Difference between pages "M56" and "P-400"

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(→‎General info: Simplified terms, corrected typo and added precisions.)
 
(→‎Flight performance)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=us_m56_scorpion}}
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{{About
 +
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = P-39 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-400
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_p-400.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle 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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_M56Scorpion.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''P-400''' was the American redesignation for the export model of the [[P-39 (Family)|P-39 Airacobra]], intended to be sent to Britain and other Allies. It was equipped with a 20 mm Hispano cannon in the nose, rather than the typical 37 mm of other models. Britain ordered 675 P-39s (redesignated as the "Airacobra Mk I") starting in September 1940; however, once they began to arrive in September 1941, it was quickly found that they had inadequate climb rate and high-altitude performance, and only 80 were operated. 200 were later sent from Britain to the Soviet Union. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US requisitioned another 200 of the units intended to be sent to Britain (redesignating them "P-400"), some of which were later sent on for use in the RAAF.
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American tank destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.63 "Desert Hunters"]].
 
  
−
Though one of the lightest tank destroyers in the game, its 90 mm gun gives it a very powerful punch, especially when using the HEATFS round, which can penetrate up to 320 mm of armour.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]]. The P-400 is the "little brother" of the [[P-39 (Family)|P-39]] and [[P-63 (Family)|P-63]]. Reaching maximum speed at an altitude of 2,400 m (7,900 ft) means you will have to look for enemies below you, or sacrifice speed to meet the opposition higher up. At medium and low altitudes it can be considered quite a fast plane for its BR range. It handles turning at higher speed rather well but can become unstable at lower speeds. Watch out when engaging in stall fighting (hammerheads & yo-yos). The P-400 can survive at high speeds while diving, but suffers from compression. The plane is suitable for high speeds attacks where you work more with horizontal rather than vertical movements. The P-400 has good weapons consisting of one 20 mm cannon with 60 rounds and two .50 cals and four .30 cals. If you have a good aim, you can destroy enemies in seconds, but if you don't the limited cannon ammo will run out in about 10-15 seconds. The .50 cals will still destroy foes reasonably quick, though the .30 cals require the right amount of accuracy, consistency and concentrated fire.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
Fitting the definition of a glass cannon, the M56 has virtually no armour to speak of, as the majority of the tank comprises structural steel not meant to protect the crew and has a weak armour modifier (x0.45 KE), which renders it near useless in protecting internal components from incoming fire of any calibre, with the exception of high-angle impacts from rifle-calibre rounds. This description also applies to the only armour plate found on the entire tank, the gun shield, as the 5 mm thick plate with 12 mm of bullet-proof glass will only be able to stop rifle-calibre bullets from mid to long ranges.
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
−
The crew consists of only 3 members: a driver on the left side of the gun breech, the gunner on the right side of the gun breach, and the commander sitting rather casually behind the driver. If the tank is spotted and takes fire, expect the commander to be the first crew member down, since he is the most exposed among the three, sitting far away and above the gun shield. This will also impact your reload rate.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
 
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
Overall, survivability is very low and it is advised to take precautions not to take any fire from the opposition, making use of terrain and mobility when the battle gets heated.
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 2,400 m)
−
 
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
'''Armour type:'''
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
 
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
* Structural steel
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
* Rolled homogeneous armour (Gun shield)
+
|-
−
* Bulletproof glass
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 553 || 534 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.2 || 24.2 || 6.9 || 6.9 || rowspan="2" | 320
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 602 || 576 || 20.9 || 22.0 || 13.2 || 9.7
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || 15 mm (59-79°) ''Front glacis'' <br> 15 + 10 mm (29-65°) ''Lower glacis'' <br> 10 mm ''Engine cover'' || 15 mm || 15 mm (1-70°) || 10 mm
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Gun Shield || 5 mm (17°) ''Shield'' <br> 12 mm (17°) ''Bulletproof Glass'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
−
'''Notes:'''
 
−
 
−
* Wheel thickness is 10 mm, sprocket and idler wheel are 20 mm thick, and tracks are 15 mm thick.
 
  
−
=== Mobility ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
−
 
 
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp= 284|rbMinHp= 177}}
 
−
 
 
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Where the M56 lacks in armour, it easily makes up for in mobility. Its light weight and decently powered engine gives it a great power-to-weight ratio that lets it propel to top speed easily, even when stock. You'll want to use this to gain access to favourable positions at the beginning of each match. When your position is compromised, seek a retreat using its excellent reverse speed of -20 km/h and plan ahead your next route.
 
