Difference between pages "P-63A-5" and "VL Pyörremyrsky"

From War Thunder Wiki
(Difference between pages)
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
m (I set the maximum + G force to around 16 Gs, because of my in-game experience)
 
(→‎Description)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{About
 
−
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| other
 
−
| usage-1 = the Soviet version
 
−
| link-1 = P-63A-5 (USSR)
 
−
| usage-2 = other versions
 
−
| link-2 = P-63 (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
−
|code=p-63a-5
+
|code=pyorremyrsky
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
−
|cockpit=cockpit_p-63a-5.jpg
+
|cockpit=cockpit_pyorremyrsky.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
+
From 1942, the superiority of the Red Army Air Force over the Finnish was becoming increasingly obvious. While 160 modern Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2, G-6, and other versions were transferred to the Finnish Air Force by Germany between 1942 and 1944, the situation began to deteriorate among the Axis countries; due to the increasing successes (especially from the second half of 1943) of the Allied countries, it became obvious that further deliveries of new Bf 109s as well as spare parts for them would become more and more problematic. In this situation, the command of the Finnish Air Force ordered VL to develop a fighter that was to be made of domestic materials (mainly wood and steel), with characteristics comparable to the Bf 109 G-6. Engineers T.R. Verkola, Arvo Ilinen, and Edward Vigelius proposed an aerodynamically clean low-wing aircraft equipped with a German Daimler-Benz DB 605AC engine developing 1,475 hp (1,085 kW) and driving a three-bladed VDM propeller. In the project, the fairing of the propeller sleeve and the engine hood were borrowed from the German aircraft; this made the new Finnish aircraft, designated Pyörremyrsky (hurricane), very similar in front to the Bf 109 G.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]] as a [[wt:en/news/6450-development-pyörremyrsky-the-nordic-whirlwind-en|premium pack]], but was removed from the Gaijin store after the [[wt:en/news/7674-shop-may-sale-en|2022 May sale]]. It was re-introduced as a regular in-game premium for {{GE}} in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]]. Although the Pyörremyrsky shares some design traits with the [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109 series]] of German fighters, it is a completely domestic Finnish design and has significantly different flight characteristics. It has a very capable flight performance and can be considered a middle point between regular dogfighters like the Yak-3 and boom-and-zoom fighters like the Bf 109. It has a good rate of climb similar to that of the Bf 109, but its top speed and manoeuvrability are closer to that of Soviet fighters. The aircraft has a relatively small ammo pool, requiring trigger discipline to remain active throughout an entire battle. The aircraft is still outperformed by Japanese Zeros, British Spitfires, and Italian C.205s, so it is not recommended trying to dogfight these types of enemies; instead, play passively in a boom-and-zoom role and try to target slower aircraft.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 24: Line 18:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,850 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 33: Line 27:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 617 || 596 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.0 || 22.7 || 16.1 || 16.1 || rowspan="2" | 289
+
| 596 || 580 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.0 || 19.6 || 14.3 || 14.3 || rowspan="2" | 390
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 670 || 640 || 20.3 || 21.0 || 24.1 || 19.6
+
| 647 || 620 || 17.1 || 18.0 || 23.9 || 18.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 62: Line 56:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 887 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 378 || 359 || 262 || ~16 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~14 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 72: Line 66:
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 410 || < 380 || < 410 || > 420
+
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 80: Line 74:
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plates x 2, lower fore cockpit
+
This aircraft, having only one spar in each wing along with its water coolant system, is not a hugely durable aircraft - though it's not fragile either. The combined 20 mm of spaced armour behind the pilot is fairly effective for protection but a lack of any frontal armour makes the Pyörremyrsky very vulnerable in head-ons or in bomber hunting.
−
* 19.05 mm Steel - Plate, upper fore cockpit
+
 
