Difference between revisions of "Firebrand TF Mk IV"

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{{Specs-Card|code=firebrand_tf4}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=firebrand_tf4
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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 '''Blackburn Firebrand''' was originally designed in 1940 as a carrier-borne fighter-interceptor for the Fleet Air Arm's B-37 specifications, which called for a long range, high performance, single seat fighter to intercept German bombers primarily coming from occupied Norway and France. The Firebrand was originally powered by a Napier Sabre inline engine, though due to the prototype's disappointing performance (being 50 km/h slower than its originally intended top speed of 650 km/h) along with its poor manoeuvrability, the Sabre engine was later switched to Bristol Centaurus radial engine, as the FAA wanted to prioritize the production of the already proven [[Typhoon (Family)|Hawker Typhoon]], which was powered by the Sabre engine.
 +
 
 +
To salvage what seemed to be a failure, in 1943 the FAA repurposed the Firebrand into a strike fighter/torpedo bomber. To accommodate torpedo and bomb payloads, the Firebrand's wings were extended and its tail surface enlarged to give the plane better lift capability and improve the low-speed handling. However, due to the plane's excessive torque and awkward cockpit placement, the Firebrand was deemed ill-suited for carrier operations, and as such production of the Firebrand was put on low priority while Blackburn and FAA tried to ironed out the problem. By the time the Firebrand was deemed suitable for carrier operation, the war is already coming to a close. After years of development limbo, the Firebrand entered service on 1 September 1945 - the very same day World War II officially came to an end. In total, 220 Firebrands and 3 prototypes were built, and served until February 1953 when it was replaced by the [[Wyvern S4|Westland Wyvern]].
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.51 "Cold Steel"]], the '''{{PAGENAME}}''' can be considered as a British [[IL-2]]. With extremely heavy armament as well as a respectable secondary load, the Firebrand is foremost a strike aircraft and then a fighter only if the situation calls for it. Carrying 4 fast-firing and high-capacity Hispano Mk.V cannons, the Firebrand Mk IV can rip through all aircraft at its BR and all "soft" ground targets with ease. The torpedo options allow anti-ship capabilities, and conventional bombs effectively destroy ground targets.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
Originally designed as a naval fighter, the Firebrand in its attacker/torpedo bomber form still retains some characteristics of its roots. The plane has a surprisingly tight turn radius for such a heavy plane, though this is compromised by its extended wingspan intended to generate more lift while carrying payloads, which causes the plane to be less responsive and manoeuvrable compared to traditional fighters. Handling while banking and negative G manoeuvres can be described as "floaty" at best due to the extra lift that gets in the way of the plane. To counter excessive lift, the Firebrand's rugged and complex combat flaps can help to improve the plane's handling characteristics, especially below 420 km/h (the flap's rip speed).
 +
 
 +
Since dogfighting is not the Firebrand's greatest strength, the plane can be used as a boom-and-zoom fighter to some extent. The plane is somewhat slow to accelerate in a dive, although this can be pushed to its structural limit of 720 km/h. However, the Firebrand's control surfaces will start to lock up at 550 km/h and can be lethal, thus a small airbrake is featured to help restore the plane's controllability. As with most of the naval fighters, the Firebrand performs best at lower altitudes (below 4,000 meters).
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 540 || 526 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.3 || 27.4 || 11.9 || 11.9 || rowspan="2" | 310
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 592 || 565 || 23.8 || 25.0 || 19.1 || 15.1
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 413 || 250 || ~10 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 433 || < 500 || < 550 || > 307
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armour plate, upper seat back and headrest
 +
* 42.8 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== 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 Mk.V (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
 +
 
 +
=== 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|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}
 +
{{main|RP-3|Uncle Tom|18 inch Mark XV (450 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 1 x 18 inch Mark XV torpedo
 +
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 8 x RP-3 rockets (500 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
 +
* 2 x Uncle Tom rockets
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
In Arcade battles, the Firebrand can actually excel. There are no speed limits or breakage and performance is exaggerated. Thus, the Firebrand can be used somewhat effectively as a fighter. Turning and handling are both still poor performers with this aircraft compared with Realistic battle while the climb rate is significantly increased.
 +
 
 +
Boom & Zoom is a good tactic in Arcade battles. Due to terrible handling characteristics, simply diving and flying flat is a good defensive tactic.
 +
 
