War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Bf 109 G-2 (Sweden)

2023-11-05T01:36:46Z

U97107600: /* Survivability and armour */

{{About
|about=fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=other variants
|link=Bf 109 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=bf-109g-2_finland
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]].

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

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 6,500 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
| 658 || 642 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.7 || 19.5 || 19.5 || rowspan="2" | 304
|-
! Upgraded
| 706 || 682 || 18.1 || 19.0 || 27.7 || 23.1
|-
|}

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

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 406 || 260 || ~13 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 450
|-
|}

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


* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
* 4-8 mm Steel plates on pilot seat.
* 10 mm Steel plates around the pilot's head.
* 21 mm Steel plate on the rear of the fuel tank, with 4 mm plates surrounding it on other sides.

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

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

{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

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

{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|Flam C 250 incendiary|MG 151 (20 mm)}}

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

* Without load
* 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)
* 1 x Flam C 250 incendiary bomb
* 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons (135 rpg = 270 total)

== Usage in battles ==

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

=== Pros and cons ===

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

'''Pros:'''

* Great climb rate compared to foes like [[P-47D-23-RA (China)|P-47D]], [[P-51D-10|P-51D]]
* Fast acceleration thanks to small airframe
* Decently manoeuvrable, can dogfight clumsier planes like the [[P-47 (Family)|P-47]]
* 20mm HE shells are destructive against similar planes (e.g. [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]], [[P-51]], [[A6M5]])
* Nose-mounted guns are beginner-friendly to aim especially in simulator
* Able to carry bombs, effectively acting as a multi-role aircraft
* Can carry 2 x 20 mm gunpods for bomber-hunting

'''Cons:'''

* Inadequate turning ability at all speeds compared to agile opponents (e.g. [[A6M (Family)|A6M]], [[Yak-3 (Family)|Yak-3]], [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]])
* Poor high speed performance, disadvantaged against high-speed fighters like [[P-47 (Family)|P-47]], [[P-38 (Family)|P-38]]
* 20 mm cannon has rather limited ammo, trigger discipline is required
* Overall fragile structure and light armour, cannot take any hits
* Engine overheats easily when constantly engaging WEP
* Cockpit visibility is heavily obstructed by nose, razorback and framing

== History ==

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

== Media ==


;Skins
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109g-2_finland Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==

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

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

== External links ==

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

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

{{AirManufacturer BFW}}
{{Sweden fighters}}

F-104A

2023-11-05T01:28:52Z

U97107600: /* Usage in battles */

{{About
| about = jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-104 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f-104a
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The first production version of the Starfighter series was the F-104A. 140+ F-104A Starfighters were ordered by the USAF and in total 170 Starfighters were in service (some YF-104As were converted to production standard). The F-104A had a stronger airframe as well as additions made to the airframe for stability. The F-104A was planned to replace the aging F-100 Super Sabre but later didn't fit the requirements set by the USAF. It was stuck in limbo until problems with the production of the Convair-built F-106 let the Starfighter live on in another role, interdiction. At this time, the F-104A was powered by the J79-GE-3A which was riddled with issues. The F-104As were grounded shortly after to resolve the issues with the -3A until the J79-GE-3B came into fruition. Even after the engine change, the USAF still found the F-104A to be lacklustre for air interception due to the lack of all-weather capability and low endurance. Many surplus Starfighters were sent to other countries.

Introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is quite a capable aircraft thanks to its J79 engine, cannon, and missiles. The F-104A regularly faces subsonic aircraft like the F-86 and Yak-38 so players should stick to using its immense speed and boom and zooming targets. The F-104A struggles with manoeuvrability so dogfights are highly discouraged, especially against subsonic aircraft. Furthermore, the F-104A can easily outrun many of its opponents so there is no point in staying slow to try and acquire a kill. In addition to the cannon, the F-104A also comes equipped with two AIM-9B Sidewinders which are mainly helpful in forcing an opponent to turn or against slow targets. The AIM-9B is a very situational missile and depends on a lot of factors. Overall, the {{Specs|name}} is one of the most feared aircraft at its battle rating.

