Difference between revisions of "F2A-3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=f2a-3}}
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{{About
 +
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = F2A (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=f2a-3
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_f2a-3.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== 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 final version of the Brewster Buffalo was the F2A-3. Parts of the F2A-3's airframe were revised and the fuel capacity was increased to 908 L (240 gal). Although the fuel capacity was increased, the engine stayed the same which greatly diminished performance. The climb rate, top speed, and overall flight performance fell and pilots didn't enjoy flying it. The US Navy grew tired and annoyed at Brewster's constant issues with delivering aircraft on time and other problems. Squadrons using the F2A-3 quickly switched to the F4F Wildcat and were eventually sent to the Marine Corps. The F2A-3 saw its first major combat in the Battle of Midway where Buffalo pilots were hopelessly outmatched by A6M Zeroes. High-ranking officials within the US armed forces were greatly disappointed by the F2A-3's performance. Captain Phillip R. White would later say, "''It is my belief that any commander who orders pilots out for combat in a F2A-3 should consider the pilot lost before leaving the ground.''" This marked the end of the Buffalo in active service and all Buffalos were relegated to training.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The climb rate, top speed, and overall handling leave much to be desired. In the hands of a skilled pilot, however, it can account for itself very well due to excellent turning with judicious use of flaps and good handling characteristics. It also has no armour which leaves very critical components like the engine and fuel tanks vulnerable to enemy fire. However, the F2A-3 does come armed with four 12.7 mm machine guns, two firing through the propellor and two mounted in the wings, which is an improvement over the F2A-1's armament. It can also carry two 100 lb bombs which are mainly effective against open-topped vehicles, light tanks, and other soft 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,492 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
 +
| 495 || 476 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.6 || 19.3 || 13.0 || 13.0 || rowspan="2" | 200
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 545 || 518 || 16.7 || 17.6 || 20.9 || 16.4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| 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 !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 761 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~12 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 465 || < 400 || < 500 || > 310
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* No armour
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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.''
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{{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|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{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-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
* Without load
−
''Defensive armament 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.''
+
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''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).''
+
<!-- ''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 characteristics of the F2A-3 means that its pilots shouldn't try to turn-fight their opponents and that they should also strictly maintain their energy. However, its weight and energy retention ability mean that any Buffalo pilot that cares to climb high (3,000 - 4,000 m) will be able to combat opponents with relative ease. However, they should be wary of adept climbers (such as [[Bf 109 E-3|Bf 109s]] and the US' own [[P-47D-25|P-47]], at least in Arcade) as they are more than a match for the F2A's climb rate. In a dive, the Buffalo can rapidly catch up to virtually anything it faces, and, when it does, a battery of 4 x .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns will make short work of any target, save well-armoured bombers such as the [[B-25J-1|B-25]] or [[Ju 88 A-4|Ju 88]], which an F2A pilot will probably rarely meet.
 +
 
 +
Discipline is a vital trait needed to master this plane. If you are used to simply engaging with the first opponent you find and turn-fighting, the F2A is not for you, as is much of the US fighter line. The recommended tactic to use with the F2A is Boom & Zoom. At the beginning of the battle, it is vital to climb - not climbing reduces your energy capabilities drastically due to the low level-flight speed of the F2A - climbing significantly improves performance of the F2A due to its weight and diving capabilities. After attempting a diving engagement on an enemy, whether successful or not, one should always pull out of the engagement shortly after the first attacking pass, so as not to waste speed and/or altitude (a.k.a. energy).
 +
 
 +
Four M2 Browning .50 MGs are plenty for a 2.7 BR plane - the heavy bullets rip through almost all fighters at this rank. Universal and Stealth rounds are the most effective belts - the Stealth being especially effective due to the M8 API bullets which allow F2A pilots to easily set opponents afire. Against bombers, the capabilities of the M2s are greatly reduced- aiming for engines is the most effective way to combat a bomber. You should always use the boom and zoom tactic as it works well for Japanese fighters at its rank. However, Japanese fighters will outturn you.
 +
 
 +
=== 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
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Good dive speed and energy retention
 +
* Highly manoeuvrable, very good in dog fights
 +
* Great stealth armament
 +
* Tail-hook for carrier landings
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Poor acceleration
−
''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.''
+
* Vulnerable fuel tanks (very prone to explosions)
 +
* Poor level flight speed
 +
* Engine overheats quickly. Loses lots of power due to minor damage or if left unchecked
 +
* No armour to protect pilot; avoid any kind of head-ons or pursuit of heavy armoured planes with good defensive armament like the [[IL-2 (1941)|IL-2]] or [[BV 238]]
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The F2A-3 Buffalo was an interwar to early-WWII fighter aircraft of the United States Navy. Designed for the Navy's use on aircraft carriers, the F2A Buffalo was the first American monoplane naval fighter to enter service, beating the biplane XF4F design (which would later be redeveloped into the monoplane F4F Wildcat). The F2A served during the early days of WWII with the US navy, where it proved to be an ineffective fighter. The aircraft would be retired partway through the war with the development of more advanced aircraft.
 +
 
