OS2U-3 - Revision history

U44629479: Edits

2024-04-19T18:51:02Z

Edits

U43191476: /* See also */

2024-04-18T18:34:47Z

‎See also

U144218520: I removed where it said that the kingfisher was no longer available and changed it to include the update that it was added back to the game

2024-03-09T04:17:25Z

I removed where it said that the kingfisher was no longer available and changed it to include the update that it was added back to the game

U38088265: /* Description */

2023-12-26T11:25:06Z

‎Description

U120313908: /* Description */ Reworked

2023-12-20T03:46:19Z

‎Description: Reworked

U9202753: Specs-Card ArtImage Added

2023-01-17T00:28:52Z

Specs-Card ArtImage Added

U44629479: /* Modifications and economy */ Edits

2023-01-14T23:07:01Z

‎Modifications and economy: Edits

U44629479: Edits

2023-01-13T23:29:58Z

Edits

U128413528: /* Pros and cons */

2023-01-13T22:15:35Z

‎Pros and cons

U128413528: /* Realistic battles */

2023-01-13T22:14:19Z

‎Realistic battles

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 == See also ==
-'''Related development:'''
+<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 * [[OS2U-1]]

@@ Line 298: / Line 298: @@
 == See also ==
-''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+'''Related development:'''
-* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+* [[OS2U-1]]
 == External links ==

