F-86K (Germany) - Revision history

U140753025: /* Pros and cons */

2024-04-07T18:41:13Z

‎Pros and cons

U28580205: /* Description */ Updated to new format

2024-01-14T01:18:13Z

‎Description: Updated to new format

U44629479: Edits

2022-06-02T08:26:45Z

Edits

U38088265: /* Engine performance */

2022-06-01T22:19:46Z

‎Engine performance

U38088265: /* Details */

2022-06-01T22:15:48Z

‎Details

U38088265: /* Usage in battles */ Fixed link

2022-03-25T19:43:01Z

‎Usage in battles: Fixed link

U28580205: Edited paragraph to for better information flow

2022-02-16T16:17:17Z

Edited paragraph to for better information flow

U23039207: /* Usage in battles */

2022-02-16T04:31:51Z

‎Usage in battles

U23039207: /* Flight performance */

2022-02-16T04:05:31Z

‎Flight performance

U38088265: /* Engine performance */ Updated

2021-04-12T11:27:20Z

‎Engine performance: Updated

@@ Line 186: / Line 186: @@
 * Afterburner guzzles a lot of fuel
 * Missile lock can be broken with a high-G manoeuvre
 * No bombs or rockets
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 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-86k_late_german Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

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 == 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 original F-86D was developed as bomber interceptor and was outfitted with a retractable ventral rocket-rack which housed 24 x 2.75 in (70 mm) [[FFAR Mighty Mouse|Mighty Mouse]] folding-fin aerial rockets. Lacking cannons or air-to-air missiles, the F-86D was limited in role strictly as a bomber hunter.  In 1953 the Italians approached North American in an attempt to modify the existing F-86D into a fighter-interceptor, however, the proposed changes proved too costly. This cost overage required scaling back the requirements and from this was produced the F-86K, a fighter-interceptor aircraft which was outfitted with 4 x 20 mm cannons and two AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles. Originally this aircraft was produced for the U.S., however, later the Italian manufacturer Fiat was licensed to also manufacture and produce this version of the fighter.
+The F-86K Sabre (also known as "Sabre Dog" or "Dog Sabre") is a first-generation American interceptor fighter developed by North American in 1953. The first prototype, YF-86K, took to the skies on July 15, 1954. It was produced in the United States and Italy (at the Fiat factories), with 120 and 221 aircraft manufactured, respectively. Widely exported to NATO member countries as an interceptor, the aircraft was originally intended to be designated as the F-95A. However, the conclusion of the Korean War forced the designers to use the already well-established F-86 designation to secure funding from Congress. Nevertheless, only about 25% of the original F-86 components and assemblies remained in the F-86K. The aircraft underwent significant improvements in terms of armament and electronics, and it received a new engine equipped with an afterburner, which greatly enhanced its flight performance. The West German Luftwaffe would acquire 86 F-86K from the Fiat factories.
-{{Quote
+Introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]], the aircraft closely resembles the familiar F-86 Sabre, but the strengths of the original Sabre were further enhanced in the F-86K. The aircraft boasts better speed and altitude capabilities with its afterburning engine, powerful forward armament, high roll rate, and good horizontal maneuverability. However, like its predecessors, the "Sabre Dog" has a mediocre vertical maneuverability and wings that are somewhat susceptible to overloads. With only AIM-9B missiles available, the F-86K"s capability of reaching out towards the enemy is rather limited, but can help out in a pinch than just reliant on the aircraft's guns.
 == General info ==

