Difference between revisions of "Beginner's guide to air battles"
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==Video and film guides== | ==Video and film guides== | ||
===Official War Thunder Video Tutorials === | ===Official War Thunder Video Tutorials === | ||
| − | {{Youtube-gallery|_bAY9XW0ay0|Getting Started – Part 1|VG4xtydx8ko|Planes '''Arcade''' – Part 2|c8ZkI2CfxL0|Planes '''Guide to Precise Shooting''' – Part 3|nYLtASq_Wo8|Planes '''Bombs, Rockets & Torpedoes''' – Part 5|b3z9sSSF3wo|All vehicles '''Squads & Squadrons''' – Part 6|qdr-eS1DjKY|Planes '''Aircraft Tactics''' – Part 8|z2NcwVxOJbA|Planes '''Air | + | {{Youtube-gallery|_bAY9XW0ay0|Getting Started – Part 1|VG4xtydx8ko|Planes '''Arcade''' – Part 2|c8ZkI2CfxL0|Planes '''Guide to Precise Shooting''' – Part 3|nYLtASq_Wo8|Planes '''Bombs, Rockets & Torpedoes''' – Part 5|b3z9sSSF3wo|All vehicles '''Squads & Squadrons''' – Part 6|qdr-eS1DjKY|Planes '''Aircraft Tactics''' – Part 8|z2NcwVxOJbA|Planes '''Air Manoeuvres''' – Part 9 |n7nKIuMDR6c|Game Modes '''Single Player''' – Part 10|pJjO2NCUI-U|Planes '''Realistic Battles''' Part 15}} |
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=Written Guides= | =Written Guides= | ||
==Getting started== | ==Getting started== | ||
You will have a choice between 7 nations : the USA, Nazi Germany, the USSR, Great Britain, the Empire of Japan, the Italian Regia Aeronautica and the French Air Force. | You will have a choice between 7 nations : the USA, Nazi Germany, the USSR, Great Britain, the Empire of Japan, the Italian Regia Aeronautica and the French Air Force. | ||
| − | As their respective Ranks and Battle Ranks progress, the USAAC (United States Army Air Corps) will become the USAAF (United States Army Air Force) and then the USAF (United States Air Force), Nazi Germany will become the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) followed by GDR (German Democratic Republic) at the end of Rank V with the [[CL-13A Mk 5|CL-13A Sabre Mk 5]] and [[MiG-15bis]] and the Empire of Japan will become Occupied Japan with the Japanese [[F-86F-30 Sabre]]. | + | As their respective Ranks and Battle Ranks progress, the USAAC (United States Army Air Corps) will become the USAAF (United States Army Air Force) and then the USAF (United States Air Force), Nazi Germany will become the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) followed by GDR (German Democratic Republic) at the end of Rank V with the [[CL-13A Mk 5|CL-13A Sabre Mk 5]] and [[MiG-15bis]] and the Empire of Japan will become Occupied Japan with the Japanese [[F-86F-30 (Japan)|F-86F-30 Sabre]]. |
| − | Each plane's differing characteristics mean the pilot must adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of each plane. What works well for an [[I-153 M-62 | + | Each plane's differing characteristics mean the pilot must adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of each plane. What works well for an [[I-153 M-62|Chaika]] may prove disastrous for an [[F6F-5|F6F-5 Hellcat]], even though the latter is a much more capable vehicle. For fighter combat, you should learn about the fighting styles. |
==The Nations== | ==The Nations== | ||
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===[[File:USA flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:USA_aircraft]] [[:Category:USA_aircraft|USA]]=== | ===[[File:USA flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:USA_aircraft]] [[:Category:USA_aircraft|USA]]=== | ||
