Belly armour is 18-25 mm thick.
* There is a 19 mm thick plate separating the engine compartment to the crew's.
* A 50 mm turret ring shield is present on the front of the turret.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=452|rbMinHp=310}}

When playing the {{PAGENAME}} you will immediately notice the speed and length: it is not a fast tank. You will also notice that it can sometimes struggle to get up hills and small embankments. It is recommended to stay on flat terrain and to make small sharp turns. This will keep more momentum than a single big turn which will lose most of your much needed momentum.

The A43 is a rather long tank making it almost impossible to get wedged between ditches, but the vehicle lacks sufficient engine power required to pull itself over the obstacles and often gets stuck when climbing over them.

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

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

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

However, the A43 Black Prince does have one of the most powerful cannons in the game, and is capable of destroying tiger tanks and other heavily armoured vehicles from short to long distances, and is equipped with many different ammunition types which are viable for different situations. The APDS is the recommended choice for giving the gun the full potential of being capable of destroying more heavily armoured targets at longer ranges.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[QF 17-pounder (76 mm)|76 mm QF 17-pounder]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 89 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 13.8 || 19.0 || 23.1 || 25.6 || 27.2 || rowspan="2" | 7.15 || rowspan="2" | 6.33 || rowspan="2" | 5.83 || rowspan="2" | 5.50
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 10.1 || 11.9 || 14.4 || 16.0 || 17.0
|-
|}

==== Ammunition ====
The Black Prince is equipped with some of the most lethal ammunition types in the game. It can carry a combination of different type or just a single type of projectiles.

* Shot Mk.6 - {{Annotation|AP|Armour-Piercing}} - Standard round/low shrapnel: use against medium or light tanks
* Shell Mk.1 - {{Annotation|HE|High Explosive}} - Ideal for destroying SPAA and lightly armoured tanks
* Shot Mk.4 - {{Annotation|APC|Armour-Piercing Capped}} - Standard round/medium shrapnel: use against medium tanks
* Shot Mk.8 - {{Annotation|APCBC|Armour-Piercing Capped Ballistic Capped}} - Deadliest round/high shrapnel damage: use against most opponents
* Shot SV Mk.1 - {{Annotation|APDS|Armour-Piercing Discarding Sabot}} - Most penetrative round but less damage than APCBC (low spalling): good to use against post-WW2 era opponents or heavily-armoured tanks

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9 || 9
|-
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 171 || 168 || 155 || 139 || 126 || 113
|-
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 190 || 187 || 172 || 155 || 140 || 126
|-
| Shot SV Mk.1 || APDS || 228 || 226 || 207 || 189 || 159 || 134
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="10" | Shell details
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
! rowspan="2" | Type of warhead
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)
! rowspan="2" | Projectile mass (kg)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay (m)
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity (mm)
! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
|-
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
|-
| Shot Mk.6 || AP || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°
|-
| Shell Mk.1 || HE || 883 || 6.98 || 0 || 0.1 || 580 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| Shot Mk.4 || APC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| Shot Mk.8 || APCBC || 883 || 7.71 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| Shot SV Mk.1 || APDS || 1,204 || 2.48 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 75° || 78° || 80°
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
|-
! Ammunition
! Velocity (m/s)
! Projectile mass (kg)
! Screen radius (m)
! Screen deploy time (s)
! Screen hold time (s)
! Explosive mass (TNT equivalent) (g)
|-
| 17pdr Shell SS Mk.1 || 229 || 8.44 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''89''' || 76 ''(+13)'' || 62 ''(+27)'' || 48 ''(+41)'' || 34 ''(+55)'' || 25 ''(+64)'' || 16 ''(+73)'' || 1 ''(+88)'' || No
|-
|}

* Rack 7 is a first-stage ammo rack

==== [[Optics]] ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics
|-
!
! Default magnification
! Maximum magnification
|-
! Main Gun optics
| x1.8 || x3.5
|-
! Comparable optics
| colspan="2" | [[Churchill Mk I]]
|-
|}

This tank uses an outdated x3.5 scope like early British tanks, attempts to outsnipe SPG of rank IV with the mobility of Black Prince will likely end in disaster.

Use APDS or smoke shells to make tanks 800+ m away leave it alone, as discerning enemy tank weak spots and targeting them using normal AP from that far away with this sight becomes a problem. When choosing directions, go with ones which are not easy to exploit by hostile sniper tanks.

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

{{main|BESA (7.92 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[BESA (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm BESA]]
|-
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
|-
| Coaxial || 8,100 (225) || 600 || N/A || N/A
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

When engaged in combat with heavier and more lethal vehicles, using the APDS rounds will allow you to cause major damage. In order to get the most protection for the tank and crew, do not expose the sides or allow enemies to get to the rear of the vehicle. Instead, turn the front of tank towards the enemy player but give it a slight angle. The enemy rounds will have a higher chance of ricocheting off of the frontal plate, however if the enemy tank uses HE ammunition, there is a high chance that the round may bounce and enter the vehicle's roof.

If engaged in close quarters combat, do not allow the other tank to circle and flank you, instead aim for the vehicle's tracks and destroy them and move away, then finish it off. Most importantly, do not allow them to get the rear of the tank, as you will be unable to effectively hit the enemy due to the twin radiators on the back of the vehicle, and the turret's slow traverse.

In terms of tactics:

'''Offensive'''

Keep your distance from enemy tanks, as the cannon is capable of destroying most tanks from long distances with relative ease. Combined with the slow speed of the vehicle, you'll find yourself being capable of firing on the move despite the lack of a stabiliser. The tank's low profile makes it difficult to see over terrain and obstacles, so it is often best to remain on level ground.

Avoid letting the enemy flank you at all costs, as the sides of the Black Prince are the softest weak points, containing the ammunition storage. If the sides of the vehicle are penetrated by enemy rounds, the ammunition will likely detonate, or the crew will be knocked out/critically injured, making you an easy target.

It's best to avoid letting enemy players flank you from behind, as the turret's traverse will prevent you from being able to hit them quick enough, and the twin radiators on the back of the vehicle will prevent the turret from rotating all the way.

'''Defensive'''

When playing the Black Prince, it is often best to find a well-protected and concealed place, I.E. an ally tank, dense woodland or between rubble. Make sure the front of the tank is facing the enemy with a slight angle in order to get the most out of the vehicle's armour, whilst the cannon will allow you to destroy the enemy tanks from long distances. However don't expose the sides or the rear due to weakness and some vulnerability in the design of the tank.

'''Enemies worth noting:'''

* [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]: the Soviet heavy tank carries a very deadly cannon that can take out literally anything in a single shot, including the Black Prince. Its 122 mm shells can easily go through your frontal hull and turret, subsequently knocking out everyone inside. The best way to avoid that is to angle your hull so that your long, large tracks cover up the frontal hull, exposing your angled side and luring the IS-2 into firing at your side armour. The side armour of the Black Prince resembles the Churchills' which are quite complex, with some complex internal structures soaking up lots of shells, increasing your survivability. Against an IS-2 1943, aim at the hull armour that curves and blends into the side, or the turret cheeks. Its crew are closely packed and even the British solid shells can knock them all out at once. Against a 1944 model, only shoot at its turret as the hull is quite strong.

* [[Tiger II (Family)|Tiger II]]: treat these tanks as a top priority as the APCBC shells fired by Tiger IIs typically punch straight through your turret pasting the turret crew and sometimes the driver/machine gunner. Your APDS will go through their mantlet easily and take out the breech and/or the gunner. Shoot first as the Black Prince's mobility is poor and you won't be able to outpace the Tiger II's turret traverse.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great armour
* The lower front of the turret has an additional 50 mm of armour
* APDS is able to penetrate and cause major damage to enemies from long distances, and is capable of destroying most tanks in a single shot at close ranges (as long as you know where to hit)
* Effective at long ranges
* Good reload time of 7.6s with stock crew
* Ammunition is not stored in the turret

'''Cons:'''

* The vehicle's side armour is weak and ammunition is stored in the sides of the tank
* The turret machine gun port is only 10 mm thick, and can be penetrated easily
* It struggles to climb hills without losing significant speed
* Max speed of 17 km/h (10 mph) and max reverse speed of -2 km/h (-1 mph)
* The vehicle cannot climb steep hills
* The turret traverse is slow compared to others at only 10.5/s
* Lacks any form of top-mounted anti-aircraft weaponry

== History ==

===Development===
The '''Black Prince''' is an experimental design that was to use the British Infantry tank, the [[Churchill Mk VII|Churchill]], as the basis with much more armour and a better gun. The name originates from Edward of Woodstock, otherwise known as the "Black Prince", a 14th century military leader. The Churchill and its branch of infantry tanks, in the course of World War II, was becoming slightly obsolete in the highly mobile style of warfare the cruiser tanks proved much better at. The infantry tanks were originally made for heavy, breakthrough style of warfare with infantry, so they were kept around in a style of "heavy tanks", but the Axis' gradually increasing anti-tank capacity caused the armour of the infantry tanks to be considered insufficient.

To keep the infantry tanks relevant in the course of World War II, the Churchill was upgraded in armour and armament to better compete against the changing anti-tank warfare, starting in 1943. The original Churchill tank in the latter part of World War II had the QF 75 mm cannon (British-produced 75 mm from the Americans) and about 102 mm of armour on average and weighed about 38 tons. The Black Prince upgraded the armour to 152 mm thick, widened the tracks by 10 inches, and modified the suspensions for the new weight. The 75 mm gun was instead replaced by the QF 17-pounder cannon, which was one of the best Allied anti-tank guns in service. The larger gun required a larger turret and a larger turret ring on the hull. All these modifications increased the tank weight by ten tons but kept the engine used in the regular Churchill, so the tank was considered underpowered, only able to reach up to 10 mph on roads and this limited the tank's operational radius. The tank was designated the '''Tank, Infantry, Black Prince (A43)''' and the A43 model was for a Staff Specification number issued in 1943 for an interim tank that could be made until the development of a "Universal Tank".

===Deployment===
However, by the time the Black Prince was ready in May 1945; it was too late for it to see service in World War II. Even if it had, many more tank designs such as the [[Sherman Firefly|Sherman Firefly]] and the [[Comet I|Comet]] are much more mobile and effective, yet have the same 17-pounder gun available. Also, a new tank about to be introduced, the [[Centurion Mk 1|Centurion]], has the same protection level as the Black Prince, yet with the same gun and is way more mobile than the Black Prince. This caused the Black Prince to fall into obsolescence and the project, along with the entire line of the infantry tank concept in British tank doctrine, was abandoned in favour of a concept of more mobile tanks with great firepower and protection, which would eventually form the idea of the main battle tanks.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=tank&vehicleClass=heavy_tank&vehicle=uk_a_43_black_prince Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200px">
File:Prince of Destruction.png|Black Prince with destroyed Tiger H1
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|gR3JPNt0iPw|'''Heavyweight brits''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:37 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|jAIrKnD83YY|'''Spotlight: A43 Black Prince Ep.1''' - ''Minoxen''|OPzYg0Ely_Y|'''Black Prince Gameplay & Review''' - ''DigitalDigging''}}

== See also ==


;Vehicles equipped with the same chassis

* [[Churchill (Family)]]

;Vehicles equipped with the same gun and ammunition

* [[Challenger]]
* [[Centurion Mk 1]]
* [[Sherman Vc (Italy)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/devblog/current/827/|[Devblog] Pioneering British Tanks in War Thunder with developer's answers]]

{{TankManufacturer Vauxhall}}
{{Britain heavy tanks}}
{{Britain premium ground vehicles}}

P-61A-11

2022-11-22T16:04:11Z

U96777718:

{{About
| about = premium American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = P-61C-1
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-61a_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_p-61a_1.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]] as an in-game premium vehicle purchasable with Golden Eagles {{ge}} but was removed from in-game sale during the [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/529689-planned-economy-changes-in-july-2021 July 2021 Economy Update]. It has been made available in the store periodically for "Black Friday" sales in [[wt:en/news/5132-shop-take-advantage-of-special-black-friday-en|2017]], [[wt:en/news/6488-shop-black-friday-sale-en|2019]], [[wt:en/news/6957-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2020]], [[wt:en/news/7431-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2021]], and [[wt:en/news/7975-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2022]].

The P-61A-1 is a twin-engine fighter, also known as a strike fighter in-game. It is excellent in bomber hunting and excels when used with Boom & Zoom tactics. Unlike the more advanced [[P-61C-1]] variant, this initial production aircraft does not feature any external suspended payloads.

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

While being a large aircraft, it is unable to effectively turn to fight and when doing so, rapidly bleeds any energy and advantages it may have.
The two engines are Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10s. It will only be able to take off with a speed of around 169 mph (271 km/h) and requires a very long airstrip since it is a very heavy plane.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,315 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (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
| 561 || 549 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.0 || 32.0 || 9.3 || 9.1 || rowspan="2" | 457
|-
! Upgraded
| 602 || 582 || 29.1 || 30.0 || 13.3 || 11.2
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 340 || 337 || 280 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 530 || < 420 || < 450 || > 340
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 460 m || 4000 hp || N/A
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,420 m || 3,480 hp || N/A
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,090 m || 3,320 hp || N/A
|-
|}

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

It also offers very weak crew protection from head-on attacks.

* 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

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

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

[[File:P-61_upperturret_cone_of_fire.jpg|250px|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, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

The 20 mm AN/M2 cannons placed under the belly are able to make quick work of any plane which stands in your way.

=== 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 = 2,240 total)

The 4 x Browning machine guns are set in a remotely controlled dorsal turret controlled by a gyroscopic fire control computer which was operated by either the gunner or radar operator for both offensive and defensive situations. Turret defensive angles are limited to the upper plane of the aircraft as it can not aim any lower than the elevators. If an enemy plane is in the machine gun dead zone, you will need to change the position of the plane so the guns can acquire a firing solution, this can be accomplished by transitioning into a steep climb or dive. The P-61A-1 does not have defensive armament that provides essential protection from the low rear or belly attacks.

== Usage in battles ==

The below tactics can be used in all games 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. 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 of 399 mph (642 km/h). 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.

====Specific enemies worth noting====


*'''Japanese Aircraft'''

The most dangerous opponents for the P-61A are going to be the Japanese aircraft, due to their incredible manoeuvrability, and their fast climb-rate, which will leave you at a disadvantage in altitude. However, the most notable threat from the Japanese arsenal is probably going to be the J2M Raiden, due to its fast speed and fairly durable armour for a Japanese plane. In addition, any of the later model A6M3 Reisen (Zero) models will give you problems, as they will out-turn you in seconds.

*'''German Aircraft'''

The Germans have the most planes with more dangerous cannons, thanks to their Minengeschoß rounds, which punch through and explode inside an airframe, thus causing maximum damage to control surfaces. At your battle rating, you have the possibility of facing the Bf 109 G-6, which has a fast speed and nose-mounted weaponry that are large enough in calibre to shred your airframe. Perhaps the biggest threat to your plane is the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-4, which boasts four 20 mm cannons, which will reduce your plane to a burning wreck. While it is unlikely to see many at high altitude, the Messerschmitt Me 410 A-1 is also a viable threat.

*'''Soviet Aircraft'''

Repeat after the following bold statement: do not head-on an IL-2 of any variant. As sluggish as they seem, the IL-2 will rip your aircraft to shreds due to the fast firing combination of machine gun and auto-cannon fire. The most common adversary that will be faced is any aircraft bearing the prefix "Yak"- most dangerous among them is the Yak-9K, which has a 45 mm cannon that can utterly obliterate your plane, and the Yak-9T, which has a 37 mm cannon that will do the same damage to your aircraft. The La-5FN is probably the biggest threat you will face due to its fast speed, ridiculously strong cockpit armour, climb rate, manoeuvrability and firepower. This is mainly given if a La-5FN pilot is using "Ground Target" ammunition, every third round fired is an Armor-Piercing Fragmentation Incendiary round, and every other round is either a Fragmentation-Incendiary Tracer or an Armor-Piercing Incendiary round. In short, the La-5FN has the biggest threat due to all the API rounds in the ammunition.

*'''British Aircraft'''

The British are among the most manoeuvrable adversary you will face, so with that in mind, do not try and turn-fight any British plane. Also, most British planes have an astonishing climb-rate, which will leave you at an altitude disadvantage. The most common adversary you will face is the Spitfire Mk. IIb, which can turn circles around you and it has two wing-mounted Hispano cannons, which can tear into the P-61's airframe. They may not be too common, but a Boomerang Mk. I or a Boomerang Mk. II will also give you a hard time, given their tighter grouping of shells, and the fact they have the Hispano Mk. II cannons, whose "Air Target" ammunition is practically "Stealth" ammunition. The Beaufighter Mk. VIc, will be the most dangerous threat, given the four Hispano cannons in the belly, which will tear apart the P-61. A Spitfire Mk. V will also give you a run for your money, due to the Hispano Mk. II cannons it wields.

*'''Italian Aircraft'''

The most plausible threat from the Italians will be the C.202EC (Experimental Cannon), which has the manoeuvrability, speed and especially firepower due to the plane boasting German 20 mm cannons which utilise the minengeschoß shells.

*'''American Aircraft'''

In addition, another major threat is the American P-47D Thunderbolt, which has the speed and firepower to out-class the P-61A in any fashion.