−
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
+
* 10 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
−
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate protecting oil cooling system
+
* 10 mm Steel - Behind pilot
−
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
+
* Self-sealing fuel tank (1 behind pilot)
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 94: Line 88:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|M4 (37 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)|LKk/42 (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
+
* 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
+
{{main|Model 1938 (50 kg)|Model 1938 (100 kg)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
+
* 4 x 50 kg Model 1938 bombs (200 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 100 kg Model 1938 bombs (400 kg total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->This 1945 aircraft is not a great fighter to low-level pursuits where really great top speed is crucial. But instead, use this plane for medium-altitude engagements. Where an altitude advantage allows the Pyörremyrsky to increase the speed and surprise its enemies with a proper turn rate. This aircraft excels in both boom 'n' zoom but is also an excellent dogfighter, sporting fantastic low speed handling characteristics (especially with combat and takeoff flaps), a steady gun platform and, as previously mentioned, a fairly tight turning circle.
−
This aircraft is a good all-altitude fighter and can be used as an interceptor. The A-5 can out-climb most of its opponents un-upgraded, although "side climbing" is recommended when the higher altitudes are reached. Its straight-line speed, especially at higher altitudes, is respectable, competing with Bf 109s of the rank. This aircraft has a poor turn-time at slower speeds, but as with most US aircraft, its high-speed performance is significantly better than the aircraft it faces, making it a good Boom & Zoom aircraft. The 37 mm gun improves damage to aircraft since the 4 x 12.7 mm Brownings are not greatly powerful at the higher tiers- the 37 mm gun compliments the 12.7 mm as a good bomber hunter, combined with the sleek profile of the aircraft. The aircraft is not intended, nor should be used, as a ground attack vehicle, since it can only carry one 500 lb bomb and the ammunition count for the 12.7 mm guns is not great. The 37 mm gun can be used in a ground attack, although some don't prefer this tactic as it reduces the ammo count as a whole for the aircraft, which is one of its limiting factors in combat. Tactically, the aircraft is good for small dives against turn-fighting opponents on the tail of your allies, from around 1,000 m or less above the target. Keeping any "side-climbers" down is normally good since the speed and rate of climb allow the P-63 to catch these planes and send them back down.
+
 
 +
The Pyörremyrsky climbs very well and maintains adequate speed up to approximately 5,000 m, this is more than enough speed to initiate combat actions, albeit Finnish pilots can continue the climb to allow themselves more combat choices. Oppositely, they can remain below the 5,000 m and work together with their Swedish brothers to down all the enemy team; the Pyörremyrsky often acting as the decoy. The engine power is favourable, and under WEP produces over 1,400HP which the Pyörremyrsky can maintain almost indefinitely with proper radiator and oil radiator management.
 +
 
 +
The intercepting role varies somewhat nonetheless. Pyörremyrsky does not offer great frontal protection, so engaging bombers with good turret protection is not the best idea. Specially bombers like the mighty Soviet [[Pe-8]] or the German [[He 219 A-7]] which are loaded with high-calibre weapons able to harm your pilot with a direct shot or break the light Pyörremyrsky apart. The rather reserved ammo count also limits the input damage against bombers. Because of that same reason, head-on attacks are ill-advised, only should be attempted versus planes with a good turn rate and light airframe. Usually the Japanese [[A6M3|Zeros]], The British [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfires]] or the Italian [[C.205 (Family)|C.205s]]. Though, there are exceptions where the player must know how to engage a specific enemy. When to dive away or when to engage in a turning duel.
 +
 
 +
=== Ground Battles ===
 +
The Pyörremyrsky is not the fastest plane in here. Therefore players need to consider 2 main roles if they seek good rewards in the Pyörremyrsky flying over the tank's battlefield.
 +
 
 +
'''Air Superiority role'''
 +
 
 +
In this role the Pyörremyrsky will take no bombs and instead climb over the battlefield, diving down and taking attacks of opportunity against enemy aircraft. The aircraft excels in this role as it preserves energy well and even if lured into a low level dogfight, will still be in home turf if in the hands of a skilled pilot.
 +
 
 +
Generally, the target planes are attackers with low top speed or fighters with bombs, so the Pyörremyrsky should have no trouble downing them with a surprise advantage.
 +
 
 +
'''Close air support'''
 +
 
 +
Here the Pyörremyrsky performs as a light strike fighter armed with the 4 x 100 kg bombs. This bomb load for a single engined fighter is very good and lends the Pyörremyrsky a fantastic multi-role capability. The bombs can inflict some serious damage and then the aircraft can serve to preserve air superiority over the battle.
 +
 