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 The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is the successor of the [[OS2U-1]] and the OS2U-2, which was a version equipped with a regular landing gear. Compared to this previous versions, it uses a slightly different engine, the same Pratt & Whitney R-985-48 but with a different version, it also has increased range, thanks to the addition of two extra self sealing fuel tanks in the wings while also featuring improved armour for the pilot. The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant of the Kingfisher family with 1000 units built. This aircraft first flew in 1941 and it was the only exported variant of all the Kingfishers, it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee). The last Kingfishers were withdrawn from service in Cuba in 1959.
-It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still have access to it. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree. Much like its predecessor, the OS2U-3 is a mediocre plane for ground and air battles. With an armament consisting of only a single 7.62 mm MG for offensive actions and another for defence operated by a gunner, it is very vulnerable to other fighters, this is also exacerbated thanks to the mediocre flight performance. However it is very capable as a reconnaissance aircraft in naval battles, being capable of spotting targets from the distance, and then land in water if it is no longer necessary or if you are starting to be targeted by enemy AA guns. The increased ascend rate compared to the OS2U-1, means that it is better at reaching a comfortable altitude, which is very important in naval battles.
+It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. But was later added back to the tech tree during update 14.11.18. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree. Much like its predecessor, the OS2U-3 is a mediocre plane for ground and air battles. With an armament consisting of only a single 7.62 mm MG for offensive actions and another for defence operated by a gunner, it is very vulnerable to other fighters, this is also exacerbated thanks to the mediocre flight performance. However it is very capable as a reconnaissance aircraft in naval battles, being capable of spotting targets from the distance, and then land in water if it is no longer necessary or if you are starting to be targeted by enemy AA guns. The increased ascend rate compared to the OS2U-1, means that it is better at reaching a comfortable altitude, which is imperative for success in Naval Battles.
 == 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 OS2U-3 Kingfisher is the successor of the [[OS2U-1]] and the OS2U-2, which was a version equipped with a regular landing gear. Compared to this previous versions, it uses a slightly different engine, the same Pratt & Whitney R-985-48 but with a different version, it also has increased range, thanks to the addition of two extra self sealing fuel tanks in the wings while also featuring improved armour for the pilot. The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant of the Kingfisher family with 1000 units built. This aircraft first flew in 1941 and it was the only exported variant of all the Kingfishers, it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee). Last of the Kingfishers were withdrawn from service on Cuba in 1959.
+The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is the successor of the [[OS2U-1]] and the OS2U-2, which was a version equipped with a regular landing gear. Compared to this previous versions, it uses a slightly different engine, the same Pratt & Whitney R-985-48 but with a different version, it also has increased range, thanks to the addition of two extra self sealing fuel tanks in the wings while also featuring improved armour for the pilot. The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant of the Kingfisher family with 1000 units built. This aircraft first flew in 1941 and it was the only exported variant of all the Kingfishers, it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee). The last Kingfishers were withdrawn from service in Cuba in 1959.
-It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still have access to it. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree. Much like its predecessor, the OS2U-3 is a mediocre plane for ground and air battles. With an armament consisting of only a single 7.62 mm MG for offensive actions and another for defence operated by a gunner, it is very vulnerable to other fighters, this is also exacerbated thanks to the mediocre flight performance. However it is very capable as a recon aircraft in naval battles, being capable of spotting targets from the distance, and then land in water if it is no longer necessary or if you are starting to be targeted by enemy AA guns. The increased ascend rate compared to the OS2U-1, means that it is better at reaching a comfortable altitude, which is very important in naval battles.
+It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still have access to it. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree. Much like its predecessor, the OS2U-3 is a mediocre plane for ground and air battles. With an armament consisting of only a single 7.62 mm MG for offensive actions and another for defence operated by a gunner, it is very vulnerable to other fighters, this is also exacerbated thanks to the mediocre flight performance. However it is very capable as a reconnaissance aircraft in naval battles, being capable of spotting targets from the distance, and then land in water if it is no longer necessary or if you are starting to be targeted by enemy AA guns. The increased ascend rate compared to the OS2U-1, means that it is better at reaching a comfortable altitude, which is very important in naval battles.
 == 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 hydroplane bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still have access to it. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree.
+The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is the successor of the [[OS2U-1]] and the OS2U-2, which was a version equipped with a regular landing gear. Compared to this previous versions, it uses a slightly different engine, the same Pratt & Whitney R-985-48 but with a different version, it also has increased range, thanks to the addition of two extra self sealing fuel tanks in the wings while also featuring improved armour for the pilot. The OS2U-3 was the most produced variant of the Kingfisher family with 1000 units built. This aircraft first flew in 1941 and it was the only exported variant of all the Kingfishers, it served in many countries from Uruguay to Australia including the Soviet Union aboard cruiser Murmansk (USS Milwaukee). Last of the Kingfishers were withdrawn from service on Cuba in 1959.
-The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is a delicate, eye appealing float plane of mid-wing monoplane design with a large central float and two smaller floats, one under each wing. Designed in the second half of the 1930s, it served throughout WW2, primarily in the US Navy as catapult-launched scout planes. As such it had long range and it was often used for Search and Rescue operations. In War Thunder it is classified as a bomber and placed at [[:Category:First rank aircraft|Rank I]] in US Navy branch, immediately after its predecessor, the OS2U-1. The main differences from the OS2U-1 are additional self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings and armour protection for the pilot (seat and windshield).
+It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still have access to it. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree. Much like its predecessor, the OS2U-3 is a mediocre plane for ground and air battles. With an armament consisting of only a single 7.62 mm MG for offensive actions and another for defence operated by a gunner, it is very vulnerable to other fighters, this is also exacerbated thanks to the mediocre flight performance. However it is very capable as a recon aircraft in naval battles, being capable of spotting targets from the distance, and then land in water if it is no longer necessary or if you are starting to be targeted by enemy AA guns. The increased ascend rate compared to the OS2U-1, means that it is better at reaching a comfortable altitude, which is very important in naval battles.
 == General info ==

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=os2u_3
-|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 |cockpit=cockpit_os2u_3.jpg
 }}

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 {{Specs-Economy}}
-The first modification to research should be Mk.41, which allows installation of two 100 lb bombs. Next, focus on performance and survivability upgrades: fuselage repair, radiator, compressor, engine, wings repair, airframe and cover. Weapons upgrades can be left for last. These will allow the use of more effective ammo belts.
+Focus on performance and survivability upgrades: fuselage repair, radiator, compressor, engine, wings repair, airframe and cover. Weapons upgrades can be left for last. These will allow the use of more effective ammo belts.
 == Armaments ==