 +
As a striker, the Firebrand can be extremely effective as well. Diving at an insane speed at targets is a good tactic, as its wings cannot rip and the Firebrand possesses amazing top speed and dive acceleration. Make sure to pull up quite soon, however, as handling is very poor.
 +
 
 +
Due to unlimited ammunition, the cannons are remarkably effective in Arcade battles.
 +
 
 +
When using the Firebrand as a striker, it is recommended to side climb at the beginning of the match. Perform a shallow dive until you reach the target, as speed will accumulate rapidly and the evasion of ground fire and enemy aircraft will be far easier. Plan ahead when striking your target - don't begin diving until you have approximated where the target may be once you reach it (say a destroyer or convoy). With RP-3 rockets, glide in at a shallow angle, aiming the bottom crosshair of the rocket sight on the target, and fire at about 400 metres. (0.40km or 0.25mi)
 +
 
 +
As a fighter, the Firebrand is more lacklustre. It possesses very poor handling capabilities, and manoeuvring is very sluggish. Partially due to wing-loading and weight, the Firebrand does, surprisingly, have a small turn radius and turns quite quickly, similar to the [[Me_410_A-1|Me 410]]. However, turning with the Firebrand is not recommended - turning will severely bleed energy, enough to make you an eventual sitting duck.
 +
 
 +
High altitude performance, as well as zoom climbing, is extremely poor due to the lack of engine injection or throttle. Roll rate is poor as well, and the Firebrand is a massive target, compared to smaller and nimbler fighters such as the Bf-109. However, energy retention, as well as level-flight speed, is excellent. Using Boom & Zoom is recommended when using the Firebrand as a fighter, and using the Firebrand as a bomber hunter is also a good idea.
 +
 
 +
Always avoid fur balls with superior turning fighters, which includes almost all single-engine fighters at 4.3-5.3. In general, tactics for the Firebrand also apply for the Me-410, and vice versa.
 +
 
 +
Unlike Realistic battles, Simulator battles require the use of the cockpit, and the first-person view with the Firebrand is actually quite decent. It has quite a good view due to its decent bubble canopy. Unfortunately, due to the size of the cowling and wings, there are many blind spots around the plane.
 +
 
 +
Thus, the Firebrand offers good visibility for its battle rating level in simulator battles.
  
−
== Weaponry ==
+
====For Ground Attack====
−
=== Offensive weaponry ===
 
−
''Describe the offensive weaponry 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.''
 
  
−
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
The Firebrand excels at destroying both "soft" (Armored Cars, AA, Artillery and Trucks) and harder targets such as Pillboxes and Tanks: with both 500 lbs (wing-mounted) and 1,000 lbs bombs (always center-mounted), along with 8 RP-3 Rockets at its disposal, it can make quick job of all mission objectives, being able to mix and match these loadouts. When equipped with the Ground Targets belt, only one or two quick taps will destroy "soft" targets, but can also destroy Light Pillboxes easily with sustained fire towards their roof.
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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.''
 
  
−
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
Due to its air spawn in Air Realistic Battles as a Strike aircraft, the Firebrand can quickly swoop towards ground units, as it can sustain around 500 km/h in level flight after a shallow dive: however, it is recommended to retreat immediately after unloading onto ground targets, as both enemy Fighters and other Strike aircraft will most probably be attracted to the position. Enemy aircraft however, can still be taken care of easily if it's necessary, and none will survive a head-on towards the Firebrand's cannons. On the other hand, there is not much to do after an enemy Fighter starts to chase, as turn-fighting should be a last resort.
−
''Defensive weaponry with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Thanks to its capabilities for Close Air Support in Ground Realistic Battles, the Firebrand acts as a great addition to a line-up, and while it can make up in firepower for what it lacks in energy retention or turnfighting capabilities, it is not a replacement for other aircraft of similar Battle Rating such as the [[Typhoon Mk Ib/L]] or the [[Spitfire Mk Vc/trop]], the former being able to carry two 500 lbs or 1,000 lbs bombs, with the latter being limited to only two 250 lbs bombs; both being more focused on direct air-to-air countering than air-to-ground support.
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''
+
 