===Radars===
{{main|AI Mk. X}}
[[File:P-61_-_Nose_Radar.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A front view of a {{PAGENAME}}'s [[AI Mk. X]] radar.]]
The P-61A-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 conducted 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 || Controllable 3 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The offensive armament is mounted under the belly of the plane, this provides excellent accuracy
* Powerful offensive armament of 4 x [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]] cannons with a total amount of 800 rounds
* Powerful defensive armament of 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning MGs]] in a turret with 2,240 rounds that can be used offensively
* Very stable climb rate
* Engines are able to cool down very fast
* 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 do very sharp manoeuvres at high and low speeds due to the flaps
* Engine can stay very cool at high throttle settings (65-75%)
* Has access to a target detection radar, with much better range than German radars found around this battle rating

'''Cons:'''

* Slow acceleration and requires a long airstrip to take off due to weight
* Slow roll rates
* No airbrakes installed
* Not recommended to dive sharply, easy to get structural damage and rip apart at 642 kn/h (399 mph)
* Unable to put fires out in a dive, due to speed will reach in excess of structural limitations which will rip the wings off
* Unable to sustain a direct head-on attack against a well-armed, small-profile enemy plane
* Only one defensive dorsal turret installed, cannot cover the rear of the plane effectively
* No defence against low-rear and belly attacks
* Large body airframe, makes dogfighting almost impossible
* Can not carry additional armament
* Flaps snap off easily
* Compared to the [[P-61C-1|main tech tree variant]], worse in every way in terms of manoeuvrability, speed and climb rate
* Cannot carry any payloads, unlike the [[P-61C-1]]

== History ==

In 1940, the British Purchasing Commission wanted a high-altitude, high-speed interceptor to shoot down Luftwaffe bombers when they raided British cities. This called for a high-endurance heavy fighter with Aerial Interception (AI) radars and specified gun armament mounted in a 360 degrees gun turret. The requirements were sent to many aircraft manufacturers, one of them being Jack Northrop. The USAAC accepted his proposal, resulting in one of the most deadly and large fighters in World War Two. The prototype YP-61, had a long fuselage gondola in between two engine nacelles. The tail was a new radical twin-boom design. Full span flaps were fitted on the wings and it had two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radials, producing 2,000 horsepower each. The plane was mounted on a tricycle landing gear and had a three-man crew: a radar operator, gunner, and pilot. Armament includes four Browning 12.7 mm heavy machine guns mounted in a four-gun powered turret. The original design also had a ventral turret, but that was replaced by Hispano Mk.II cannons. Some versions also had air brakes so the pilot would not overshoot the target.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-61a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:P-61 frontview.jpg|Front view of the deadly P-61 twin-engine fighter.
File:P-61 cockpit.jpg|Detailed view of the two-seat cockpit of the P-61.
File:P-61 radiooperator.jpg|A close-up view of the radio operator position on the P-61.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|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''}}

== See also ==


* [[P-61C-1]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303448-northrop-p-61a-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://ia801208.us.archive.org/33/items/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP61/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP-61.pdf Pilot Training Manual for the P-61 Black Widow - By Headquarters AAF - 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 - USAAF, July 1945]

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

P-61A-11

2022-11-22T16:03:55Z

U96777718:

{{About
| about = premium American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = P-61C-1
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-61a_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_p-61a_1.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]] as an in-game premium vehicle purchasable with Golden Eagles {{ge}} but was removed from in-game sale during the [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/529689-planned-economy-changes-in-july-2021 July 2021 Economy Update]. It has been made available in the store periodically for "Black Friday" sales in [[wt:en/news/5132-shop-take-advantage-of-special-black-friday-en|2017]], [[wt:en/news/6488-shop-black-friday-sale-en|2019]], [[wt:en/news/6957-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2020]], [[wt:en/news/7431-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2021]], and [wt:en/news/7975/current/][[wt:en/news/7975-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2022]].

The P-61A-1 is a twin-engine fighter, also known as a strike fighter in-game. It is excellent in bomber hunting and excels when used with Boom & Zoom tactics. Unlike the more advanced [[P-61C-1]] variant, this initial production aircraft does not feature any external suspended payloads.

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

While being a large aircraft, it is unable to effectively turn to fight and when doing so, rapidly bleeds any energy and advantages it may have.
The two engines are Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10s. It will only be able to take off with a speed of around 169 mph (271 km/h) and requires a very long airstrip since it is a very heavy plane.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,315 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (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
| 561 || 549 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.0 || 32.0 || 9.3 || 9.1 || rowspan="2" | 457
|-
! Upgraded
| 602 || 582 || 29.1 || 30.0 || 13.3 || 11.2
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 340 || 337 || 280 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 530 || < 420 || < 450 || > 340
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 460 m || 4000 hp || N/A
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,420 m || 3,480 hp || N/A
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,090 m || 3,320 hp || N/A
|-
|}

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

It also offers very weak crew protection from head-on attacks.

* 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

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

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

[[File:P-61_upperturret_cone_of_fire.jpg|250px|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, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

The 20 mm AN/M2 cannons placed under the belly are able to make quick work of any plane which stands in your way.

=== 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 = 2,240 total)

The 4 x Browning machine guns are set in a remotely controlled dorsal turret controlled by a gyroscopic fire control computer which was operated by either the gunner or radar operator for both offensive and defensive situations. Turret defensive angles are limited to the upper plane of the aircraft as it can not aim any lower than the elevators. If an enemy plane is in the machine gun dead zone, you will need to change the position of the plane so the guns can acquire a firing solution, this can be accomplished by transitioning into a steep climb or dive. The P-61A-1 does not have defensive armament that provides essential protection from the low rear or belly attacks.

== Usage in battles ==

The below tactics can be used in all games 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. 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 of 399 mph (642 km/h). 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.

====Specific enemies worth noting====


*'''Japanese Aircraft'''

The most dangerous opponents for the P-61A are going to be the Japanese aircraft, due to their incredible manoeuvrability, and their fast climb-rate, which will leave you at a disadvantage in altitude. However, the most notable threat from the Japanese arsenal is probably going to be the J2M Raiden, due to its fast speed and fairly durable armour for a Japanese plane. In addition, any of the later model A6M3 Reisen (Zero) models will give you problems, as they will out-turn you in seconds.

*'''German Aircraft'''

The Germans have the most planes with more dangerous cannons, thanks to their Minengeschoß rounds, which punch through and explode inside an airframe, thus causing maximum damage to control surfaces. At your battle rating, you have the possibility of facing the Bf 109 G-6, which has a fast speed and nose-mounted weaponry that are large enough in calibre to shred your airframe. Perhaps the biggest threat to your plane is the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-4, which boasts four 20 mm cannons, which will reduce your plane to a burning wreck. While it is unlikely to see many at high altitude, the Messerschmitt Me 410 A-1 is also a viable threat.

*'''Soviet Aircraft'''

Repeat after the following bold statement: do not head-on an IL-2 of any variant. As sluggish as they seem, the IL-2 will rip your aircraft to shreds due to the fast firing combination of machine gun and auto-cannon fire. The most common adversary that will be faced is any aircraft bearing the prefix "Yak"- most dangerous among them is the Yak-9K, which has a 45 mm cannon that can utterly obliterate your plane, and the Yak-9T, which has a 37 mm cannon that will do the same damage to your aircraft. The La-5FN is probably the biggest threat you will face due to its fast speed, ridiculously strong cockpit armour, climb rate, manoeuvrability and firepower. This is mainly given if a La-5FN pilot is using "Ground Target" ammunition, every third round fired is an Armor-Piercing Fragmentation Incendiary round, and every other round is either a Fragmentation-Incendiary Tracer or an Armor-Piercing Incendiary round. In short, the La-5FN has the biggest threat due to all the API rounds in the ammunition.

*'''British Aircraft'''

The British are among the most manoeuvrable adversary you will face, so with that in mind, do not try and turn-fight any British plane. Also, most British planes have an astonishing climb-rate, which will leave you at an altitude disadvantage. The most common adversary you will face is the Spitfire Mk. IIb, which can turn circles around you and it has two wing-mounted Hispano cannons, which can tear into the P-61's airframe. They may not be too common, but a Boomerang Mk. I or a Boomerang Mk. II will also give you a hard time, given their tighter grouping of shells, and the fact they have the Hispano Mk. II cannons, whose "Air Target" ammunition is practically "Stealth" ammunition. The Beaufighter Mk. VIc, will be the most dangerous threat, given the four Hispano cannons in the belly, which will tear apart the P-61. A Spitfire Mk. V will also give you a run for your money, due to the Hispano Mk. II cannons it wields.

*'''Italian Aircraft'''

The most plausible threat from the Italians will be the C.202EC (Experimental Cannon), which has the manoeuvrability, speed and especially firepower due to the plane boasting German 20 mm cannons which utilise the minengeschoß shells.

*'''American Aircraft'''

In addition, another major threat is the American P-47D Thunderbolt, which has the speed and firepower to out-class the P-61A in any fashion.

===Radars===
{{main|AI Mk. X}}
[[File:P-61_-_Nose_Radar.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A front view of a {{PAGENAME}}'s [[AI Mk. X]] radar.]]
The P-61A-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 conducted 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 || Controllable 3 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The offensive armament is mounted under the belly of the plane, this provides excellent accuracy
* Powerful offensive armament of 4 x [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]] cannons with a total amount of 800 rounds
* Powerful defensive armament of 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning MGs]] in a turret with 2,240 rounds that can be used offensively
* Very stable climb rate
* Engines are able to cool down very fast
* 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 do very sharp manoeuvres at high and low speeds due to the flaps
* Engine can stay very cool at high throttle settings (65-75%)
* Has access to a target detection radar, with much better range than German radars found around this battle rating

'''Cons:'''

* Slow acceleration and requires a long airstrip to take off due to weight
* Slow roll rates
* No airbrakes installed
* Not recommended to dive sharply, easy to get structural damage and rip apart at 642 kn/h (399 mph)
* Unable to put fires out in a dive, due to speed will reach in excess of structural limitations which will rip the wings off
* Unable to sustain a direct head-on attack against a well-armed, small-profile enemy plane
* Only one defensive dorsal turret installed, cannot cover the rear of the plane effectively
* No defence against low-rear and belly attacks
* Large body airframe, makes dogfighting almost impossible
* Can not carry additional armament
* Flaps snap off easily
* Compared to the [[P-61C-1|main tech tree variant]], worse in every way in terms of manoeuvrability, speed and climb rate
* Cannot carry any payloads, unlike the [[P-61C-1]]

== History ==

In 1940, the British Purchasing Commission wanted a high-altitude, high-speed interceptor to shoot down Luftwaffe bombers when they raided British cities. This called for a high-endurance heavy fighter with Aerial Interception (AI) radars and specified gun armament mounted in a 360 degrees gun turret. The requirements were sent to many aircraft manufacturers, one of them being Jack Northrop. The USAAC accepted his proposal, resulting in one of the most deadly and large fighters in World War Two. The prototype YP-61, had a long fuselage gondola in between two engine nacelles. The tail was a new radical twin-boom design. Full span flaps were fitted on the wings and it had two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radials, producing 2,000 horsepower each. The plane was mounted on a tricycle landing gear and had a three-man crew: a radar operator, gunner, and pilot. Armament includes four Browning 12.7 mm heavy machine guns mounted in a four-gun powered turret. The original design also had a ventral turret, but that was replaced by Hispano Mk.II cannons. Some versions also had air brakes so the pilot would not overshoot the target.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-61a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:P-61 frontview.jpg|Front view of the deadly P-61 twin-engine fighter.
File:P-61 cockpit.jpg|Detailed view of the two-seat cockpit of the P-61.
File:P-61 radiooperator.jpg|A close-up view of the radio operator position on the P-61.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|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''}}

== See also ==


* [[P-61C-1]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303448-northrop-p-61a-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://ia801208.us.archive.org/33/items/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP61/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP-61.pdf Pilot Training Manual for the P-61 Black Widow - By Headquarters AAF - 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 - USAAF, July 1945]

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

P-61A-11

2022-11-22T16:03:17Z

U96777718: Added inclusion in 2022 Black Friday bundle

{{About
| about = premium American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the regular version
| link = P-61C-1
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=p-61a_1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_p-61a_1.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]] as an in-game premium vehicle purchasable with Golden Eagles {{ge}} but was removed from in-game sale during the [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/529689-planned-economy-changes-in-july-2021 July 2021 Economy Update]. It has been made available in the store periodically for "Black Friday" sales in [[wt:en/news/5132-shop-take-advantage-of-special-black-friday-en|2017]], [[wt:en/news/6488-shop-black-friday-sale-en|2019]], [[wt:en/news/6957-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2020]], [[wt:en/news/7431-shop-black-friday-bundle-en|2021]], and [[wt:en/news/7975/current/|2022]].

The P-61A-1 is a twin-engine fighter, also known as a strike fighter in-game. It is excellent in bomber hunting and excels when used with Boom & Zoom tactics. Unlike the more advanced [[P-61C-1]] variant, this initial production aircraft does not feature any external suspended payloads.

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

While being a large aircraft, it is unable to effectively turn to fight and when doing so, rapidly bleeds any energy and advantages it may have.
The two engines are Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10s. It will only be able to take off with a speed of around 169 mph (271 km/h) and requires a very long airstrip since it is a very heavy plane.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 7,315 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (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
| 561 || 549 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.0 || 32.0 || 9.3 || 9.1 || rowspan="2" | 457
|-
! Upgraded
| 602 || 582 || 29.1 || 30.0 || 13.3 || 11.2
|-
|}

==== 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}} || 340 || 337 || 280 || ~7 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 530 || < 420 || < 450 || > 340
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 460 m || 4000 hp || N/A
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,420 m || 3,480 hp || N/A
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,090 m || 3,320 hp || N/A
|-
|}

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

It also offers very weak crew protection from head-on attacks.

* 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

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

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

[[File:P-61_upperturret_cone_of_fire.jpg|250px|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, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

The 20 mm AN/M2 cannons placed under the belly are able to make quick work of any plane which stands in your way.

=== 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 = 2,240 total)

The 4 x Browning machine guns are set in a remotely controlled dorsal turret controlled by a gyroscopic fire control computer which was operated by either the gunner or radar operator for both offensive and defensive situations. Turret defensive angles are limited to the upper plane of the aircraft as it can not aim any lower than the elevators. If an enemy plane is in the machine gun dead zone, you will need to change the position of the plane so the guns can acquire a firing solution, this can be accomplished by transitioning into a steep climb or dive. The P-61A-1 does not have defensive armament that provides essential protection from the low rear or belly attacks.

== Usage in battles ==

The below tactics can be used in all games 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. 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 of 399 mph (642 km/h). 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.

====Specific enemies worth noting====


*'''Japanese Aircraft'''

The most dangerous opponents for the P-61A are going to be the Japanese aircraft, due to their incredible manoeuvrability, and their fast climb-rate, which will leave you at a disadvantage in altitude. However, the most notable threat from the Japanese arsenal is probably going to be the J2M Raiden, due to its fast speed and fairly durable armour for a Japanese plane. In addition, any of the later model A6M3 Reisen (Zero) models will give you problems, as they will out-turn you in seconds.

*'''German Aircraft'''

The Germans have the most planes with more dangerous cannons, thanks to their Minengeschoß rounds, which punch through and explode inside an airframe, thus causing maximum damage to control surfaces. At your battle rating, you have the possibility of facing the Bf 109 G-6, which has a fast speed and nose-mounted weaponry that are large enough in calibre to shred your airframe. Perhaps the biggest threat to your plane is the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-4, which boasts four 20 mm cannons, which will reduce your plane to a burning wreck. While it is unlikely to see many at high altitude, the Messerschmitt Me 410 A-1 is also a viable threat.

*'''Soviet Aircraft'''

Repeat after the following bold statement: do not head-on an IL-2 of any variant. As sluggish as they seem, the IL-2 will rip your aircraft to shreds due to the fast firing combination of machine gun and auto-cannon fire. The most common adversary that will be faced is any aircraft bearing the prefix "Yak"- most dangerous among them is the Yak-9K, which has a 45 mm cannon that can utterly obliterate your plane, and the Yak-9T, which has a 37 mm cannon that will do the same damage to your aircraft. The La-5FN is probably the biggest threat you will face due to its fast speed, ridiculously strong cockpit armour, climb rate, manoeuvrability and firepower. This is mainly given if a La-5FN pilot is using "Ground Target" ammunition, every third round fired is an Armor-Piercing Fragmentation Incendiary round, and every other round is either a Fragmentation-Incendiary Tracer or an Armor-Piercing Incendiary round. In short, the La-5FN has the biggest threat due to all the API rounds in the ammunition.

*'''British Aircraft'''

The British are among the most manoeuvrable adversary you will face, so with that in mind, do not try and turn-fight any British plane. Also, most British planes have an astonishing climb-rate, which will leave you at an altitude disadvantage. The most common adversary you will face is the Spitfire Mk. IIb, which can turn circles around you and it has two wing-mounted Hispano cannons, which can tear into the P-61's airframe. They may not be too common, but a Boomerang Mk. I or a Boomerang Mk. II will also give you a hard time, given their tighter grouping of shells, and the fact they have the Hispano Mk. II cannons, whose "Air Target" ammunition is practically "Stealth" ammunition. The Beaufighter Mk. VIc, will be the most dangerous threat, given the four Hispano cannons in the belly, which will tear apart the P-61. A Spitfire Mk. V will also give you a run for your money, due to the Hispano Mk. II cannons it wields.

*'''Italian Aircraft'''

The most plausible threat from the Italians will be the C.202EC (Experimental Cannon), which has the manoeuvrability, speed and especially firepower due to the plane boasting German 20 mm cannons which utilise the minengeschoß shells.

*'''American Aircraft'''

In addition, another major threat is the American P-47D Thunderbolt, which has the speed and firepower to out-class the P-61A in any fashion.