| − | The United States of America Army Air Corps had a special philosophy in mind when designing their aircraft: the planes are there to support the Ground Forces. This was a relatively successful battle strategy, and it yielded good planes, but it was a seriously restrictive idea. This is why planes such as the [[P-40E-1]], the [[P-39N-0]] and the [[P-51]] perform best at low and medium altitudes. This idea of keeping planes at low altitudes was largely abandoned during World War 2. The American aircraft design philosophy dictated that a designer's first priority was speed, then armament, and, last, handling. The result is that American planes are extremely well suited to the [[BnZ]] combat style but generally not well prepared for | + | The United States of America Army Air Corps had a special philosophy in mind when designing their aircraft: the planes are there to support the Ground Forces. This was a relatively successful battle strategy, and it yielded good planes, but it was a seriously restrictive idea. This is why planes such as the [[P-40E-1]], the [[P-39N-0]] and the [[P-51]] perform best at low and medium altitudes. This idea of keeping planes at low altitudes was largely abandoned during World War 2. The American aircraft design philosophy dictated that a designer's first priority was speed, then armament, and, last, handling. The result is that American planes are extremely well suited to the [[BnZ]] combat style but generally not well prepared for TnB. |
| − | '''Rank I:''' The [[PBY-5 Catalina]] is one of the best bombers for its rank and perfect to show you the bomber gameplay: you are a slow big target loaded with bombs for the enemies on the ground and MGs to defend yourself. If you want a fighter, get the [[F2A-3 Buffalo]], it is better than the obsolete [[P-36A Hawk]]. The Tech Trees don't matter a lot at this rank. | + | '''Rank I:''' The [[PBY-5 Catalina]] is one of the best bombers for its rank and perfect to show you the bomber gameplay: you are a slow big target loaded with bombs for the enemies on the ground and MGs to defend yourself. If you want a fighter, get the [[F2A-3|F2A-3 Buffalo]], it is better than the obsolete [[P-36A|P-36A Hawk]]. The Tech Trees don't matter a lot at this rank. |
| − | '''Rank II:''' Once again, you have a very effective bomber/attacker: the [[A-20G-25 Havoc]]. With its 6 MGs in the nose, head-ons with enemy planes often result with a kill. Its successor in the Tech Tree is the [[B-25J-1 Mitchell]], a good bomber. | + | '''Rank II:''' Once again, you have a very effective bomber/attacker: the [[A-20G-25|A-20G-25 Havoc]]. With its 6 MGs in the nose, head-ons with enemy planes often result with a kill. Its successor in the Tech Tree is the [[B-25J-1|Mitchell B-25J-1]], a good bomber. |
| − | The Rank II fighters are divided in 2 Tech Trees: the Air Force and the Navy. The Air Force has the [[P-40E-1 Kittyhawk]], the [[P-39N-0 Airacobra]] and the [[P-38G-1 Lightning]], all of them are great fighters. The Navy starts with the [[F4F-3 Wildcat]], which is not very liked by the players because of its armament (4 MGs only) and its bad handling. It is followed by the [[F4F-4 Wildcat]], the [[F6F- | + | The Rank II fighters are divided in 2 Tech Trees: the Air Force and the Navy. The Air Force has the [[P-40E-1|P-40E-1 Kittyhawk]], the [[P-39N-0|P-39N-0 Airacobra]] and the [[P-38G-1|P-38G-1 Lightning]], all of them are great fighters. The Navy starts with the [[F4F-3|F4F-3 Wildcat]], which is not very liked by the players because of its armament (4 MGs only) and its bad handling. It is followed by the [[F4F-4|F4F-4 Wildcat]], the [[F6F-5|F6F-5 Hellcat]] and the [[F4U-1A|F4U-1a Corsair]], all of them are good BnZ fighters. |
| − | '''Rank III:''' The Rank III is where the most popular | + | '''Rank III:''' The Rank III is where the most popular aircraft come: the [[P-51|P-51 Mustang]], the [[P-47D-25|P-47D-25 Thunderbolt]] and the [[P-63A-5|P-63A-5 Kingcobra]]. You might have already heard at least one of these names. All these planes are real beasts if the pilot knows what he is doing. |
| − | The Navy comes at this rank with the [[F4U-1c Corsair]], equipped with 4 cannons. | + | The Navy comes at this rank with the [[F4U-1C|F4U-1c Corsair]], equipped with 4 cannons. |
| − | The Attackers and the Bombers at this rank are the [[PBJ-1H]] (a [[B-25J-1 Mitchell]] with less bombs but more armament) and the well-known [[B-17E Flying Fortress]]. | + | The Attackers and the Bombers at this rank are the [[PBJ-1H]] (a [[B-25J-1|Mitchell B-25J-1]] with less bombs but more armament) and the well-known [[B-17E|B-17E Flying Fortress]]. |