 +
In any case, the Firebrand can deliver great performance when it comes to ground attack, both with a bomb load or without it, and as long as it has the advantage of speed or altitude over the enemy, can still shine thanks to its heavy armament, as all of its ammunition belts include High-explosive Fragmentation Incendiary (HEF-I) shells, making any aircraft on the receiving end of its guns never escape unscathed. High situational awareness rewards the Firebrand with being able to choose its engagements in the case of being threatened by enemy aircraft, as retreating then re-engaging is more fruitful than getting distracted on ground attack: it can quickly counter any enemies that have dived low onto the Firebrand's altitude, as its turn-rate becomes much better at speeds in between 250 and 400 km/h, a quick turn-around to commit to a head-on can turn out well as long as the enemy had not had a significant altitude advantage.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Excellent armament compared to planes in the BR bracket, Hispano Mk.V variant fires very fast compared to standard Mk.II
 +
* Generous ammo capacity
 +
* Small turn radius
 +
* Effective combat flaps with above average rip speed
 +
* Good durability
 +
* Decent level speed
 +
* Variety of payload options, including a torpedo
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Poor manoeuvrability and handling in general: roll rate, turn rate, etc. are very poor
−
''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Large target
 +
* Mediocre climb rate
 +
* Poor high-altitude performance
 +
* Controls unresponsive at speeds past 550 km/h (350 mph)
 +
* Mediocre energy retention
 +
* Lacks any bombload stock
 +
* The Hispano Mk.Vs' dispersion when firing can be frustrating
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
{{main|Firebrand TF Mk IV/History|l1=History of the Firebrand TF Mk IV}}
 +
 
 +
The Blackburn Firebrand was a British naval torpedo strike fighter, originally designed as a naval fighter aircraft. Due to circumstances, it was overtaken by events, and by the time it finally entered service it was no longer relevant - and too late to enter service in World War II.
 +
 
 +
Designed to a 1939 tender by the Royal Navy's Admiralty, originally the Blackburn Firebrand was intended as a carrier-borne escort fighter, with emphasis on its range over speed. This was due to a prevailing school of thought that carrier fighters' primary task was that of escorting strikes on enemy forces, with the aerial defence of the fleet best left to the ships' own anti-aircraft guns. The original tender, N.8/39, specified a carrier-borne fighter with a fixed forward armament of 4 x 20 mm cannons, preferably an aircraft with a two-man crew consisting of a pilot and a navigator for long-distance flights over water. Blackburn started preliminary work on such a design.
 +
 
 +
Already having two aircraft serving in a fighter role, the [[Sea Gladiator Mk I|Gloster Sea Gladiator]] and the Blackburn Skua, the Admiralty belatedly realised the folly of their original tender and modified the N.8/39 specification into a new set, N.11/40, which retained most of the previous specifications but explicitly called for a single-seat fighter with 400 mph performance and a 4-hour endurance. Both Blackburn and Hawker responded to this tender, Blackburn with their B-37 design which would eventually evolve into the Firebrand and Hawker with their P.1009 proposal of a navalised Hawker Typhoon.
 +
 
 +
Blackburn won the contract, however, the prototype fighter turned out to be too slow and too heavy to be considered for a fighter role and the destruction of one prototype attempting an emergency landing with a dead engine lead to concern for the direction the aircraft was going. Following the belated realisation the Firebrand would not make an adequate fighter, the Admiralty decided it would instead become a fast torpedo bomber as a replacement for the antiquated [[Swordfish Mk I|Fairey Swordfish]], especially for use against heavily defended targets such as capital battleships. Following a redesign, the first Firebrand torpedo bomber flew on March 31st 1943; by this time the design had been refined, but it still had alarming landing properties, such as abrupt trim changes during missed wire approaches and poor forward sight which made it liable to being rejected for carrier operations.
 +
 
 +
Problems with the prototypes, several adjustments to the aircraft's requirements and inability to get necessary engines towards the end of the war belated the {{PAGENAME}}'s entry into service, missing World War II entirely. Though pressed into service, production ceased by March of 1947 and all were withdrawn from active duty by May 1953.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=firebrand_tf4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
== Read 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;''
 
