F-80A-5 - Revision history

U140753025: /* Pros and cons */

2024-03-15T22:46:52Z

‎Pros and cons

U114316016: /* Description */ grammar

2024-01-19T05:43:44Z

‎Description: grammar

U120313908: /* Description */ updated

2023-12-21T19:09:52Z

‎Description: updated

U44629479: Edits

2023-11-13T05:17:36Z

Edits

U128870270: Grammar and Clarity

2023-11-13T04:47:37Z

Grammar and Clarity

U44629479: Edits

2023-08-22T09:38:44Z

Edits

U44982996 at 18:05, 19 August 2023

2023-08-19T18:05:54Z

U44982996 at 18:03, 19 August 2023

2023-08-19T18:03:18Z

U44982996 at 17:24, 19 August 2023

2023-08-19T17:24:41Z

U44629479: Edits

2023-06-27T17:57:09Z

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 * M2 Browning machine guns have high muzzle velocity and carry a lot of ammo
 * Can be used as CAS with its payload options
 '''Cons:'''

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 The F-80 Shooting Star was an American straight-wing jet aircraft. It was the first American-designed jet fighter to enter service, and served for a short time in the Korean war before being replaced by the more capable F-86 Sabre. The aircraft was designed in just 143 days<ref name=":0">Dwyer, L (2002)</ref>, and as a result, suffered from many critical issues; the aircraft was responsible for the deaths of several test pilots, including [[Bong's P-38J-15|Richard Bong]], America's highest scoring WWII ace<ref name=":1">Agle, D (2014)</ref>. The aircraft, originally intended to fight the Me-262 over the skies of Europe, arrived too late to see service in the Second World War. However, the plane would go on to serve in the Korean War, where it was the first American jet to see combat.
-It was introduced in [[Update 1.39]]. The plane was redesignated from the P-80A-5 to the F-80A-5 in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]]. The main purpose of the F-80 is to teach a pilot how to fly jets in general. If a pilot is doing well in the F-80, he's ready to move to higher-ranked jets. Never give up your speed: it is the plane's insurance. Only trade it for the altitude in zoom climbs. Be careful that the jet is up-tiered quite a lot. When this happens, strictly adhere to the rules outlined in this article or you will be at a great disadvantage. One thing to take note of is the M2 Brownings. Sadly, they are insufficient for high-speed combat due to the low rate of fire and subsequently limited damage output; be aware, however, that they still pack a punch in partial head-ons with 262s, 229s, and the like. The issue is later on fixed with the [[Browning M3 (12.7 mm)|M3 Browning]] on the successor [[F-80C-10|F-80C ''Shooting Star'']], but the ammunition load still remains low, like on the [[P-51D-5|P-51D]]. As for piston planes: they are capable of setting enemy piston planes on fire in a short burst. All of the guns are mounted in the nose, making them deadly accurate when performing head-ons, especially once the "new 12 mm MGs" modification is installed. For ground attack, there is the usual complement of ordnance for the USAF: [[HVAR]] rockets and standard 1,000 lb bombs.
+It was introduced in [[Update 1.39]]. The plane was redesignated from the P-80A-5 to the F-80A-5 in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]]. The main purpose of the F-80 is to teach a pilot how to fly jets in general. If a pilot is doing well in the F-80, they're ready to move to higher-ranked jets. Never give up your speed: it is the plane's insurance. Only trade it for the altitude in zoom climbs. Be careful that the jet is up-tiered quite a lot. When this happens, strictly adhere to the rules outlined in this article or you will be at a great disadvantage. One thing to take note of is the M2 Brownings. Sadly, they are insufficient for high-speed combat due to the low rate of fire and subsequently limited damage output; be aware, however, that they still pack a punch in partial head-ons with 262s, 229s, and the like. The issue is later on fixed with the [[Browning M3 (12.7 mm)|M3 Browning]] on the successor [[F-80C-10|F-80C ''Shooting Star'']], but the ammunition load still remains low, like on the [[P-51D-5|P-51D]]. As for piston planes: they are capable of setting enemy piston planes on fire in a short burst. All of the guns are mounted in the nose, making them deadly accurate when performing head-ons, especially once the "new 12 mm MGs" modification is installed. For ground attack, there is the usual complement of ordnance for the USAF: [[HVAR]] rockets and standard 1,000 lb bombs.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.39]]. The plane was redesignated from the P-80A-5 to the F-80A-5 in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]].
+The F-80 Shooting Star was an American straight-wing jet aircraft. It was the first American-designed jet fighter to enter service, and served for a short time in the Korean war before being replaced by the more capable F-86 Sabre. The aircraft was designed in just 143 days<ref name=":0">Dwyer, L (2002)</ref>, and as a result, suffered from many critical issues; the aircraft was responsible for the deaths of several test pilots, including [[Bong's P-38J-15|Richard Bong]], America's highest scoring WWII ace<ref name=":1">Agle, D (2014)</ref>. The aircraft, originally intended to fight the Me-262 over the skies of Europe, arrived too late to see service in the Second World War. However, the plane would go on to serve in the Korean War, where it was the first American jet to see combat.
-One thing to take note of is the M2 Brownings. Sadly, they are insufficient for high-speed combat due to the low rate of fire and subsequently limited damage output; be aware, however, that they still pack a punch in partial head-ons with 262s, 229s, and the like. The issue is later on fixed with the [[Browning M3 (12.7 mm)|M3 Browning]] on the successor [[F-80C-10|F-80C ''Shooting Star'']], but the ammunition load still remains low, like on the [[P-51D-5|P-51D]]. As for piston planes: they are capable of setting enemy piston planes on fire in a short burst. All of the guns are mounted in the nose, making them deadly accurate when performing head-ons, especially once the "new 12 mm MGs" modification is installed. For ground attack, there is the usual complement of ordnance for the USAF: [[HVAR]] rockets and standard 1,000 lb bombs.
+It was introduced in [[Update 1.39]]. The plane was redesignated from the P-80A-5 to the F-80A-5 in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]]. The main purpose of the F-80 is to teach a pilot how to fly jets in general. If a pilot is doing well in the F-80, he's ready to move to higher-ranked jets. Never give up your speed: it is the plane's insurance. Only trade it for the altitude in zoom climbs. Be careful that the jet is up-tiered quite a lot. When this happens, strictly adhere to the rules outlined in this article or you will be at a great disadvantage. One thing to take note of is the M2 Brownings. Sadly, they are insufficient for high-speed combat due to the low rate of fire and subsequently limited damage output; be aware, however, that they still pack a punch in partial head-ons with 262s, 229s, and the like. The issue is later on fixed with the [[Browning M3 (12.7 mm)|M3 Browning]] on the successor [[F-80C-10|F-80C ''Shooting Star'']], but the ammunition load still remains low, like on the [[P-51D-5|P-51D]]. As for piston planes: they are capable of setting enemy piston planes on fire in a short burst. All of the guns are mounted in the nose, making them deadly accurate when performing head-ons, especially once the "new 12 mm MGs" modification is installed. For ground attack, there is the usual complement of ordnance for the USAF: [[HVAR]] rockets and standard 1,000 lb bombs.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 190: / Line 186: @@
 <!-- ''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).'' -->
 [[File:XP-80A Gray Ghost.jpg|thumb|XP-80A Prototype "Gray Ghost" in flight.]]
 The F-80 Shooting Star was the product of a design project started in mid-1943. At the time, Lockheed had been asked to produce an aircraft using the de Havilland Halford jet engine, capable of fighting the Me 262 ''Schwalbe'' on more-than-equal terms. As a result, a production prototype (see photo) was developed in just 143 days. This was a huge feat, as the aircraft was a full-scale prototype with functional armament. The aircraft was produced in a large tent in complete secrecy, while the team responsible for its production would become the predecessor to Lockheed's famous 'Skunk Works'<ref name=":0" />.