 +
Crew exposed vehicles or light tanks can also be destroyed with the heavy machine guns or cannons, both of which have good AP belts and can inflict some damage to armoured vehicles from a top-down approach.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 129: Line 141:
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 138: Line 150:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Powerful 37 mm cannon with 4 x 12.7 mm machine guns as a backup
+
* Good armament, MG 151/20 and two 12.7 mm LKk/42 both nose mounted
−
* Default round for 37 mm cannon is devastating against enemy planes
+
* The LKk/42 MGs can load entirely AP ammunition that can penetrate 26 mm of armour
−
* The P-63A-5 has an Air Targets belt for the 37 mm cannon consisting purely of HEFI-T shells
+
* Good turn rate, can outturn some Merlin Spitfires in sustained turnfight
−
* Slightly more powerful engine and better manoeuvrability than the already well-performing [[P-39 (Family)|P-39 Airacobra]]
+
* Decent flaps allow for decreased turn radius
−
* Can WEP for a long time without overheating
+
* Fantastic engine characteristics (overheating can be negated entirely)
−
* Jack of all trades
+
* Very steady and reliable gun platform
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Bigger target than the P-39
+
* Not hugely fast, Bf 109 series starting F-4 outrun it
−
* Still stuck with the same 37 mm M4 cannon as the P-39s
+
* No frontal armour protection
−
** Slow rate of fire for the 37 mm cannon
+
* Not best suited to bomber hunting
−
** Limited 37 mm ammo
 
−
** 37 mm projectiles are too slow and inaccurate to be reliably effective in a dogfight
 
−
** 37 mm projectiles can not penetrate tank armour even at optimal angles
 
−
* Centre mounted engine has a higher tendency to take damage in pursuits and from diving planes.
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
The P-63 Kingcobra was an improved version of the P-39 Airacobra. The P-63A was the first production variant, and production began in October 1943. The USAAF found the P-63 inferior to other designs, such as the P-51 Mustang, so it was not ordered in quantity. But, production began to facilitate export to the Soviet Union through the Lend-Lease Act.
+
Pyörremyrsky, meaning hurricane, tornado or whirlwind in Finnish (pyörre > vortex/whirl, myrsky > storm), was the name of a Finnish fighter design at the end of WWII. Designed by Torsti Rafael Verkkola (1909-1977), the chief designer of Valtion lentokonetehdas (VL or "State Aircraft Factory") and the designer of the previous Myrsky fighter and the Pyry trainer, the Pyörremyrsky was conceived as a domestic equivalent to the Messerschmitt Bf 109G.
−
 
 
−
The Soviet Union played a major role in developing the P-63, and it was tested heavily in Russia. The P-63A sub-variants were mostly developed due to Soviet feedback since the Soviet Union was the largest buyer of the Kingcobra. The P-63A-5 sub-variant incorporated more pilot armour and a fuselage hardpoint. The A-6 added two wing hardpoints and extra fuel tanks, and the 37 mm gun was moved forward on the A-9 due to Soviet feedback - increasing the ammunition load from 30 to 58 rounds.
 
−
 
 
−
The P-63A was not used for combat operations by the USAAF. Instead, they were often converted to target aircraft for aerial gunnery training. Most P-63s, though, were exported to the Soviet Union during the war through the Lend-Lease Act.
 
−
 
 
−
The P-63 was removed from the Soviet western front in 1943 to focus the units on the east for an eventual invasion of Japan. However, both Soviet units and German units reported the presence of P-63 fighters on that front. One Soviet account goes as far as to say that the entire 4th Guards Aviation Regiment (4 GvlAP) was converted to the P-63 in 1944 while officially flying the P-39. German accounts also detail the downing of P-63 aircraft by flak guns and fighter aircraft. The official Soviet records still claim that only P-39s were used against Germany.
 
−
 
 
−
In the time before the P-63s were transferred to the east, it had been proven as a capable fighter, although there is a widely believed myth that P-63s were used only in the ground attack role. The Kingcobra was able to achieve several victories over German aircraft at that time. In the Pacific theatre, P-63s were used during the Soviet invasion of Manchukuo and northern Japanese Korea. They flew ground attack, close air support, and escort missions in that theatre. The first Soviet air victory with the type in the Pacific was on 15 August 1945, when Lejtenant I. F. Miroshnichenko from 17th IAP/190 IAD, shot down a Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa IJAAS fighter off the coast of northern Korea.
 