| − | '''Rank IV:''' The Air Force will offer you the [[P-51D-5 Mustang]] and the [[F-82E]], both incredibly good if well-played. The Navy will give you access to the late war [[F8F-1 Bearcat]], a | + | '''Rank IV:''' The Air Force will offer you the [[P-51D-5|P-51D-5 Mustang]] and the [[F-82E]], both incredibly good if well-played. The Navy will give you access to the late war [[F8F-1|F8F-1 Bearcat]], a BnZ fighter, and the heavy fighter [[F7F-1]]. |
| − | The Attackers/Bombers are the post war [[AD-2 Skyraider]],the [[B-17G Flying Fortress]], the [[B-24D Liberator]] and the [[B-29 Superfortress]]. These | + | The Attackers/Bombers are the post war [[AD-2|AD-2 Skyraider]],the [[B-17G-60-VE|B-17G Flying Fortress]], the [[B-24D-25-CO|B-24D Liberator]] and the [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]]. These aircraft are good, but because of their [[BR]], they face powerful opponents such as the [[Ho 229 V3]], the [[Me 262 A-1a|Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe]] or the [[R2Y2 Kai V1|R2Y2 Keiun-KAI V1]]. They will easily shot them down. |
| − | '''Rank V (Jets):''' The first jet is the [[ | + | '''Rank V (Jets):''' The first jet is the [[F-80A-5]], one of the slowest jets. You will also access to the Korean War [[F-86F-25|F-86F-25 Sabre]], the fastest plane in-game. |
| − | The Navy gives you access to the [[F2H-2 Banshee]] and the [[F9F-2 Panther]], both designed for low altitude and equipped with 4 cannons. | + | The Navy gives you access to the [[F2H-2|F2H-2 Banshee]] and the [[F9F-2|F9F-2 Panther]], both designed for low altitude and equipped with 4 cannons. |
The Jet bombers are the [[B-57A]] and [[B-57B]], both impressive. | The Jet bombers are the [[B-57A]] and [[B-57B]], both impressive. | ||
| − | ===[[File:Germany flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Germany | + | ===[[File:Germany flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Germany aircraft]] [[:Category:Germany aircraft|Germany]]=== |
| − | The RLM acquired the same philosophy as the United States during the Spanish Civil War : first the speed, then the armament, and finally the handling. The best examples of this | + | The RLM acquired the same philosophy as the United States during the Spanish Civil War : first the speed, then the armament, and finally the handling. The best examples of this BnZ doctrine are the [[Bf 109 F-4]] and the [[Fw 190 A-5]](found at Rank III) : they have both 2 x [[MG 15 (7.92 mm)|7.92 mm MG15]] ,and respectively 3 x [[MG 151 (20 mm)|20 mm MG 151/20]] and 2 x MG151/20 with two additional [[MG FF/M (20 mm)|20 mm MG FF/M]]. The Romanian aircraft are generally Premium aircraft such as the [[He 112 B-1/U2]], the [[Bf 109 G-2]] and the [[Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)]]. |
| − | The German bombers are good, but if you want to play with Medium Bombers or Heavy Bombers, Germany might not be for you | + | The German bombers are good, but if you want to play with Medium Bombers or Heavy Bombers, Germany might not be for you. |
| − | '''Rank I :''' The [[ | + | '''Rank I :''' The [[He 51 A-1]], the [[He 51 B-1]] and the [[He 51 C-1]] are almost ineffective. Get as fast as possible the heavy fighter [[Bf 110 C-7]], it is one of the best planes at this rank. The [[CR.42|CR.42 Falco]] isn't a bad choice either. The [[Ju 87 B-2]] and the [[Ju 87 R-2]] are a good choice if you want a bomber for Tank Realistic Battles. The [[He 112 B-0]] and the Premium [[He 112 B-1/U2]] are the best German TnB fighters you will find. |
| − | '''Rank II :''' The [[Bf 109 E-3]] is the aircraft that you should research first. It is one of the best planes at its [[BR]]. The [[Fw 190 A-1]] is also a good plane, but it doesn't have enough ammunition to complete its role of Interceptor, especially for a beginner pilot. The [[ | + | '''Rank II :''' The [[Bf 109 E-3]] is the aircraft that you should research first. It is one of the best planes at its [[BR]]. The [[Fw 190 A-1]] is also a good plane, but it doesn't have enough ammunition to complete its role of Interceptor, especially for a beginner pilot. The [[Ju 87 G-1]] and G-2 are better suited for Tank Realistic and Simulator Battles. |