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 [[File:XP-80A Gray Ghost.jpg|thumb|XP-80A Prototype "Gray Ghost" in flight.]]
-The F-80 Shooting Star was an American straight-wing jet aircraft. It was the first American-designed jet fighter to enter servie, and served for a short time in the Korean war before being replaced by the more capable F-86 Sabre. The aircraft was designed in just 143 days<ref name=":0">Dwyer, L (2002)</ref>, and as a result, suffered from many critical issues; the aircraft was responsible for the deaths of several test pilots, including [[Bong's P-38J-15|Richard Bong]], America's highest scoring WWII ace<ref name=":1">Agle, D (2014)</ref>. The aircraft, originally intended to fight the Me-262 over the skies of Europe, arrived too late to see service in the Second World War. However, the plane would go on to serve in the Korean War, where it was the first American jet to see combat.
+The F-80 Shooting Star was an American straight-wing jet aircraft. It was the first American-designed jet fighter to enter service, and served for a short time in the Korean war before being replaced by the more capable F-86 Sabre. The aircraft was designed in just 143 days<ref name=":0">Dwyer, L (2002)</ref>, and as a result, suffered from many critical issues; the aircraft was responsible for the deaths of several test pilots, including [[Bong's P-38J-15|Richard Bong]], America's highest scoring WWII ace<ref name=":1">Agle, D (2014)</ref>. The aircraft, originally intended to fight the Me-262 over the skies of Europe, arrived too late to see service in the Second World War. However, the plane would go on to serve in the Korean War, where it was the first American jet to see combat.
 ====== Design and development ======