−
 
 
−
The Soviet Air Force maintained large quantities of P-63 Kingcobras after the war, with P-63s remaining in service throughout the Korean War in the 1950s.
 
−
 
 
−
The French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) received 114 P-63 Kingcobras in 1945. These units were received too late to participate in World War 2, and they were first deployed to Algeria. When the French Indochina War broke out, the P-63s were sent to Indochina immediately. By January 1950, only 60 P-63s remained operational due to a lack of spare parts since the United States refused to provide them. The squadrons equipped with the Kingcobra began to receive the F8F Bearcat in February 1951, and the P-63 was taken out of service soon after. The last flight of a P-63 in Indochina occurred in September 1951.
 
−
 
 
−
{{break}}
 
−
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 
−
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
−
Bell P-63A-1/A-5 (Model 33) Kingcobra Army Fighter
 
  
−
A single-seat, closed-canopy, all-metal monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear and a nose strut. The P-63 Kingcobra was developed as an improved version of the P-39 Airacobra and had a similar layout, with the engine located just behind the cockpit.
+
=== Design ===
 +
Conceptually, the Pyörremyrsky was very similar to the Bf 109G: it was powered by the same Daimler Benz DB605 engine and had a similar armament, consisting of one hub-mounted 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and two 12.7 mm hood-mounted machine guns. However, the design was optimized for domestic production, making maximum use of wooden sub-assemblies, and crucially, unlike the Bf 109, it used a wing-mounted landing gear with a wide ground track, giving the design better handling on the ground.
  
−
Work on the plane, originally designated the XP-39E, began in February 1941. The first prototype designated XP-63, flew on December 7, 1942, and production of the P-63A-1 (Model 33) began in October 1943, along with the P-39.
+
=== Testing ===
 +
Design and construction of the Pyörremyrsky met significant delays, and while the original tender called for a prototype to be ready in May 1944, it wasn't until 21 November 1945 that the prototype was ready and made its first flight.
  
−
The general layout of the P-39 Kingcobra was preserved, but the P-63 featured new, streamlined wings. To remedy the P-39's main weakness, a propensity to falling into a flat spin, the area of the vertical tail fin was increased, and the aft section of the fuselage was lengthened.
+
The prototype was designated PM-1. PM being its intended type designation and 1 being its airframe number. The designation PM is an abbreviation of '''P'''yörre'''m'''yrsky.
  
−
The first production models were equipped with a V-12 liquid-cooled Allison V-1710-93 engine (1,325 hp). The aircraft was armed with a Colt-Browning M4 37 mm cannon with 30 rounds and 2 synchronous Colt-Browning M2 .50 cal 12.7 mm machine guns with 270 rounds per gun. An additional two M2 .50 cals with 250 rounds each were placed in the wing compartments.
+
Flight trials of the Pyörremyrsky revealed some minor issues, but other than that, the design was very promising. Performance of the Pyörremyrsky was very similar to that of the Bf 109G, but it had a superior climbing speed and proved to be very agile. One major worry, however, was the quality of the glue used to bind the wooden components.
  
−
Aircraft of both series (except some A-1 planes) were fitted with a ventral pylon which could hold a fuel tank of 75 gallons (284 litres) or one 500 lb (227 kg) bomb.
+
=== Fate ===
 +
The end of the War saw Finland's military subjected to severe restrictions under the Moscow Armistice, which also called for a reduction of its forces. This limited the air force to only 60 fighter aircraft. As a result, the Pyörremyrsky became surplus before it even reached production as Finland chose to retain the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G as its primary fighter for economical reasons. The last of the Finnish Bf 109 Gs bowed out of service on March 13th 1954. The sole completed prototype of the Pyörremyrsky was put into storage after its last flight on July 22nd 1947, and stricken from the Finnish Air Force's inventory on April 1st 1953. Fortunately the prototype was preserved: it is now displayed at the Aviation Museum of Central Finland in Tikkakoski.
  