| − | '''Rank III :''' The [[Bf 109 F-4]], the [[Bf 109 G-2/trop]] and the [[Fw 190 A-5]] are the best examples of | + | '''Rank III :''' The [[Bf 109 F-4]], the [[Bf 109 G-2/trop]] and the [[Fw 190 A-5]] are the best examples of BnZ planes : great speed, great firepower, average handling (or worse). If you really want a German plane for TnB at this [[BR]], you can buy a Premium [[Yak-1B]] or Premium [[La-5FN]] but it will cost you some money. The [[Hs 129 B-2]] is a good attacker, but it is a "sitting duck", it has no gunners and needs a fighter escort. |
| − | '''Rank IV :''' The late war German planes are harder to play, especially the Bf 109. They become heavier and slower progressively with the increase of the fire power and armour. The [[Bf 109 G-6]] came in 1943, it is a good example of this logic : the 7,92 mm MGs are replaced with the heavier | + | '''Rank IV :''' The late war German planes are harder to play, especially the Bf 109. They become heavier and slower progressively with the increase of the fire power and armour. The [[Bf 109 G-6]] came in 1943, it is a good example of this logic : the 7,92 mm MGs are replaced with the heavier 13 mm MGs and the 20 mm MG151/20 cannons can be replaced with [[MK 108 (30 mm)|30 mm MK 108]] cannons (you can have 3 of them if using gunpods). |
In these late ranks, you will have access to the craziest ideas of the Nazi and German engineering, the [[Bf 109 G-10]], the [[Bf 109 K-4]] and the [[Ta 152 H-1]] were the last war efforts of Germany and between the best prop-planes In Game. | In these late ranks, you will have access to the craziest ideas of the Nazi and German engineering, the [[Bf 109 G-10]], the [[Bf 109 K-4]] and the [[Ta 152 H-1]] were the last war efforts of Germany and between the best prop-planes In Game. | ||
| − | '''Rank V (Jets) :''' The [[Me 163|Me | + | '''Rank V (Jets) :''' The [[Me 163 B|Me 163]] "Komet" is one of the first Jets you will have access to and is one of the hardest aircraft to fly and one of the most impressive along with the [[Ho 229 V3]] and the [[Me 262 A-1/U4]] "Pulkzerstörer". The Germans have the most WW2 Jets while the Soviets had none, Great Britain only one (the [[Meteor F Mk 3]] which never saw active combat-operation in Europe) and the USA also one that may have been used against Japan (the [[F-80A-5]]). |
| − | ===[[File:USSR flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:USSR | + | ===[[File:USSR flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:USSR aircraft]] [[:Category:USSR aircraft|USSR]]=== |
| − | + | Their aircraft are mainly TnB fighters with nose mounted MGs and cannons with low amounts of ammunition (especially during the Great Patriotic War and after). TnB fighters are easier to use compared to BnZ fighters, this is why it is recommended to start with the USSR. The "Soviets" have 3 Fighter Tech Trees : Yakovlev OKB, MiG/Polikarpov OKB and Lavothkin OKB. The fighters were used generally to cover the bombers while the Germans were searching targets in small groups or alone. This is also an explanation why they had a low ammo count : they didn't need a lot of ammo to complete their mission. The Soviet Air Forces are also called '''VVS''' ("Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily", literally "Military Air Forces", you will sometimes find this abbreviation In Game). Do not confound with the '''PVO''' ("Protivo Vozdushnoy Ooborony", the Soviet Air Defense Forces). | |
Soviet planes requires more accuracy than its American and British counterparts, but with accuracy you can easily take down planes using the powerful cannons by the soviets. | Soviet planes requires more accuracy than its American and British counterparts, but with accuracy you can easily take down planes using the powerful cannons by the soviets. | ||