−
 
 
−
== Armaments ==
 
−
=== Main armament ===
 
−
<!-- ''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.'' -->
 
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{{main|M54 (90 mm)}}
 
−
 
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | [[M54 (90 mm)|90 mm M54]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Arcade''
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
| rowspan="2" | 29 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+15° || rowspan="2" | -30°/+15° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 5.28 || 7.31 || __._ || __._ || 10.45 || rowspan="2" | 9.75 || rowspan="2" | 8.63 || rowspan="2" | 7.95 || rowspan="2" | 7.50
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! ''Realistic''
+
| 886 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 400 || 374 || 233 || ~12 || ~9
−
| 3.57 || 4.20 || 5.10 || 5.60 || 6.00
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
[[File:M56 horizontal gun displacement.png|right|thumbnail|Gun horizontal displacement of the M56|200px]]
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
The 90mm M54 is the M41 gun available the [[M48A1]] but equipped with a recoil system. Which is why they have the same available ammunition range. Its accuracy drop is noticeable as soon as 800m distance and a handicap over 1000m unless you fire at huge targets (Ferdinand, Jadgtiger, Tiger II, etc.). Some stabilized ammunition, such as HEAT-FS, do not suffer as much from the accuracy drop over distance.
+
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
The rotation speed of the gun is very slow compared to other tanks at the same rank or battle rating who can aim their gun in average 2 to 3 times faster than you do. Which mean your targeting process will be long if you aim to be accurate. Also, any movement of your hull will make you restart your targeting process from 0, which limits greatly your possibility to overextend, even after a successful first disabling shot.
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
'''Armour plates:'''
  
−
Additionally to having a limited gun rotation on the horizontal axis, that displacement is asymmetrical due to the gunner position limiting movement to the right side. This can make the tracking of a target difficult as the gun quickly reaches a stop. You should take that constraint into account when positioning your hull at a firing spot.
+
* 15.87 mm Steel - Ring Behind propeller
 +
* 15.87 mm Steel - 2 on the left and right sides of the nose
 +
* 7 mm Steel - Fore-cockpit plate
 +
* 7 mm Steel - Cockpit front
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof Glass - Cockpit front
 +
* 64 mm Bulletproof Glass - Behind Pilot
 +
* 7 mm steel - Cockpit Rear
 +
* 6 mm steel - Behind cooling systems and engine
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)
  
−
Your recoil also is a handicapping feature: your hull being very light, it can not absorb much of the recoil power (even with the huge damping cylinders on the gun). Every shot taken throws your gun off target after firing, forcing to restart your targeting process or even reposition your hull. Using the "sight control distance" feature can help mitigate that aspect but any movement of the mouse during the recoil phase will nullify the sight setting.
+
'''Critical components:'''
  
−
==== Ammunition ====
+
* Cooling and Engine are in the middle of the plane
−
The M54 cannon has 5 great flavours of destruction to choose from: APCR rounds, APCBC rounds, HEAT-FS rounds, HESH shells, and HE shells.
+
* Propeller shaft spans nearly the entire length of the aircraft
  
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The '''M332 APCR''' shells are the basic rounds that you'll utilize when you first play your tank. Like any other APCR shell, with knowledge of the opposition's internal components such as gunner/driver locations and ammo racks, it is very useful against heavy foes with low-angle slopes in their armour profile. But, it is very lacking in post-penetration damage. Though they are free to use, players may find the lack of post-penetration damage unfavourable, especially for a glass cannon who can't risk staying exposed for very long trying to pick apart an armoured foe.
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
The '''M82 APCBC''' shells are probably the first shells you'll unlock and will provide some relief if you've grown tired of the APCR's low post-pen damage. Like any other APHE, they possess good penetration at close to mid range with exceptional post-penetration damage for dealing with moderately armoured targets like many of the medium tanks you'll encounter at your battle rating. As soon as you unlock these, start carrying these as your standard round against most tanks while carrying a few of the above APCR for heavier foes, at least until you unlock the HEAT-FS round.
+
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Hispano 404 (20 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
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The '''M431 HEAT-FS''' should be '''the''' round you want to rely on to take care of most armoured foes you come across. Combining the best muzzle velocity, the greatest penetration, especially at long range, and decent post-penetration damage makes this the superior round to use in any mid-to-long range engagement. At close range or in ambush situations, with this shell being your loaded round, you will most likely cripple any target you may encounter. It may then be best to switch to APCBC or HESH (depending on the vehicle type) as a follow up to finish off the surviving target, unless the target still presents itself to be very armoured from your angle of fire (like the [[Maus]] or most heavies from the front). Especially so if you're conscious about your ammo bill after the battle as HEAT-FS are not the cheapest option.
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
The '''T142E3 HESH''' are an advanced high-explosive round that's capable of penetrating thick armour, even when it is highly-sloped. If you know your target possesses not a single plate of armour greater than 100mm, then these are the rounds to use to wreck them at any range, as these are equally effective against a valid target, including many medium tanks, any light tank and SPAA, and even some heavy tanks that rely on angles rather then raw thickness like an [[IS-3]] or [[AMX-50 Surbaisse]]. Just be sure to aim away from the tracks and suspension, as these modules can easily absorb any damage caused by HESH.
+
* 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, nose-mounted (60 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (270 rpg = 540 total)
 +
* 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)
  