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 <!-- ''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).'' -->
-The F-86K should only be used as a support fighter, due to its sub-par maneuverability and relatively low top speed compared to other aircraft at its BR such as the MiG-17 at low speeds and the fact that it is most often up-tiered, in which case it is greatly outclassed. These flight performance issues mean the F-86K will not do well in 1 vs. 1 dogfight scenarios, except perhaps in downtiers when fighting against planes like the [[MiG-15bis]] and [[F-86A-5]] that the F-86K will be able to out-climb or out-run. However, more often than not the F-86K will be flying against F-105s, AV-8s, F-4s, and the like, to which the F-86K is highly vulnerable to and pose nearly no threat as they can either outrun or out-turn the F-86K, or both. As such it is recommended to work with teammates to help divert the enemy attention while dodging any incoming enemy attacks. With the help of allies, try and get the enemies into a vulnerable state that the F-86K can destroy when the opportunity presents itself.
+The F-86K should only be used as a support fighter, due to its sub-par manoeuvrability and relatively low top speed compared to other aircraft at its BR such as the MiG-17 at low speeds and the fact that it is most often up-tiered, in which case it is greatly outclassed. These flight performance issues mean the F-86K will not do well in 1 vs. 1 dogfight scenarios, except perhaps in downtiers when fighting against planes like the [[MiG-15bis]] and [[F-86A-5]] that the F-86K will be able to out-climb or out-run. However, more often than not the F-86K will be flying against F-105s, AV-8s, F-4s, and the like, to which the F-86K is highly vulnerable to and pose nearly no threat as they can either outrun or out-turn the F-86K, or both. As such it is recommended to work with teammates to help divert the enemy attention while dodging any incoming enemy attacks. With the help of allies, try and get the enemies into a vulnerable state that the F-86K can destroy when the opportunity presents itself.
 When it comes to bomber hunting, this aircraft has four M24A1s, one of the few things that makes this aircraft somewhat playable. With this armament, head-on attacks are a viable option.  However, do not commit to head-ons, instead fire a burst from maybe .8 km out then pull out. This is to decrease the chances of both planes crashing and increasing the F-86K's chance of surviving. Be advised that early radar-guided missiles can be present and will negate the plane's head-on capability.
@@ Line 206: / Line 206: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 ;Videos
@@ Line 217: / Line 220: @@
 ;Related development
-* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")
+* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")
 * North American [[F-86 (Family)|F-86A/F]]
 * North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre
@@ Line 224: / Line 227: @@
 ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
-* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]
+* Grumman [[F9F-8|F9F]] Cougar
 * Lavochkin [[La-15]]
 * Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]
 * Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]
 * Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan
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 <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.'' -->

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 |-
 ! 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="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
+! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 |-
 ! Condition || 100% || WEP

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
-The F-86K is a decent aircraft at its BR. Unfortunately it rarely fights at its BR. When uptiered, which is most of the time, it is abysmal, being both slower and less maneuverable then the opposition. The F-86K has good low-end acceleration due to its afterburner, however, this aircraft is still only a subsonic fighter. Like every other jet, it's bad at maneuverings at low speeds and it's control surfaces compress at high speeds. However, the F-86K can handle top speed relatively well compared to other aircraft of its rank. If the F-86K can do one thing very well, it excels when going into vertical flight, which is only a factor when playing at its BR or lower, which is extremely rare.
+The F-86K is a decent aircraft at its BR. Unfortunately it rarely fights at its BR. When uptiered, which is most of the time, it is abysmal, being both slower and less manoeuvrable then the opposition. The F-86K has good low-end acceleration due to its afterburner, however, this aircraft is still only a subsonic fighter. Like every other jet, it's bad at manoeuvring at low speeds and its control surfaces compress at high speeds. However, the F-86K can handle top speed relatively well compared to other aircraft of its rank. If the F-86K can do one thing very well, it excels when going into vertical flight, which is only a factor when playing at its BR or lower, which is extremely rare.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
@@ Line 67: / Line 67: @@
 ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 620 || 620 || 370 || ~8 || ~4
+| 1,187 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 593 || 556 || 370 || ~8 || ~4
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 {{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.'' -->
-The plane is equipped at the front with a 6.35 mm steel plate protecting the pilot's wrist and up. The cockpit's frontal glass is made of 38mm of bulletproof glass that helps against incoming small caliber rounds. All the while the pilot's seat is made of 12.7mm of steel which protects his back of any incoming small caliber rounds and shrapnel.
+The plane is equipped at the front with a 6.35 mm steel plate protecting the pilot's wrist and up. The cockpit's frontal glass is made of 38 mm of bulletproof glass that helps against incoming small calibre rounds. All the while the pilot's seat is made of 12.7 mm of steel which protects his back of any incoming small calibre rounds and shrapnel.
 === Modifications and economy ===
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 The F-86K should only be used as a support fighter, due to its sub-par maneuverability and relatively low top speed compared to other aircraft at its BR such as the MiG-17 at low speeds and the fact that it is most often up-tiered, in which case it is greatly outclassed. These flight performance issues mean the F-86K will not do well in 1 vs. 1 dogfight scenarios, except perhaps in downtiers when fighting against planes like the [[MiG-15bis]] and [[F-86A-5]] that the F-86K will be able to out-climb or out-run. However, more often than not the F-86K will be flying against F-105s, AV-8s, F-4s, and the like, to which the F-86K is highly vulnerable to and pose nearly no threat as they can either outrun or out-turn the F-86K, or both. As such it is recommended to work with teammates to help divert the enemy attention while dodging any incoming enemy attacks. With the help of allies, try and get the enemies into a vulnerable state that the F-86K can destroy when the opportunity presents itself.
 When it comes to bomber hunting, this aircraft has four M24A1s, one of the few things that makes this aircraft somewhat playable. With this armament, head-on attacks are a viable option.  However, do not commit to head-ons, instead fire a burst from maybe .8 km out then pull out. This is to decrease the chances of both planes crashing and increasing the F-86K's chance of surviving. Be advised that early radar-guided missiles can be present and will negate the plane's head-on capability.
-===Radars===
+=== Radars ===
 {{main|AN/APS-21}}
 The F-86K is equipped with an [[AN/APS-21]] search radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
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 * Good top speed
-* Good roll rate at low/medium speed (<800 kph)
+* Good roll rate at low/medium speed (<800 km/h)
 * Good acceleration with afterburner
 * Has a search radar (can only spot bombers or large attackers)
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 * Subsonic
 * Heavy compared to regular Sabres so less nimble, even with leading slats
-* Hard compression at high speed (>900 kph), especially in the roll axis
+* Hard compression at high speed (>900 km/h), especially in the roll axis
 * Can easily rip wings with strong input
 * Afterburner guzzles a lot of fuel