−
The aircraft was continually tweaked from one production run to the next, improving its ability to support troops on the field. However, the differences between the A-1 and the A-5 were only slight. Though not a visible one, the most significant difference was the increase in armour from 40 kg to 81. 50 P-63A-1 and 20 P-63A-5 planes were produced.
+
=== Legacy ===
 +
Fortunately the Pyörremyrsky legacy continued even after the prototype was grounded. In 1948, construction started on a replacement of the VL Pyry trainer. The new design reused the wing design of the Pyörremyrsky in combination with a new fuselage. This aircraft, which was constructed by the successor of VL, Valmet, was named Vihuri (Gale) and first flew on February 6th 1951. The Vihuri prototype was designated VH-1, VH being an abbreviation of '''V'''i'''h'''uri.
  
−
The Red Army became the main consumers of the P-63A. Deliveries to the Soviet Union began in the summer of 1944 via Alaska and the Northwest Staging Route. The P-63A began to support Soviet anti-aircraft operations in the spring of 1945.
+
After successful tests the Finnish air force ordered 30 aircraft on 27 February 1951. These were collectively called Vihuri sarja (series) II and carried the numbers VH-2 to VH-31. Series II were entered service in 1953 and this prompted the Finnish air force to order yet another 20 aircraft by autumn 1954. These aircraft were collectively called Vihuri series III and carried the numbers VH-32 to VH-51. All of series III were handed over to the Finnish air force on 15 January 1957.
  
−
The Soviet version of the P-63A differed from the American in one important feature: the presence of a crank to start the engine. In addition, the Soviets equipped the plane with FAB-100 and FAB-250 bombs under the fuselage.
+
Unlike the Pyörremyrsky the Vihuri was entirely constructed from metal. As a trainer it was a sound design, however it suffered badly in the engine department. The Vihuri design used old Tampere (Bristol) Mercury engines which had been recuperated from scrapped Bristol Blenheim bombers. These engines were already worn out by the time they were installed on the trainers which lead to a lot of breakdowns. After a string of fatal accidents the design was placed under severe suspicion and in March of 1957 all the Vihuri's were grounded after an accident was caused by structural failure. A subsequent inquest showed this particular accident as well as most of the previous ones were caused by pilots violating the flight safety regulations, taking the aircraft beyond its structural limitations. The Vihuri was returned to service in May of 1957, but following two further fatal accidents in 1959 the type was permanently grounded and stricken from the Finnish Air Force's inventory, with 31 out of 32 surviving airframes being sold for scrap; ironically it was outlasted in service by the Pyry (withdrawing in 1962), the design it was supposed to replace as a trainer. The sole surviving complete Vihuri is now displayed next to the sole surviving Pyörremyrsky at the Tikkakoski air force museum.
−
{{Navigation-End}}
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 199: Line 193:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-63a-5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pyorremyrsky Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
 +
File:Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 001.jpg
 +
File:Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 002.jpg
 +
File:Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 003.jpg
 +
File:Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 004.jpg
 +
File:Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 005.jpg
 +
File:Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 006.jpg
 +
File:Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 007.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|vXxfEpltseI|'''The Shooting Range #44''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the P-63A-5.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|u_HsKH1DYlc|'''Premium Vehicles: VL Pyörremyrsky''' - ''War Thunder Wiki''|ZPGPaceu1oI|'''Pyörremyrsky "One Hard Hitting Finn!"''' - ''Bo Time Gaming''|AKxlwtWIlSI|'''The Shooting Range #173''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:47 discusses the Pyörremyrsky.
 +
}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* Yakovlev [[Yak-9 (Family)|Yak-9]]
 +
* Macchi [[C.205 (Family)|C.205]]
 +
* Fiat [[G.55 (Family)|G.55]]
 +
* Reggiane [[Re.2005 serie 0|Re.2005]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/340954-p-63a-5/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
+
* [[wt:en/news/6448-development-py%C3%B6rremyrsky-the-nordic-whirlwind-en|[Development] Pyörremyrsky: The Nordic Whirlwind]]
 +
* [[wikipedia:VL_Pyörremyrsky|[Wikipedia] VL Pyörremyrsky]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/474725-pyorremyrsky/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
−
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
+
{{AirManufacturer VL}}
−
{{USA fighters}}
+
{{Sweden fighters}}
 +
{{Sweden premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 12:20, 26 July 2024