−
The '''M71 HE''' are just like your typical medium-calibre HE round, good against unarmoured targets like exposed crew members, hull-breakable vehicles, and air targets (should you be able to hit them), but not very useful outside of that. Though this is a free round with slightly better velocity (making it easier to use at long range), favour HESH instead when you can as it carries nearly as much of a payload and has increased versatility against more targets.
+
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
  
−
One last ammo type to mention are the '''M313 Smoke''' shells. While not particularly useful for the role the M56 typically fills, they can still have good effect in long-range conflicts where a smoke to the face of an experienced enemy sniper can buy you or your allies time to bypass them in favour of a retreat or advancement towards the objective.
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
Overall, with all shells unlocked where you'll be employing mid to close range tactics, the typical recommended ammo composition can look something like this: 12 HEAT-FS, 4 APCBC, 5 HESH. For long-range engagements where you'll be playing more of a sniper role, it's best to forgo the APCBC in favour of bringing as much HEAT-FS as you can while throwing in a couple of smokes, though the smokes are optional. With this the recommended ammo composition for long-range engagements will look more like this: 20 HEAT-FS, 7 HESH, 2 Smokes.
+
* Without load
−
 
+
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| M332 shot || APCR || 291 || 286 || 264 || 240 || 217 || 197
 
−
|-
 
−
| M431 shell || HEATFS || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320 || 320
 
−
|-
 
−
| M71 shell || HE || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13 || 13
 
−
|-
 
−
| M82 shot || APCBC || 185 || 182 || 170 || 155 || 142 || 130
 
−
|-
 
−
| T142E3 || HESH || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102 || 102
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| M332 shot || APCR || 1,165 || 5.7 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 66° || 70° || 72°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M431 shell || HEATFS || 1,216 || 5.8 || N/A || 0.1 || 712.6 || 65° || 72° || 77°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M71 shell || HE || 823 || 10.55 || 0.1 || 0.5 || 925 || 79° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
| M82 shot || APCBC || 853 || 10.94 || 1.2 || 14.0 || 137.2 || 48° || 63° || 71°
 
−
|-
 
−
| T142E3 || HESH || 792 || 10.6 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 3,053 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| M313 || 821 || 10.7 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
−
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! Full<br>ammo
 
−
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
−
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
−
! 3rd<br>rack empty
 
−
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
−
|-
 
−
| '''29''' || 20&nbsp;''(+9)'' || 11&nbsp;''(+18)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+28)'' || style="text-align:left" | No
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
'''Notes''':
 
−
* The ammo racks on the M56 are 3 staggered rows of 10 (top), 9 (middle) and 10 (bottom) totaling 29 shells.
 
−
* The first rack to be depleted is the top row, then the middle row and finally the bottom row.
 
−
* To go into battle at full capacity, pack 29 shells (bottom row: 10 + middle row: 9 + top row: 10, with 1 shell in the breech taken from the top row).
 
−
* To go into battle with the first rack depleted, pack 20 shells (bottom row: 10 + middle row: 9 + 1 shell in the breech).
 
−
* To go into battle with the first and second racks depleted, pack 11 shells (bottom row: 10 + 1 shell in the breech).
 
−
* To go into battle with the 3 racks depleted, pack 1 shell (1 shell in the breech).
 
−
* Recommended ammo load is 20. Carry a full load of 29 rounds only for large open maps like [[Kursk (Ground Forces)|Kursk]], [[Fulda (Ground Forces)|Fulda Gap]] and [[Maginot Line (Ground Forces)|Maginot Line]].
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the 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. Describe 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).'' -->
−
The M56 Scorpion is a fast, light tank destroyer with very little armour to speak of.
+
Use energy tactics at low altitude and Boom & Zoom to dispatch targets if you are at high altitude. In Domination matches, this plane comes into its environment with dogfight furballs occurring in which the P-400 can intervene. Use the excellent energy retention to your advantage and avoid any type of turn fighting, as even a [[F6F-5|F6F Hellcat]] would be able to out-turn your aircraft.
  