| − | '''Rank I :''' The Rank I Soviet aircraft are planes from the Spanish Civil War until 1941. The first plane you should research is the [[I-153 M-62 Chaika]], it's a fun plane to use and probably the best Rank I aircraft. Then the [[Yak-1]] or the [[LaGG-3-8]] who are faster and have a cannon. The Soviet bombers in this era aren't good at all, if you really want a bomber research the [[BB-1]] and Su-2s. | + | '''Rank I :''' The Rank I Soviet aircraft are planes from the Spanish Civil War until 1941. The first plane you should research is the [[I-153 M-62|I-153 M-62 Chaika]], it's a fun plane to use and probably the best Rank I aircraft. Then the [[Yak-1]] or the [[LaGG-3-8]] who are faster and have a cannon. The Soviet bombers in this era aren't good at all, if you really want a bomber research the [[BB-1]] and Su-2s. |
| − | '''Rank II :''' At this Rank, all the Tech Trees have a good aircraft to try : Yakovlev OKB proposes you the [[Yak-7B]], the [[Yak-1B]] and the [[Yak-9]], Mikoyan-Gurevitch offers you the [[MiG-3-15]] (the plane of the greatest Soviet Ace Alexander Pokryshkin)and the [[MiG-3-34]] (a low [[BR]] plane with 2 cannons, a simple burst rips a plane apart), and | + | '''Rank II :''' At this Rank, all the Tech Trees have a good aircraft to try : Yakovlev OKB proposes you the [[Yak-7B]], the [[Yak-1B]] and the [[Yak-9]], Mikoyan-Gurevitch offers you the [[MiG-3-15]] (the plane of the greatest Soviet Ace Alexander Pokryshkin)and the [[MiG-3-34]] (a low [[BR]] plane with 2 cannons, a simple burst rips a plane apart), and Lavochkin OKB gives you the [[La-5]]. |
| − | The [[IL-2 (1942)]] | + | The [[IL-2 (1942)]] "Sturmovik" and the [[IL-4]] are efficient and versatile. |
| − | '''Rank III :''' At Rank III, Mother Russia gives you super-powers : the [[Yak-9T]] and its 37 mm Nudelmann-Suranov | + | '''Rank III :''' At Rank III, Mother Russia gives you super-powers : the [[Yak-9T]] and its [[NS-37 (37 mm)|37 mm Nudelmann-Suranov]] cannon with 30 rounds... This aircraft is a requirement for every Soviet player. You can use it in Arcade Battles, Realistic Battles and even Simulator Battles. |
| − | The [[I-185 (M-82) | + | The [[I-185 (M-82)]] isn't that recommended because it is just a prototype and it doesn't have armour. The [[La-5F]] and [[La-5FN]] are good also. |
The Petlyakov [[Pe-3bis]] is a great Heavy Fighter thanks to its 20 mm ShVak cannon, it is worth to try. | The Petlyakov [[Pe-3bis]] is a great Heavy Fighter thanks to its 20 mm ShVak cannon, it is worth to try. | ||
| − | The [[Yer-2 ACh-30B | + | The [[Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (e)]] is part of the Soviet Heavy Bombers who bombed Germany. It has a good defence and an important payload. The first soviet heavy bomber, the Pe-8 has a incredible defensive armaments and the ability to carry the heaviest bomb in the game, the FAB-5000 5-ton bomb. |
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| − | '''Rank | + | '''Rank IV :''' The Soviet rank IV planes are very good fighters but have less and less ammo. Accuracy will define your Survivability. The [[Yak-9U]], [[La-7B-20]], [[La-9]] and [[IL-10 (1946)]] have low amount of ammo, but great fire power. In the bomber tech tree, the Tu-4 is a very versatile bomber, out climbing, out turning and out running the original B-29 Superfortress. Its payload and defensive armament is the first in the game. |
| − | + | '''Rank V (Jets) :''' The rate of fire of the guns increases, the ammo count decreases. The [[IL-28]], the [[MiG-15]] and the [[MiG-15bis]] are the highest planes in terms of [[BR]]. They have only a very few seconds of firing, and the low velocity on the of the guns (especially of the NS-37) decreases the chances of hitting the enemy. | |
| − | + | ===[[File:Britain flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Britain aircraft]] [[:Category:Britain aircraft|Great Britain]]=== | |
| − | '''Rank I :''' | + | '''Rank I :''' It is recommended to research the [[Hurricane Mk I/L]] first. Its 8 x .303 Brownings and manoeuvrability is top notch. The [[Swordfish Mk I]] torpedo-bomber is also fun to play, but at this stage try anything you want. |