@@ 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 hydroplane bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. Those players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still had access to it. It currently can still be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree.
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American hydroplane bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, however, the vehicle was removed from the American air forces tree in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. The players who acquired the aircraft before it was removed still have access to it. It can be researched by players who unlock the [[OS2U-1]] via reaching rank II for the American naval tree.
 The OS2U-3 Kingfisher is a delicate, eye appealing float plane of mid-wing monoplane design with a large central float and two smaller floats, one under each wing. Designed in the second half of the 1930s, it served throughout WW2, primarily in the US Navy as catapult-launched scout planes. As such it had long range and it was often used for Search and Rescue operations. In War Thunder it is classified as a bomber and placed at [[:Category:First rank aircraft|Rank I]] in US Navy branch, immediately after its predecessor, the OS2U-1. The main differences from the OS2U-1 are additional self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings and armour protection for the pilot (seat and windshield).
@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 The Kingfisher is not an agile plane and has a low top speed. Offensive armament consists of only a single [[Browning (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm]] (0.30 cal) gun with 500 rounds which require prolonged periods of time with sights on target to reliably do significant damage. It also has a defensive gunner also equipped with a 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, however, while his firing arc is relatively wide, it does not cover six o'clock low (low and behind the plane), so be wary of enemies approaching from that angle. Occasionally it will set an enemy on fire, snipe his pilot, or even do [[Damage mechanics#Aircraft|critical damage]] but the frequency of this happening strongly depends on the [[Crew_skills#Defensive_armament|gunner's skill]]. Also, one could take the gunner view and try shooting the enemy down.
-In addition, the Kingfisher can carry two 100 lb bombs capable of destroying most ground targets and landing craft, but these require extreme accuracy since they are very weak and have a small blast radius.
+In addition, the Kingfisher can carry two 100 lb bombs capable of destroying most ground targets and landing craft. However, these require extreme accuracy since they are very weak and have a small blast radius.
 For these reasons the Kingfisher is considered to overall be a bad plane, though it does have a very niche amount of utility.
@@ Line 160: / Line 160: @@
 {{Specs-Economy}}
-The first modification to research should be performance and survivability upgrades: fuselage repair, radiator, compressor, engine, wings repair, airframe and cover. Weapons upgrades can be left for last. These will allow the use of more effective ammo belts.
+The first modification to research should be Mk.41, which allows installation of two 100 lb bombs. Next, focus on performance and survivability upgrades: fuselage repair, radiator, compressor, engine, wings repair, airframe and cover. Weapons upgrades can be left for last. These will allow the use of more effective ammo belts.
 == Armaments ==
@@ Line 194: / Line 194: @@
 == 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).'' -->
-The Kingfisher is classified as a bomber and as such it spawns at altitude. Primarily, it should be used in the close air support role across all game modes. If possible, stay out of sight of the enemy and try to take indirect routes to desired targets. The single 7.62 mm gun is capable of destroying artillery, AAA (stationary and on trucks), landing craft, and armoured cars, but this is ill advised if enemy aircraft are nearby. Tanks and light pillboxes cannot be destroyed with such a small MG calibre and will require bombs. Cargo ships will require a single 100 lb hit on deck.
+The Kingfisher is classified as a bomber and as such it spawns at altitude. Primarily, it should be used in the ground attack role across all game modes. If possible, stay out of sight of the enemy and try to take indirect routes to desired targets. The single 7.62 mm gun is capable of destroying artillery, AAA (stationary and on trucks), landing craft, and armoured cars, but this is ill advised if an enemy aircraft is nearby. Tanks and light pillboxes cannot be destroyed with such a small MG calibre and will require bombs. Cargo ships will require a single 100 lb hit on deck.
 [[File:Diagram Kingfisher principal bombing attack dive run.png|x220px|thumbnail|right|Principal way of accurate dive bombing with the Kingfisher.]]
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 Since Kingfisher was never equipped with a bombsight there is no bombing reticle in RB. Another important thing is that in this mode both bombs will drop at the same time. Therefore, it is advised to try dive bombing. To hit a target climb a few hundred metres (250 m at least), line up with the target at least 1 km out to avoid lateral movement at final approach, when 500 m from the target start diving at an angle (30° or more – steeper the angle and higher the speed, less lead on target is needed), aim just above it, drop the load and pull out. Light tanks should be attacked from the back as it is easier to follow their movement. Try this in test flight before trying to pull it off in a battle.
-Bombs can be set to explode not on impact, but with delay, too. This option makes cloase air support safer since it gives the attacking aircraft more time to exit the blast radius. Kingfisher has a few things in its favour when performing dive attacks. First, low speed and low wing loading make pulling out close to the ground very easy. This means a higher chance of scoring a hit. Another thing is the small blast radius. While it requires high precision at the same time it lowers the chance to cause damage to the aircraft. If chosen to perform low bomb release 1-sec delay will give enough time to leave the blast radius and avoid damage.<br>
+Bombs can be set to explode not on impact, but with delay, too. This option makes ground attack safer since it gives the attacking aircraft more time to exit the blast radius. Kingfisher has a few things in its favour when performing dive attacks. First, low speed and low wing loading make pulling out close to the ground very easy. This means a higher chance of scoring a hit. Another thing is the small blast radius. While it requires high precision at the same time it lowers the chance to cause damage to the aircraft. If chosen to perform low bomb release 1-sec delay will give enough time to leave the blast radius and avoid damage.
 When landing on water aircraft must be close to a carrier to repair. Approach it from the stern and stop at bow because most carriers will be moving and the plane needs to stand still during repair/reload.
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 * Center float can protect the plane from attacks from below
 * You can ram other planes with the float (esp. the wings)
 '''Cons:'''