 +
In 1935, the Navy issued a requirement for a new monoplane fighter to replace the older F3F biplane naval aircraft. Several firms would design aircraft for the competition, including Brewster, who developed the XF2A Buffalo. Grumman submitted the XF4F, a traditional biplane fighter. After flight testing, the XF2A considerably outperformed the Grumman fighter, which wouldn't be produced in its biplane form, but would later reappear as the monoplane F4F Wildcat. Thus, the XF2A was ordered into production as the F2A Buffalo.
 +
 
 +
The F2A-3 was the last variant of the F2A to enter production, with 108 aircraft produced in total. The F2A-3 received additional fuel tanks and armour protection, but this made the aircraft significantly heavier and less agile. In American service, the F2A-3 Buffalo proved to be an ineffective aircraft, weaker than the highly-agile A6M Zero in most respects. They would be retired from active service with the introduction of newer, more advanced aircraft including the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair.
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first monoplane carrier-based fighter that served in the American fleet. The aircraft had an all-metal construction, with the exception of the control surfaces, which were covered with cloth.
 +
 
 +
In 1935, the U.S. Navy announced a competition to create a carrier-based fighter which was to replace the obsolete biplanes. The competition was won by the Brewster company and mass production of their F2A began in the summer of 1938. Of the 55 F2A-1s produced, only 11 entered service in the U.S. Finland, which was less demanding than other countries with regards to fighter specs, purchased the rest of the planes, which were then slightly altered for use on airfields.
 +
 
 +
The F2A-2 variant had a more powerful engine and a pitched Curtiss Electric propeller. The subsequent F2A-3 had a stronger chassis and larger fuel tank. This last modification increased the aircraft's weight significantly, and the engine did not provide sufficient power, making the F2A-3 inferior even to the F2A-2 in handling and speed.
 +
 
 +
The F2A was exported to a number of countries, including Finland and Great Britain.
 +
 
 +
Of the 509 Buffaloes built, 107 were F2A-3s and 20 were B-439s (an export model of the F2A-3 transferred to the Dutch West Indies).
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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=f2a-3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|PNkoJ-MFERc|'''Best naval fighters''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:27 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|t3xD7JpnHeI|'''Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:01 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|aBGRGu-o9us|'''The Shooting Range #3''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F2A.}}
 +
 
 +
== 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.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303475-brewster-f2a-3/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Brewster}}
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Latest revision as of 08:12, 1 September 2024

This page is about the American fighter F2A-3. For other versions, see F2A (Family).
F2A-3
f2a-3.png
GarageImage F2A-3.jpg
360://https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/images/2/22/Cockpit_f2a-3.jpg
F2A-3
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.3 2.3
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The final version of the Brewster Buffalo was the F2A-3. Parts of the F2A-3's airframe were revised and the fuel capacity was increased to 908 L (240 gal). Although the fuel capacity was increased, the engine stayed the same which greatly diminished performance. The climb rate, top speed, and overall flight performance fell and pilots didn't enjoy flying it. The US Navy grew tired and annoyed at Brewster's constant issues with delivering aircraft on time and other problems. Squadrons using the F2A-3 quickly switched to the F4F Wildcat and were eventually sent to the Marine Corps. The F2A-3 saw its first major combat in the Battle of Midway where Buffalo pilots were hopelessly outmatched by A6M Zeroes. High-ranking officials within the US armed forces were greatly disappointed by the F2A-3's performance. Captain Phillip R. White would later say, "It is my belief that any commander who orders pilots out for combat in a F2A-3 should consider the pilot lost before leaving the ground." This marked the end of the Buffalo in active service and all Buffalos were relegated to training.

The F2A-3 Buffalo has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The climb rate, top speed, and overall handling leave much to be desired. In the hands of a skilled pilot, however, it can account for itself very well due to excellent turning with judicious use of flaps and good handling characteristics. It also has no armour which leaves very critical components like the engine and fuel tanks vulnerable to enemy fire. However, the F2A-3 does come armed with four 12.7 mm machine guns, two firing through the propellor and two mounted in the wings, which is an improvement over the F2A-1's armament. It can also carry two 100 lb bombs which are mainly effective against open-topped vehicles, light tanks, and other soft ground targets.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 4 491 m518 km/h
Turn time17 s
Max altitude10 424 m
EngineWright Cyclone R-1820-40
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,492 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 495 476 10424 18.6 19.3 13.0 13.0 200
Upgraded 545 518 16.7 17.6 20.9 16.4

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
761 720 437 408 260 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 465 < 400 < 500 > 310

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear720 km/h
  • No armour
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB333 → 447 Sl icon.png
RB683 → 917 Sl icon.png
SB896 → 1 204 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 930 Rp icon.png
6 750 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 60 / 120 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk.41
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 300 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The F2A-3 is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
Main article: AN-M30A1 (100 lb)

The F2A-3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)

Usage in battles

The characteristics of the F2A-3 means that its pilots shouldn't try to turn-fight their opponents and that they should also strictly maintain their energy. However, its weight and energy retention ability mean that any Buffalo pilot that cares to climb high (3,000 - 4,000 m) will be able to combat opponents with relative ease. However, they should be wary of adept climbers (such as Bf 109s and the US' own P-47, at least in Arcade) as they are more than a match for the F2A's climb rate. In a dive, the Buffalo can rapidly catch up to virtually anything it faces, and, when it does, a battery of 4 x .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns will make short work of any target, save well-armoured bombers such as the B-25 or Ju 88, which an F2A pilot will probably rarely meet.