This version of the wiki is no longer supported
Use Wiki 3.0
VL Pyörremyrsky
pyorremyrsky.png
GarageImage VL Pyörremyrsky.jpg
360://https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/images/c/c7/Cockpit_pyorremyrsky.jpg
VL Pyörremyrsky

Description

From 1942, the superiority of the Red Army Air Force over the Finnish was becoming increasingly obvious. While 160 modern Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-2, G-6, and other versions were transferred to the Finnish Air Force by Germany between 1942 and 1944, the situation began to deteriorate among the Axis countries; due to the increasing successes (especially from the second half of 1943) of the Allied countries, it became obvious that further deliveries of new Bf 109s as well as spare parts for them would become more and more problematic. In this situation, the command of the Finnish Air Force ordered VL to develop a fighter that was to be made of domestic materials (mainly wood and steel), with characteristics comparable to the Bf 109 G-6. Engineers T.R. Verkola, Arvo Ilinen, and Edward Vigelius proposed an aerodynamically clean low-wing aircraft equipped with a German Daimler-Benz DB 605AC engine developing 1,475 hp (1,085 kW) and driving a three-bladed VDM propeller. In the project, the fairing of the propeller sleeve and the engine hood were borrowed from the German aircraft; this made the new Finnish aircraft, designated Pyörremyrsky (hurricane), very similar in front to the Bf 109 G.

It was introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack" as a premium pack, but was removed from the Gaijin store after the 2022 May sale. It was re-introduced as a regular in-game premium for Ge icon.png in Update "Fire and Ice". Although the Pyörremyrsky shares some design traits with the Bf 109 series of German fighters, it is a completely domestic Finnish design and has significantly different flight characteristics. It has a very capable flight performance and can be considered a middle point between regular dogfighters like the Yak-3 and boom-and-zoom fighters like the Bf 109. It has a good rate of climb similar to that of the Bf 109, but its top speed and manoeuvrability are closer to that of Soviet fighters. The aircraft has a relatively small ammo pool, requiring trigger discipline to remain active throughout an entire battle. The aircraft is still outperformed by Japanese Zeros, British Spitfires, and Italian C.205s, so it is not recommended trying to dogfight these types of enemies; instead, play passively in a boom-and-zoom role and try to target slower aircraft.

General info

Flight performance

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 596 580 19.0 19.6 14.3 14.3 390
Upgraded 647 620 17.1 18.0 23.9 18.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
437 408 260 ~14 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 390 < 450 > 715

Survivability and armour

This aircraft, having only one spar in each wing along with its water coolant system, is not a hugely durable aircraft - though it's not fragile either. The combined 20 mm of spaced armour behind the pilot is fairly effective for protection but a lack of any frontal armour makes the Pyörremyrsky very vulnerable in head-ons or in bomber hunting.

  • 10 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
  • 10 mm Steel - Behind pilot
  • Self-sealing fuel tank (1 behind pilot)

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: MG 151 (20 mm), LKk/42 (12.7 mm)

The VL Pyörremyrsky is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon, nose-mounted (150 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: Model 1938 (50 kg), Model 1938 (100 kg)

The VL Pyörremyrsky can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 4 x 50 kg Model 1938 bombs (200 kg total)
  • 4 x 100 kg Model 1938 bombs (400 kg total)

Usage in battles

This 1945 aircraft is not a great fighter to low-level pursuits where really great top speed is crucial. But instead, use this plane for medium-altitude engagements. Where an altitude advantage allows the Pyörremyrsky to increase the speed and surprise its enemies with a proper turn rate. This aircraft excels in both boom 'n' zoom but is also an excellent dogfighter, sporting fantastic low speed handling characteristics (especially with combat and takeoff flaps), a steady gun platform and, as previously mentioned, a fairly tight turning circle.

The Pyörremyrsky climbs very well and maintains adequate speed up to approximately 5,000 m, this is more than enough speed to initiate combat actions, albeit Finnish pilots can continue the climb to allow themselves more combat choices. Oppositely, they can remain below the 5,000 m and work together with their Swedish brothers to down all the enemy team; the Pyörremyrsky often acting as the decoy. The engine power is favourable, and under WEP produces over 1,400HP which the Pyörremyrsky can maintain almost indefinitely with proper radiator and oil radiator management.