* ''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.''
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/790|[Devblog] Firebrand TF Mk IV]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/250826-blackburn-firebrand-tf-mk-iv| Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Blackburn}}
 +
{{Britain strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 10:38, 31 March 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
Firebrand TF Mk IV
firebrand_tf4.png
GarageImage Firebrand TF Mk IV.jpg
ArtImage Firebrand TF Mk IV.png
Firebrand TF Mk IV
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 4.3
Class:
Research:11 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Blackburn Firebrand was originally designed in 1940 as a carrier-borne fighter-interceptor for the Fleet Air Arm's B-37 specifications, which called for a long range, high performance, single seat fighter to intercept German bombers primarily coming from occupied Norway and France. The Firebrand was originally powered by a Napier Sabre inline engine, though due to the prototype's disappointing performance (being 50 km/h slower than its originally intended top speed of 650 km/h) along with its poor manoeuvrability, the Sabre engine was later switched to Bristol Centaurus radial engine, as the FAA wanted to prioritize the production of the already proven Hawker Typhoon, which was powered by the Sabre engine.

To salvage what seemed to be a failure, in 1943 the FAA repurposed the Firebrand into a strike fighter/torpedo bomber. To accommodate torpedo and bomb payloads, the Firebrand's wings were extended and its tail surface enlarged to give the plane better lift capability and improve the low-speed handling. However, due to the plane's excessive torque and awkward cockpit placement, the Firebrand was deemed ill-suited for carrier operations, and as such production of the Firebrand was put on low priority while Blackburn and FAA tried to ironed out the problem. By the time the Firebrand was deemed suitable for carrier operation, the war is already coming to a close. After years of development limbo, the Firebrand entered service on 1 September 1945 - the very same day World War II officially came to an end. In total, 220 Firebrands and 3 prototypes were built, and served until February 1953 when it was replaced by the Westland Wyvern.

Introduced in Update 1.51 "Cold Steel", the Firebrand TF Mk IV can be considered as a British IL-2. With extremely heavy armament as well as a respectable secondary load, the Firebrand is foremost a strike aircraft and then a fighter only if the situation calls for it. Carrying 4 fast-firing and high-capacity Hispano Mk.V cannons, the Firebrand Mk IV can rip through all aircraft at its BR and all "soft" ground targets with ease. The torpedo options allow anti-ship capabilities, and conventional bombs effectively destroy ground targets.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 4 572 m565 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude9 143 m
EngineBristol Centaurus IX
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight8 t

Originally designed as a naval fighter, the Firebrand in its attacker/torpedo bomber form still retains some characteristics of its roots. The plane has a surprisingly tight turn radius for such a heavy plane, though this is compromised by its extended wingspan intended to generate more lift while carrying payloads, which causes the plane to be less responsive and manoeuvrable compared to traditional fighters. Handling while banking and negative G manoeuvres can be described as "floaty" at best due to the extra lift that gets in the way of the plane. To counter excessive lift, the Firebrand's rugged and complex combat flaps can help to improve the plane's handling characteristics, especially below 420 km/h (the flap's rip speed).

Since dogfighting is not the Firebrand's greatest strength, the plane can be used as a boom-and-zoom fighter to some extent. The plane is somewhat slow to accelerate in a dive, although this can be pushed to its structural limit of 720 km/h. However, the Firebrand's control surfaces will start to lock up at 550 km/h and can be lethal, thus a small airbrake is featured to help restore the plane's controllability. As with most of the naval fighters, the Firebrand performs best at lower altitudes (below 4,000 meters).

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,572 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 540 526 9143 26.3 27.4 11.9 11.9 310
Upgraded 592 565 23.8 25.0 19.1 15.1

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
750 300 420 413 250 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 433 < 500 < 550 > 307

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural750 km/h
Gear300 km/h
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armour plate, upper seat back and headrest
  • 42.8 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB583 → 732 Sl icon.png
RB1 039 → 1 304 Sl icon.png
SB2 086 → 2 620 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 360 Rp icon.png
13 680 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 70 / 200 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
FTC mk.IV
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
690 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HSBC mk.2
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
HRC mk.8
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
770 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk5_new_gun
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HMBC mk.2
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HLBC mk.2
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Uncle Tom
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Firebrand TF Mk IV is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb), G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)
Main articles: RP-3, Uncle Tom, 18 inch Mark XV (450 mm)

The Firebrand TF Mk IV can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 18 inch Mark XV torpedo
  • 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
  • 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 8 x RP-3 rockets (500 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb (1,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb (1,000 lb total)
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets
  • 2 x Uncle Tom rockets

Usage in battles

In Arcade battles, the Firebrand can actually excel. There are no speed limits or breakage and performance is exaggerated. Thus, the Firebrand can be used somewhat effectively as a fighter. Turning and handling are both still poor performers with this aircraft compared with Realistic battle while the climb rate is significantly increased.