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

[[File:F-104A in the sunset.jpg|alt=F-104 Starfighter breaks the sound barrier at sunset with its afterburner roaring|thumb|A F-104A Starfighter breaks the sound barrier at sunset]]
The F-104s are generally very fast and the F-104A is no exception. Even when it is stock, the climb rate can be comparable to that of both the MiGs and the Phantoms. Its max speed of 2,079 km/h is just as good, if not better, than other top-tier jets. The acceleration of the F-104A is amazing so even when you are at low speeds it can quickly gain back the lost energy. However, the jet's manoeuvrability leaves much to be desired. Although it can out-turn other jets at its BR, it can only do so when it is going above Mach 1. At low speeds, any other top-tier jet can easily out-turn you.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 10,668 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,104 || 2,076 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.4 || 32.8 || 202.5 || 193.7 || rowspan="2" | 1,180
|-
! Upgraded
| 2,195 || 2,149 || 31.6 || 32.0 || 270.2 || 235.0
|-
|}

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

{| 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 1,527  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 827 || 444 || ~13 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 720 || < 950 || < 800 || 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" | General Electric J79-GE-3B || 1
| colspan="2" | 6,112 kg || colspan="3" | 509 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 || 35m fuel
|-
| 1,750 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 6,915 kg || 7,624 kg || 8,380 kg || 8,789 kg || 24,000 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 || 35m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,190 kgf || 6,571 kgf
| 0.95 || 0.86 || 0.78 || 0.75 || 0.27
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 4,190 kgf (0 km/h) || 8,584 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.24 || 1.13 || 1.02 || 0.98 || 0.36
|-
|}

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

There is no armour on the F-104A. Since the F-104A relies on high speed, it wouldn't need armour as that would reduce the speed and manoeuvrability of the plane. The F-104A is a very long plane and it is not very manoeuvrable, making it a large, easy target for enemy guns. As such, the only characteristic that should be relied upon for survivability is the plane's speed. It is very quick, and as such is hard to catch.

* No armour
* Self-sealing fuel tanks

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

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

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, chin-mounted (750 rpg)

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

{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder}}

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

* Without load
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles

== Usage in battles ==

The F-104A is a high speed, high altitude fighter-bomber/interceptor. It performs well in high altitude flights meant to intercept fighters and mainly bombers at high altitudes. When the F-104A is fighting at low altitudes with a slower plane, the pilot should consider a hit and run technique to out-speed and return to the target to avoid getting shot back. If you need to turn, be sure to extend your combat flaps as they significantly decrease your turn time.

The F-104A has a decent stock turn time of 33 seconds which is the average or decent turn time of most supersonic jets at rank VI for Soviet jets. The F-104A will have difficulties when trying to hit an enemy less than 1 or 2 km away using the 20 mm M61 cannon since this cannon will take some time to warm-up before shooting and turn fights will also be difficult due to high speed manoeuvres causing an average 8 or more Gs rendering the pilot unconscious for most of the time. Despite being a situation to avoid, when nearing the stall conditions extending the landing flap will give the plane extra nose authority, allowing to control your attitude to a degree that can surprise most opponents.

Using the F-104A's M61 cannon against helicopters would be very easy since they're slow and most of the time are in constant direction and speed, while you are attacking from the side or back with speeds almost or higher than mach 1, the helicopter won't notice until you strafe at them.

Unfortunately, the AIM-9B sidewinder missiles the F-104A carries are lacking at its BR. Most other jets at top tier have much better air-to-air missiles which travel, lock and turn better than the AIM-9B. Therefore, they should only be used in situations where they cannot effectively turn or dodge, or don't know its coming.