−
A rapid volley from an enemy machine gun will knockout the three crew members with ease, if not carefully concealed. Its 90 mm M54 cannon is very able to disable enemy tanks at Rank IV. It is able to perform various destruction missions utilising various tactics. An M56 Scorpion is a dedicated airborne tank destroyer with airborne vehicle-based performance. The scorpion has a very stable and fast rate of acceleration on any terrain with a top speed of up to 28 MPH (45 km/h). With its high speed, it is very tempting to charge towards the capture point. When in a situation where a single enemy tank is present, unprotected, uncovered and separated from the opposing team. A rampaging Scorpion will be able to close in, then blow it up to kingdom come. However, caution must be undertaken throughout.
+
Never contest a bomber at altitude when the plane is fully stock - it lacks the engine power to compete above 4,000 m, and even as a spaded aircraft, it doesn't perform as well as the [[Spitfire Mk Ia|Spitfires]] and [[Bf 109 E-3|Bf 109s]] at similar battle ratings. If you're ever forced to dogfight, use the rudder and elevator to pull yourself into a sort of climbing spiral, which the P-400 is exceptionally good at thanks to its powerful engine.
  
−
Be wary that any tank, even if only armed with a machine gun, is capable of knocking out the M56 due to the exposed crew. One particular enemy to keep an eye out for is the [[ASU-85]]. It's a complete Soviet equivalent of the Scorpion. Its stock BR-372 APCBC-HE is hopeless against a Scorpion since it will always overpenetrate it & be unable to explode inside its engine or gun breech. Meanwhile the M82 APCBC-HE has the opposite effect against it, as the ASU-85 has 45 mm armour just like the [[T-34-85]], which was a big mistake. Even with inferior penetration, an M82 still has 1.5x more explosive warhead. Given enough penetration, it will always be able to cause it to explode frontally without much effort. Take a grain of salt when firing at the ASU-85 from its flank, since the M82 will also overpenetrate away. Loading the M71 HE is much better, since the explosion will spam the ASU-85's interior all over the place. Or if already loaded with M82 & an ASU-85 is approaching while showing its flank, aim for the engine to prevent it from recovering & escaping. Then blast it away.
+
The [[Hispano 404 (20 mm)|Hispano cannon]], once on target, will easily take out fighters and most bombers with a short burst, or at the very least, cripple it. However, if there is a good fighter pilot on the enemy team, they will climb to secure high altitude. When you see them in more agile aircraft, your only option is to dive away and begin to strafe the furball down low. Beware that many planes in this battle rating range, including the [[I-16 type 27|cannon-equipped Ishak]], outperform this plane in at least one, if not more categories, but this plane usually has more than one advantage over every plane it will face (i.e. it is faster than the [[Spitfire_Mk_Ia|Spitfire Mk 1a]] and out rolls it).
  
−
===Game modes===
+
Use the advantages of this plane - its high speed, great rudder, powerful engine, superior armament, and terrific initial turn at high speeds. However, don't use it in a way that exposes its weaknesses - bad low-speed handling, weak turning, and poor climb rate - in combat, like when you are getting Rope-a-Doped, just flip over with an Immelmann and Turn & Burn.
−
While the Arcade Battle environment is not favourable due to the marker system easily spotting the M56, it can still perform in flank and surprise attacks if employed properly. It still can snipe from far away & make score against some targets when the M431 HEATFS is unlocked. Be aware that many light tanks can hunt it down if caught in firing range, particularly the [[M41A1|M41A1 Bulldog]] and [[T92]].
 
  
−
The battle environment is more favourable in Realistic and Simulator Battles. It can completely perform full flanking manoeuvres even when stock, it can also snipe from far-distance without getting spotted easily. Using both tactics will guarantee a complete concealment from the enemy, while being able to launch '''M82 APCBC-HE''' at them with just a couple of shots. Closing in to the enemy is only viable if the enemy number has been completely depleted and/or are unable to insert reinforcements to cover their team.
+
;CAS
  
−
Closing in, the Scorpion can out manoeuvre and outflank most, if not all enemy vehicles at its BR. When it is unable to flank due to tight enemy formation across the map, sniping is the best option.
+
Thanks to the 20 mm canon combined with the 500 lb bomb, this plane can be great for CAS. While attacking ground targets, use "boom and zoom" tactics that allow high energy retention. While giving air support, fly low at high speed. Once you've found an opponent, get some shots on it and/or drop your ordnance. Once the engagement is over, maintain some speed while continuing with a slight climb to position for another attack run on an opponent.
  