Boom & Zoom is a good tactic in Arcade battles. Due to terrible handling characteristics, simply diving and flying flat is a good defensive tactic.

As a striker, the Firebrand can be extremely effective as well. Diving at an insane speed at targets is a good tactic, as its wings cannot rip and the Firebrand possesses amazing top speed and dive acceleration. Make sure to pull up quite soon, however, as handling is very poor.

Due to unlimited ammunition, the cannons are remarkably effective in Arcade battles.

When using the Firebrand as a striker, it is recommended to side climb at the beginning of the match. Perform a shallow dive until you reach the target, as speed will accumulate rapidly and the evasion of ground fire and enemy aircraft will be far easier. Plan ahead when striking your target - don't begin diving until you have approximated where the target may be once you reach it (say a destroyer or convoy). With RP-3 rockets, glide in at a shallow angle, aiming the bottom crosshair of the rocket sight on the target, and fire at about 400 metres. (0.40km or 0.25mi)

As a fighter, the Firebrand is more lacklustre. It possesses very poor handling capabilities, and manoeuvring is very sluggish. Partially due to wing-loading and weight, the Firebrand does, surprisingly, have a small turn radius and turns quite quickly, similar to the Me 410. However, turning with the Firebrand is not recommended - turning will severely bleed energy, enough to make you an eventual sitting duck.

High altitude performance, as well as zoom climbing, is extremely poor due to the lack of engine injection or throttle. Roll rate is poor as well, and the Firebrand is a massive target, compared to smaller and nimbler fighters such as the Bf-109. However, energy retention, as well as level-flight speed, is excellent. Using Boom & Zoom is recommended when using the Firebrand as a fighter, and using the Firebrand as a bomber hunter is also a good idea.

Always avoid fur balls with superior turning fighters, which includes almost all single-engine fighters at 4.3-5.3. In general, tactics for the Firebrand also apply for the Me-410, and vice versa.

Unlike Realistic battles, Simulator battles require the use of the cockpit, and the first-person view with the Firebrand is actually quite decent. It has quite a good view due to its decent bubble canopy. Unfortunately, due to the size of the cowling and wings, there are many blind spots around the plane.

Thus, the Firebrand offers good visibility for its battle rating level in simulator battles.

For Ground Attack

The Firebrand excels at destroying both "soft" (Armored Cars, AA, Artillery and Trucks) and harder targets such as Pillboxes and Tanks: with both 500 lbs (wing-mounted) and 1,000 lbs bombs (always center-mounted), along with 8 RP-3 Rockets at its disposal, it can make quick job of all mission objectives, being able to mix and match these loadouts. When equipped with the Ground Targets belt, only one or two quick taps will destroy "soft" targets, but can also destroy Light Pillboxes easily with sustained fire towards their roof.

Due to its air spawn in Air Realistic Battles as a Strike aircraft, the Firebrand can quickly swoop towards ground units, as it can sustain around 500 km/h in level flight after a shallow dive: however, it is recommended to retreat immediately after unloading onto ground targets, as both enemy Fighters and other Strike aircraft will most probably be attracted to the position. Enemy aircraft however, can still be taken care of easily if it's necessary, and none will survive a head-on towards the Firebrand's cannons. On the other hand, there is not much to do after an enemy Fighter starts to chase, as turn-fighting should be a last resort.

Thanks to its capabilities for Close Air Support in Ground Realistic Battles, the Firebrand acts as a great addition to a line-up, and while it can make up in firepower for what it lacks in energy retention or turnfighting capabilities, it is not a replacement for other aircraft of similar Battle Rating such as the Typhoon Mk Ib/L or the Spitfire Mk Vc/trop, the former being able to carry two 500 lbs or 1,000 lbs bombs, with the latter being limited to only two 250 lbs bombs; both being more focused on direct air-to-air countering than air-to-ground support.