The intercepting role varies somewhat nonetheless. Pyörremyrsky does not offer great frontal protection, so engaging bombers with good turret protection is not the best idea. Specially bombers like the mighty Soviet Pe-8 or the German He 219 A-7 which are loaded with high-calibre weapons able to harm your pilot with a direct shot or break the light Pyörremyrsky apart. The rather reserved ammo count also limits the input damage against bombers. Because of that same reason, head-on attacks are ill-advised, only should be attempted versus planes with a good turn rate and light airframe. Usually the Japanese Zeros, The British Spitfires or the Italian C.205s. Though, there are exceptions where the player must know how to engage a specific enemy. When to dive away or when to engage in a turning duel.

Ground Battles

The Pyörremyrsky is not the fastest plane in here. Therefore players need to consider 2 main roles if they seek good rewards in the Pyörremyrsky flying over the tank's battlefield.

Air Superiority role

In this role the Pyörremyrsky will take no bombs and instead climb over the battlefield, diving down and taking attacks of opportunity against enemy aircraft. The aircraft excels in this role as it preserves energy well and even if lured into a low level dogfight, will still be in home turf if in the hands of a skilled pilot.

Generally, the target planes are attackers with low top speed or fighters with bombs, so the Pyörremyrsky should have no trouble downing them with a surprise advantage.

Close air support

Here the Pyörremyrsky performs as a light strike fighter armed with the 4 x 100 kg bombs. This bomb load for a single engined fighter is very good and lends the Pyörremyrsky a fantastic multi-role capability. The bombs can inflict some serious damage and then the aircraft can serve to preserve air superiority over the battle.

Crew exposed vehicles or light tanks can also be destroyed with the heavy machine guns or cannons, both of which have good AP belts and can inflict some damage to armoured vehicles from a top-down approach.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good armament, MG 151/20 and two 12.7 mm LKk/42 both nose mounted
  • The LKk/42 MGs can load entirely AP ammunition that can penetrate 26 mm of armour
  • Good turn rate, can outturn some Merlin Spitfires in sustained turnfight
  • Decent flaps allow for decreased turn radius
  • Fantastic engine characteristics (overheating can be negated entirely)
  • Very steady and reliable gun platform

Cons:

  • Not hugely fast, Bf 109 series starting F-4 outrun it
  • No frontal armour protection
  • Not best suited to bomber hunting

History

Pyörremyrsky, meaning hurricane, tornado or whirlwind in Finnish (pyörre > vortex/whirl, myrsky > storm), was the name of a Finnish fighter design at the end of WWII. Designed by Torsti Rafael Verkkola (1909-1977), the chief designer of Valtion lentokonetehdas (VL or "State Aircraft Factory") and the designer of the previous Myrsky fighter and the Pyry trainer, the Pyörremyrsky was conceived as a domestic equivalent to the Messerschmitt Bf 109G.

Design

Conceptually, the Pyörremyrsky was very similar to the Bf 109G: it was powered by the same Daimler Benz DB605 engine and had a similar armament, consisting of one hub-mounted 20 mm MG 151/20 cannon and two 12.7 mm hood-mounted machine guns. However, the design was optimized for domestic production, making maximum use of wooden sub-assemblies, and crucially, unlike the Bf 109, it used a wing-mounted landing gear with a wide ground track, giving the design better handling on the ground.

Testing

Design and construction of the Pyörremyrsky met significant delays, and while the original tender called for a prototype to be ready in May 1944, it wasn't until 21 November 1945 that the prototype was ready and made its first flight.

The prototype was designated PM-1. PM being its intended type designation and 1 being its airframe number. The designation PM is an abbreviation of Pyörremyrsky.

Flight trials of the Pyörremyrsky revealed some minor issues, but other than that, the design was very promising. Performance of the Pyörremyrsky was very similar to that of the Bf 109G, but it had a superior climbing speed and proved to be very agile. One major worry, however, was the quality of the glue used to bind the wooden components.