===Radars===
{{main|AI Mk. X}}
[[File:P-61_-_Nose_Radar.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A front view of a {{PAGENAME}}'s [[AI Mk. X]] radar.]]
The P-61A-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 conducted 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 || Controllable 3 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The offensive armament is mounted under the belly of the plane, this provides excellent accuracy
* Powerful offensive armament of 4 x [[AN/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2]] cannons with a total amount of 800 rounds
* Powerful defensive armament of 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning MGs]] in a turret with 2,240 rounds that can be used offensively
* Very stable climb rate
* Engines are able to cool down very fast
* 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 do very sharp manoeuvres at high and low speeds due to the flaps
* Engine can stay very cool at high throttle settings (65-75%)
* Has access to a target detection radar, with much better range than German radars found around this battle rating

'''Cons:'''

* Slow acceleration and requires a long airstrip to take off due to weight
* Slow roll rates
* No airbrakes installed
* Not recommended to dive sharply, easy to get structural damage and rip apart at 642 kn/h (399 mph)
* Unable to put fires out in a dive, due to speed will reach in excess of structural limitations which will rip the wings off
* Unable to sustain a direct head-on attack against a well-armed, small-profile enemy plane
* Only one defensive dorsal turret installed, cannot cover the rear of the plane effectively
* No defence against low-rear and belly attacks
* Large body airframe, makes dogfighting almost impossible
* Can not carry additional armament
* Flaps snap off easily
* Compared to the [[P-61C-1|main tech tree variant]], worse in every way in terms of manoeuvrability, speed and climb rate
* Cannot carry any payloads, unlike the [[P-61C-1]]

== History ==

In 1940, the British Purchasing Commission wanted a high-altitude, high-speed interceptor to shoot down Luftwaffe bombers when they raided British cities. This called for a high-endurance heavy fighter with Aerial Interception (AI) radars and specified gun armament mounted in a 360 degrees gun turret. The requirements were sent to many aircraft manufacturers, one of them being Jack Northrop. The USAAC accepted his proposal, resulting in one of the most deadly and large fighters in World War Two. The prototype YP-61, had a long fuselage gondola in between two engine nacelles. The tail was a new radical twin-boom design. Full span flaps were fitted on the wings and it had two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10 Double Wasp 18-cylinder radials, producing 2,000 horsepower each. The plane was mounted on a tricycle landing gear and had a three-man crew: a radar operator, gunner, and pilot. Armament includes four Browning 12.7 mm heavy machine guns mounted in a four-gun powered turret. The original design also had a ventral turret, but that was replaced by Hispano Mk.II cannons. Some versions also had air brakes so the pilot would not overshoot the target.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-61a_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:P-61 frontview.jpg|Front view of the deadly P-61 twin-engine fighter.
File:P-61 cockpit.jpg|Detailed view of the two-seat cockpit of the P-61.
File:P-61 radiooperator.jpg|A close-up view of the radio operator position on the P-61.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|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''}}

== See also ==


* [[P-61C-1]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303448-northrop-p-61a-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://ia801208.us.archive.org/33/items/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP61/PilotTrainingManualForTheBlackWidowP-61.pdf Pilot Training Manual for the P-61 Black Widow - By Headquarters AAF - 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 - USAAF, July 1945]

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

Po-2

2022-11-02T18:48:56Z

U96777718: Added con about gun ammo. Removed and replaced erroneous statement about having armor plate.

{{About
| about = gift Soviet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| other
| usage-1 = the premium version
| link-1 = Po-2M
| usage-2 = the race event version
| link-2 = Po-2 Night Witch
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=po-2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|cockpit=cockpit_po-2.jpg
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. One of the more infamous planes in War Thunder, the Po-2 has a rather affectionate palindrome nickname of "2-OP" from the community for its history in the game. This plane is no longer obtainable unless it is given out during events (during every Halloween event since 2013).

The Po-2 is a very slow aircraft, earning a reputation of affection thanks to its poor characteristics. The Po-2 is about nine times as slow as the jets, and its maximum speed is one-third of a good amount of its opponents at BR 1.0. Being so, it is flown mostly for sheer fun with no intent of competitiveness. It does not come without its strengths, though - the Po-2 can carry a very effective bombload, and it can be very evasive against enemy aircraft, thanks to its slow speed and impressive manoeuvrability. The rear gunner is also decent, being in charge of a very effective machine gun. Unfortunately for the Po-2's enthusiasts, this is also the only armament it has, and the aircraft is so fragile that even a fast-firing gun does not often suffice to rid the Po-2 of a sad fate. Whenever confrontation with fighters is avoidable, one should avoid it and stay safe.

When the Po-2 was added, it was originally unlockable by research as a non-premium vehicle. However, it is currently hidden in the tech tree. The Po-2 can still be acquired, though. Once in a while, there is usually an event that rewards the Po-2 for completing it. It should be noted that while it appears before the BB-1 in the tech tree, users who have not unlocked the Po-2 via events or researching it before it was hidden will not see it in the tech tree. Additionally, the Po-2 is separate from the attacker line, and you do not need to have the Po-2 unlocked to research the BB-1 and the aircraft that follow it.

== 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 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 130 || 126 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.5 || 31.4 || 1.8 || 1.7 || rowspan="2" | 258
|-
! Upgraded
| 138 || 134 || 29.6 || 30.0 || 2.8 || 2.3
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~5 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 200 || < 200 || < 200 || > 295
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
|-
| 700 m || colspan="2" |114 hp
|-
|}

====Engine performance====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine Name
! colspan="3" | Number present
|-
| colspan="3" | Shvetsov M-11D 5-cylinder || colspan="1" | 1
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine characteristics
|-
! colspan="2" | Weight (each)
! colspan="1" | Type
! colspan="1" | Cooling
|-
| colspan="2" | 170 kg || Radial || Air
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Stock)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
! colspan="4" | Take-off
|-
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="4" | 117 hp
|-
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="4" | 116 hp
|-
! colspan="4" | Engine power (Upgraded)
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
! colspan="4" | Take-off
|-
| ''Arcade'' || colspan="4" | 123 hp
|-
| ''Realistic/Simulator'' || colspan="4" | 120 hp
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | WEP Duration
|-
! colspan="2" | Arcade
! colspan="2" | Realistic/Simulator
|-
| colspan="2" | 25 seconds || colspan="2" | Infinite
|-
|}

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


The Po-2 lacks any form of armor plating or bulletproof glass. In Air RB, the Po-2's airframe is surprisingly reliable and is perfectly controllable even with serious damage, however, past a certain amount of damage (yellow all over and worse) you will not have enough power to keep airborne for much longer. At this point, you can make an emergency landing and act as an anti-aircraft gun for the rest of the match.

It also has a small, self-sealing fuel tank, as well as a tiny oil tank in from of it, both just behind the engine. This leads to a low chance of catching on fire, however, if you are set on fire you have very little chance of putting it out due to your slow speed.

* Small, single, self-sealing fuel tank.

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

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

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|RBS-82|ROS-82|ROS-132}}

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

* 6 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (300 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs + 2 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (300 kg total)
* 8 x ROS-82 rockets
* 8 x RBS-82 rockets
* 8 x ROS-132 rockets

==== Custom loadout options ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="7" width="35%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! RBS-82 rockets
| 4 || || || || || || 4
|-
! ROS-82 rockets
| 4 || || || || || || 4
|-
! ROS-132 rockets
| 4 || || || || || || 4
|-
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 100 kg
|-
|}

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

{{main|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, dorsal turret (200 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The Po-2 does at times shine in Ground Realistic Battles, being potentially useful at any battle rating. Its slow speed makes it very easy to dive-bomb accurately with, and its 100 kg bombs are sufficient to put any tank out of order. A Po-2 pilot can even cause great humiliation to [[Maus]] commanders. However, tanks' light machine guns are no small threat for the small biplane, and even tanks' main guns can give it a very bad day, let alone dedicated AA platforms. To avoid this, Po-2 pilots should fly low and try their best to not fly in a straight line, and plan their attacks ahead, looking at the map to see where enemies were marked and inferring the enemies' locations from cap points.

In Air RB, your best bet is probably to spawn at bomber altitude as opposed to the airfield which, while presenting the risk of wing ripping, is better than struggling for speed at the altitude which most of the fighting at this rank takes place (that is, low altitude). Furthermore, you should take the 6 x 50 kg bombs as, despite being smaller, they mean you have the chance to destroy 3 higher value targets instead of 2. You should choose a group of ground targets to attack, stationary tanks are good to bomb as any bomb can destroy them and they yield a decent reward. Moving targets are horrible and not worth it as short fuses lead to you being hit by your own bombs and long fuses lead to a very low hit probability since your bombs are small and must detonate very close to the target to have any effect, which is incredibly difficult to guarantee with a fuse.

After using up your bombs, find some vehicles, artillery, or AA emplacements you want to destroy and approach them. Be sure to use evasive manoeuvres as you approach, as your slow speed leads to AA hitting you far more often than it would on other planes. Flyover, but slightly to the side of your targets at a very low altitude, then switch to your rear gunner and destroy them (if you fly directly over then your tail will prevent your tail gunner from getting a shot). After destroying 2 targets using this method you should fire off your remaining bullets and let your gunner reload, as otherwise, you will probably run out of ammo halfway through your third strafing run. Since you can reload as many times as you like, this is a sustainable way of doing decently well, and you can destroy upwards of 20 targets (with some luck, on the right map.)

If attacked by enemy aircraft, you stand a small but appreciable chance of destroying them. When approached, point your aircraft directly away from the enemy and shoot at them with your rear gunner, preferably once they are within half a kilometre, though your gun can be effective out to 800 metres with some luck. If you have them unlocked, Universal belts are the best for almost all situations, since they make aiming far easier and more importantly have a higher chance of setting the attacker on fire, which will down them almost every time. As well as this, some pilots will break off once they are set on fire or seriously damaged, since they don't judge the effort to be worth it, but most pilots don't tend to think like this and require a "Significant Emotional Event" in order to stop shooting at you.

It should be noted that some people up-tier Po-2s into jet battles, which can be a valid strategy with the right tactics. You should always fly low in jet battles because most jets will not waste their altitude and energy on a Po-2 flying at treetop level. "Most" is the operative word here and even if you don't get downed, many jet battles are over before you even reach your intended target, even on smallish maps such as Malta. It has been noted that a North Korean Po-2 was credited with a jet-kill during the Korean war when an attacking F-94 Starfire stalled out trying to line up a shot at a Po-2 and crashed.

Thanks to its short landing distance, you can land at a helipad in mixed ground battles (at top-tier), repair and rearm and get an air spawn.

=== 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 || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Not controllable Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable 1 gear || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Very manoeuvrable
* Very capable rudder, useful for quick evasive manoeuvres
* Difficult to tail due to low speed
* Very low stall speed
* Has bombsight
* Decent bomb load
* Slow speed helps with accurate bombing
* Rear gunner is armed with a machine gun with a good rate of fire
* Very short landing distance

'''Cons:'''

* No forward-firing armament
* Fragile (wood and fabric)
* Horribly slow
* Very hard to gain altitude
* Low service ceiling
* No armour or bulletproof glass protection for the pilot or the gunner
* Can not exceed ~200 km/h without over-revving engine and ~190 km/h for structural integrity
* Low amount of ammunition for rear gun

== History ==


The Po-2 was the primary aircraft of the infamous 588th Night Bomber Regiment of the Soviet Armed Forces. The Regiment, commonly nicknamed "Night Witches" was the only regiment in the world to entirely consist of women. The regiment was often looked down upon by their male counterparts, but as the Second World War raged, they earned the undying respect of the Soviet Army. Their nickname "Night Witches" comes from the characteristic sound of their Po-2's, that was all that could be heard during their nightly raids as their engines were set to idle and they would glide through to Night to their victims, completely silent. This sound, or lack thereof, brought their enemy's thoughts to the broomsticks of Witches and thus called them "Nachthexen". Meaning Night Witches in English.

Every single member of the Night Witches had by the end of the war flown at least 800 missions, which was completely unheard of. Especially considering that an American pilot was generally allowed to retire if he survived 25 missions. Some of the most famous Night Witches, Yekaterina Ryabova and Nadezhda Popova were reported to once have completed 18 ground attack missions in a single night. Not only was it extremely humiliating for the German Army to be defeated by the outdated Po-2, but the fact that they were piloted by women added insult to injury. It went on to the degree that German High Command offered to award the Iron Cross to anyone that shot down a Night Witch. Only 30 people claimed that bounty in the entire war.

Twenty-three Night Witches were awarded the "Hero of the Soviet Union" title, 2 the "Hero of Russia" title and 1 the "Hero of Kazakhstan" title. 24,000 sorties and 23,000 tons of bombs dropped on target is also on their résumé. As the war went on and they became Heroes in the Soviet Union, they were offered better planes, but they refused. They stuck with the Po-2, they flew it when the war started and they continued to fly it when they participated in the Battle of Berlin in 1945.

The Po-2 was used in the Korean War by the North Koreans, where it inflicted considerable damage against airbases. United Nations forces found it incredibly difficult to track and shoot down Po-2s, due to the wood and fabric construction of the plane giving it a very small radar signature. The top speed of the Po-2 was well below the stall speed of most aircraft at the time. It's also the only biplane credited with a jet kill, achieved when a Lockheed F-94 Starfire attempted to attack a low-flying Po-2 and stalled in the process, losing control and crashing.

{{break}}
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
The U-2, or Po-2, was a multi-role biplane, created by Nikolay Polikarpov in 1928. The U-2 was designed as a primary civilian trainer and was forgiving and easy to fly. Its inaugural flight took place on 7th January 1928, with M. M. Gromov at the controls. As designed, the U-2 was a conventional biplane with an air-cooled 100-HP M-11 engine. The aircraft was widely used in agriculture, transport and other roles. Staff plane and ambulance variants also existed, as well as reconnaissance, passenger, floatplane and many other versions.

By 1932, a new military trainer variant, U-2VS was designed. It could carry six 8 kg dummy bombs on underwing pylons and had a gunner turret in the rear seat. After the German invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, many existing U-2s were converted to light night bombers. Modifications were made by both the Polikarpov Design Bureau, directly at the factories, and even in the field, by mechanics at front-line squadrons. As a result, the number of operational variants was high. The plane could carry from 100 to 350 kg of bombs. By 1943, the number of frontline Po-2 regiments reached its peak of up to 70 night bomber regiments. After Nikolay Polikarpov died in 1944, the aircraft was redesignated Po-2 in his memory. The aircraft remained in serial production until 1953, with over 33,000 built.
{{Navigation-End}}

=== Notable pilots ===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="400">
File:Ivan_Kozhedub_2.jpg|link=User:U64962917#Kozhedub,_Ivan_N.|[[User:U64962917#Kozhedub,_Ivan_N.|Kozhedub's]] first flying experience was as a teenager when he learned to fly the Polikarpov U-2 (trainer versions of the Po-2).
File:Lydia_Litvyak_profile.jpg|link=User:U64962917#Litvyak, Lydia V.|[[User:U64962917#Litvyak, Lydia V.|Litvyak]] first soloed in a Polikarpov Po-2 at the age of 15 and would later pilot Yak-1 and Yak-1B fighters in the Great Patriotic War.
</gallery>

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=po-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|tEytRULfHfw|'''Spade Review. {{PAGENAME}}. A strange learning experience.''' - ''Joseph 2000''|8q0PXrB632g|'''The Polikarpov {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''SirKittalot''}}

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* [[OS2U-1]] / [[OS2U-3]]
* [[Swordfish Mk I]] / [[Swordfish Mk II]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/888/current|[Ugly Ducklings] Polikarpov U-2/Po-2]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/275626-polikarpov-po-2vs/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [[wikipedia:Polikarpov_Po-2|[Wikipedia] Polikarpov Po-2]]

{{Sp-begin|Obtainable events}}
<div align="left">
* [[wt:en/news/7939-event-halloween-in-war-thunder-en|Halloween 2022]]
* [[wt:en/news/7397-event-halloween-in-war-thunder-en|Halloween 2021]]
* [[wt:en/news/6920-event-halloween-in-war-thunder-en|Halloween 2020]]
* [[wt:en/news/6460-event-halloween-in-war-thunder-en|Halloween 2019]]
* [[wt:en/news/5856-event-halloween-in-war-thunder-en|Halloween 2018]]
* [[wt:en/news/5062-special-halloween-update-winners-list-en|Halloween 2017]]
* [[wt:en/news/4305-event-halloween-mischief-updated-01-11-2016-en|Halloween 2016]]
* [[wt:en/news/3393--en|Halloween 2015]]
* [[wt:en/news/2595/current|Halloween 2014]]
* [[wt:en/news/321--en|Halloween 2013]]
</div>
{{Sp-end}}

{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}
{{USSR bombers}}

45 mm/89 SM-21-ZIF (45 mm)

2022-10-26T22:42:32Z

U96777718:

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

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_201k}}

== General info ==
The 45mm/89 SM-21-ZIF is a postwar Soviet 45mm naval autocannon mounting. It uses the same cannon as the SM-20-ZIF mount, but in a single mount rather than a quadruple mount. The simplest comparison to make is with the Swedish 40 mm Bofors gun: a hard-hitting, high velocity autocannon with a mediocre rate of fire.

=== Available ammunition ===
The SM-21-ZIF has one ammunition belt choice: alternating 45mm {{Annotation|HEF|High-Explosive Fragmentation}} and {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-Explosive Fragmentation Tracer}}. The tracer round, besides helping you aim, contains slightly more explosive filler: 54 grams A-IX-2 for the non-tracer round versus 60 grams A-IX-2 for the tracer round. Both rounds have a considerable amount of explosive power and have an excellent muzzle velocity of 1,080 m/s.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
[[Bofors (40 mm) (Family)]]: The ubiquitous Bofors 40 mm L/60 loses out to the SM-21-ZIF in terms of muzzle velocity and high explosive power. However, the L/60 gun has a better rate of fire and access to {{Annotation|AP|Armor Piercing}}ammunition. This allows it to engage targets with armor that is too strong for the SM-21-ZIF to damage effectively, such as the [[SF40 Light]]. Overall, they have the same practical effectiveness against light targets, but the SM-21-ZIF can generally be considered superior for most use cases.

On the other hand, the Bofors 40 mm L/70 (as found on [[Hugin]], for example) can generally be considered to be in the same class as, or even superior to, the SM-21-ZIF. Advantages of the L/70 gun include access to {{Annotation|HE-VT|High Explosive Variable Time}}ammunition, higher rate of fire, and overall having more explosive mass in both of its ammunition choices. The ZIF has comparable explosive effect with slightly higher velocity and is less prone to overheating, as well as being found at a much lower Battle Rating.

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

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

'''Pros:'''

* Powerful high explosive shells
* Excellent muzzle velocity
* Takes a long time to overheat

*

'''Cons:'''

* Somewhat low rate of fire
* No protection for gun crew or gun module
* No armor piercing ammunition

*

== 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 ==

* [[45 mm/89 SM-20-ZIF (45 mm)]]

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

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

{{USSR naval cannons}}

[[Category:Naval cannons]]

45 mm/89 SM-21-ZIF (45 mm)

2022-10-26T22:41:56Z

U96777718: Added some information about the ammunition, general characteristics, etc. Did not add historical information yet

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

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|ussr_mpk_201k}}

== General info ==
The 45mm/89 SM-21-ZIF is a postwar Soviet 45mm naval autocannon mounting. It uses the same cannon as the SM-20-ZIF mount, but in a single mount rather than a quadruple mount. The simplest comparison to make is with the Swedish 40 mm Bofors gun: a hard-hitting, high velocity autocannon with a mediocre rate of fire.