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 The main purpose of the F-80 is to teach a pilot how to fly jets in general. If a pilot is doing well in the F-80, he's ready to move to higher-ranked jets. Never give up your speed: it is the plane's insurance. Only trade it for the altitude in zoom climbs.
-Be careful that the jet is up-tiered quite a lot. When this happens, strictly adhere to the rules set forth in this article or you will be at a great disadvantage.
+Be careful that the jet is up-tiered quite a lot. When this happens, strictly adhere to the rules outlined in this article or you will be at a great disadvantage.
-One thing to take note of is the M2 Brownings. Sadly, they are insufficient for high-speed combat due to the low rate of fire and subsequently limited damage output; be aware, however, that they still pack a punch in partial head-ons with 262s, 229s, and the like. The issue is later on fixed with the [[Browning M3 (12.7 mm)|M3 Browning]] on the successor [[F-80C-10|F-80C ''Shooting star'']], but the ammunition load still remains low, like on the [[P-51D-5|P-51D]]. As for piston planes: they are capable of setting enemy piston planes on fire in a short burst. All of the guns are mounted in the nose, making them deadly accurate when performing head-ons, especially once the "new 12 mm MGs" modification is installed. For ground attack, there is the usual complement of ordnance for the USAF: [[HVAR]] rockets and standard 1,000 lb bombs.
+One thing to take note of is the M2 Brownings. Sadly, they are insufficient for high-speed combat due to the low rate of fire and subsequently limited damage output; be aware, however, that they still pack a punch in partial head-ons with 262s, 229s, and the like. The issue is later on fixed with the [[Browning M3 (12.7 mm)|M3 Browning]] on the successor [[F-80C-10|F-80C ''Shooting Star'']], but the ammunition load still remains low, like on the [[P-51D-5|P-51D]]. As for piston planes: they are capable of setting enemy piston planes on fire in a short burst. All of the guns are mounted in the nose, making them deadly accurate when performing head-ons, especially once the "new 12 mm MGs" modification is installed. For ground attack, there is the usual complement of ordnance for the USAF: [[HVAR]] rockets and standard 1,000 lb bombs.
 == General info ==
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 {{Specs-Economy}}
-As with most early jets, the acceleration is sub-par, so Compressor and Engine should be focused on first, then a choice between Airframe, New Boosters or the Offensive 12 mm. Wings Repair is recommended to help with the F-80's average manoeuvrability. Afterwards, the G-Suit upgrade will come in handy. Fuselage Repair and Cover are not really useful and can be ignored until the very end, although Airframe can be used to help the mediocre durability (the tail control will burn away instantly when you catch on fire unless you have Airframe).
+As with most early jets, the acceleration is sub-par, so Compressor and Engine should be focused on first, then a choice between Airframe, New Boosters or the Offensive 12 mm. Wings Repair is recommended to help with the F-80's average manoeuvrability. Afterwards, the G-Suit upgrade will come in handy. Fuselage Repair and Cover are not useful and can be ignored until the very end, although Airframe can be used to help the mediocre durability (the tail control will burn away instantly when you catch on fire unless you have Airframe).
 == Armaments ==
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 This F-80 must be flown strictly as Boom-and-Zoom, or Boom-and-Run. Anything else does not work due to the aircraft's inferior acceleration compared to props and some Axis jets at certain speeds. While its manoeuvring energy retention (MER) is relatively poor - as with most early jets - its vertical and horizontal energy retention (ER) is decent.
-At the beginning of the match, the F-80 should climb away from the potential combat zone. Two climbs can be used; a standard steady-state climb, keeping the aircraft at a fixed angle or speed, optimally no greater than 10-12 degrees; or, ideally, a zoom climb. To accomplish this, take off, and away from the centre of the battlefield, as you would to start a normal side-climb. However, the Shooting Star should be kept relatively level, an angle of no greater than 5-7 degrees should be maintained, preferably lower. To reach well over 3 km (10,000 ft), build your speed to approximately 800 km/h (500 mph), and only then place the F-80 in a 10-20 degree climb. If you need or want to get into the battle quicker, before you begin the zoom-climb, execute a diving-turn towards the centre of the battlefield (so as to maintain as much of your built-up airspeed as possible), then put yourself into the zoom-climb (this is slightly riskier, as you'll be entering a low energy state as you enter the centre of the battlefield; if an enemy aircraft has managed to climb above you, this may leave you in a precarious position). To reach around 2,500-2,750 m (8,000-9,000 ft), reaching 485-540 km/h (300-400 mph) is ideal.
+At the beginning of the match, the F-80 should climb away from the potential combat zone. Two climbs can be used; a standard steady-state climb, keeping the aircraft at a fixed angle or speed, optimally no greater than 10-12 degrees; or, ideally, a zoom climb. To accomplish this, take off, and away from the centre of the battlefield, as you would to start a normal side-climb. However, the Shooting Star should be kept relatively level, and an angle of no greater than 5-7 degrees should be maintained, preferably lower. To reach well over 3 km (10,000 ft), build your speed to approximately 800 km/h (500 mph), and only then place the F-80 in a 10–20-degree climb. If you need or want to get into the battle quicker, before you begin the zoom-climb, execute a diving turn towards the centre of the battlefield (to maintain as much of your built-up airspeed as possible), then put yourself into the zoom-climb (this is slightly riskier, as you'll be entering a low energy state as you enter the centre of the battlefield; if an enemy aircraft has managed to climb above you, this may leave you in a precarious position). To reach around 2,500-2,750 m (8,000-9,000 ft), reaching 485-540 km/h (300-400 mph) is ideal.