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 In RB and SB modes flight model is realistic and the lack of powerful engine will be obvious. Thanks to its low Power to Mass ratio of about 0,13 kW/kg ([[P-26A-33|P-26A Peashooter]] has 0,29 kW/kg) acceleration and climb rate are very poor. Energy retention is not Kingfisher's strong side either. Every hard turn will drain its energy and it will lose altitude rapidly. Attempts of performing any difficult manoeuvres, such as loop, are not advised before gaining some altitude and reaching decent speed (over 200 km/h IAS) otherwise the plane will stall out and plunge in the ground or become an easy target.
-Since Kingfisher was never equipped with a bombsight there is no bombing reticle in RB. Another important thing is that in this mode both bombs will drop at the same time. Therefore, dive bombing technique is to be used. To hit a target climb a few hundred metres (250 m at least), line up with the target at least 1 km out to avoid lateral movement at final approach, when 500 m from the target start diving at an angle (30° or more – steeper the angle and higher the speed, less lead on target is needed), aim just above it, drop the load and pull out. Light tanks should be attacked from the back as it is easier to follow their movement. Try this in test flight before trying to pull it off in a battle.
+Since Kingfisher was never equipped with a bombsight there is no bombing reticle in RB. Another important thing is that in this mode both bombs will drop at the same time. Therefore, it is advised to try dive bombing. To hit a target climb a few hundred metres (250 m at least), line up with the target at least 1 km out to avoid lateral movement at final approach, when 500 m from the target start diving at an angle (30° or more – steeper the angle and higher the speed, less lead on target is needed), aim just above it, drop the load and pull out. Light tanks should be attacked from the back as it is easier to follow their movement. Try this in test flight before trying to pull it off in a battle.
-Bombs can be set to explode not on impact, but with delay, too. This option makes ground attack safer since it gives the attacking aircraft more time to exit the blast radius. Kingfisher has a few things in its favour when performing dive attacks. First, low speed and low wing loading make pulling out close to the ground very easy. This means a higher chance of scoring a hit. Another thing is the small blast radius. While it requires high precision at the same time it lowers the chance to cause damage to the aircraft. If chosen to perform low bomb release 1-sec delay will give enough time to leave the blast radius and avoid damage.
+Bombs can be set to explode not on impact, but with delay, too. This option makes cloase air support safer since it gives the attacking aircraft more time to exit the blast radius. Kingfisher has a few things in its favour when performing dive attacks. First, low speed and low wing loading make pulling out close to the ground very easy. This means a higher chance of scoring a hit. Another thing is the small blast radius. While it requires high precision at the same time it lowers the chance to cause damage to the aircraft. If chosen to perform low bomb release 1-sec delay will give enough time to leave the blast radius and avoid damage.<br>
 When landing on water aircraft must be close to a carrier to repair. Approach it from the stern and stop at bow because most carriers will be moving and the plane needs to stand still during repair/reload.
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 Aircraft's characteristics and advice mentioned in Realistic battles section apply to Simulator mode as well.
-Cockpit visibility is decent but thanks to gunner's view this aircraft has excellent potential for situation awareness in simulator mode and this is what sets Kingfisher apart from the majority of its opponents. Zooming in while in the cockpit will activate telescopic sight which, while great for landing shots on distant targets, may be slightly bothersome because it narrows the field of view.
+Cockpit visibility is decent but thanks to gunner's view this aircraft has excellent potential for situation awareness in simulator mode and this is what sets Kingfisher apart from the majority of its opponents. Zooming in while in the cockpit will activate telescopic sight which, while great for landing shots on distant targets, but may be slightly bothersome because it narrows the field of view.
 ===Events===