| − | '''Rank II :''' British Rank II fighters are of good | + | '''Rank II :''' British Rank II fighters are of good manoeuvrability and armament. The [[Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop]] comes with an astonishing 12 x .303 browning MGs while retaining the good manoeuvrability of the Hurricane. The spitfire is also much loved by many players because of its manoeuvrability and speed. Bombers carry a nice loadout, with the Wellingtons carrying the 4,000 lb bomb, dubbed the "cookie" and the [[Halifax B Mk IIIa]] carrying an insane 12,000 lbs worth of bombs. |
| − | '''Rank III :''' The [[Typhoon Mk | + | '''Rank III :''' The [[Typhoon Mk Ib/L|Typhoon Mk Ib /Late]] with its 4 Hispano cannons is a good BnZ fighter. The Spitfires are also improved, as the [[Spitfire Mk Vb/trop]] and its successors are able to perform zero-G manoeuvres, with the new merlin 45 engine. The Short Stirling may be tricky to play, but if used correctly it can be extremely useful. |
| − | '''Rank IV :''' Here, | + | '''Rank IV :''' Here, Mother Britannia provides you with strong aircraft like the Avro Lancaster and the wooden De Havilland Mosquito. The Lancasters can be equipped with 2 4000lb "cookies" with are very useful in destroying bases in the game. However, its defence is rather weak and fighter escorts are recommended. The Mosquito, dubbed the "Wooden wonder", is capable of outrunning the Messerschmitt Bf 109 in low altitudes. The [[Mosquito FB Mk XVIII]] contains a powerful 6-pdr cannon which can be devastating to ground vehicles. However the wooden wonder is very vulnerable to fires, as its name suggests, |
'''Rank V (Jets) :''' | '''Rank V (Jets) :''' | ||
| − | ===[[File:Japan flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Japan | + | ===[[File:Japan flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Japan aircraft]] [[:Category:Japan aircraft|Japan]]=== |
| − | Japanese planes are distinguished by their agility, and can be great for dogfighting if played correctly. | + | Japanese planes are distinguished by their agility, and can be great for dogfighting if played correctly. However, much like in real life, this performance comes at a serious price: specifically, light construction, little to no pilot protection, and lack of self-sealing fuel tanks. Consequently, these planes catch fire and burn very easily; some of the later ones are more durable, but still less so than their Allied counterparts. In WT, Japan also suffers from overkill BR, meaning its older planes can face newer, superior Allied ones. Yet, Japanese planes retain their exceptional manoeuvrability versus its opponents (usually Americans). Japan lacks heavy bombers until late in the tech tree, but its earlier ones are still reliable and versatile. Japan also has a lot of torpedo bombers, which can be great for taking out naval targets; one must not be careless, however, as such planes must descend to near sea-level to drop torpedoes, leaving them vulnerable to enemy flyers. |
| − | The Japanese Empire lacked an independent air force during WW2, so its navy and army (which were bitter rivals to the end) each had their own separate air services. | + | The Japanese Empire lacked an independent air force during WW2, so its navy and army (which were bitter rivals to the end) each had their own separate air services. This shows in the Japanese tech tree. |
| − | '''Rank I :''' It is best to start with the Ki-10 biplanes and grind for the [[Ki-27 otsu]] and [[A5M4]]. | + | '''Rank I :''' It is best to start with the Ki-10 biplanes and grind for the [[Ki-27 otsu]] and [[A5M4]]. Both of those fighters have open cockpits and are armed with only twin 7.7 mm machine guns, but they perform well. There is also the [[D3A1]] dive bomber, which is fast, versatile, and well-armed. For bombers, there are the [[H6K4]]/[[H8K2]] flying boats and the [[Ki-21-Ia|Ki-21]]; they are very slow and cumbersome, but will serve you well until you can get better bombers. |