Fate

The end of the War saw Finland's military subjected to severe restrictions under the Moscow Armistice, which also called for a reduction of its forces. This limited the air force to only 60 fighter aircraft. As a result, the Pyörremyrsky became surplus before it even reached production as Finland chose to retain the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G as its primary fighter for economical reasons. The last of the Finnish Bf 109 Gs bowed out of service on March 13th 1954. The sole completed prototype of the Pyörremyrsky was put into storage after its last flight on July 22nd 1947, and stricken from the Finnish Air Force's inventory on April 1st 1953. Fortunately the prototype was preserved: it is now displayed at the Aviation Museum of Central Finland in Tikkakoski.

Legacy

Fortunately the Pyörremyrsky legacy continued even after the prototype was grounded. In 1948, construction started on a replacement of the VL Pyry trainer. The new design reused the wing design of the Pyörremyrsky in combination with a new fuselage. This aircraft, which was constructed by the successor of VL, Valmet, was named Vihuri (Gale) and first flew on February 6th 1951. The Vihuri prototype was designated VH-1, VH being an abbreviation of Vihuri.

After successful tests the Finnish air force ordered 30 aircraft on 27 February 1951. These were collectively called Vihuri sarja (series) II and carried the numbers VH-2 to VH-31. Series II were entered service in 1953 and this prompted the Finnish air force to order yet another 20 aircraft by autumn 1954. These aircraft were collectively called Vihuri series III and carried the numbers VH-32 to VH-51. All of series III were handed over to the Finnish air force on 15 January 1957.

Unlike the Pyörremyrsky the Vihuri was entirely constructed from metal. As a trainer it was a sound design, however it suffered badly in the engine department. The Vihuri design used old Tampere (Bristol) Mercury engines which had been recuperated from scrapped Bristol Blenheim bombers. These engines were already worn out by the time they were installed on the trainers which lead to a lot of breakdowns. After a string of fatal accidents the design was placed under severe suspicion and in March of 1957 all the Vihuri's were grounded after an accident was caused by structural failure. A subsequent inquest showed this particular accident as well as most of the previous ones were caused by pilots violating the flight safety regulations, taking the aircraft beyond its structural limitations. The Vihuri was returned to service in May of 1957, but following two further fatal accidents in 1959 the type was permanently grounded and stricken from the Finnish Air Force's inventory, with 31 out of 32 surviving airframes being sold for scrap; ironically it was outlasted in service by the Pyry (withdrawing in 1962), the design it was supposed to replace as a trainer. The sole surviving complete Vihuri is now displayed next to the sole surviving Pyörremyrsky at the Tikkakoski air force museum.

Media

Skins
Images
  • Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 004.jpg
  • Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 005.jpg
  • Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 006.jpg
  • Pyorremyrsky WTWallpaper 007.jpg
Videos
Premium Vehicles: VL Pyörremyrsky - War Thunder Wiki
Pyörremyrsky "One Hard Hitting Finn!" - Bo Time Gaming
The Shooting Range #173 - Pages of History section at 03:47 discusses the Pyörremyrsky.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Finnish State Aircraft Factory (Valtion Lentokonetehdas)
Fighters  Mörkö-Morane* · VL Myrsky II · VL Pyörremyrsky
  ▄Fokker D.XXI-3* · ▄Fokker D.XXI*
  * Licensed Production / Variants
See Also  Morane-Saulnier · Fokker

Sweden fighters
ASJA  J6B
Saab  J21A-1 · J21A-2 · A21A-3
FFVS  J22-A · J22-B
Foreign Import  J8A · Iacobi's J8A · J9 Early · J11 · J20 · J26 David · J26
Finland 
VL  Mörkö-Morane · VL Myrsky II · VL Pyörremyrsky
(NL) Fokker  ▄Fokker D.XXI-3 · ▄Fokker D.XXI
(DE) Messerschmitt  ▄Bf 109 G-2 · ▄Bf 109 G-6 Erla · ▄Bf 109 G-6
Other  ▄B-239 · ▄Hurricane Mk I/L

Sweden premium aircraft
Fighters  Iacobi's J8A · ▄Fokker D.XXI · Mörkö-Morane · VL Myrsky II · J9 Early · J26 David · VL Pyörremyrsky · ▄Bf 109 G-6
Jet fighters  J29D · J35A · Saab J35XS · JA37DI F21
Strike aircraft  SAAB-105OE · A32A Röd Adam
Bomber  ▄Ar 196 A-5

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=P-63A-5&oldid=190331"