=== Available ammunition ===
The SM-21-ZIF has one ammunition belt choice: alternating 45mm {{Annotation|HEF|High-Explosive Fragmentation}} and {{Annotation|HEF-T|High-Explosive Fragmentation Tracer}}. The tracer round, besides helping you aim, contains slightly more explosive filler: 54 grams A-IX-2 for the non-tracer round versus 60 grams A-IX-2 for the tracer round. Both rounds have a considerable amount of explosive power and have an excellent muzzle velocity of 1,080 m/s.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
[[Bofors (40 mm) (Family)]]: The ubiquitous Bofors 40 mm L/60 loses out to the SM-21-ZIF in terms of muzzle velocity and high explosive power. However, the L/60 gun has a better rate of fire and access to {{Annotation|AP|Armor Piercing}}ammunition. This allows it to engage targets with armor that is too strong for the SM-21-ZIF to damage effectively, such as the [[SF40 Light]]. Overall, they have the same practical effectiveness against light targets, but the SM-21-ZIF can generally be considered superior for most use cases.

On the other hand, the Bofors 40 mm L/70 (as found on [[Hugin]], for example) can generally be considered to be in the same class as, or even superior to, the SM-21-ZIF. Advantages of the L/70 gun include access to {{Annotation|HE-VT|High Explosive Variable Time}}ammunition, higher rate of fire, and overall having more explosive mass in both of its ammunition choices. The ZIF has comparable explosive effect with slightly higher velocity and is less prone to overheating, as well as being found at a much lower Battle Rating.

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

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

'''Pros:'''

* Powerful high explosive shells
* Excellent muzzle velocity
* Takes a long time to overheat

*

'''Cons:'''

* Somewhat low rate of fire
* No protection for gun crew or gun module
* No armor piercing ammunition

*

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

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

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

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

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

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

{{USSR naval cannons}}

[[Category:Naval cannons]]

Pr.1124 early

2021-12-29T03:53:03Z

U96777718: Added a con about shallow draft.

{{Specs-Card
|code=ussr_1124_art
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet armoured gun boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] when the Soviet fleet was implemented into the game.

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


As an ''armoured gun boat'', the ship's structure has some considerable armour for the type outside of its armament, at least enough to resist against small-arms fire and shrapnel. No matter how thick the armour is though, they do cover nearly all critical module in the ship from stray fire except the transmission and steering gear at the rear.

'''Armour type:'''

* Hardened armour
* Antifragmentation armour (Fuselage roof)
* Cast homogenous armour (Cannon turrets)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Bow (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Stern !! Deck
|-
| Hull || 4 mm || 7-14 mm (0-1°) || 4 mm || 4 mm
|-
| Bridge || 8 mm || 8 mm || 8 mm || 4 mm
|-
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Main turrets || 45 mm (3-75°) ''Front'' 45 mm (29-77°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 45 mm (24-31°) || 45 mm (30°) || 15 mm (83-90°)
|-
| Secondary turret || 10 mm (20-27°) || 10 mm (20°) || 10 mm (20°) || 10 mm
|-
|}

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}


{{NavalMobility}}

The Pr. 1124 (1940) isn't particularly nimble for its size. It has a top speed of 39 km/h in RB and slightly higher in AB, which makes it relatively fast for a gunboat but still very slow compared to the MTBs that it often faces. The ship's turning circle is also rather weak, and the rudder isn't very responsive.

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

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|F-34 (76 mm)}}

The Pr.1124 is equipped with two 76mm T-34 turrets, essentially using the same guns as used on the T-34 tank. These guns are fairly large for this BR, but they require a different strategy than a typical torpedo boat owing to it having a decent reload time. You cannot just spray bullets with this ship; you must aim for certain modules with a greater precision than if you could just use a machine gun. When a good hit occurs, it usually causes a considerable amount of damage for the opposing ship, and may even cause hull breaks against smaller ships. HE is the recommended ammo for this gun as most ships at this BR have low to no armour and are vulnerable to explosives.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[F-34 (76 mm)|76 mm F-34]]
|-
! colspan="6" | Turrets (Bow to stern)
|-
! || colspan="2" |Bow turret || colspan="2" |Stern turret
|-
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
| colspan="6" | -5°/+25°
|-
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
| colspan="2" | ±155° || colspan="2" | ±160°
|-
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
| colspan="6" | 384
|-
|}

==== 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)'''
|-
! 100 m !! 1,000 m !! 2,000 m !! 3,000 m !! 4,000 m !! 5,000 m
|-
| 76 mm OF-350M || HE || 34 || 27 || 21 || 16 || 12 || 9
|-
| 76 mm BR-350A || APHEBC || 84 || 69 || 56 || 45 || 38 || 32
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| 76 mm OF-350M || HE || 680 || 6.2 || 0 || 1 || 621 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
| 76 mm BR-350A || APHEBC || 665 || 6.3 || 1.6 || 4 || 150 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
|}

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|DShK (12.7 mm)}}

With two standard-issue 12.7 mm DShK machine guns as its only armaments supplementing the 76 mm turrets, the Pr.1124 (1940) is vulnerable to savvy torpedo boats and other nimble opponents, particularly at close range. Hitting fast-moving targets with the 76mm guns can be a significant challenge, and the long reload times compared to lower-caliber automatic weapons give only a handful of opportunities for aim adjustment. As these machine guns pull double-duty as AAA they're also often unavailable for naval targeting. Proceed accordingly, being cautious to avoid engaging enemies who fall into this ship's mid-range weaponry blind spot.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[DShK (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm DShK]] (x2)
|-
! scope="row" | Vertical guidance
| colspan="6" | -5°/+88°
|-
! scope="row" | Horizontal guidance
| colspan="6" | ±130°
|-
! scope="row" | Ammo capacity
| colspan="6" | 3,000
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The Pr. 1124 (1940) is quite an interesting ship to play, due to its unique set of characteristics - heavy armament, good armour, and bad manoeuvrability. This ship excels at longer range combat, making full use of its super-heavy main armament.

'''Tactics:'''

The Pr. 1124 can work very well in certain situations, particularly longer-range engagements. This is because of its two 76 mm main cannons. While they don't fire particularly fast, they hit very hard and can do a lot of damage to naval targets. Assuming you have decent accuracy, you can easily sink any ships at the Pr. 1124's BR with a couple of shots. The Pr. 1124 also carries a single dual 12.7 mm DShK machine gun turret which provides some measure of anti-aircraft defence. Note that the anti-aircraft armament is otherwise bare, meaning that the ship is very poorly defended from aerial threats.

The Pr. 1124 is quite survivable for a ship of its size, with 20 crew members and some anti-fragmentation armour on the hull which can provide a limited measure of protection against small arms fire. However, the ship's survivability should not be relied upon as the ship will be shredded by any heavier weapons carried by larger vessels at its BR. The ship should make use of available land cover to protect the vessel from enemy fire and preserve survivability.

Finally, the Pr. 1124 suffers from a rather mediocre manoeuvrability, with a poor turning circle and a rather disappointing top speed of 39 km/h in RB. Thus, the ship cannot be relied upon to capture zones, as it will take ages just to get to the capture point. In general, this ship should be played as a longer-range sniper, maximising the use of its powerful armament.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Two 76 mm turrets provide excellent long-range firepower capable of penetrating any vessel at its BR.
* Turret layout allows firing of main guns in a 360-deg. radius around player.
** Turrets rotate surprisingly quickly.
* Gets a pair of 12.7 mm machine guns that can provide some measure of anti-aircraft defence.
* Quite survivable with 20 crew members and a decent amount of armour.
* Small silhouette making it harder to hit than its contemporaries.

'''Cons:'''

* Extremely vulnerable to air attack- two 12.7 mm machine guns with limited fields of fire are your only hope.
* Shallow draft makes hitting targets on rough waters nigh-on impossible.
* Not too fast with a top speed of 39 km/h in RB.
* Guns have limited traverse arcs meaning only one gun can fire directly forwards or backwards.
** Guns are not well-suited for hitting fast torpedo boats due to their slow reload speed.

== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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 ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|abvolluBFeM|'''The Shooting Range #11''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:35 discusses the Pr. 1124.}}

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

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

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

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

{{USSR boats}}

Firestreak

2021-11-26T22:09:03Z

U96777718:

[[File:Missile Firestreak Fired.jpg|thumb|x250px|Firestreak fired from a [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9]].]]

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage Firestreak.png|thumb|left|420px|The Firestreak missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''Firestreak''' is a British [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|Infrared homing air-to-air missile]]. it was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|javelin_fmk9}}
* {{Specs-Link|lightning_f6}}
* {{Specs-Link|dh_110_sea_vixen}}

== General info ==


The Firestreak is a large missile, with a massive 22.7 kg warhead. The Firestreak is a very early air-to-air missile design; It was Britain's first operational heat seeking missile. It has slightly better manoeuvrability than other early heat seeking missiles, and a much larger warhead, and is otherwise comparable in terms of speed and range.

=== Effective damage ===


The Firestreak has a massive 22.7 kg warhead, one of the highest of any air-to-air missile in the game, making it capable of outright destroying any target it gets a direct hit on. The warhead has a larger proximity fuse setting than other heat seeking missiles (10 m as opposed to the more standard 5 m), this helps slightly offset the missiles poor manoeuvrability as any aircraft caught in the proximity fuse range is likely to suffer critical damage due to the large explosive mass.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


The Firestreak has a warhead of 22.7 kilograms explosive mass, more than four times the payload of the [[AIM-9B]], which only contains 4.5 kilograms of explosives. It is also slightly more manoeuvrable than the AIM-9B with a 15 G max overload compared to the AIM-9B's 10 G. Unlike other contemporary IR missiles, it also features the ability to slave to radar, which it shares with its cousin, the [[Red Top]].

== Usage in battles ==


This missile is not agile. Do not use them on targets that are manoeuvrable as they will easily evade it. Instead, use them on bombers or aircraft which have no energy left to manoeuvre as it will be more difficult for them to evade the missile.

As this missile seeks infrared radiation (IR), be aware of locking onto other sources of heat which can throw the missile off course such as other teammates, flares and of course, the sun.

The missile's IR seeker head can be slaved to radar. What this means is that once a pilot establishes a radar lock and activate the missile's seeker, the seeker head will search for heat signatures on the location of your radar lock, rather than directly ahead of it. This is very useful, because the missiles have poor G-limits for launching, meaning a pilot needs to maintain an almost straight course to launch the Firestreak. Slaving to radar allows a pilot to automatically "lead" the missile seeker within its range of motion, similar to what can be done with the [[AIM-9G]] and other later missiles after acquiring an IR lock, and can be used to launch missiles from oblique angles.

Like other air-to-air missiles, the Firestreak performs best at altitude where there is less drag from the reduced air concentration, allowing it to maintain the speed it gets from its initial burn time.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has the second largest warhead of any air to air missile
* The IR seeker has a fairly wide field of view when slaved to the Javelin, Lightning, or Sea Vixen's radar
* Can be slaved to radar
* Highly receptive proximity fuse
* 15G overload

'''Cons:'''

* Slightly lower velocity than other missiles
* Poor launch G-limits

== History ==

De Havilland's '''Firestreak''' was the first British infrared guided missile to enter service, arming the [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9|Gloster Javelin]], [[Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2|de Havilland Sea Vixen]], and, later, the [[Lightning F.6|English Electric Lightning]].

Development was the result of a somewhat confused post-war process that started in 1945 with a very ambitious design known as "Red Hawk". When this proved too complicated, a simpler system known as "Blue Sky" was proposed in 1949 and eventually emerged in 1956 as [[Fireflash]]. Shortly after Fireflash development started, advances in infrared guidance suggested a new look at the original Red Hawk concept, and eventually a specification emerged as "Blue Jay".

Blue Jay began development in November 1951. Many of the technologies were entirely new, and development took considerable time. One significant issue was the size and power requirements of the tube-based electronics, which took up much of the forward quarter of the missile body. This left no room for the warhead, which had to be moved to the rear of the missile, thereby taking up the area that would normally be used for the control fin actuators. These were instead placed in the electronics section, operating the rear-mounted fins using long pushrods. To further complicate it, the power for the actuators were air bottles in the tail. The layout was quite complicated.

The first launches took place in 1955, and it entered service with the RAF in 1957 and the Royal Navy in 1958. Designed specifically for use against bombers and other large targets, it was not particularly manoeuvrable and its overall performance was less than that of the AIM-9 Sidewinder that had entered US service the previous year. It made up for this somewhat with the use of a very large warhead, well over double the weight of Sidewinder's.

Several minor modifications to the basic design were suggested but not implemented. These eventually led to a much more capable upgrade, the [[Red Top|Hawker Siddeley Red Top]].

== 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 ==


* [[Wikipedia:De_Havilland_Firestreak|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> de Havilland Firestreak]]

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Firestreak

2021-11-26T22:08:36Z

U96777718: Added some information about what exactly radar slaving is and how to use it, as there was little mention in the article.

[[File:Missile Firestreak Fired.jpg|thumb|x250px|Firestreak fired from a [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9]].]]

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage Firestreak.png|thumb|left|420px|The Firestreak missile (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The '''Firestreak''' is a British [[Air-to-air_missiles#Infrared_homing_.28heat-seeking.29_missiles|Infrared homing air-to-air missile]]. it was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|javelin_fmk9}}
* {{Specs-Link|lightning_f6}}
* {{Specs-Link|dh_110_sea_vixen}}

== General info ==


The Firestreak is a large missile, with a massive 22.7 kg warhead. The Firestreak is a very early air-to-air missile design; It was Britain's first operational heat seeking missile. It has slightly better manoeuvrability than other early heat seeking missiles, and a much larger warhead, and is otherwise comparable in terms of speed and range.

=== Effective damage ===


The Firestreak has a massive 22.7 kg warhead, one of the highest of any air-to-air missile in the game, making it capable of outright destroying any target it gets a direct hit on. The warhead has a larger proximity fuse setting than other heat seeking missiles (10 m as opposed to the more standard 5 m), this helps slightly offset the missiles poor manoeuvrability as any aircraft caught in the proximity fuse range is likely to suffer critical damage due to the large explosive mass.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


The Firestreak has a warhead of 22.7 kilograms explosive mass, more than four times the payload of the [[AIM-9B]], which only contains 4.5 kilograms of explosives. It is also slightly more manoeuvrable than the AIM-9B with a 15 G max overload compared to the AIM-9B's 10 G. Unlike other contemporary IR missiles, it also features the ability to slave to radar, which it shares with its cousin, the [[Red Top]].

== Usage in battles ==


This missile is not agile. Do not use them on targets that are manoeuvrable as they will easily evade it. Instead, use them on bombers or aircraft which have no energy left to manoeuvre as it will be more difficult for them to evade the missile.

As this missile seeks infrared radiation (IR), be aware of locking onto other sources of heat which can throw the missile off course such as other teammates, flares and of course, the sun.

The missile's IR seeker head can be slaved to radar. What this means is that once a pilot establishes a radar lock and activate the missile's seeker, the seeker head will search for heat signatures on the location of your radar lock, rather than directly ahead of it. This is very useful, because the missiles have poor G-limits for launching, meaning a pilot needs to maintain an almost straight course to launch the Firestreak. Slaving to radar allows a pilot to automatically "lead" the missile seeker within its range of motion, similar to what can be done with the [[AIM-9G]] and other later missiles after acquiring an IR lock, and can be used to launch missiles from oblique angles.

Like other air-to-air missiles, the Firestreak performs best at altitude where there is less drag from the reduced air concentration, allowing it to maintain the speed it gets from its initial burn time.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has the second largest warhead of any air to air missile
* The IR seeker has a fairly wide field of view when slaved to the Javelin, Lightning, or Sea Vixen's radar
* Highly receptive proximity fuse
* 15G overload

'''Cons:'''

* Slightly lower velocity than other missiles
* Poor launch G-limits

== History ==

De Havilland's '''Firestreak''' was the first British infrared guided missile to enter service, arming the [[Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9|Gloster Javelin]], [[Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2|de Havilland Sea Vixen]], and, later, the [[Lightning F.6|English Electric Lightning]].

Development was the result of a somewhat confused post-war process that started in 1945 with a very ambitious design known as "Red Hawk". When this proved too complicated, a simpler system known as "Blue Sky" was proposed in 1949 and eventually emerged in 1956 as [[Fireflash]]. Shortly after Fireflash development started, advances in infrared guidance suggested a new look at the original Red Hawk concept, and eventually a specification emerged as "Blue Jay".

Blue Jay began development in November 1951. Many of the technologies were entirely new, and development took considerable time. One significant issue was the size and power requirements of the tube-based electronics, which took up much of the forward quarter of the missile body. This left no room for the warhead, which had to be moved to the rear of the missile, thereby taking up the area that would normally be used for the control fin actuators. These were instead placed in the electronics section, operating the rear-mounted fins using long pushrods. To further complicate it, the power for the actuators were air bottles in the tail. The layout was quite complicated.

The first launches took place in 1955, and it entered service with the RAF in 1957 and the Royal Navy in 1958. Designed specifically for use against bombers and other large targets, it was not particularly manoeuvrable and its overall performance was less than that of the AIM-9 Sidewinder that had entered US service the previous year. It made up for this somewhat with the use of a very large warhead, well over double the weight of Sidewinder's.

Several minor modifications to the basic design were suggested but not implemented. These eventually led to a much more capable upgrade, the [[Red Top|Hawker Siddeley Red Top]].

== 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 ==


* [[Wikipedia:De_Havilland_Firestreak|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> de Havilland Firestreak]]

{{Missiles}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

S.M.79 serie 8

2021-10-10T00:36:09Z

U96777718:

{{About
| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = S.M.79 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=sm_79_1939_italy
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], though a [[S.M.79_serie_8_(Germany)|variant]] existed in the [[:Category:Germany_aircraft|German aircraft tech tree]] prior to the update. The only readily apparent difference between the serie 8 and the [[S.M.79 serie 1]] is the ability to activate WEP, as well as an improved dorsal turret allowing for a slightly higher vertical firing arc.

== 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 4,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 414 || 400 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.7 || 33.6 || 4.2 || 4.1 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 447 || 430 || 30.7 || 31.6 || 7.9 || 5.9
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 313 || 298 || 220 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 270 || < 270 || > 290
|-
|}

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


* No armour protection
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (4 in each wing, 1 in the fuselage)

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

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal-mounted (350 rpg)

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}

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

* 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
* 12 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (1,200 kg total)
* 5 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,250 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Lewis (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (485 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The S.M.79 serie 8 is an interesting aircraft to fly - it has a decent amount of survivability and defensive armament, but carries less bombs than its peers.