In any case, the Firebrand can deliver great performance when it comes to ground attack, both with a bomb load or without it, and as long as it has the advantage of speed or altitude over the enemy, can still shine thanks to its heavy armament, as all of its ammunition belts include High-explosive Fragmentation Incendiary (HEF-I) shells, making any aircraft on the receiving end of its guns never escape unscathed. High situational awareness rewards the Firebrand with being able to choose its engagements in the case of being threatened by enemy aircraft, as retreating then re-engaging is more fruitful than getting distracted on ground attack: it can quickly counter any enemies that have dived low onto the Firebrand's altitude, as its turn-rate becomes much better at speeds in between 250 and 400 km/h, a quick turn-around to commit to a head-on can turn out well as long as the enemy had not had a significant altitude advantage.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent armament compared to planes in the BR bracket, Hispano Mk.V variant fires very fast compared to standard Mk.II
  • Generous ammo capacity
  • Small turn radius
  • Effective combat flaps with above average rip speed
  • Good durability
  • Decent level speed
  • Variety of payload options, including a torpedo

Cons:

  • Poor manoeuvrability and handling in general: roll rate, turn rate, etc. are very poor
  • Large target
  • Mediocre climb rate
  • Poor high-altitude performance
  • Controls unresponsive at speeds past 550 km/h (350 mph)
  • Mediocre energy retention
  • Lacks any bombload stock
  • The Hispano Mk.Vs' dispersion when firing can be frustrating

History

Main article: History of the Firebrand TF Mk IV

The Blackburn Firebrand was a British naval torpedo strike fighter, originally designed as a naval fighter aircraft. Due to circumstances, it was overtaken by events, and by the time it finally entered service it was no longer relevant - and too late to enter service in World War II.

Designed to a 1939 tender by the Royal Navy's Admiralty, originally the Blackburn Firebrand was intended as a carrier-borne escort fighter, with emphasis on its range over speed. This was due to a prevailing school of thought that carrier fighters' primary task was that of escorting strikes on enemy forces, with the aerial defence of the fleet best left to the ships' own anti-aircraft guns. The original tender, N.8/39, specified a carrier-borne fighter with a fixed forward armament of 4 x 20 mm cannons, preferably an aircraft with a two-man crew consisting of a pilot and a navigator for long-distance flights over water. Blackburn started preliminary work on such a design.

Already having two aircraft serving in a fighter role, the Gloster Sea Gladiator and the Blackburn Skua, the Admiralty belatedly realised the folly of their original tender and modified the N.8/39 specification into a new set, N.11/40, which retained most of the previous specifications but explicitly called for a single-seat fighter with 400 mph performance and a 4-hour endurance. Both Blackburn and Hawker responded to this tender, Blackburn with their B-37 design which would eventually evolve into the Firebrand and Hawker with their P.1009 proposal of a navalised Hawker Typhoon.

Blackburn won the contract, however, the prototype fighter turned out to be too slow and too heavy to be considered for a fighter role and the destruction of one prototype attempting an emergency landing with a dead engine lead to concern for the direction the aircraft was going. Following the belated realisation the Firebrand would not make an adequate fighter, the Admiralty decided it would instead become a fast torpedo bomber as a replacement for the antiquated Fairey Swordfish, especially for use against heavily defended targets such as capital battleships. Following a redesign, the first Firebrand torpedo bomber flew on March 31st 1943; by this time the design had been refined, but it still had alarming landing properties, such as abrupt trim changes during missed wire approaches and poor forward sight which made it liable to being rejected for carrier operations.

Problems with the prototypes, several adjustments to the aircraft's requirements and inability to get necessary engines towards the end of the war belated the Firebrand TF Mk IV's entry into service, missing World War II entirely. Though pressed into service, production ceased by March of 1947 and all were withdrawn from active duty by May 1953.

Media

Skins

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


Blackburn Aircraft Ltd.
Fighters  Firebrand TF Mk IV · Firecrest
Strike aircraft  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B

Britain strike aircraft
Blackburn  Firebrand TF Mk IV · Firecrest
Bristol  Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Beaufighter Mk VIc · Beaufighter Mk X · Beaufighter Mk 21
CAC  ▄Wirraway
Fairey  Firefly F Mk I · Firefly FR Mk V
de Havilland  Mosquito FB Mk VI · Mosquito FB Mk XVIII
Hawker  Hurricane Mk IV · Tempest Mk V (Vickers P)
Westland  Wyvern S4

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