@@ Line 164: / Line 164: @@
 <!-- ''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).'' -->
-The F-86K should be used mainly as a support fighter, due to its sub-par manoeuvrability compared to other aircraft at its rank such as the MiG-17 at low speeds. In a 1 vs 1 dogfight, the F-86K outclassed when pitted against a MiG-17 unless you fight in a vertical, which this aircraft should do most of the time. When it comes to bomber hunting, this aircraft has four M24A1s, however these are also fantastic to use during a head-on attack. However, don't commit to head ons, instead fire a burst from maybe .8 km out then pull out. This is to decrease the chances of both of you crashing and increasing your chance of surviving. Your opponents will mainly be slightly lower-ranked aircraft like the MiG-15 Bis or F-86 A5 Sabre which you can easily out climb or outrun. However, sometimes you will get up-tiered to a higher rank and unfortunately, any thrust advantage is nullified when facing F-100s which are supersonic aircraft. There is a potential to be matched up against Hunter F6's which can be armed with the devastating SRAAM missiles.
+The F-86K should only be used as a support fighter, due to its sub-par maneuverability and relatively low top speed compared to other aircraft at its BR such as the MiG-17 at low speeds and the fact that it is most often up-tiered, in which case it is greatly outclassed. In a 1 vs 1 dogfight, the F-86K is outclassed by practically everything at its BR and higher. When it comes to bomber hunting, this aircraft has four M24A1s. One of the few things that makes this aircraft somewhat playable. With this armament, head-on attacks are a viable option.  However, do not commit to head-ons, instead fire a burst from maybe .8 km out then pull out. This is to decrease the chances of both of you crashing and increasing your chance of surviving. Be advised that early radar guided missiles can negate your head-on capability. If you are lucky, you will get to fly against slightly lower-ranked aircraft like the MiG-15 Bis or F-86 A5 Sabre which you can easily out climb or outrun. However, more often than not you will be flying against Thuds, AV8s, F4s, and the like, to which you are highly vulnerable and pose nearly no threat as they can either outrun you, out turn you, or both.
 ===Radars===

@@ Line 88: / Line 88: @@
 |-
 ! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
-! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+! 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 J47-GE-17B || 1
-| colspan="2" | 6,430 kg || colspan="3" | 292 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+| colspan="2" | 6,532 kg || colspan="3" | 286 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 |-
 ! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
-! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight
+! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 |-
 ! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
@@ Line 100: / Line 100: @@
 |-
 | 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
-| 6,952 kg || 7,227 kg || 7,620 kg || 8,248 kg || 9,530 kg
+| 7,034 kg || 7,313 kg || 7,703 kg || 8,338 kg || 9,530 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 (100%)
+! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 |-
 ! Condition || 100% || WEP
 ! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 46m fuel || MTOW
 |-
-| ''Stationary'' || 2,294 kgf || 4,467 kgf
+| ''Stationary'' || 2,294 kgf || 3,158 kgf
-| 0.64 || 0.62 || 0.59 || 0.54 || 0.47
+| 0.45 || 0.43 || 0.41 || 0.38 || 0.33
 |-
-| ''Optimal'' || 2,294 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || 4,467 kgf<br />(0 km/h)
+| ''Optimal'' || 2,294 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || 3,861 kgf<br>(1,200 km/h)
-| 0.64 || 0.62 || 0.59 || 0.54 || 0.47
+| 0.55 || 0.53 || 0.50 || 0.46 || 0.41
 |-
 |}