The F-104A isn't carrying any flares, so you would have to rely on the planes decent manoeuvrability, and high speed, and maybe turn off the afterburner and maybe even the engine to reduce the incoming AAMs chance to hit the plane. Always remember the insane climb rate for the plane, this means you can also face the incoming AAM at the sun even when the sun is at a steep angle. This in turn would spend more fuel since you would need to use afterburners to efficiently climb at steep angles, out-running short-range anti-air missiles are tricky since some go mach 1.7, while others go mach 2.5, do not expect all missiles to be outrun. An alternative for low-maneuverability missiles, such as aim-9Bs and the russian R-3 variants, is making a turn to cause the missile to lead more followed by a violent turn in the opposite direction. Note that this maneuver will only work at a sufficiently high speed (around or over mach 1).

=== Radars ===

The F-104A is equipped with an AN/ASG-14 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! colspan="4" | AN/ASG-14 - 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)}}
|-
| 37,000 m (theoretical) || 15,000 m || ±45° || ±45°
|-
! colspan="4" | AN/ASG-14 - 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}}
|-
| 18,500 m || 150 m || ±10° || ±10°
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great top speed
* Great rate of climb
* Good roll rate
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability
* Powerful M61 Vulcan cannon with a very high fire rate, great ballistics and high damage

'''Cons:'''

* Very poor overall manoeuvrability and terrible low-speed manoeuvrability
* Bleeds energy quickly in sustained turnfights
* The cannon's high rate of fire requires trigger discipline
* Air-to-air missiles are weak compared to analogues of the rank
* No ground attack payloads whatsoever
* Lacks RWR or countermeasures

== History ==

The brainchild of famed Lockheed engineer Clarence "Kelly" Johnson, after having spoken to USAF pilots about their experience in the Korean Air War, the F-104 Starfighter was innovative in both its design and speed. Developed from the start as a daytime air-superiority fighter with speed in mind, the Starfighter began life at Lockheed's famous "Skunk Works" facility in 1952 to combat the Soviet's new age of supersonic jet fighters. The aircraft would incorporate the smallest airframe, combined with the most technologically advanced turbojet at the time, to create the base of what would become the F-104.

In 1953, the USAF showed interest in the project, and proposed an open contest with Lockheed and multiple other firms for a supersonic interceptor, based wholly on performance. Lockheed evidently won the contest and approval for two prototypes to be produced and, in February of 1954, took flight for the first time. Although it was slated to be fitted with the General Electric J79 turbofan, due to shortages of the engines the prototypes were mated to a license-built variant of the British Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine, called the Wright XJ65-W-6, until the initial power-plant was available. The aircraft however was not without its problems, resulting in a four-year long developmental period for the aircraft. By the end of it, 17 pre-production YF-104As had been built, tested, and used to iron out any problems that would be noticeable on the final F-104. In 1958, the F-104 would finally be available for deliveries featuring some differences from the initial prototypes in the form of a longer fuselage as well as the fitting of General Electric J79GE-3 engines putting out a whopping 14,800 lbs of thrust.

From the start the F-104A smashed records, taking the record as the first operational fighter in service to succeed Mach 2, as well as going on to take the records for both altitude and speed in both the F-104A and F-104C variants respectively. On May 7th, 1958, Maj. Howard C. Johnson, in his F-104A, set a new world altitude record at 91,243 feet, and 11 days later another aircraft set a new speed record at 1,403.19 mph. The altitude record was later bested by another variant of the aircraft, the F-104C, at a whopping altitude of 103,389 feet. In the 1950s, the aircraft had come to be exactly what the public had expected a fighter of this magnitude to look like. With a long, pencil shaped fuselage with short, sharp edged wings it encompassed the era of space flight and Sci-Fi with its design. The wings were one of the most unique parts of the aircraft, as well as its long fuselage taken up mostly by its large engine and fuel storage, and were only 4 inches and its thickest. Sweeping was only utilized on the leading edge, and a slight anhedral was in place to combat "Dutch Roll", a phenomenon where the aircraft rocks side-to-side uncontrollably. The wings, while helping with supersonic flight, were harmful to ground crews, and special equipment had to be issued to service these areas.