−
It is recommended to Load: '''M431 HEATFS''' or '''M82''' if the enemy armour is insufficient to withstand such rounds. I.e. [[T-34-100]]). The reload time can help it to outgun any opposition, to withstand its sustained rate of fire. Especially if it is equipped with an Ace crew, which can reload around of 7 seconds. Also, try to use an ambush tactic. It can annihilate a whole team if used by a skilled player.
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
−
 
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| I
+
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
| M82 shot
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| II
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
| Suspension
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
| Brake System
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
| FPE
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
| Adjustment of Fire
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
−
| Airstrike
 
−
| T142E3
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| III
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| M431 shell
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| IV
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Improved optics
 
−
| M313
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
* Very small profile (68% visibility)
+
 
−
* Excellent mobility & manoeuvrability on all terrain (45 km/h top speed & acceleration, 20 km/h reverse speed)
+
* Fast plane up to ~3,000 m (12,000 ft)
−
* A practically airworthy vehicle- ''very'', ''very'' light (7 tons)
+
* .30 and .50 cal machine guns have separate trigger
−
* The same 90 mm gun and ammunition selection as the [[M48A1|M48A1 Patton]]
+
* Good pool of machine gun ammunition
−
* Heavy recoil when fired from a hill will sometimes save the vehicle from enemy fire, '''explosive push'''
+
* Good stopping power with all weapons active
−
* Very quick sustained reload time
+
* Nose-mounted 20 mm cannon (centre line mounted weaponry equals good accuracy)
−
* 3 varieties of very capable shells
+
* Well armoured
−
* APCR as stock shell; big penetration bonus from the start, also free
+
* Cockpit has good visibility
−
* Destructive APCBC-HE; can bake a tank's interior through side shot
+
* Carries a total of 7 guns with three slightly different trajectories, resulting in a high hit probability with at least one of them
−
* HEATFS can easily punch 320 mm of armour
+
* Hispano cannon is more accurate and reliable than the 37 mm cannon
 +
* Excellent rudder control even at high speeds
 +
* Powerful engine
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* No armour, vulnerable to strafing attacks from planes
+
 
−
* Completely exposed crew from all angles
+
* Low ammunition count for 20 mm cannon
−
* Easily tipped over because of its weight
+
* Ammo counter represents the total amount of machine gun ammo, not the particular calibre
−
* A shot through the bulletproof glass will knock-out 2 crew members and instantly disable the vehicle
+
* Gets pilot-sniped easily due to the bubble canopy design
−
* Top speed is limited at 45 km/h. While boasting excellent acceleration, it will be outrun by other light vehicles on open field
+
* Suffers a lot from compression
−
* Heavy recoil will make the vehicle jump back about 5 feet, forcing a realignment of the sight
+
* Becomes quite unstable at low speeds
−
* High chance to catch fire when shot in the frontal hull
+
* Fuel cells are stretched across the wings, resulting in fairly common fires
−
* Hopeless if its engine is destroyed
+
* The engine is centrally mounted, taking engine damage while being chased is common
−
* APCR as stock shell; unable to cripple a tank even from flank with only a shot
+
* Terrible turning at high speeds
−
* HEATFS are expensive (640 SL, per round)
+
* Horrible responsiveness & roll rate
−
* Affected by the Hull Break mechanic (Large HE shells will destroy the M56 in 1 shot)
 
−
* Does not climb hills well unless approached with good speed
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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).'' -->
−
===Development===
 
−
During World War II, the constant problem for the US Airborne divisions is that their anti-tank power was very minimal in the front lines. Though there were attempts to improve their firepower with towed anti-tank guns or airborne tanks like the [[M22|M22 ''Locust'']], the former proved too cumbersome and heavy while the latter proved too under-powered and weak. Thus, development began in April 1949 for a very lightly armoured vehicle to mount a hard-hitting gun with heavy emphasis on firepower, speed, and with as little weight as possible. This evolved into the development of a self-propelled 90 mm gun and the project was taken up by the Cadillac Motor Division of General Motors. The pilot vehicle developed were designated ''T101''.<ref name="ZalogaM551">Zaloga Steven. ''M551 Sheridan: US Airmobile Tanks 1941-2001'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2009</ref>
 
  
−
The first models were completed in 1953 and were tested in 1955. It was approved for service in 1958 and designated as the '''M56 90mm self-propelled gun''', or by its nickname '''"Scorpion"''' and its acronym '''SPAT''' ('''S'''elf-'''P'''ropelled '''A'''nti-'''T'''ank). It's main selling point was being light enough at only 7 tons to be lifted by helicopter or carried onto aircraft, allowing for parachute drops. As a rather specialized vehicle, it wasn't produced in large numbers, with only 150 units built from the Cadillac production line from 1953 to 1959.<ref name="ZalogaM551" />
+
{{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'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
−
===Usage===
+
A single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter with a closed cockpit and retractable tricycle landing gear with a nose leg. The aircraft had an unusual layout, with the engine placed behind the cockpit.
−
The M56 Scorpion was issued out to airborne and anti-tank units from 1958 to the early 1960s. As a defensive weapon, the M56 Scorpion was never meant to venture out to seek and destroy enemy tanks, but its lack of armour was still criticized by its crew, what with only a simple gun shield blocking the crew from getting shot by even small arms. The lightness of the vehicle was also bad for the extreme recoil of the 90 mm M54 gun, which would lift the entire vehicle off its front wheels.<ref name="ZalogaM551">Zaloga Steven. ''M551 Sheridan: US Airmobile Tanks 1941-2001'' Great Britain: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2009</ref> An informal manual even recommends that when firing, the commander and loader should step off the vehicle to avoid being harmed by the lurching vehicle. The M56 Scorpion served America in combat during the Vietnam War in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, with 17 vehicles organized into three platoons. It served as a defensive role in most of American foreign bases until the advent of the anti-tank missile launchers such as the TOW, which proved more potent than the Scorpion, and was replaced in the late 1960s and early 70s.<ref name="ZalogaM551" />
 