'''Air battles:'''

In air battles, the S.M.79 should be used as a traditional base bomber - it is decent at this role, being able to take out at least one base using its bomb load. At the start of the map, run straight for the bases. There is no need to climb, as most fighters at this BR will struggle to climb to the S.M.79's altitude. When arriving at the base, switch to the bomb sight and drop your bomb load - the 250 kg bombs are the most effective against bases, as three will be enough for a base. The 500 kg bombs cannot always kill a base in one shot, meaning that the 250 kg bombs are usually the better option. Once you've dropped your load, head back to base and grab some more; the S.M.79 is very ineffective without its payload.

In the case that you are being pursued by an enemy fighter, do not fear! The S.M.79 has a decent defensive armament for its BR. You have access to two 12.7 mm Breda machine guns, one dorsal and one ventral, as well as two beam-mounted 7.7 mm Lewis guns. The 12.7 mm guns are quite effective and can easily take out an engine or pilot-snipe. Thus, when being pursued, bait the enemy onto your six, and fire at them with the Breda guns. Don't attempt to outmanoeuvre any fighters - it will never happen, given the S.M.79's poor manoeuvrability. As well, the S.M.79 is quite fast for a bomber and can even outrun some fighters! When being shot at, diving away is another great option.

'''Ground battles:'''

The S.M.79 is a great early ground-pounder for ground battles, being equipped with a large amount of bombs. In this playstyle, the GP 500 bombs are by far the most effective, as they pack a large amount of explosives and can easily take out a cluster of tanks at a choke point - a capture point, for example. When attacking, approach low (don't forget to set a bomb fuse delay), drop, and pull out. As well, beware of any enemy SPAAs as they can tear the S.M.79's fuselage apart - thus, staying low when flying back to base is a good option, as it keeps the S.M.79 out of the range of enemy SPAAs. Against enemy fighters, use the tactics listed above - the S.M.79 is quite effective at its BR in terms of defensive armament.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Hard-hitting 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT defensive machine guns.
* Pilot-controlled fixed forward-firing 12.7 mm Breda, which can be equipped with IAI (explosive) ammunition.
* Good speed.
* Middle engine provides some level of protection for the pilot against head-on attacks.
* Capable of carrying 500 kg bombs, unlike the [[He 111 H-3]] or [[Do 17 Z-2]].

'''Cons:'''

* Very limited bomb payload compared to the He 111 H-3 which has 1,250 kg max.
* Poor defensive fire arcs, including a dead-zone in the rear where neither of the rearward facing 12.7 mm machine guns can cover.
* No frontal defensive gun covering the frontal aspect.
* Lacks armour protection for the crew.
* Forced to choose between less total bomb payload, but individually more powerful bombs or higher total bomb payload with less powerful bombs.

== History ==

Alessandro Marchettí was famous for creating record breaking and Schneider Trophy winning racing seaplanes, and was the Savoia (aka SIAI, Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia). In 1922 Marchettí joined Savoia to form one of the great aircraft companies in history, until merged in 1983. After the conclusion of the Schneider Trophy race (won by UK), the firm used its experience to build fast aircraft for civilian and military use.

You probably saw the very similar looking Italian SM.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73. The SM.79 was new passenger version based on the planform of its predecessor; the most obvious difference was retractable landing gear. It was truly made first as a passenger version to compete with those being made by other countries. Needless to say, it immediately attracted attention of the Regina Italia and a bomber version was developed in parallel. For a few brief months it was considered the best transport and bomber in world and became a major point of pride in Fascist Italy and was sold to several countries in the years before WW2.

Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel a wood! The fuselage was a common for time welded steel tube design, with entire rear half being covered in cloth and plywood. The crew area to nose was duralumin-clad (which is very similar to Hawker Hurricane's construction). Most surprising the wings are completely wood! A major technical achievement for its size. During its production life several engines where tried, depending on power and reliability, one model even removing the nose engine.

To make the SM.79 fast the wings are shorter than typical for its weight. To compensate for higher clean stall speed a number of advanced high lift devices were used to reduce stall speed for landing, being Handley-Page leading extending slats and drooping ailerons (also called "flaperons") in conjunction with uncommon slotted flaps. After trying a few engines, the Alfa Romeo 126 was used on the prototypes for testing and the record breaking flights soon after. As with the SM.73/S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.

'''Sparviero goes to war'''

The spacious cabin was easy to install a set of bomb racks, all bombs mounted vertically (not unusual for time). While the S.81 had the bomb aimers position just behind the nose mounted engine, the SM.79 positioned it in a ventral "tub" well after of the bomb bay itself. Also unlike the S.81 this streamlined tub also became the location of the ventral defensive gun, usually a 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT MG instead of a turret. A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7 mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7 mm MG, firing above the propeller disk. Both these streamlined protrusions could be closed to greatly minimize drag for a very high cruise speed, which the turreted S.81 could not. It was the prominent hump on its top that earned the nickname il gobbo maledetto ("damned hunchback"). Italy was open to export sales, and many countries purchased this top of line bomber to add to their forces.

From the high of the Spanish Civil War to the end of WW2, the Sparviero was the backbone of Italian bomber air forces and continued to do well over the vast stretches of the Mediterranean sea despite better allied defences. Success was made despite high losses up to the Italian Armistice. They continued to be used in lesser roles on both sides of the conflict, and after the war were used for various duties by several nations for years later. Lebanon was the last operator who used them well into the 1950s and are the last 2 remaining SM.79 in world.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sm_79_1939_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


* {{Specs-Link|sm_79_1939}} - Exact same variant of aircraft in the German tech tree

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/428095-sm79-sparviero-serie-8-1939/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer SM}}
{{Italy bombers}}

S.M.79 serie 8

2021-10-09T15:29:00Z

U96777718: Added difference between serie 1 and 8 - at least what I could discern.

{{About
| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = S.M.79 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=sm_79_1939_italy
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]], though a [[S.M.79_serie_8_(Germany)|variant]] existed in the [[:Category:Germany_aircraft|German aircraft tech tree]] prior to the update. The only readily apparent difference between the serie 8 and the [[S.M.79 serie 1]] is the improved dorsal turret construction, allowing for a slightly higher vertical firing arc.

== 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 4,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 414 || 400 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.7 || 33.6 || 4.2 || 4.1 || rowspan="2" | 450
|-
! Upgraded
| 447 || 430 || 30.7 || 31.6 || 7.9 || 5.9
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 313 || 298 || 220 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 260 || < 270 || < 270 || > 290
|-
|}

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


* No armour protection
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (4 in each wing, 1 in the fuselage)

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

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal-mounted (350 rpg)

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

{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100T (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)}}

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

* 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
* 12 x 100 kg GP 100T bombs (1,200 kg total)
* 5 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,250 kg total)
* 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)

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

{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Lewis (7.7 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Lewis machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (485 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The S.M.79 serie 8 is an interesting aircraft to fly - it has a decent amount of survivability and defensive armament, but carries less bombs than its peers.

'''Air battles:'''

In air battles, the S.M.79 should be used as a traditional base bomber - it is decent at this role, being able to take out at least one base using its bomb load. At the start of the map, run straight for the bases. There is no need to climb, as most fighters at this BR will struggle to climb to the S.M.79's altitude. When arriving at the base, switch to the bomb sight and drop your bomb load - the 250 kg bombs are the most effective against bases, as three will be enough for a base. The 500 kg bombs cannot always kill a base in one shot, meaning that the 250 kg bombs are usually the better option. Once you've dropped your load, head back to base and grab some more; the S.M.79 is very ineffective without its payload.

In the case that you are being pursued by an enemy fighter, do not fear! The S.M.79 has a decent defensive armament for its BR. You have access to two 12.7 mm Breda machine guns, one dorsal and one ventral, as well as two beam-mounted 7.7 mm Lewis guns. The 12.7 mm guns are quite effective and can easily take out an engine or pilot-snipe. Thus, when being pursued, bait the enemy onto your six, and fire at them with the Breda guns. Don't attempt to outmanoeuvre any fighters - it will never happen, given the S.M.79's poor manoeuvrability. As well, the S.M.79 is quite fast for a bomber and can even outrun some fighters! When being shot at, diving away is another great option.

'''Ground battles:'''

The S.M.79 is a great early ground-pounder for ground battles, being equipped with a large amount of bombs. In this playstyle, the GP 500 bombs are by far the most effective, as they pack a large amount of explosives and can easily take out a cluster of tanks at a choke point - a capture point, for example. When attacking, approach low (don't forget to set a bomb fuse delay!), drop, and pull out. As well, beware of any enemy SPAAs as they can tear the S.M.79's fuselage apart - thus, staying low when flying back to base is a good option, as it keeps the S.M.79 out of the range of enemy SPAAs. Against enemy fighters, use the tactics listed above - the S.M.79 is quite effective at its BR in terms of defensive armament.

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Hard-hitting 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT defensive machine guns.
* Pilot-controlled fixed forward-firing 12.7 mm Breda, which can be equipped with IAI (explosive) ammunition.
* Good speed.
* Middle engine provides some level of protection for the pilot against head-on attacks.
* Capable of carrying 500 kg bombs, unlike the [[He 111 H-3]] or [[Do 17 Z-2]].

'''Cons:'''

* Very limited bomb payload compared to the He 111 H-3 which has 1,250 kg max.
* Poor defensive fire arcs, including a dead-zone in the rear where neither of the rearward facing 12.7 mm machine guns can cover.
* No frontal defensive gun covering the frontal aspect.
* Lacks armour protection for the crew.
* Forced to choose between less total bomb payload, but individually more powerful bombs or higher total bomb payload with less powerful bombs.

== History ==

Alessandro Marchettí was famous for creating record breaking and Schneider Trophy winning racing seaplanes, and was the Savoia (aka SIAI, Società Idrovolanti Alta Italia). In 1922 Marchettí joined Savoia to form one of the great aircraft companies in history, until merged in 1983. After the conclusion of the Schneider Trophy race (won by UK), the firm used its experience to build fast aircraft for civilian and military use.

You probably saw the very similar looking Italian SM.81 in game, which was a militarized version of the successful S.73. The SM.79 was new passenger version based on the planform of its predecessor; the most obvious difference was retractable landing gear. It was truly made first as a passenger version to compete with those being made by other countries. Needless to say, it immediately attracted attention of the Regina Italia and a bomber version was developed in parallel. For a few brief months it was considered the best transport and bomber in world and became a major point of pride in Fascist Italy and was sold to several countries in the years before WW2.

Unlike nearly every bomber in War Thunder (and even in WW2), it was built mainly of steel a wood! The fuselage was a common for time welded steel tube design, with entire rear half being covered in cloth and plywood. The crew area to nose was duralumin-clad (which is very similar to Hawker Hurricane's construction). Most surprising the wings are completely wood! A major technical achievement for its size. During its production life several engines where tried, depending on power and reliability, one model even removing the nose engine.

To make the SM.79 fast the wings are shorter than typical for its weight. To compensate for higher clean stall speed a number of advanced high lift devices were used to reduce stall speed for landing, being Handley-Page leading extending slats and drooping ailerons (also called "flaperons") in conjunction with uncommon slotted flaps. After trying a few engines, the Alfa Romeo 126 was used on the prototypes for testing and the record breaking flights soon after. As with the SM.73/S.81, once again the Italian military wanted a bomber version and laid out proposed additions.

'''Sparviero goes to war'''

The spacious cabin was easy to install a set of bomb racks, all bombs mounted vertically (not unusual for time). While the S.81 had the bomb aimers position just behind the nose mounted engine, the SM.79 positioned it in a ventral "tub" well after of the bomb bay itself. Also unlike the S.81 this streamlined tub also became the location of the ventral defensive gun, usually a 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT MG instead of a turret. A streamlined dorsal mount was also installed for a rear firing 12.7 mm MG, and unusually for bombers a fixed, pilot fired forward mounted 12.7 mm MG, firing above the propeller disk. Both these streamlined protrusions could be closed to greatly minimize drag for a very high cruise speed, which the turreted S.81 could not. It was the prominent hump on its top that earned the nickname il gobbo maledetto ("damned hunchback"). Italy was open to export sales, and many countries purchased this top of line bomber to add to their forces.

From the high of the Spanish Civil War to the end of WW2, the Sparviero was the backbone of Italian bomber air forces and continued to do well over the vast stretches of the Mediterranean sea despite better allied defences. Success was made despite high losses up to the Italian Armistice. They continued to be used in lesser roles on both sides of the conflict, and after the war were used for various duties by several nations for years later. Lebanon was the last operator who used them well into the 1950s and are the last 2 remaining SM.79 in world.

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

== See also ==


* [[S.M.79_serie_8_(Germany)|▀S.M.79 serie 8]] - Variant of aircraft in the German tech tree (now hidden)

;<nowiki>Other S.M.79 aircraft:</nowiki>

* [[S.M.79 serie 1]]
* [[S.M.79 AS]]
* [[S.M.79 bis/T.M]]
* [[S.M.79 B]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/428095-sm79-sparviero-serie-8-1939/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer SM}}
{{Italy bombers}}

Ferdinand

2021-08-03T16:59:45Z

U96777718: Added ammunition tip

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

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during the Closed Beta Test for Ground Forces before Update 1.41.

A formidable armoured tank destroyer design, the Ferdinand can withstand most frontal shots when faced from a long distance, yet deliver a devastating attack with its 88 mm cannon.

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

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides (Slope angle) !! Rear (Slope angle) !! Roof (Slope angle)
|-
| Hull || 100 + 100 mm (6°) ''Front plate'' 80 mm (85°), 100 + 100 mm (35°) ''Front glacis'' 80, 100 mm (38-39°) ''Lower glacis'' || 80 mm || 80 mm (7-43°) ''Top'' 80 mm (5-62°) ''Bottom'' || 20 mm ''Hull roof'' 80 mm ''Engine deck''
|-
| Superstructure || 200 mm (20°) ''Casemate front'' 60 + 80 + 200 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 85 mm (28-29°) || 80 mm (20°) || 30 mm (87°)
|-
|}
'''Notes:'''

* Suspension wheels are 25 mm thick and tracks are 30 mm thick.
* The hull roof is some part 20 mm thick in areas while it is 80 mm thick more in the center area.
* Belly armour is 20 mm thick.
* Hull underside right above tracks are 25 mm thick.
* 30 mm RHA plates separate the engine compartment from the front and rear crew compartments.
* A 30 mm RHA plate separates the driver and assistant driver.

The Ferdinand's front armour is superb with 100 + 100 mm on the largest spots, the front hull and casemate structure. However, these armour plates are not very angled so if in possession of a gun able to penetrate 200+ mm, there's a high chance it will penetrate Ferdinand's front.

If not, there are certain weak points in the front that could be used. The first are the side cheeks on the front hull, next to the 200 mm cumulative plates. These are only 80 mm thick and is angled so that they are ~120 mm effectiveness from the front. The lower glacis is also another 80 mm that provides ~120 mm effectiveness at their angle. These two points are nice weak points for weaker guns and other 88 mm guns.

The vehicle's *long* profile on the sides make it a very enticing target from a long distance. So it is very possible to flank the tank destroyer from its position and hit the tall casemate structure. With all the ammunition and 4/6 of the crew in there, there's a very good chance of crippling Ferdinand's fighting capabilities or igniting one of the ammunition racks.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=753|rbMinHp=469}}

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

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

{{main|PaK43 (88 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[PaK43 (88 mm)|88 mm PaK43]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 50 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+14° || rowspan="2" | ±14° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 7.0 || 9.8 || 11.8 || 13.1 || 13.9 || rowspan="2" | 8.71 || rowspan="2" | 7.70 || rowspan="2" | 7.10 || rowspan="2" | 6.70
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 4.8 || 5.6 || 6.8 || 7.5 || 8.0
|-
|}

==== 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
|-
| PzGr 39/43 || APCBC || 237 || 234 || 222 || 207 || 194 || 181
|-
| PzGr 40/43 || APCR || 279 || 273 || 252 || 227 || 205 || 185
|-
| Hl.Gr 39 || HEAT || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110 || 110
|-
| Sprgr.43 || HE || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14 || 14
|-
|}
{| 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%
|-
| PzGr 39/43 || APCBC || 1,000 || 10.16 || 1.2 || 14 || 108.8 || 48° || 63° || 71°
|-
| PzGr 40/43 || APCR || 1,130 || 7.3 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
|-
| Hl.Gr 39 || HEAT || 600 || 7.64 || 0 || 0.3 || 1,100 || 62° || 69° || 73°
|-
| Sprgr.43 || HE || 820 || 9.4 || 0 || 0.1 || 1,000 || 79° || 80° || 81°
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! 2nd rack empty
! 3rd rack empty
! 4th rack empty
! 5th rack empty
! 6th rack empty
! 7th rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''50''' || 48 ''(+2)'' || 42 ''(+8)'' || 33 ''(+17)'' || 30 ''(+20)'' || 24 ''(+26)'' || 15 ''(+35)'' || 1 ''(+49)'' || No
|-
|}
Right side empty: 33 (+17)

== Usage in battles ==


The Ferdinand's natural role is as a long-range sniper thanks to its excellent firing range and frontal armour of more than 200 mm. Due to the frontal armour, this tank destroyer should always face the enemy to make use of it. Even though the Ferdinand is a heavy tank destroyer, it can rapidly drive backwards, which allows it to reposition more quickly than Red Army TD's like the SU-152 and ISU-152.

In a team, the Ferdinand acts as a heavy sniper, taking out enemies from afar while being almost immune to any tank shells. However, don't get too close to front-lines, since an enemy tank could slip through and flank the Ferdinand, which would put it in real danger.

Another possibility is as a front line brawler once most of the enemies have been cleared out. While it is not recommended, with flanking support of allies, the Ferdinand can venture further into enemy lines and take out everything that comes your way, but still watching for light tanks that will try to exploit the limited gun traverse to hit from the sides.

The most dangerous enemies of the Ferdinand are medium tanks and light tanks which can slip behind the Ferdinand since the back armour is weak. The Ferdinand has bad manoeuvrability and turning around is very slow.