| − | '''Rank II :''' Rank II grants access to perhaps the most infamous and notorious Japanese plane of WW2: the A6M Zero. | + | '''Rank II :''' Rank II grants access to perhaps the most infamous and notorious Japanese plane of WW2: the A6M Zero. The model available at this rank, the [[A6M2|A6M2 Reisen]], boasts twin 7.7 mm machine guns and twin 20 mm cannons, though the latter guns do not have a lot of ammo. Following it is the [[J2M2|J2M2 Raiden]], another great naval plane. On the army side, you start with the initial variants of the Ki-43; these are highly manoeuvrable, but very lightly armed and delicate, so don't get too cocky. The Ki-44s are slightly less agile, but still fun to play. The following Ki-61s are nothing special, but research them anyway as this will gain you the [[Ki-100]], which is very durable and well-armed with an ample ammo supply to match. Rank II heavy hitters include the [[B5N2]] dive/torpedo bomber and [[G4M1]], which are both versatile and have good defensive armament; be careful when using the G4M1, though, as its unarmoured engines and fuel tanks almost guarantee a fiery doom if you get shot. |
| − | '''Rank III :''' Not much changes here. | + | '''Rank III :''' Not much changes here. You have newer Zeroes and Ki-61s, the [[Ki-43-III otsu|Ki-43-III otsu Hayabusa]] (the last and most powerful variant of said plane), and the [[A7M2]] for fighters. These are all fun to use, but at this point you will start facing some of the best planes from the other nations, which the Japanese fighters may be hard-pressed to keep up with. On the bright side, you have the [[B7A2|B7A2 Ryusei]] dive/torpedo bomber, which is a jack-of-all-trades plane that can be used in a number of roles. The only bombers you can unlock are different variants of the [[Ki-49-IIb|Ki-49-IIb Donryu]], which, despite its small payload, can be very useful. |
| − | '''Rank IV :''' Rank IV gives you Japan's latest and greatest, and while still more fragile than most opponents, these planes are a bit less flammable than in the previous ranks. | + | '''Rank IV :''' Rank IV gives you Japan's latest and greatest, and while still more fragile than most opponents, these planes are a bit less flammable than in the previous ranks. You have three fantastic new fighters: the powerful [[N1K2-J|N1K2-J Shiden-Kai]], the fast and deadly Ki-84 Hayate, and the cool-looking [[J7W1|J7W1 Shinden]] interceptor. You've also got the last J2M variants, which have a superb climb rate, and the [[Ki-83]] heavy fighter, which, for a plane of its type, is surprisingly manoeuvrable and packs a wallop. This rank's dive/torpedo bomber, the [[P1Y1 mod. 11|P1Y1]], is unimpressive, as is the [[G5N1|G5N1 Shinzan]] four-engine heavy bomber, which is extremely slow and cumbersome despite its many defensive guns (all of them pitifully light). However, the [[G8N1|G8N1 Renzan]] (a.k.a., the "Death Star") is among the best bombers in War Thunder; it has a much smaller payload than its Allied counterparts, but its defensive armament is among the best in the game, helping it in reaching its targets. |
| − | '''Rank V (Jets) :''' Japan has very few jets compared to the other nations, but they're still unique in their own way and all but one are armed with powerful | + | '''Rank V (Jets) :''' Japan has very few jets compared to the other nations, but they're still unique in their own way and all but one are armed with powerful 30 mm cannons. The [[Kikka]]'s BR is low for a jet, but, along with the [[Ki-200]] (a derivative of the German Me 163 Komet), it has VERY little ammo; major trigger disciple is required for both of said planes to be played effectively. The R2Y2s, on the other hand, have devastating quadruple 30 mm armament, with a generous ammo count to boot. The [[F-86F-30 (Japan)|F-86F-30]] is basically an American F-86F-25 with Japanese markings; just take your time grinding it and get to the improved F-86F-40. |
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[[Category:Custom articles]] | [[Category:Custom articles]] | ||
Latest revision as of 11:53, 13 November 2022
 | Relevance under question. The content of this article is most likely outdated and is not reflecting the current state of affairs. The article needs to be updated. |