While having a history of accidents and high pilot attrition, the aircraft was fitted with an ejection seat. Due to the great speed of the aircraft at Mach 2, it was believed that the seat wouldn't have enough time to clear the tail section in an ejection scenario. Therefore, a downward firing ejection seat known as the Stanley C-1 was fitted into early models of the F-104. While a good idea, and in theory could work, the C-1 was also believed harmful in the case of a low-altitude ejection of the aircraft. After a failed introduction of the Stanley C-2 ejection seat, the problem was finally solved by the introduction of the Martin-Baker ejection system, particularly in foreign-operator's Starfighters. Roughly 153 F-104As were produced, with 26 more being F-104B two-seat variants. The F-104A spend a short time in USAF service before being send to Air National Guard (ANG) units, which some others being sent to foreign operators which had some success in their service. The first combat of the F-104 however wouldn't be seen until the Vietnam War, and while not having any kills to count was successful in keeping MiGs back and from intercepting friendly aircraft. The aircraft had a short service life in this theatre, only serving in 1965, and again from 1967-1969 until the introduction of the more-capable F-4 Phantom II by which it was replaced.

=== [[wt:en/news/6731-development-f-104-starfighter-the-manned-missile-en|Devblog]] ===
The development history of the F-104 Starfighter begins in 1951, when Lockheed's lead engineer visited US pilots in Korea. The feedback given to Johnson was clear - US planes were too large and complex and would often find themselves inferior to the much smaller and simpler Soviet MiG-15. On his return to the United States, Johnson assembled a team of engineers and started developing an aircraft that would address the concerns of the pilots.

The result of this undertaking was the F-104 Starfighter, whose first prototype, designated XF-104, first took to the skies on the 4th March 1954. Although both prototypes were lost during testing, the results delivered by the prototypes were promising enough for the USAF to accept the aircraft into service in November 1955.

Soon after entering production, the F-104 quickly also became a highly popular aircraft on the export market. West Germany was, alongside the United States, the primary operator of the Starfighter, owning over 900 F-104s in its air force at the peak of its service career. However, 13 other nations also employed the F-104 such as Canada, Italy, Japan, Spain, and many more.

The F-104 saw most of its combat service with the USAF, most notably taking part in the Vietnam War. Furthermore, the F-104 also saw combat during the Indo-Pakistani Wars in the mid '60s - early '70s while flying under Pakistani colors.

In the end, over 2,500 Starfighters would be built, with most being gradually decommissioned by the end of the Cold War. Italy was the last to decommission its F-104s in the early 2000s.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-104a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="150">
Image:F-104A Starfighter Among the Stars.jpg|F104A Starfighter flying with a full afterburner on a clear starry night
Image:Take off in the f104A.png|F-104A taking off
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|QAA4S31Hbhw|'''The Shooting Range #202''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the F-104 Starfighter.|S9qfGHj1YcI|'''The Shooting Range #211''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:15 discusses the F-104 Starfighter.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-104 (Family)]]

== External links ==


=== References ===

;Bibliography

* Military Factory - Lockheed F-104 Starfighter: [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=113 website]
* Winchester, Jim - American Military Aircraft: A Century of Innovation - p.238-239 - 1, October 2017: [https://www.amazon.com/American-Military-Aircraft-Innovation-Aviation/dp/1782743197 website]

{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Yak-3P

2023-11-05T01:18:19Z

U97107600:

{{About
| about = Soviet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Yak-3 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=yak-3p
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''Yakovlev Yak-3P''' is the second variant of the [[Yak-3 (Family)|Yak-3 fighter aircraft family]]. The Yak-3P, which entered service in 1945, was the most common Yak-3 variant. The initial variant of the [[Yak-3]] was armed with one 20 mm ShVAK cannon and two 12.7mm Berezin UB heavy machine guns; the Yak-3P features serious improvements in firepower. It was equipped with three 20 mm Berezin B-20 cannons (one in M modification and two in S modification), significantly increasing its combat efficiency and turning it into an even more formidable air-to-air fighter aircraft. Production began after World War II, and a total of 596 aircraft were manufactured, but none were ever deployed in battle. The three-cannon armament was 11 kg less than the standard Yak-3, and the one-second burst mass of 3.52 kg was heavier than most of its contemporary counterparts.