IS-2 heavy tanks are a real threat to Ferdinand, as well as TD's of the same rank when firing sideways. Always face your armour frontally and take cover when possible.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* The armour is 200 mm thick on the front of the tank very few tanks can penetrate it
* Powerful 88 mm Pak gun with two loaders makes it able to destroy multiple targets in a short time
* Has the unique advantage of having its main gun mounted higher than other tank destroyers, can shoot over obstacles when others can't and can exploit tall hull-down positions
* Thanks to the transmission, Ferdinand can go backward as fast as it can go forward
* The transmission is rear-mounted, meaning a frontal penetration could still leave the tank in mobile condition
* Good natural steering
* Good optics for sniping
* 6 crew members make it difficult for opponents to knock it out
* Comes with a bicolor camouflage

'''Cons:'''

* The tank loses speed and momentum when turning
* The hull's thin cheek armour's effectiveness decreases when angling
* Lower glacis is vulnerable to enemy fire
* The front armour is not angled
* Slow due to its heavy weight
* Doesn't like hills and other obstacles
* Flat surface on top of tank underneath the gun is vulnerable if an enemy is above you
* Less effective in urban combat maps (easily outflanked)

== History ==

===Development===
During the program to create what will end up being the [[Tiger H1|Tiger I]] tanks, Henschel and Porsche competed against each other for the contract to build the tanks. Porsche further developed their pre-existing 45 ton prototype, the [[VK 45.01 (P)]], while Henschel adapted their 36 ton prototype (VK 3601 H) to create the VK 4501 H. Henschel won the contract, but Porsche was extremely confident that their design would win that around 100 of the VK 4501 P chassis were already constructed. Since the design lost, it was determined to use the chassis for the basis of a new vehicle, namely a tank destroyer to mount the new and formidable [[PaK 43 (88 mm)|88mm Pak 43 anti-tank gun]]. These new tank destroyers were then called the '''Ferdinand''', after its designer Ferdinand Porsche.

The Ferdinand was a formidable tank destroyer design. Changes from the original VK 4501 P chassis was the movement of the engine towards the centre rather than the rear. The armour bolted onto the front plate gave the Ferdinand an armour thickness of 200 mm. Plus, with the 88mm Pak 43 on a fixed casemate design, it could knock out any allied tanks before they could enter effective ranges against the Ferdinand. 91 of the VK 4501 P chassis were converted into the Ferdinand. The design was not without its flaw though, mostly concerned with the heavy weight of 65 tons and an unreliable engine with the gasoline-electric drive system. Two Maybach 12 cylinder HL120 TRM engines with 265 hp constant power output drove 2 generators which powered 2 Siemens-Schuckert electric motors with 230 kW power output. This resulted in a top speed of only 20 kph and a very low operational range of only 150 km. Other lesser drawbacks were the lack of all-around vision ports and machine guns, which would be later addressed due to combat experience. Nevertheless, the engine and weight drawbacks would plague the Ferdinand design throughout its service life.

===Combat usage===
The Ferdinand's combat debut was in the Battle of Kursk, with 89 vehicles available. The Ferdinand was optimized for destroying Soviet tanks at long ranges (over 3 miles or 5 km) with it's 88 mm Pak 43/2 L/71 gun. The Ferdinand's flaws came to light during their movement; after advancing through Soviet defence lines, the Soviet infantry quickly recognized that it lacked peripheral vision blocks, a rotating turret (like most World War II tank destroyers for Germany) and the Ferdinand didn't even have a machine gun for anti-infantry purposes. Soviet infantry could hide in their trenches until the ''Ferdinand'' advanced the lines, then take out the vehicle with grenades and Molotov cocktails. Heinz Guderian remarked that Ferdinand's anti-infantry capabilities were essential "quail shooting with cannons".

Though the Ferdinand has great armour and firepower, most of the knocked out Ferdinands were due to anti-tank mines and mechanical failure. Damages to tracks forced the tank crew to exit the vehicle and repair it, and the 65-ton weight of the vehicle made armour recovery a nightmarish job, requiring five Bergepanzer IV ([[Pz.IV G|Panzer IV]] armour recovery vehicle) to tow one from the front lines. More Ferdinands were destroyed by their own crew to prevent capture than to combat losses due to the inability to easily recover these vehicles in a defensive war where German territory is gradually lost to the Soviets. Despite these drawbacks, the Ferdinands were much feared among the Soviet tankers, as the Ferdinand produced horrific losses among the Soviet armour corps. During the Battle of Kursk, the 653rd Heavy Tank Battalion claimed to have knocked out 320 enemy tanks, with the loss of 13 Ferdinands.

After Kursk, all surviving Ferdinands were recalled in September 1943 to be modified, which fixed most of the previous flaws. 48 of the 50 survivors were modified with a hull-mounted machine gun, a commander's cupola, and anti-magnetic ''Zimmerit'' paste to counter Soviet magnetic mines. The armour and track width of the vehicle was also enlarged and brought Ferdinand's 65 tons weight up to 70 tons. These modified vehicles are designated the '''Elefant'''. One of the Ferdinands unable to be converted to an Elefant due to battle damages began to be converted into a ''Rammpanzer Tiger'' or ''Rammtiger'' which was to be a breakthrough vehicle, though there is no evidence that it was completed or saw service. The Elefants then served in the Italian front against the Western Allies, but its heavyweight impeded its mobility on the rough terrain and the use of bridges and roads. After Italy, the Elefants didn't see much use due to the low quantity. One company of Elefants saw action during the Soviet's January 1945 Vistula-Oder offensive in Poland, and the last few surviving vehicles were in combat at Zossen during the Battle of Berlin. The Ferdinand may have been the most successful tank destroyer employed during the entire war in terms of claimed kills per loss, reaching an average ratio of approximately 10:1. This ratio could be given thanks to the armour and firepower of the tank destroyer, but in terms of operational capabilities the poor mobility, mechanical unreliability, and low quantity of these vehicles meant it had little impact in the overall strategic effect in the war.

===Survivors===
Today, two of these tank destroyers are left in intact conditions today. One Ferdinand was captured by the Soviets at Kursk and is now in display at the Kubinka Tank Museum. Another one, an Elefant, was captured by the Americans at Anzio, Italy. It was displayed at the US Army Ordnance Museum at Fort Lee, Virginia for many years and was restored to display condition in 2007. Currently, it is being loaned to the Bovington Tank Museum and is in the new exhibit "Tiger Collection".<ref name="FerdinandTankMuseum">The Tank Museum. "THE TIGER COLLECTION – THE TANKS, THE TERROR & THE TRUTH." Tank Museum. N.p., 02 Nov. 2016. Web. 04 Nov. 2016. [https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224112/https://www.tankmuseum.org//year-news/bovnews53673 Web Archive].</ref>

=== In-game description ===
The Ferdinand self-propelled artillery gun was developed in 1942 to 1943 from the experimental VK 4501 (P) tank, which was developed by Porsche but never entered military service. In 1943, the company Alkett built 90 of these guns.

The gun's layout was quite unusual, with the crew compartment placed at the rear of the spacious cabin. The driver and radio operator were located in the front part of the cabin, and a direct connection between this compartment and the crew compartment was impossible due to heat-resistant metal partitions installed between the two compartments, where the engine and other equipment were located.

The Ferdinand was equipped with an 88 mm rifled 8,8 cm Stuk 43 gun with a long 71 caliber barrel. This gun was specially adapted to be mounted on the PaK 43 self-propelled anti-tank gun. The gun had excellent ballistics and at the time of its release was the strongest weapon available for tanks and self-propelled guns. Even until the end of the war, it could easily hit all types of armored vehicles. The vehicle's frontal armor had a thickness of 200 mm. Its total weight was 68 tons.

The self-propelled gun saw its first combat operation at the Kursk Bulge, as a part of the 653rd and 654th tank destroyer divisions. From July to November 1943, these divisions destroyed 582 Soviet tanks, losing 43 of their own vehicles in the process.

Serious shortcomings of this tank destroyed included its lack of machine guns for defense against infantry attacks, low speed and maneuverability, and low maximum range.

However, the German military valued the controllability and survivability of the vehicle's engine and transmission. A suspension with longitudinal torsion bars was much easier to maintain and repair when compared to a staggered torsion bar suspension, but it was very difficult to manufacture and less reliable in the field.

== Media ==


;Skins

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

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|ExA9b4wexHE|'''The Shooting Range #249''' - ''Round Study'' section at 09:02 discusses how to penetrate the {{PAGENAME}}.|xF4-TcnyWw0|'''Best tank destroyers''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:53 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|uhokdRjOXpg|'''{{PAGENAME}} Tank Review''' - ''NUSensei''|FOAlC7KNfEc|'''Ferdinand: The Bastard Tiger''' - ''Military History Visualized''}}

== 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/2769--en|[Historical] Paper Giants - the heavy tanks of Ferdinand Porsche]]
* [[wt:en/news/814--en|[Special] Ferdinand Porsche and his Tank Destroyer]]
* [[Wikipedia:Elefant|[Wikipedia] Elefant]]

=== References ===
<references />

{{Germany tank destroyers}}

Triplex R.P.

2021-07-23T18:40:04Z

U96777718: Updated details about the Red Angel and Uncle Tom rockets

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage Triplex R.P.png|thumb|left|420px|The Triplex R.P. rocket (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The Triplex R.P. is an unguided, high-explosive rocket developed by the British in the mid to late 1940s. It is a development of the ubiquitous [[RP-3]] rocket. It was first added in the [[Update "Starfighters"|Update 1.99 "Starfighters"]] and is only available for use on a single vehicle, the Hawker Sea Fury.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|sea_fury_fb11}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Triplex R.P. Characteristics
|-
|'''Mass'''
|136 kg
|-
|'''Maximum Speed'''
|245 m/s
|-
|'''Explosive Mass'''
|12.7 kg
|-
|'''Explosive Type'''
|TNT
|-
|'''TNT Equivalent'''
|12.7 kg
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="4" |Armor Penetration:
|-
!
! colspan="3" |At Angle:
|-
!Distance:
!0°
!30°
!60°
|-
|10 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|100 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1,000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1,500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|2,000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|}

The Triplex R.P. is an assembly of three RP-3 engines clamped together behind an explosive warhead, with three larger fins replacing the four typically found on each RP-3. The whole rocket weighs 136 kg. Its engines propel the rocket and its 12.7 kg TNT payload at a maximum speed of 245 m/s. The Sea Fury can carry four of these rockets at a time. They are fired individually, with the order being outer left, outer right, inner left, inner right. This is important to remember for rockets, since the position on the wing will affect the trajectory. The Triplex rockets are powerful tank-busters and can easily destroy ground targets in Air Battle as well.

=== Effective damage ===


The Triplex carries a Semi-Armour Piercing (SAP) warhead (similar to the RP-3) with 12.7 kg of explosive filler. The high explosive power on its own can penetrate an astounding 66 mm of armor at any range and angle. This makes it an extremely potent anti-tank weapon, and the sheer size of the warhead will help ensure tank knock-outs that an ordinary RP-3 might not be able to achieve.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[S-21]] - The Triplex outperforms the S-21 in explosive mass, and has 66 mm of penetration versus the S-21's 62 mm. However, the S-21 has a significantly higher velocity of 385 m/s versus the 245 m/s of the Triplex.
* [[Uncle Tom]] - The Uncle Tom rocket is similar to the Triplex. It flies at the same 245 m/s velocity. However, the Uncle Tom has around 50 kg of explosive mass compared to the 12.7 kg of the Triplex. The other significant differences include its weight and what vehicles it can be used on.
* [[Red Angel]] - The Red Angel currently has exactly the same statistics as the Uncle Tom rocket in-game. The difference is the aircraft it is mounted on: the Red Angel is exclusive to the [[Wyvern S4]].

== Usage in battles ==


The Triplex is a devastating rocket capable of destroying hard targets up to pillboxes in Air Battle. In Ground Battles, a well-aimed Triplex rocket will shred through the roof of any tank the Sea Fury can encounter at its BR. The explosive power of the Triplex can penetrate 66 mm of armor at any angle, allowing for more lenience in the angle of attack than other rockets like the RP-3. And, with almost 2.5x the explosive mass of the RP-3, you can safely expect the Triplex to inflict significant damage. While the explosive yield is strong, a direct hit on the weak points of an enemy tank is still required to ensure destruction.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* More lenient than the RP-3 rocket at angles, with a higher overall penetrating power than even the best conditions for the RP-3.
* Sizable explosive mass will inflict significant damage to targets regardless of whether the SAP warhead penetrated the armor.
* If the warhead does get through the armor, it is nigh-on guaranteed to destroy whatever it hits.
* More aerodynamic and lighter overall than the RP-3 loadout for the Sea Fury.
* Good aim will ensure consistent one-shot knock-outs against just about any opponent in the Sea Fury's BR bracket.

'''Cons:'''

* Carrying capacity of four can be low for players with less experience.
* Has even less velocity than the already sluggish RP-3.
* Like the RP-3, the warhead fuse is very sensitive.
* Restricted to be used on only one vehicle.

== History ==


The Triplex R.P.'s developmental history is largely obscure. What is known is that the rocket was developed, produced, and mounted on the Hawker Sea Fury sometime before the start of the Korean War. The Hawker promotional brochure for the Sea Fury mentions the rockets by name as the "Triplex R.P., 180 lb. (82 kg) head"<ref>''Sea Fury''. Hawker Aircraft ltd., 1947, p. 4.</ref>. During the Korean War, due to complications with carrier operation, the Sea Fury typically employed rockets in its ground strike missions<ref name=":0">Mackay, Ron. ''Hawker Sea Fury in Action''. Squadron/Signal Publications, 1992, pp. 14-15.</ref>. However, in late 1950 - early 1951, the British Admiralty issued an order that the Sea Fury's maximum rocket load while carrying drop tanks, which was most of the time during the conflict, would be reduced to only four rockets due to the harsh conditions of the Yellow Sea<ref name=":0" />. Presumably, the Triplex would be too heavy to be carried under these restrictions. If the Triplex saw use, it would have been limited at best.

== Media ==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Triplex R.P. WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P.
File:Triplex R.P., Uncle Tom, and Red Angel WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P. alongside Uncle Tom and Red Angel
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[Uncle Tom]]
* [[Red Angel]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6717-development-unguided-brits-en|[Devblog] Unguided Brits!]]
* [https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/experimental-6-rocket.5300/ [Secret Projects<nowiki>]</nowiki> Forum thread about the Triplex R.P.]

=== References ===
<references />

{{Rockets}}
[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Triplex R.P.

2021-07-23T18:35:15Z

U96777718:

== Description ==

[[File:WeaponImage Triplex R.P.png|thumb|left|420px|The Triplex R.P. rocket (scale is approximate)]]
{{Break}}
The Triplex R.P. is an unguided, high-explosive rocket developed by the British in the mid to late 1940s. It is a development of the ubiquitous [[RP-3]] rocket. It was first added in the [[Update "Starfighters"|Update 1.99 "Starfighters"]] and is only available for use on a single vehicle, the Hawker Sea Fury.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|sea_fury_fb11}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Triplex R.P. Characteristics
|-
|'''Mass'''
|136 kg
|-
|'''Maximum Speed'''
|245 m/s
|-
|'''Explosive Mass'''
|12.7 kg
|-
|'''Explosive Type'''
|TNT
|-
|'''TNT Equivalent'''
|12.7 kg
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="4" |Armor Penetration:
|-
!
! colspan="3" |At Angle:
|-
!Distance:
!0°
!30°
!60°
|-
|10 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|100 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1,000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1,500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|2,000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|}

The Triplex R.P. is an assembly of three RP-3 engines clamped together behind an explosive warhead, with three larger fins replacing the four typically found on each RP-3. The whole rocket weighs 136 kg. Its engines propel the rocket and its 12.7 kg TNT payload at a maximum speed of 245 m/s. The Sea Fury can carry four of these rockets at a time. They are fired individually, with the order being outer left, outer right, inner left, inner right. This is important to remember for rockets, since the position on the wing will affect the trajectory. The Triplex rockets are powerful tank-busters and can easily destroy ground targets in Air Battle as well.

=== Effective damage ===


The Triplex carries a Semi-Armour Piercing (SAP) warhead (similar to the RP-3) with 12.7 kg of explosive filler. The high explosive power on its own can penetrate an astounding 66 mm of armor at any range and angle. This makes it an extremely potent anti-tank weapon, and the sheer size of the warhead will help ensure tank knock-outs that an ordinary RP-3 might not be able to achieve.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[S-21]] - The Triplex outperforms the S-21 in explosive mass, and has 66 mm of penetration versus the S-21's 62 mm. However, the S-21 has a significantly higher velocity of 385 m/s versus the 245 m/s of the Triplex.
* [[Uncle Tom]] - In game, the Uncle Tom has slightly less explosive mass than the Triplex. It flies at the same 245 m/s velocity. The only significant differences currently are the weight of the Uncle Tom, which weighs just over 3.5x as much as the Triplex, and what vehicles it can be used on.
* [[Red Angel]] - The Red Angel is similar to the Uncle Tom rocket, however, it has less explosive mass and is exclusive to the [[Wyvern S4]].

== Usage in battles ==


The Triplex is a devastating rocket capable of destroying hard targets up to pillboxes in Air Battle. In Ground Battles, a well-aimed Triplex rocket will shred through the roof of any tank the Sea Fury can encounter at its BR. The explosive power of the Triplex can penetrate 66 mm of armor at any angle, allowing for more lenience in the angle of attack than other rockets like the RP-3. And, with almost 2.5x the explosive mass of the RP-3, you can safely expect the Triplex to inflict significant damage. While the explosive yield is strong, a direct hit on the weak points of an enemy tank is still required to ensure destruction.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* More lenient than the RP-3 rocket at angles, with a higher overall penetrating power than even the best conditions for the RP-3.
* Sizable explosive mass will inflict significant damage to targets regardless of whether the SAP warhead penetrated the armor.
* If the warhead does get through the armor, it is nigh-on guaranteed to destroy whatever it hits.
* More aerodynamic and lighter overall than the RP-3 loadout for the Sea Fury.
* Good aim will ensure consistent one-shot knock-outs against just about any opponent in the Sea Fury's BR bracket.

'''Cons:'''

* Carrying capacity of four can be low for players with less experience.
* Has even less velocity than the already sluggish RP-3.
* Like the RP-3, the warhead fuse is very sensitive.
* Restricted to be used on only one vehicle.