  
−
The M56 Scorpions were also given out in limited numbers, with Morocco given 87 vehicles and Spain obtaining 5 in the Military Aid Program. Morocco used the Scorpions in the Western Sahara War, being the only foreign user of the M56 Scorpions.
+
The aircraft was designed by the Bell Aircraft design office under the direction of R. Woods and H. Poyer. The experimental model XP-39 took its maiden flight on 6 April 1938.
  
−
===Survivors===
+
The first overseas order came from France in October 1939. The French were in urgent need of rearming their fighter forces, and bought as many fighters as they could from overseas. However, the order was not fulfilled before France's capitulation in the summer of 1940. After the capitulation, all outstanding French orders for military vehicles were redirected to Britain.
−
At least 18 intact M56 Scorpions survive in the United States today, mainly in museums and in private collections.
+
 
 +
The high flight characteristics of the experimental XP-39 also drew attention from the British buying committee in the USA. Seduced by its tricycle undercarriage, powerful armament, high climbing rate and promises of high speeds of up to 640 km/h, the British ordered 675 airplanes, including the 200 from the French order.
 +
 
 +
The fighters produced for Britain had the designation model 14A and were powered by the 12-cylinder air-cooled Allison V-1710-E4 engine with a maximum output of 1,150 hp.
 +
 
 +
The model 14A's armament consisted of a 20 mm British-Hispano M1 cannon with 60 shells, two large-calibre synchronized Colt Browning M2 .50 cal machine guns on the fuselage with 200 rounds each and four British 7.7 mm Colt-Browning Mk.II .303 machine guns on the wing surfaces with 350 rounds each.
 +
 
 +
In the RAF, the model 14A fighters received the designation Airacobra Mk.I. However, when the British received the first Airacobra Mk.Is in the summer of 1941, tests revealed that rather than the high-altitude interceptor they had expected, they had actually received an unexceptional medium-altitude fighter, albeit with a powerful engine. At the same time, the fighter's manoeuvrability and responsiveness received good ratings.
 +
 
 +
In December 1941, the British Air Ministry decided to remove the Airacobra Mk.I from service. By this time, 164 of the fighters had been sent to Britain.
 +
 
 +
After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the US requisitioned the fighters which had not yet been shipped to the British or were still in various stages of assembly.
 +
 
 +
In December 1941, 179 of the aircraft went into service in the USAAF with the designation P-400. They kept their British camouflage and organizational numbering. The majority of these planes served within US territory as training vehicles, but a number of P-400s took part in combat operations in New Guinea and North Africa.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
=== Joke ===
 +
A joke which may (or may not) have been used by the British in WW2:<ref group="note">Copied from [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/291882-schlechte-witze-mit-war-thunder-bezug/?p=5693741#entry5693741 War Thunder Forum "Schlechte Witze mit War Thunder Bezug" - 'Bad jokes with War Thunder related content'], no source was given by the forum user. Topic is named/about "Bad jokes".</ref><br />
 +
 
 +
:''Why is the P-400 called the P-400?''
 +
:''Because it's a P-40 with a Zero on its tail!''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
{{Youtube-gallery|KqLoa0NIpzE|'''The Shooting Range #178''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:32 discusses the M56 Scorpion.}}
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-400 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|ux3UJ8qg8Go|'''The Shooting Range #268''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:30 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|Mz0EZAlPJus|'''Sub Request, {{PAGENAME}}. Where's my team?''' - ''Joseph 2000''|a4uM2z2hKRk|'''{{PAGENAME}}- All bite and no bark''' - ''Oxy''|JzG7qFayv-8|'''{{PAGENAME}} - US - 2.7 BR - Realistic Battle Review''' - ''Virus''}}
  
 
== 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 vehicles;''
+
 
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
 
−
==References==
 
−
<references />
 
  
 