Introduced in [[Update 1.35]], the Yak-3P is one of the best Yak-3 variants produced for the Soviet Air Force. It can easily shred apart any aircraft with a single hit thanks to its three 20 mm Berezin B-20 cannons. Experienced pilots will be thrilled to get their hands on such a powerful plane, and skilful playing can easily gain players several kills in combat. The Yak-3P is one of the strongest fighter aircraft in its rank, with excellent manoeuvrability, powerful armament, and a high-top speed. It does, however, have the classic drawback of all Soviet Yak fighter aircraft: comparatively poor performance over 3,000 metres. This, combined with the wooden construction of its wing tips and control surface compression above 600 km/h, makes it unsuitable for high-speed diving during combat.

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

Like most Yaks, the 3P has good manoeuvrability, and you can out-turn pretty much everything except for the A6M, some of the Bf 109s, and Spitfires. Its low rip speed does keep it from escaping enemy fighters in a dive. In arcade mode, WEP provides a very good rate of acceleration, so running away from a battle poses no challenges. The climb-rate is quite good, but not as great as the Spitfire or Fw 190. Thus, the Yak-3P excels at boom-and-zoom tactics. Performance is unfortunately rather terrible above a 3 km threshold. Below that altitude performance is fantastic, comparable nearly to a Spitfire in manoeuvrability.

In Arcade mode, this is one of the best 5.0 planes available. The wings are not affected by high speeds, so you can push the 3P to the limits. However, in RB or SB, watch your speed if you use Boom & Zoom. Any speed higher than around 660 km/h (410 mph) will cause the control surfaces to lock up and any attempt to make a hard turn at this point will break your wings. The 3P also has really bad high altitude performance, so you are limited to around 3,000 m before your speed and performance drastically decrease.

Unlike the Yak-9s and 7s, the 3P is a fully composite plane. This means the wings have higher durability than the wooden-supported Yak-9, but it is still recommended you do not push the plane's manoeuvres to the limits, as the wings will still break trying to manoeuvre near rip speeds. The engine also tends to overheat quickly.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,100 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 622 || 604 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.4 || 19.0 || 17.7 || 17.7 || rowspan="2" | 348
|-
! Upgraded
| 663 || 643 || 17.2 || 17.5 || 24.0 || 21.1
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| X || X || ✓ || 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 !! + !! -
|-
| 685  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 320 || ~12 || ~9
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 380 || < 420 || < 490 || > 340
|-
|}

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

The Yak-3P does not have a lot of protection in terms of armour plates. It only offers protection from the rear of the cockpit, with a steel plate behind the pilot, a thick bullet proof glass head rest, with a small steel panel installed above it.

* 8.5 mm Steel - Plate behind the pilot
* 10 mm Steel - Plate above pilot's seat on the canopy
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Rear glass/headrest

The durability of the plane is not great. The abundance of .50 cals and 20mm cannons at its BR means that fires and otherwise crippling damage are common upon being hit. Thus, your greatest protection is agility, a gift abundant with the Yak-3P.

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

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

{{main|B-20M (20 mm)|B-20S (20 mm)}}

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

* 1 x 20 mm B-20M cannon, nose-mounted (120 rpg)
* 2 x 20 mm B-20S cannons, nose-mounted (130 rpg = 260 total)

The armament is fantastic - three 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose can rip apart pretty much every plane you will face. These cannons have good ballistics and are very capable of setting enemies on fire. However, they do not pack the punch of Hispanos or AN/M2 cannons, or the unlockable belts, for that matter. Thus, it is recommended you research the belts as quickly as possible because the Ground Targets ammunition will increase performance markedly. One great advantage of the B-20M/S cannons is that they take much longer to jam than their American/British cannon counterparts. Watch your ammo count, it's best to attack at an angle with short bursts to maximize damage while preserving ammo.