== History ==


The Triplex R.P.'s developmental history is largely obscure. What is known is that the rocket was developed, produced, and mounted on the Hawker Sea Fury sometime before the start of the Korean War. The Hawker promotional brochure for the Sea Fury mentions the rockets by name as the "Triplex R.P., 180 lb. (82 kg) head"<ref>''Sea Fury''. Hawker Aircraft ltd., 1947, p. 4.</ref>. During the Korean War, due to complications with carrier operation, the Sea Fury typically employed rockets in its ground strike missions<ref name=":0">Mackay, Ron. ''Hawker Sea Fury in Action''. Squadron/Signal Publications, 1992, pp. 14-15.</ref>. However, in late 1950 - early 1951, the British Admiralty issued an order that the Sea Fury's maximum rocket load while carrying drop tanks, which was most of the time during the conflict, would be reduced to only four rockets due to the harsh conditions of the Yellow Sea<ref name=":0" />. Presumably, the Triplex would be too heavy to be carried under these restrictions. If the Triplex saw use, it would have been limited at best.

== Media ==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Triplex R.P. WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P.
File:Triplex R.P., Uncle Tom, and Red Angel WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P. alongside Uncle Tom and Red Angel
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[Uncle Tom]]
* [[Red Angel]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6717-development-unguided-brits-en|[Devblog] Unguided Brits!]]
* [https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/experimental-6-rocket.5300/ [Secret Projects<nowiki>]</nowiki> Forum thread about the Triplex R.P.]

=== References ===
<references />

{{Rockets}}
[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

ZA-35

2021-05-26T20:07:07Z

U96777718:

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_rooikat_za_35
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ZA-35 Hangar.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].

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

The ZA-35 is based on the Rooikat armoured car chassis, and as such retains the low protection of the family. The most heavily armoured part of the vehicle is the central band in front of the driver. A 25 mm plate sloped at 77° will soak up lower power autocannon fire easily, but the same cannot be said for the 30 mm flat plate that protects the transmission and the driver's feet. Despite the light armour, the hull can survive even [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 cal machine guns]] from many angles. The same cannot be said about the turret. The ZA-35's turret armour is comprised of 10 mm rolled homogeneous armour plating on all sides. Two of the three crew members sit inside the turret, so one good high explosive hit will probably knock the vehicle out. The vehicle is very weak to attack from aircraft, so striking first is of paramount importance.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armour (hull, turret)
* Wheels (tires)

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25 mm (0°-28°) ''Driver's optic area'' 25 mm (77°) ''Upper front plate - Central band'' 30 mm (23°) ''Lower glacis - Central band'' 10 mm (23°-75°) ''Outer armour bands'' || 20 mm (25°) ''Top'' 25 mm (0°-63°) ''Bottom'' 10 mm ''Wheelhouse'' || 20 mm (0°-29°) ''Rear plate'' 10 mm ''Wheelhouse'' || 10-20 mm
|-
| Turret || 10 mm (0°-70°) ''Turret front'' 10 mm (0°-80°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 10 mm (0°-55°) || 10 mm (0°-76°) || 10 mm
|-
| Cupola || 10 mm || 10 mm || 10 mm || 10 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
* Gun racks (to the left and right of the lower front turret face) and the mast of the radar array are 10 mm thick structural steel.

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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=805|rbMinHp=501}}

Like the other members of the Rooikat family, one of the ZA-35's greatest strengths is its mobility. With the same chassis, engine, and overall weight as the [[Rooikat Mk.1D]], drivers can expect near identical performance. Some weaknesses include a large turn radius and poor torque on inclines.

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

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

{{main|GA-35 (35 mm)}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[GA-35 (35 mm)|35 mm GA-35]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 460 (230) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.25 || 109.69 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.71 || rowspan="2" | 1.3 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.0
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.55 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

The [[GA-35 (35 mm)]] autocannon is functionally identical to the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]] found on the [[Chieftain Marksman]], [[Gepard]], and [[Type 87]]. However, the GA-35 is unable to utilize the 35 mm APDS belts found on the vehicles mentioned. Despite this, at close range, the GA-35 can penetrate the sides of a majority of tanks found at the ZA-35's battle rating, including even the lower sides of Soviet medium tanks. The high rate of fire of the cannons can burn through the 460 rounds of ammunition in under half a minute of sustained fire, so firing in short bursts is generally ideal, as the restocking time at friendly captured points is quite long.

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM11A1:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''DM13:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Default || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
|-
| DM11A1 || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
|-
| DM13 || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''2''' || 0 ''(+2)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Radars ===
Unlike the Chieftain Marksman, the ZA-35 has an independent tracking unit and detection unit, which allows the vehicle to detect new targets even while locked on to another target. The ZA-35 utilizes an enormous EDR 110 tracking radar fitted on a mast which can extend up to 5 m into the air. The mast is foldable and the radar array will fold behind the turret. Instead of a tracking radar, the ZA-35 uses an electro-optical target tracking system, which uses visual line of sight from the gunner's sight in the front to track airborne targets. The tracking system does not enjoy the same height advantage as the detection radar, and the optical system will lose target tracking if any kind of obstruction is in the way for any significant length of time. However, the system will not trigger radar warning receivers since it uses passive tracking, nor will chaff defeat the lock-on.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="5" | EDR 110 - Target Detection Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range|The range, below which, a target cannot be detected}}
! {{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)}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum relative speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be detectable by the radar}}
|-
| 30,000 m || 500 m || 360° || -__°/+__° || __ m/s (__ km/h)
|-
! colspan="5" | Electro-Optical Target Tracking Radar
|-
! {{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
! {{Annotation|Minimum target speed|The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, in order to be tracked by the radar}}
|-
| _,___ m || __ m || ±__ || -__°/+__° || __ m/s (__ km/h)
|-
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The ZA-35's greatest strengths over its predecessor, the [[Chieftain Marksman]], are its vastly increased mobility and improved radar. The mobility of the vehicle allows players to control exactly when and where they want to engage ground or air targets.

Against air targets, the vehicle should be used as a traditional radar-guided SPAA system. Drivers may not want to advance too far in the thinly armored ZA-35, but it is near your teammates that you will be able to provide the best air cover. The ideal engagement distance for enemy planes tends to be around 1.5 km to 2 km. Waiting for enemy planes to close in can be dangerous but is ideal to ensure a successful attack. The system may struggle to track a low, fast target, so waiting to engage until too late is not ideal if the driver is relying on the tracking system.

Despite lacking the APDS belts of its contemporaries, the ZA-35 can also perform well against enemy ground targets. The 35 mm AP belts are best utilized at close range, where they can penetrate even the lower sides of Soviet medium tanks. Softer targets will be destroyed very quickly. The Rooikat chassis allows the ZA-35 to quickly move in and out of the battle zone and surprise enemies from the side or rear. The vehicle is not easy to hide, but lowering the radar mast will at least make it slightly harder to spot.

No matter what you are using it for, sitting still in this vehicle can prove fatal. With a two-plane gun stabilizer, the vehicle can reliably and accurately fire on the move. This is likely the best option, as the vehicle sitting still presents a huge target, even with the radar folded.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Search and track radar
* Rooikat chassis means good mobility
* Tall radar mast allows the ZA-35 to track air targets while behind cover
* Radar takes up minimal space in folded position, and quickly deploys or folds
* Optical tracking can track player sighted targets with radar disabled, or track a target while the radar continues to search for more targets

'''Cons:'''

* Super tall radar mast gives you away very quickly
* Track radar is electro-optical and can lose track very quickly when it's obstructed by objects such as trees
* No night vision devices
* No APDS belts like similar twin KDA platforms
* Turret is only 10 mm RHA with the commander and gunner sitting very close to each other, making .50 cals and even some 7.62 caliber MGs a death sentence.

== History ==

The ZA-35 was a South African self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) variant of the Rooikat armoured car and designed in the 1990s. It was developed by Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) and one prototype or possibly more was built before the project was cancelled. Had it entered production the ZA-35 would have served in a battery of three ZA-35 SPAAGs, one ZA-HVM surface-to-air missile launcher (also based on the Rooikat hull), and a local warning radar.<ref name=":0">http://www.military-today.com/artillery/za_35.htm</ref>

The hull was a standard Rooikat hull but the turret was a completely new design by LEW. It has a crew of 3 with the driver in the hull and the commander and gunner in the turret. The armament consisted of two 35 mm M-35 automatic guns produced by Lyttleton Engineering. The guns have a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute which is a 1,100 rpm combined rate of fire. Ammunition carried is of two types: HE-FRAG rounds for air targets and AP-I rounds for ground targets. A total of 920 rounds was carried in four belts of 230 rounds (two belts for each gun). The computerized fire control system (FCS) was linked to a fully stabilized gunner’s sight with an integrated laser rangefinder. An EDR 110 search and tracking radar was fitted for finding and tracking enemy aircraft, mounted on a mast that could be raised five meters in order to get the radar clear of obstacles low to the ground. The ZA-35 can effectively eliminate targets during both day and night conditions. The armour protects against small arms fire and shrapnel all around and 23 mm projectiles over the frontal arc. Propulsion is provided by a rear 563 horsepower engine, allowing the 34 tons vehicle to reach a speed of 120 km/h.<ref name=":0" /><ref>https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/South_Africa/Rooikat.php</ref>

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|anAu8xSE-Hs|'''The Shooting Range #246''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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 ==

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

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

=== References ===
<references />

{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

ZA-35

2021-05-26T06:37:39Z

U96777718: This is a large information addition. I will finish later.

{{Specs-Card
|code=uk_rooikat_za_35
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ZA-35 Hangar.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].

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

The ZA-35 is based on the Rooikat armored car chassis, and as such retains the low armor protection of other vehicles in the family. The most heavily armored part of the vehicle is the central armor band in front of the driver. A 25 mm plate sloped at 77° will soak up lower power autocannon fire easily, but the same cannot be said for the 30 mm flat plate that protects the transmission and the driver's feet. Despite the light armor, the hull can survive even American [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|.50 caliber machine guns]] from many angles. The same cannot be said about the turret. The ZA-35's turret armor is comprised of 10 mm rolled homogeneous armor plating on all sides. Two of the three crew members sit inside the turret, so one good high explosive hit will probably knock the vehicle out. The vehicle is very weak to attack from aircraft, so striking first is of paramount importance.

'''Armour type:'''

* Rolled homogeneous armor


{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
|-
| Hull || 25 mm (0°-28°) ''Driver's Optic Area''
25 mm (77°) ''Upper Front Plate'' ''- Central Band'' 30 mm (23°) ''Lower Glacis - Central Band''

10 mm (23°-75°) ''Outer Armor Bands''
| 20 mm (25°) ''Top'' 25 mm (0°-63°) ''Bottom''
10 mm (0°) ''Wheelhouse''
| 20 mm (0°-29°) ''Rear Plate''
10 mm (0°) ''Wheelhouse''
| 10 - 20 mm
|-
| Turret || 10 mm (0°-70°) ''Turret front'' 10 mm (0°-80°) ''Gun mantlet'' || 10 mm (0°-55°) || 10 mm (0°-76°) || 10 mm
|-
| Cupola || 10 mm (0°) || 10 mm (0°) || 10 mm (0°) || 10 mm
|-
|}

'''Notes:'''

* Wheels and torsion bars are 10 mm thick.
* Gun racks (to the left and right of the lower front turret face) and the mast of the radar array are 10 mm thick structural steel.


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


{{tankMobility|abMinHp=805|rbMinHp=501}}Like the other members of the Rooikat family, one of the ZA-35's greatest strengths is its mobility. With the same chassis, engine, and overall weight as the [[Rooikat Mk.1D]], drivers can expect near identical performance. Some weaknesses include a large turning radius and poor torque on inclines.

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

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

{{main|GA-35 (35 mm)}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! colspan="6" | [[GA-35 (35 mm)|35 mm GA-35]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
|-
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
|-
! ''Arcade''
| rowspan="2" | 460 (230) || rowspan="2" | 550 || rowspan="2" | -8°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 79.25 || 109.69 || 133.2 || 147.3 || 156.71 || rowspan="2" | 1.3 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.0
|-
! ''Realistic''
| 53.55 || 63.0 || 76.5 || 84.6 || 90.0
|-
|}

The [[GA-35 (35 mm)]] autocannon is functionally identical to the [[Oerlikon KDA (35 mm)]] found on the [[Chieftain Marksman]], [[Gepard]], and [[Type 87]]. However, the GA-35 is unable to utilize the 35 mm APDS belts found on the vehicles mentioned. Despite this, at close range, the GA-35 can penetrate the sides of a majority of tanks found at the ZA-35's battle rating, including even the lower sides of Soviet medium tanks. The high rate of fire of the cannons can burn through the 460 rounds of ammunition in under half a minute of sustained fire, so firing in short bursts is generally ideal, as the re-arm period at friendly capture points is quite long.

==== Ammunition ====

* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}
* '''DM11A1:''' {{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}
* '''DM13:''' {{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|API-T|Armour-piercing incendiary tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEI-T*|High-explosive incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics
|-
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
|-
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
|-
| Default || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
|-
| DM11A1 || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
|-
| DM13 || 68 || 65 || 52 || 40 || 30 || 23
|-
|}

==== [[Ammo racks]] ====


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! Full ammo
! 1st rack empty
! Visual discrepancy
|-
| '''2''' || 0 ''(+2)'' || No
|-
|}

=== Radars ===
The ZA-35 utilizes an enormous EDR 110 tracking radar fitted on a mast which can extend up to 5 meters into the air. In real life, the EDR 110 could track and display up to 100 air targets at once. The mast is foldable and the radar array will fold behind the turret. Instead of a tracking radar, the ZA-35 uses an electro-optical target tracking system, which uses visual line of sight from the gunner's sight in the front to track airborne targets. The tracking system does not enjoy the same height advantage as the detection radar, and the optical system will lose target tracking if any kind of obstruction is in the way for any significant length of time.
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="5" |[[EDR 110]] '''- Target Detection Radar'''
|-
!{{Annotation|Maximum Detection Range=The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected.}}
!{{Annotation|Minimum Detection Range=The range below which a target cannot be detected}}
!{{Annotation|Max Azimuth Scan Angle=How far the radar can scan to each side (widest search mode)}}
!{{Annotation|Maximum Elevation Angle=How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
!{{Annotation|Minimum Relative Speed=The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, for the radar to detect it}}
|-
|30 km
|500 m
|360°
|
|
|-
! colspan="5" |'''Electro-Optical Target Tracking System'''
|-
!{{Annotation|Maximum Tracking Range=The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
!{{Annotation|Minimum Tracking Range=The range below which a target cannot be tracked}}
!{{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking Angle=How far the radar can track a target to each side}}
!{{Annotation|Elevation Tracking Angle=How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
!{{Annotation|Minimum Target Speed=The minimum speed a target must be moving, relative to the radar, for the radar to be able to track it}}
|-
|
|
|
|
|
|}

== Usage in battles ==

The ZA-35's greatest strengths over its predecessor, the [[Chieftain Marksman]], are its vastly increased mobility and improved radar. The mobility of the vehicle allows players to control exactly when and where they want to engage ground or air targets.

Against air targets, the vehicle should be used as a traditional radar-guided SPAA system. Drivers may not want to advance too far in the thinly armored ZA-35, but it is near your teammates that you will be able to provide the best air cover. The ideal engagement distance for enemy planes tends to be around 1.5 km to 2.0 km. Waiting for enemy planes to close in can be dangerous but is ideal to ensure a successful attack.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Search and track radar
* Rooikat chassis means good mobility
* Tall radar mast allows the ZA-35 to track air targets while behind cover
* Radar takes up minimal space in folded position, and quickly deploys or folds
* Optical tracking can track player sighted targets with radar disabled, or track a target while the radar continues to search for more targets

'''Cons:'''

* Super tall radar mast gives you away very quickly
* Track radar is electro-optical and can lose track very quickly when it's obstructed by objects such as trees
* No night vision devices
* No APDS belts like similar twin KDA platforms
* Turret is only 10 mm RHA with the commander and gunner sitting very close to each other, making .50 cals and even some 7.62 caliber MGs a death sentence.

== History ==

The ZA-35 was a South African self-propelled anti-aircraft gun (SPAAG) variant of the Rooikat armoured car and designed in the 1990s. It was developed by Armaments Corporation of South Africa (ARMSCOR) and one prototype or possibly more was built before the project was cancelled. Had it entered production the ZA-35 would have served in a battery of three ZA-35 SPAAGs, one ZA-HVM surface-to-air missile launcher (also based on the Rooikat hull), and a local warning radar.<ref name=":0">http://www.military-today.com/artillery/za_35.htm</ref>

The hull was a standard Rooikat hull but the turret was a completely new design by LEW. It has a crew of 3 with the driver in the hull and the commander and gunner in the turret. The armament consisted of two 35 mm M-35 automatic guns produced by Lyttleton Engineering. The guns have a rate of fire of 550 rounds per minute which is a 1,100 rpm combined rate of fire. Ammunition carried is of two types: HE-FRAG rounds for air targets and AP-I rounds for ground targets. A total of 920 rounds was carried in four belts of 230 rounds (two belts for each gun). The computerized fire control system (FCS) was linked to a fully stabilized gunner’s sight with an integrated laser rangefinder. An EDR 110 search and tracking radar was fitted for finding and tracking enemy aircraft, mounted on a mast that could be raised five meters in order to get the radar clear of obstacles low to the ground. The ZA-35 can effectively eliminate targets during both day and night conditions. The armour protects against small arms fire and shrapnel all around and 23 mm projectiles over the frontal arc. Propulsion is provided by a rear 563 horsepower engine, allowing the 34 tons vehicle to reach a speed of 120 km/h.<ref name=":0" /><ref>https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/South_Africa/Rooikat.php</ref>

== Media ==


;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|anAu8xSE-Hs|'''The Shooting Range #246''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== 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 ==

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

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

=== References ===
<references />

{{Britain anti-aircraft vehicles}}
[[Category:Wheeled ground vehicles]]

Do 217 J-2

2021-02-21T06:36:37Z

U96777718: Added usage information and edited pros and cons.

{{About
| about = German twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
| link = Do 217 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=do_217j_2
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.29]].

Compared to its [[Do 217 J-1|predecessor]], the Do 217 J-2 is more of a dedicated night-fighter, with radar, a removed crew member to save weight, and no payload options.