== 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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/86385-bell-p-400/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
−
* [[wikipedia:M56_Scorpion|Wikipedia - M56 Scorpion]]
+
=== References ===
−
* [https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/coldwar/US/m56-scorpion-spat.php Tank Encyclopedia - M56 Scorpion]
+
<references group="note" />
  
−
{{USA tank destroyers}}
+
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Latest revision as of 07:41, 1 September 2024

This version of the wiki is no longer supported
Use Wiki 3.0
This page is about the American fighter P-400. For other versions, see P-39 (Family).
P-400
p-400.png
GarageImage P-400.jpg
ArtImage P-400.png
360://https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/images/f/f6/Cockpit_p-400.jpg
P-400

Description

The P-400 was the American redesignation for the export model of the P-39 Airacobra, intended to be sent to Britain and other Allies. It was equipped with a 20 mm Hispano cannon in the nose, rather than the typical 37 mm of other models. Britain ordered 675 P-39s (redesignated as the "Airacobra Mk I") starting in September 1940; however, once they began to arrive in September 1941, it was quickly found that they had inadequate climb rate and high-altitude performance, and only 80 were operated. 200 were later sent from Britain to the Soviet Union. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US requisitioned another 200 of the units intended to be sent to Britain (redesignating them "P-400"), some of which were later sent on for use in the RAAF.

It was introduced in Update 1.37. The P-400 is the "little brother" of the P-39 and P-63. Reaching maximum speed at an altitude of 2,400 m (7,900 ft) means you will have to look for enemies below you, or sacrifice speed to meet the opposition higher up. At medium and low altitudes it can be considered quite a fast plane for its BR range. It handles turning at higher speed rather well but can become unstable at lower speeds. Watch out when engaging in stall fighting (hammerheads & yo-yos). The P-400 can survive at high speeds while diving, but suffers from compression. The plane is suitable for high speeds attacks where you work more with horizontal rather than vertical movements. The P-400 has good weapons consisting of one 20 mm cannon with 60 rounds and two .50 cals and four .30 cals. If you have a good aim, you can destroy enemies in seconds, but if you don't the limited cannon ammo will run out in about 10-15 seconds. The .50 cals will still destroy foes reasonably quick, though the .30 cals require the right amount of accuracy, consistency and concentrated fire.

General info

Flight performance

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 2,400 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 553 534 23.2 24.2 6.9 6.9 320
Upgraded 602 576 20.9 22.0 13.2 9.7

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 + -
886 400 374 233 ~12 ~9
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 380 < 450 > 312

Survivability and armour

Armour plates:

  • 15.87 mm Steel - Ring Behind propeller
  • 15.87 mm Steel - 2 on the left and right sides of the nose
  • 7 mm Steel - Fore-cockpit plate
  • 7 mm Steel - Cockpit front
  • 38 mm Bulletproof Glass - Cockpit front
  • 64 mm Bulletproof Glass - Behind Pilot
  • 7 mm steel - Cockpit Rear
  • 6 mm steel - Behind cooling systems and engine
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)

Critical components:

  • Cooling and Engine are in the middle of the plane
  • Propeller shaft spans nearly the entire length of the aircraft

Modifications and economy

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: Hispano 404 (20 mm), M2 Browning (12.7 mm), Browning (7.62 mm)

The P-400 is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, nose-mounted (60 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (270 rpg = 540 total)
  • 4 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)

Suspended armament

Main article: AN-M64A1 (500 lb)

The P-400 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)

Usage in battles

Use energy tactics at low altitude and Boom & Zoom to dispatch targets if you are at high altitude. In Domination matches, this plane comes into its environment with dogfight furballs occurring in which the P-400 can intervene. Use the excellent energy retention to your advantage and avoid any type of turn fighting, as even a F6F Hellcat would be able to out-turn your aircraft.

Never contest a bomber at altitude when the plane is fully stock - it lacks the engine power to compete above 4,000 m, and even as a spaded aircraft, it doesn't perform as well as the Spitfires and Bf 109s at similar battle ratings. If you're ever forced to dogfight, use the rudder and elevator to pull yourself into a sort of climbing spiral, which the P-400 is exceptionally good at thanks to its powerful engine.

The Hispano cannon, once on target, will easily take out fighters and most bombers with a short burst, or at the very least, cripple it. However, if there is a good fighter pilot on the enemy team, they will climb to secure high altitude. When you see them in more agile aircraft, your only option is to dive away and begin to strafe the furball down low. Beware that many planes in this battle rating range, including the cannon-equipped Ishak, outperform this plane in at least one, if not more categories, but this plane usually has more than one advantage over every plane it will face (i.e. it is faster than the Spitfire Mk 1a and out rolls it).