-For ground strike, the F-80 is a decent aircraft, carrying the USAF standard of bombs, rockets, and ground attack belts. However, it is not recommended to hit ground targets, this is a fighter and not a lumbering attacker, and should be used as an air-superiority fighter.
+For ground strike, the F-80 is a decent aircraft, carrying the USAF standard of bombs, rockets, and ground attack belts. However, it is not recommended to hit ground targets, this is a fighter and not a lumbering attacker and should be used as an air-superiority fighter.
-In air combat, the F-80 performs admirably if flown to its strengths, i.e. boom-and-zoom. Dive on enemy targets, take a shot, and then execute a shallow to medium zoom climb. While the six nose-mounted .50 calibre M2 Brownings are beginning to show their age, they are still more than equal to the task, especially at the F-80's BR. Early jet engines do not take kindly to any sort of damage, and a slew of .50 calibre rounds are more than enough to wreak havoc on small-to-medium airframes. While its biggest con is simply lacking the hitting-power of HE-filled cannon rounds, the six HMGs have enough pros to make up for this shortcoming. First off, with some trigger discipline, a good marksman can down 4, or even 5 enemy aircraft, due to your relatively plentiful ammunition. Secondly, the high velocity of the rounds serve well with the increasing speeds of the jet age; Some cannon rounds can be difficult to hit fast-moving targets with due to their lower velocity. Lastly, all six guns are nose-mounted, packing the shot-grouping into a relatively small area. This means that a burst-mass of 7.34 lbs or 3.3 kg per second cam impact said relatively small area.
+In air combat, the F-80 performs admirably if flown to its strengths, i.e. boom-and-zoom. Dive on enemy targets, take a shot, and then execute a shallow to medium zoom climb. While the six nose-mounted .50 calibre M2 Brownings are beginning to show their age, they are still more than equal to the task, especially at the F-80's BR. Early jet engines do not take kindly to any sort of damage, and a slew of .50 calibre rounds are more than enough to wreak havoc on small-to-medium airframes. While its biggest con is simply lacking the hitting power of HE-filled cannon rounds, the six HMGs have enough pros to make up for this shortcoming. First off, with some trigger discipline, a good marksman can down 4, or even 5 enemy aircraft, due to your relatively plentiful ammunition. Secondly, the high velocity of the rounds serves well with the increasing speeds of the jet age; Some cannon rounds can be difficult to hit fast-moving targets with due to their lower velocity. Lastly, all six guns are nose-mounted, packing the shot-grouping into a relatively small area. This means that a burst mass of 7.34 lbs or 3.3 kg per second can impact said relatively small area.
 Utilizing its amazing boom and zoom capabilities, the F-80A-5 can easily outspeed enemy targets from the dive initiated, paired with its amazing energy retention, one can do very well in bringing down enemy aircraft. However, when at low speeds, the F-80 is in a dangerous position so one should pull off from an assault by zoom climbing back to a preferable altitude over the battle. One can dive back on the enemy when they are spread out, low and slow. Always remember to keep your speed up, as enemies close by can easily catch you off guard when attacking.
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 Tracer belts are an excellent choice. Although with the advent of jets, we see the introduction of all-metal airframes across nations, the fire-starting (and armour-piercing) ability of the M20 API-T round is still nothing to be trifled with. Tracers are inherently easier to aim, as well, and the penetration capability of the M20 API-T is only slightly less than that of the M2 AP round. The stealth belt is another good choice, with a 50/50 combination of M8 AP-I and M23 Incendiary rounds.
-The F-80 is one of the fastest aircraft at its rank. However, due to its bad acceleration it must maintain energy discipline. Hard turns are taboo due to its poor MER. One should turn to engage, not to follow. Opponents like the [[Ho 229 V3|Ho 229]] can potentially outrun the F-80. However, due to the F-80A-5's higher acceleration at 650-750 km/h IAS compared to a Horten, it is possible to keep up with one for a while.
+The F-80 is one of the fastest aircraft at its rank. However, due to its bad acceleration, it must maintain energy discipline. Hard turns are taboo due to its poor MER. One should turn to engage, not to follow. Opponents like the [[Ho 229 V3|Ho 229]] can potentially outrun the F-80. However, due to the F-80A-5's higher acceleration at 650-750 km/h IAS compared to a Horten, it is possible to keep up with one for a while.
 === Pros and cons ===
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 [[File:XP-80A Gray Ghost.jpg|thumb|XP-80A Prototype "Gray Ghost" in flight.]]
-The F-80 Shooting Star was an American straight-wing jet aircraft. It was the first American-designed jet fighter to enter service, and served for a short time in the Korean war before being replaced by the more capable F-86 Sabre. The aircraft was designed in just 143 days<ref name=":0">Dwyer, L (2002)</ref>, and as a result, suffered from many critical issues; the aircraft was responsible for the deaths of several test pilots, including [[Bong's P-38J-15|Richard Bong]], America's highest scoring WWII ace<ref name=":1">Agle, D (2014)</ref>. The aircraft, originally intended to fight the Me-262 over the skies of Europe, arrived too late to see service in the Second World War. However, the plane would go on to serve in the Korean War, where it was the first American jet to see combat.
+The F-80 Shooting Star was an American straight-wing jet aircraft. It was the first American-designed jet fighter to enter servie, and served for a short time in the Korean war before being replaced by the more capable F-86 Sabre. The aircraft was designed in just 143 days<ref name=":0">Dwyer, L (2002)</ref>, and as a result, suffered from many critical issues; the aircraft was responsible for the deaths of several test pilots, including [[Bong's P-38J-15|Richard Bong]], America's highest scoring WWII ace<ref name=":1">Agle, D (2014)</ref>. The aircraft, originally intended to fight the Me-262 over the skies of Europe, arrived too late to see service in the Second World War. However, the plane would go on to serve in the Korean War, where it was the first American jet to see combat.
 ====== Design and development ======