== 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 5,500 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
| 450 || 434 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.4 || 36.1 || 4.2 || 4.0 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 486 || 469 || 31.7 || 33.0 || 8.0 || 5.9
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 351 || 270 || ~6 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 290 || < 360 || < 360 || > 315
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,000 m || 2,920 hp || 3,046 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,500 m || 2,600 hp || 2,712 hp
|-
|}

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


* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore-cockpit plate
* 8.5 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
* 50 mm Bulletproof Glass
* 8.5 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner's plate
* 5 mm Steel - Belly gunner's plate
* 8.5 mm Steel - Belly gunner's upper plate
* 5 mm Steel - Rear boom plate
* 5 mm Steel - Aft plate

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

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

{{main|MG FF/M (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}

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

* 4 x 20 mm MG FF/M cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
* 4 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (700 rpg = 2,800 total)

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

{{main|MG 131 (13 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 13 mm MG 131 machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

The Do 217 J-2 is all but identical in most aspects to its predecessor, but moved up in battle rating (besides Arcade). Therefore, similar strategies should be employed for both aircraft. The increase in battle rating exacerbates the already subpar performance of the [[Do 217 J-1]]. In terms of climb rate, turn rate, energy retention, and compression, the Do 217 J-2 is outperformed by almost every aircraft it will face, even some enemy bombers. However, the nose-mounted radar affords the J-2 unique opportunities compared to the J-1.

In Air Battle, the radar is not extremely useful outside of Simulator battles, though it still has applications in Realistic mode when visibility is poor. Unidentified enemy aircraft within the radar's 4 km range will appear at their corresponding distances as a curved block segment, which can aid the pilot in preparing to attack unmarked enemies. Considering how early in the tech tree the Do 217 J-2 appears, it may be pilots' first encounter with radar, and it is important to note that the radar does not distinguish between friend or foe.

In Combined Battles (Ground and Naval), where enemy aircraft are completely unmarked, the radar can aid pilots in tracking down their prey. In Ground Battle, this is especially useful for hunting overzealous attack craft, as the battle zone is much more concentrated, reducing the weakness of the radar's short range. Common enemies like the IL-2 will bleed their energy after multiple attack passes, making them easy targets, even for the sluggish Do 217. Despite the IL-2's legendary durability, the frontal armament of four 20 millimeter MG FF/M cannons with air belts should not have trouble taking it down. Another advantage the Do 217 J-2 enjoys in combined battles is the lower altitude of the majority of combat, making its weak climb rate slightly less problematic.

The Do 217 J-2's flight characteristics are overall inferior to a large majority of its adversaries, so the pilot must exercise caution and patience before seizing the opportunity to attack. Pilots should avoid entering a fight alone if they can. Instead, this aircraft excels at exploiting enemies' moments of weakness. If the pilot has a partner in their Squad, this is even better, as the two can coordinate their maneuvers. An enemy aircraft that has been baited into the firing path of the Do 217 J-2 will soon regret their greed.

===Radars===
{{main|FuG 202}}
The Do 217 J-2 is equipped with a [[FuG 202]] search radar, located in the nose of the aircraft; a control box which is part of the radar damage model is located behind the pilot.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | [[FuG 202]] - 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)}}
|-
| 4,000 m || 4,000 m || ±30° || ±30°
|-
|}

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

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Has access to a target detection radar
* Heavy nose-mounted armament with great accuracy and 1-second burst mass
* 20 mm cannons with deadly ''Minengeschoß'' that can shred through aircraft
* Rapid-firing 7.92 mm MG with a lot of ammunition
* Good coverage from the 13 mm rear gunners

'''Cons:'''

* Very poor rate of climb and turn rate
* Poor energy retention and stability through turns
* Large, sluggish target
* Radar installation bleeds lots of speed

== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''

=== In-game description ===
Dornier Do 217 J-2 twin-engine night fighter

When production models of a properly functioning FuG 202 Lichtenstein B/C airborne radar appeared, Do 217 J-2 variant night fighters began to be constructed.

Planes of the J-2 variant differed from the J-1 in their lack of a rear bomb bay, which had finally been removed, and in the characteristic "whiskers" of their radar antennas which had appeared in the nose section.

The new fighter failed to eliminate the main disadvantages of its predecessor. It was also notable for its low speed and poor manoeuvrability. After radar antennas were installed, the aircraft's aerodynamic resistance was significantly increased, which reduced its already low maximum speed. But now the presence of an airborne radar enabled the fighter crew to detect enemy planes on their own and prepare for an attack in advance.

In addition to the radar, the plane's radio electronic equipment included a FuG 10 short-wave radio set and a radio altimeter of a FuG 101 (with a height measurement range of 0 to 1,500 m) or FuG 101A (0 to 750 m) type. The aircraft also had a Peil G V radio navigation system with a Peil Z 5A or Z 6A automatic radio direction finder and a FuBl 2 blind landing system.

When the British started to regularly actively jam night fighter control radio networks, the radio equipment was improved with the addition of a FuG 16 ultra-short-wave radio set, whose operating band was outside the jamming zone.

Although the 20 mm Oerlikon MG FF/M cannons mounted on the Do 217J had an insufficient rate of fire and poor ballistic characteristics, they were noted for their high reliability. So, the plane's battery of four of these cannons proved to be quite an effective weapon in combat. During firing tests, the cannons of one Do 217 J-2 made 125,000 shots without a single jam.

Not a single wing in the Luftwaffe's night fighter units was completely made up of Do 217s. The more lightweight and high-speed Bf 110 was operated along with the Dorniers.

The first combat use of Do 217 J-2 night fighters took place in the night of May 29, 1943, against British bombers performing a raid over Wuppertal. About 150 British aircraft were detected in the area covered by the II./NJG 1 night fighter wing. The wing deployed 13 Bf 110 fighters and 3 Do 217 J-2s, which managed to shoot down 11 bombers. Meanwhile, one Do 217 J-2 was brought down during takeoff by a British night fighter.

== Media ==


{{Youtube-gallery|hQB-vib08fc|'''Schräge Musik: a story of hesitation and confusion''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:33 - ''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 aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/436316-do217j-12/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Dornier}}
{{Germany twin-engine fighters}}

Triplex R.P.

2021-02-10T21:27:57Z

U96777718: I updated the warhead type to be Semi Armor Piercing like other British rockets. Investigation into the armor-piercing values of the SAP component of the warhead would require digging into the game's code, which I do not know how to do.

== Description ==


The Triplex R.P. is an unguided, high-explosive rocket developed by the British in the mid to late 1940's. It is a development of the ubiquitous [[RP-3]] rocket. It was first added in the [[Update "Starfighters"|Update 1.99 "Starfighters"]] and is only available for use on a single vehicle, that being the Hawker Sea Fury.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|sea_fury_fb11}}

== General info ==

{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Triplex R.P. Characteristics
|-
|'''Mass'''
|136 kg
|-
|'''Maximum Speed'''
|245 m/s
|-
|'''Explosive Mass'''
|12.7 kg
|-
|'''Explosive Type'''
|TNT
|-
|'''TNT Equivalent'''
|12.7 kg
|-
| colspan="2" |
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="4" |Armor Penetration:
|-
!
! colspan="3" |At Angle:
|-
!Distance:
!0°
!30°
!60°
|-
|10 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|100 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|2000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|}
|}
The Triplex R.P. is an assembly of three RP-3 engines clamped together behind an explosive warhead, with three larger fins replacing the four typically found on each RP-3. The whole rocket weighs 136 kg. Its engines propel the rocket and its 12.7 kg TNT payload at a maximum speed of 245 m/s. The Sea Fury can carry four of these rockets at a time. They are fired individually, with the order being outer left, outer right, inner left, inner right. This is important to remember for rockets, since the position on the wing will affect the trajectory. The Triplex rockets are powerful tank-busters and can easily destroy ground targets in Air Battle as well.

=== Effective damage ===


The Triplex carries a Semi-Armor Piercing (SAP) warhead (similar to the RP-3) with 12.7 kg of explosive filler. The high explosive power on its own can penetrate an astounding 66 mm of armor at ''any range and angle''. This makes it an extremely potent anti-tank weapon, and the sheer size of the warhead will help ensure tank knock-outs that an ordinary RP-3 might not be able to achieve. With more careful aiming, you can achieve penetration using the armor pierce of the warhead, resulting in a detonation inside of the vehicle. Nothing will survive the explosion that will result.

=== Comparison with analogues ===


* [[S-21]] - The Triplex outperforms the S-21 in explosive mass, and has 66 mm of penetration versus the S-21's 62 mm. However, the S-21 has a significantly higher velocity of 385 m/s versus the 245 m/s of the Triplex.
* [[Uncle Tom]] - In game, the Uncle Tom has slightly less explosive mass than the Triplex. It flies at the same 245 m/s velocity. The only significant differences currently are the weight of the Uncle Tom, which weighs just over 3.5x as much as the Triplex, and what vehicles it can be used on.
* [[Red Angel]] - The Red Angel currently has exactly the same statistics as the Uncle Tom rocket in-game. The difference is the aircraft it is mounted on: the Red Angel is exclusive to the [[Wyvern S4]].

== Usage in battles ==


The Triplex is a devastating rocket capable of destroying hard targets up to pillboxes in Air Battle. In Ground Battles, a well-aimed Triplex rocket will shred through the roof of any tank the Sea Fury can encounter at its BR. The explosive power of the Triplex can penetrate 66 mm of armor at any angle, allowing for more lenience in the angle of attack than other rockets like the RP-3. And, with almost 2.5x the explosive mass of the RP-3, you can safely expect the Triplex to inflict significant damage. While the explosive yield is strong, a direct hit on the weak points of an enemy tank is still required to ensure destruction.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* More lenient than the RP-3 rocket at angles, with a higher overall penetrating power than even the best conditions for the RP-3.
* Sizable explosive mass will inflict significant damage to targets regardless of whether the SAP warhead penetrated the armor.
* If the warhead does get through the armor, it is nigh-on guaranteed to destroy whatever it hits.
* More aerodynamic and lighter overall than the RP-3 loadout for the Sea Fury.
* Good aim will ensure consistent one-shot knock-outs against just about any opponent in the Sea Fury's BR bracket.

'''Cons:'''

* Carrying capacity of four can be low for players with less experience.
* Has even less velocity than the already sluggish RP-3.
* Like the RP-3, the warhead fuse is very sensitive.
* Restricted to one vehicle.

== History ==


The Triplex R.P.'s developmental history is largely obscure. What is known is that the rocket was developed, produced, and mounted on the Hawker Sea Fury sometime before the start of the Korean War. The Hawker promotional brochure for the Sea Fury mentions the rockets by name as the "Triplex R.P., 180 lb. (82 kg) head"<ref>''Sea Fury''. Hawker Aircraft ltd., 1947, p. 4.</ref>. During the Korean War, due to complications with carrier operation, the Sea Fury typically employed rockets in its ground strike missions<ref name=":0">Mackay, Ron. ''Hawker Sea Fury in Action''. Squadron/Signal Publications, 1992, pp. 14-15.</ref>. However, in late 1950 - early 1951, the British Admiralty issued an order that the Sea Fury's maximum rocket load while carrying drop tanks, which was most of the time during the conflict, would be reduced to only four rockets due to the harsh conditions of the Yellow Sea<ref name=":0" />. Presumably, the Triplex would be too heavy to be carried under these restrictions. If the Triplex saw use, it would have been limited at best.

== Media ==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Triplex R.P. WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P.
File:Triplex R.P., Uncle Tom, and Red Angel WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P. alongside Uncle Tom and Red Angel
</gallery>

== See also ==


* [[Uncle Tom]]
* [[Red Angel]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6717-development-unguided-brits-en|[Devblog] Unguided Brits!]]
* [https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/experimental-6-rocket.5300/ secretprojects.co.uk], discussion thread including pictures of the Triplex R.P.

'''<big>References</big>'''
<references />

{{Rockets}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]

Triplex R.P.

2021-02-09T23:15:08Z

U96777718: Comprehensive fill-in for the Triplex R.P. article. Added statistics for the weapon, usage information, and historical references. Added a free link to a published book - feel free to remove if this is an issue.

== Description ==
The Triplex R.P. is an unguided, high-explosive rocket developed by the British in the mid to late 1940's. It is a development of the ubiquitous [[RP-3]] rocket. It was first added in the [[Update "Starfighters"|Update 1.99 "Starfighters"]] and is only available for use on a single vehicle, that being the Hawker Sea Fury.

=== Vehicles equipped with this weapon ===


* {{Specs-Link|sea_fury_fb11}}

== General info ==
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="2" |Triplex R.P. Characteristics
|-
|'''Mass'''
|136 kg
|-
|'''Maximum Speed'''
|245 m/s
|-
|'''Explosive Mass'''
|12.7 kg
|-
|'''Explosive Type'''
|TNT
|-
|'''TNT Equivalent'''
|12.7 kg
|-
| colspan="2" |
{| class="wikitable mw-collapsible mw-collapsed"
! colspan="4" |Armor Penetration:
|-
!
! colspan="3" |At Angle:
|-
!Distance:
!0°
!30°
!60°
|-
|10 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|100 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|1500 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|-
|2000 m
|66 mm
|66 mm
|66 mm
|}
|}
The Triplex R.P. is an assembly of three RP-3 engines clamped together behind an explosive warhead, with three larger fins replacing the four typically found on each RP-3. The whole rocket weighs 136 kg. Its engines propel the rocket and its 12.7 kg TNT payload at a maximum speed of 245 m/s. The Sea Fury can carry four of these rockets at a time. They are fired individually, with the order being outer left, outer right, inner left, inner right. This is important to remember for rockets, since the position on the wing will affect the trajectory. The Triplex rockets are powerful tank-busters and can easily destroy ground targets in Air Battle as well.

=== Effective damage ===
The Triplex is a pure explosive warhead whose outer shell contains 12.7 kg of TNT. The high explosive power can penetrate an astounding 66 mm of armor at ''any range and angle''. This makes it an extremely potent anti-tank weapon, and the sheer size of the warhead will help ensure 1-hit kills that an ordinary RP-3 might not be able to achieve.

=== Comparison with analogues ===
[[S-21]] - The Triplex outperforms the S-21 in explosive mass, and has 66 mm of penetration versus the S-21's 62 mm. However, the S-21 has a significantly higher velocity of 385 m/s versus the 245 m/s of the Triplex.

[[Uncle Tom]] - In game, the Uncle Tom has slightly less explosive mass than the Triplex. It flies at the same 245 m/s velocity. The only significant differences currently are the weight of the Uncle Tom, which weighs just over 3.5x as much as the Triplex, and what vehicles it can be used on. The Uncle Tom enjoys battle ratings as low as 2.7, while the Triplex is stuck at 5.3.

[[Red Angel]] - The Red Angel currently has exactly the same statistics as the Uncle Tom rocket in-game. The difference is the aircraft it is mounted on: the Red Angel is exclusive to the [[Wyvern S4]] at 4.3.

== Usage in battles ==
The Triplex is a devastating rocket capable of destroying hard targets up to pillboxes in Air Battle. In Ground Battles, a well-aimed Triplex rocket will shred through the roof of any tank the Sea Fury can encounter at its BR. Because of its pure high-explosive fuse, the Triplex can penetrate 66 mm of armor at any angle, allowing for more lenience in the angle of attack than other rockets like the RP-3. And, with almost 2.5x the explosive mass of the RP-3, you can safely expect the Triplex to inflict significant damage. While the explosive yield is strong, a direct hit on the weak points of an enemy tank is still required to ensure destruction.

=== Pros and cons ===
'''Pros:'''

* More lenient than the RP-3 rocket at angles, with a higher overall penetrating power than even the best conditions for the RP-3.
* Sizable explosive mass will inflict significant damage to targets.
* More aerodynamic and lighter overall than the RP-3 loadout for the Sea Fury.
* Good aim will ensure consistent one-shot kills against just about any opponent in the Sea Fury's BR bracket.
* Only the Sea Fury can carry the Triplex. However, the Sea Fury is a very capable plane, so at least the weapon is restricted to a ''good'' vehicle.

*

'''Cons:'''

* Carrying capacity of four can be low for players with less experience.
* Has even less velocity than the already sluggish RP-3.
* Pure HE fuse will detonate upon contact with any object - spaced armor is a significant deterrent.
* Restricted to one vehicle.

*

== History ==
The Triplex R.P.'s developmental history is largely obscure. What is known is that the rocket was developed, produced, and mounted on the Hawker Sea Fury sometime before the start of the Korean War. The Hawker promotional brochure for the Sea Fury mentions the rockets by name as the "Triplex R.P., 180 lb. (82 kg) head"<ref>''Sea Fury''. Hawker Aircraft ltd., 1947, p. 4.</ref>. During the Korean War, due to complications with carrier operation, the Sea Fury typically employed rockets in its ground strike missions<ref name=":0">Mackay, Ron. ''Hawker Sea Fury in Action''. Squadron/Signal Publications, 1992, pp. 14-15.</ref>. However, in late 1950 - early 1951, the British Admiralty issued an order that the Sea Fury's maximum rocket load while carrying drop tanks, which was most of the time during the conflict, would be reduced to only four rockets due to the harsh conditions of the Yellow Sea<ref name=":0" />. Presumably, the Triplex would be too heavy to be carried under these restrictions. If the Triplex saw use, it would have been limited at best.

'''<big>References</big>'''
<references />

== Media ==

<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:Triplex R.P. WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P.
File:Triplex R.P., Uncle Tom, and Red Angel WTWallpaper 01.jpg|Triplex R.P. alongside Uncle Tom and Red Angel
</gallery>

== See also ==

* [[Uncle Tom]]
* [[Red Angel]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6717-development-unguided-brits-en|[Devblog] Unguided Brits!]]
* [https://shop.navywings.org.uk/collections/hawker-sea-fury/products/hawker-sea-fury-promotional-brochure Hawker Sea Fury Brochure Replica], note the fourth page in the preview on the store.
* [https://vdocuments.mx/reader/full/hawker-sea-fury-in-action Hawker Sea Fury in Action] available to read.
* [https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/threads/experimental-6-rocket.5300/ secretprojects.co.uk], discussion thread including pictures of the Triplex R.P.

{{Rockets}}

[[Category:Suspended armaments]]