== Usage in battles ==


The Yak-3P is much the same as the [[Yak-3]], however it has some differences such as armament, instead of the one cannon and two machine guns. It has no secondary armament, thus using it as a ground attacker or bomber is not advisable, it lacks the ordnance to perform that role. It should only be used as a fighter, using the boom and zoom tactic, to dominate and own the battlefield of the deep blue sky. A Yak-3P is equipped with three cannons, two B-20S and a single engine mounted B-20M.

The armament provides the Yak-3P with some of the best armament at its rank. The three cannons are able to make quick work of any enemy aircraft, using short bursts of about one second are able to knock the enemy aircraft out. The placement of the three cannons are all located in the front of the fuselage, making accuracy very good, at all ranges.

To get the best out of this legendary aircraft, climb between 3,000 and 4,000 m, it will only take a few minutes to reach this height. Once at this height level off and keep your eyes open, find an enemy target you want to engage and overshoot it then dive down on to it. Cut the throttle back as you dive, if you don't watch your speed, you will rip the wings clean off.

====Engaging fighters====
Most enemy fighters will be between 3,000 and 3,800 m, using your height advantage, drop down from your height and get behind it. If the fighter is above you, nose-down slightly and turn out of their nose if they choose to engage. Getting behind the diving fighter shouldn't be difficult unless it happens to be a Zero of Spitfire (for which you can use your superior power output at lower altitudes, attempting an energy-trap approach). Once behind the fighter, do not engage until you are close enough to rip them in half with your three 20 mm cannons. If you miss and they turn, pending how sharp the turn is follow them. However, if it's a very sharp turn do not turn with them, instead open the throttle and climb back up to gain a height advantage. Then either try it again or find a new bandit to knock out.

====Engaging bombers====
Engaging enemy bombers, since the Yak-3P does not have any frontal protection the engine will get shot out or badly damaged. The best line of attack is to dive on the bomber from the front, as the three B-20 20mm cannons you possess can tear apart the bomber's crew or engines. If you have to attack the bomber from behind, try to dive on it from above, and do not travel in a straight line. Instead, zig-zag behind it, the additional benefit of this move is that it makes it harder for the enemy to knock out your pilot. The Yak-3P does not have any bullet proof glass on the front of the canopy, allowing enemy machine gun or cannon fire to penetrate inside of the cockpit from the front.

Since the Yak-3P has three powerful cannons, a short burst on the enemy tail will see that the slight surfaces get ripped off. Then move to one of the wings and fire a two-second burst, this will knock the engines out and cause fuel leaks in the wing, which can turn into fires if you have a HE round on your clip.

=== 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 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Good acceleration
* Good speed in level flight
* Good climb rate
* Above-average turn rate
* Good horizontal energy retention
* Good roll rate
* Great armament, accurate and powerful
* Sufficient ammunition capacity (by Soviet standards; still needs trigger discipline to control ammunition usage)

'''Cons:'''

* Sub-par durability
* Easily catches fire
* Poor performance above 3,000 m
* No combat flaps, landing flaps cannot be safely used until sub-300 km/h
* No WEP
* Low wing rip speed for diving
* Serious control surface compression above 600 km/h
* Red paint scheme can be easily seen at long distances
* Easy to identify in Simulator battles

== History ==


The idea to produce a new fighter for the Red Army Air Force went as far back as 1941. It was then that the Yakovlev Design Bureau presented the I-30 prototype, intended an alternative to the earlier Yak-1 design. However, the German invasion of the USSR, as well as aluminium shortages, meant that the project had to be put on hold. Yakovlev resumed the development in 1943 while working on an upgraded version of the Yak-1 fighter. This time, it was decided that a new aircraft should be produced to completely replace the Yak-1 and Yak-7 models.