Use the advantages of this plane - its high speed, great rudder, powerful engine, superior armament, and terrific initial turn at high speeds. However, don't use it in a way that exposes its weaknesses - bad low-speed handling, weak turning, and poor climb rate - in combat, like when you are getting Rope-a-Doped, just flip over with an Immelmann and Turn & Burn.

CAS

Thanks to the 20 mm canon combined with the 500 lb bomb, this plane can be great for CAS. While attacking ground targets, use "boom and zoom" tactics that allow high energy retention. While giving air support, fly low at high speed. Once you've found an opponent, get some shots on it and/or drop your ordnance. Once the engagement is over, maintain some speed while continuing with a slight climb to position for another attack run on an opponent.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast plane up to ~3,000 m (12,000 ft)
  • .30 and .50 cal machine guns have separate trigger
  • Good pool of machine gun ammunition
  • Good stopping power with all weapons active
  • Nose-mounted 20 mm cannon (centre line mounted weaponry equals good accuracy)
  • Well armoured
  • Cockpit has good visibility
  • Carries a total of 7 guns with three slightly different trajectories, resulting in a high hit probability with at least one of them
  • Hispano cannon is more accurate and reliable than the 37 mm cannon
  • Excellent rudder control even at high speeds
  • Powerful engine

Cons:

  • Low ammunition count for 20 mm cannon
  • Ammo counter represents the total amount of machine gun ammo, not the particular calibre
  • Gets pilot-sniped easily due to the bubble canopy design
  • Suffers a lot from compression
  • Becomes quite unstable at low speeds
  • Fuel cells are stretched across the wings, resulting in fairly common fires
  • The engine is centrally mounted, taking engine damage while being chased is common
  • Terrible turning at high speeds
  • Horrible responsiveness & roll rate

History


Archive of the in-game description

A single-engine all-metal monoplane fighter with a closed cockpit and retractable tricycle landing gear with a nose leg. The aircraft had an unusual layout, with the engine placed behind the cockpit.

The aircraft was designed by the Bell Aircraft design office under the direction of R. Woods and H. Poyer. The experimental model XP-39 took its maiden flight on 6 April 1938.

The first overseas order came from France in October 1939. The French were in urgent need of rearming their fighter forces, and bought as many fighters as they could from overseas. However, the order was not fulfilled before France's capitulation in the summer of 1940. After the capitulation, all outstanding French orders for military vehicles were redirected to Britain.

The high flight characteristics of the experimental XP-39 also drew attention from the British buying committee in the USA. Seduced by its tricycle undercarriage, powerful armament, high climbing rate and promises of high speeds of up to 640 km/h, the British ordered 675 airplanes, including the 200 from the French order.

The fighters produced for Britain had the designation model 14A and were powered by the 12-cylinder air-cooled Allison V-1710-E4 engine with a maximum output of 1,150 hp.

The model 14A's armament consisted of a 20 mm British-Hispano M1 cannon with 60 shells, two large-calibre synchronized Colt Browning M2 .50 cal machine guns on the fuselage with 200 rounds each and four British 7.7 mm Colt-Browning Mk.II .303 machine guns on the wing surfaces with 350 rounds each.

In the RAF, the model 14A fighters received the designation Airacobra Mk.I. However, when the British received the first Airacobra Mk.Is in the summer of 1941, tests revealed that rather than the high-altitude interceptor they had expected, they had actually received an unexceptional medium-altitude fighter, albeit with a powerful engine. At the same time, the fighter's manoeuvrability and responsiveness received good ratings.

In December 1941, the British Air Ministry decided to remove the Airacobra Mk.I from service. By this time, 164 of the fighters had been sent to Britain.

After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, the US requisitioned the fighters which had not yet been shipped to the British or were still in various stages of assembly.

In December 1941, 179 of the aircraft went into service in the USAAF with the designation P-400. They kept their British camouflage and organizational numbering. The majority of these planes served within US territory as training vehicles, but a number of P-400s took part in combat operations in New Guinea and North Africa.


Joke

A joke which may (or may not) have been used by the British in WW2:[note 1]

Why is the P-400 called the P-400?
Because it's a P-40 with a Zero on its tail!

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #268 - Metal Beasts section at 00:30 discusses the P-400.
Sub Request, P-400. Where's my team? - Joseph 2000
P-400- All bite and no bark - Oxy
P-400 - US - 2.7 BR - Realistic Battle Review - Virus

See also

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.

External links

References

  1. ↑ Copied from War Thunder Forum "Schlechte Witze mit War Thunder Bezug" - 'Bad jokes with War Thunder related content', no source was given by the forum user. Topic is named/about "Bad jokes".


Bell Aircraft Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
  P-400
  P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Jet Fighters  P-59A
Export  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25
  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W
  OH-58D
Utility  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30
Export/Licensed  ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D
  Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W
  ␗OH-58D
See Also  Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

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