@@ Line 177: / Line 177: @@
 * Higher top speed than any piston plane or early Axis jet
 * M2 Browning machine guns have high muzzle velocity and carry a lot of ammo
-* Decent bombload, can be used as CAS
+* Can be used as CAS with its payload options
 '''Cons:'''
@@ Line 183: / Line 183: @@
 * M2 Brownings offer limited damage output
 * Four large fuel tanks on each wing
-* Low minimum fuel capacity (only 8 minutes). Carrying more fuel will hamper the plane's flight performance
+* Low minimum fuel capacity (only 8 minutes): carrying more fuel will hamper the plane's flight performance
 * Roll rate locks up at about 500 km/h IAS
-* Unfavorable matchmaking, will be regularly pitted against significantly faster Korean war jets
+* Unfavourable matchmaking, will be regularly pitted against significantly faster Korean war jets
 == History ==
@@ Line 233: / Line 233: @@
 ;Videos
-{{Youtube-gallery|lyVSK_mI9T8|'''F-80A-5 Shooting Star (The Wishing Well!)''' - ''Jengar''|1PkB1QZDZT8|'''War Thunder F-80A-5 - Wingbreaker''' - ''Adam514''|yZsd7JhoRWk|'''RB Gameplay - P-80A-5 - Early Jet Tutorial!''' - ''theOrangeDoom''}}
+{{Youtube-gallery|B672AA1OR-A|'''The Wonderful Shooting Star! F-80A-5 - USA''' - ''Jengar''|lyVSK_mI9T8|'''F-80A-5 Shooting Star (The Wishing Well!)''' - ''Jengar''|1PkB1QZDZT8|'''War Thunder F-80A-5 - Wingbreaker''' - ''Adam514''|yZsd7JhoRWk|'''RB Gameplay - P-80A-5 - Early Jet Tutorial!''' - ''theOrangeDoom''}}
 == See also ==

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 27 June 2023
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	* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)		* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)
		+
		+	The nose-mounted machine guns are set lower than wing-mounted weapons and require getting used to.

	=== Suspended armament ===		=== Suspended armament ===