By September 1943, yet another improved variant was ready, designated Yak-1M Dubler, on which the canvas skin on the tail section was replaced with 2 mm plywood, and oil and water radiators were improved. The Dubler also had a new mastless antenna, a ring sight instead of a reflector sight, improved armour and a new propeller. Test pilots were impressed by the new prototype. Their report stated in part: "''Yak-1M possessed excellent horizontal, and especially vertical, manoeuvrability. Top speed greatly improved compared to earlier serial-production Yaks. Despite the improved performance, the aircraft remains easy to fly and does not require extensive pilot training''."

The new machine was dubbed as the Yak-3 and entered service with the Red Army Air Force in 1944. The Yak-3 was a further modification of the Yak-1, produced in 1944 and 1945, with a total of 4,848 built, and considered one of the best fighters of the war.

The new fighter quickly became very popular with Soviet pilots. They highly praised its solid armament of two Berezin UBS 12.7 mm machine guns and one ShVAK 20 mm cannon as well as ease of piloting and superb low-altitude performance. Marcel Albert, the top scoring French ace of World War II, cited the Yak-3 as one of the best fighters of the war, along with the P-51 Mustang and the Supermarine Spitfire. After the war, the Yak-3 was also used by the Air Forces of Socialist Yugoslavia and Poland.<ref name="forum">[[wt:en/news/2693--en|[Aircraft Profile] Yak-3]]</ref>

The Yak-3P was produced from April 1945 until mid-1946, armed with 3 × 20 mm Berezin B-20 cannon with 120 rounds for the middle cannon and 130 RPG for the side weapons. The three-cannon armament with full ammunition load was actually 11 kg (24 lb) lighter than that of a standard Yak-3, and the one-second burst mass of 3.52 kg (7.74 lb) was greater than that of most contemporary fighters. Starting in August 1945, all Yak-3 were produced in the Yak-3P configuration with a total of 596 built.

{{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}}
A single-seat monoplane fighter with a composite construction, retractable landing gear and a closed cockpit.

A modification of the Yak-3 fighter with improved armament consisting of the 20 mm Berezina B-20M engine cannon and two synchronized 20 mm Berezina B-20S cannons installed instead of the synchronized machine guns. Since the B-20 cannons were modifications of UB machine guns with an increased-calibre barrel, the fighter's design required practically no changes. The aircraft's empty weight increased by only 11 kg, while the weight of its armament and ammunition ended up even lower than that of the Yak-3 with its ShVAK cannon and two large-calibre UB machine guns. The change in weaponry had no detrimental effect on the aircraft's flight characteristics.

The Yak-3P fighter was armed with one B-20M engine cannon with 120 shells and two synchronized B-20S cannons with 130 shells each. All the cannons were fired using a compressed-air electric mechanism. The PKI-1 sight replaced the PBP-1A sight.

The Yak-3P had a strengthened airframe (particularly the wing), and clasps were installed on the extra landing gear panels. The aircraft received the new RSI-6M radio.

The experimental Yak-3P completed its maiden flight on 23 March 1945. The fighter went into series production at several aircraft plants only a few days before the end of the war, so it never reached the front. From August 1945 and to the end of series production, all Yak-3 fighters were built exclusively to the standard of the Yak-3P. In total, 596 were produced between April 1945 and the middle of 1946. The last of them served until 1950.
{{Navigation-End}}

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=yak-3p Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|Lj3Uf9_LPMY|'''The Shooting Range #317''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:50 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|7UHpIcQQonY|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Red Dead Yak - Using speed correctly in a fight''' - ''Green Fury''|SlOBjdTVd9M|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Simple Ace And Soviet Teams In General''' - ''Napalmratte'' Review starts at 2:43}}

== 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/312313-yakovlev-yak-3p/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

=== References ===
<references />

{{AirManufacturer Yakovlev}}
{{USSR fighters}}