Discipline is a vital trait needed to master this plane. If you are used to simply engaging with the first opponent you find and turn-fighting, the F2A is not for you, as is much of the US fighter line. The recommended tactic to use with the F2A is Boom & Zoom. At the beginning of the battle, it is vital to climb - not climbing reduces your energy capabilities drastically due to the low level-flight speed of the F2A - climbing significantly improves performance of the F2A due to its weight and diving capabilities. After attempting a diving engagement on an enemy, whether successful or not, one should always pull out of the engagement shortly after the first attacking pass, so as not to waste speed and/or altitude (a.k.a. energy).

Four M2 Browning .50 MGs are plenty for a 2.7 BR plane - the heavy bullets rip through almost all fighters at this rank. Universal and Stealth rounds are the most effective belts - the Stealth being especially effective due to the M8 API bullets which allow F2A pilots to easily set opponents afire. Against bombers, the capabilities of the M2s are greatly reduced- aiming for engines is the most effective way to combat a bomber. You should always use the boom and zoom tactic as it works well for Japanese fighters at its rank. However, Japanese fighters will outturn you.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good dive speed and energy retention
  • Highly manoeuvrable, very good in dog fights
  • Great stealth armament
  • Tail-hook for carrier landings

Cons:

  • Poor acceleration
  • Vulnerable fuel tanks (very prone to explosions)
  • Poor level flight speed
  • Engine overheats quickly. Loses lots of power due to minor damage or if left unchecked
  • No armour to protect pilot; avoid any kind of head-ons or pursuit of heavy armoured planes with good defensive armament like the IL-2 or BV 238

History

The F2A-3 Buffalo was an interwar to early-WWII fighter aircraft of the United States Navy. Designed for the Navy's use on aircraft carriers, the F2A Buffalo was the first American monoplane naval fighter to enter service, beating the biplane XF4F design (which would later be redeveloped into the monoplane F4F Wildcat). The F2A served during the early days of WWII with the US navy, where it proved to be an ineffective fighter. The aircraft would be retired partway through the war with the development of more advanced aircraft.

In 1935, the Navy issued a requirement for a new monoplane fighter to replace the older F3F biplane naval aircraft. Several firms would design aircraft for the competition, including Brewster, who developed the XF2A Buffalo. Grumman submitted the XF4F, a traditional biplane fighter. After flight testing, the XF2A considerably outperformed the Grumman fighter, which wouldn't be produced in its biplane form, but would later reappear as the monoplane F4F Wildcat. Thus, the XF2A was ordered into production as the F2A Buffalo.

The F2A-3 was the last variant of the F2A to enter production, with 108 aircraft produced in total. The F2A-3 received additional fuel tanks and armour protection, but this made the aircraft significantly heavier and less agile. In American service, the F2A-3 Buffalo proved to be an ineffective aircraft, weaker than the highly-agile A6M Zero in most respects. They would be retired from active service with the introduction of newer, more advanced aircraft including the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair.


Archive of the in-game description

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first monoplane carrier-based fighter that served in the American fleet. The aircraft had an all-metal construction, with the exception of the control surfaces, which were covered with cloth.

In 1935, the U.S. Navy announced a competition to create a carrier-based fighter which was to replace the obsolete biplanes. The competition was won by the Brewster company and mass production of their F2A began in the summer of 1938. Of the 55 F2A-1s produced, only 11 entered service in the U.S. Finland, which was less demanding than other countries with regards to fighter specs, purchased the rest of the planes, which were then slightly altered for use on airfields.

The F2A-2 variant had a more powerful engine and a pitched Curtiss Electric propeller. The subsequent F2A-3 had a stronger chassis and larger fuel tank. This last modification increased the aircraft's weight significantly, and the engine did not provide sufficient power, making the F2A-3 inferior even to the F2A-2 in handling and speed.

The F2A was exported to a number of countries, including Finland and Great Britain.

Of the 509 Buffaloes built, 107 were F2A-3s and 20 were B-439s (an export model of the F2A-3 transferred to the Dutch West Indies).


Media

Skins
Videos
Best naval fighters discusses the F2A-3 at 0:27 - War Thunder Official Channel
Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom discusses the F2A-3 at 1:01 - War Thunder Official Channel
The Shooting Range #3 - Pages of History section at 04:06 discusses the F2A.

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


Brewster Aeronautical Corporation
Fighters  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
Export  ▄B-239

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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