Difference between revisions of "Firefly F Mk I"

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{{Specs-Card|code=firefly_mk1}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = British fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = British strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| other
+
| and
−
| usage-1 = the other version
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link-1 = Firefly FR Mk V
 
| link-1 = Firefly FR Mk V
−
| usage-2 = other uses
+
| link-2 = Firefly F.Mk.IV (France)
−
| link-2 = Firefly (Disambiguation)
+
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=firefly_mk1
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]].
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]].
 
  
 
Within War Thunder, the Firefly F Mk I is a Rank III aircraft situated early on in the Fleet Air Arm line. The distinctive feature of the Firefly Mk I is its characteristic chin radiator that supports the powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, later variants of which can also be seen on the late model Spitfires and Seafire. The aircraft is one of the first examples of a 4 cannon fighter aircraft available to pilots and boasts an impressive array of external weaponry to complement this.
 
Within War Thunder, the Firefly F Mk I is a Rank III aircraft situated early on in the Fleet Air Arm line. The distinctive feature of the Firefly Mk I is its characteristic chin radiator that supports the powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, later variants of which can also be seen on the late model Spitfires and Seafire. The aircraft is one of the first examples of a 4 cannon fighter aircraft available to pilots and boasts an impressive array of external weaponry to complement this.
  
−
Its 4 x 20mm Hispano Mk II cannons carry 160 rounds per gun for a total capacity of 640 rounds. This allows pilots of the Firefly to have more opportunities to attack enemy aircraft or ground targets with its guns. However, trigger discipline should still be practised in order to get the most out of it when it is being operated solely as a fighter. The Firefly can also mount 2 x 250 lb, 2 x 500 lb or 2 x 1,000 lb bombs with one under each wing. The final weapon upgrade, "HRC mk.8", allows for the installation of 8 x 76mm RP-3 rockets, further boosting its ground attack capabilities.
+
Its 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannons carry 160 rounds per gun for a total capacity of 640 rounds. This allows pilots of the Firefly to have more opportunities to attack enemy aircraft or ground targets with its guns. However, trigger discipline should still be practiced in order to get the most out of it when it is being operated solely as a fighter. The Firefly can also mount 2 x 250 lb, 2 x 500 lb or 2 x 1,000 lb bombs with one under each wing. The final weapon upgrade, "HRC mk.8", allows for the installation of 8 x 76 mm RP-3 rockets, further boosting its ground attack capabilities.
  
 
The Firefly often struggles in initial climbing due to the heavy weight and large size of the aircraft. Once engaged, however, the Firefly's "Ace" combat advantage is its exceptional two stage combat flaps. Unlike most aircraft where the flap simply deploys from the wing, the Firefly's flaps actually swing back to enlarge the wing surface as a whole and create much more lift. This allows it to turn exceptionally well at low speeds without external ordnance attached and makes landings very simple to perform even on carriers. Coupled with a wide track and durable undercarriage, the Firefly rounds off to be a very forgiving aircraft to fly.
 
The Firefly often struggles in initial climbing due to the heavy weight and large size of the aircraft. Once engaged, however, the Firefly's "Ace" combat advantage is its exceptional two stage combat flaps. Unlike most aircraft where the flap simply deploys from the wing, the Firefly's flaps actually swing back to enlarge the wing surface as a whole and create much more lift. This allows it to turn exceptionally well at low speeds without external ordnance attached and makes landings very simple to perform even on carriers. Coupled with a wide track and durable undercarriage, the Firefly rounds off to be a very forgiving aircraft to fly.
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== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration 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"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 486 || 470 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.2 || 23.1 || 10 || 10 || 480
+
! Stock
−
|-
+
| 486 || 470 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.2 || 23.1 || 10.0 || 10.0 || rowspan="2" | 480
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 533 || 508 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.9 || 21.0 || 16.1 || 12.7 || 480
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 533 || 508 || 19.9 || 21.0 || 16.1 || 12.7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! + !! -
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 700 || ~10 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 600 || 326 || 242 || ~10 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 321 || < 400 || < 410 || > 316
 
| < 321 || < 400 || < 410 || > 316
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1,980 m || 1,510 hp || 1,784 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4,350 m || 1,370 hp || 1,603 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
* 42.8 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 
* 42.8 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
 
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
Using the Stock Hispano Mk IIs is hard due to their tendency to almost immediately overheat but the HE rounds you get tear apart enemy aircraft. The later modifications of the Hispano Mk IIs you get to research on the Firefly (Mk.II year 1942 & Mk.II year 1943) are improved in both accuracy and their ability to fire in longer burst with each iteration. It is highly recommend that these modifications are prioritized next to the Flight performance modifications. The Default belts have the highest volume of HE rounds on every version of the Hispanos only beaten out by the very, very potent Stealth belts which have two HE rounds, one SAP-I round (has a small amount of HE filler) and one AP round. This belt is available after the "Offensive 20 mm" modification is unlocked.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.II (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (175 rpg outer + 145 rpg inner = 640 total)
 
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (175 rpg outer + 145 rpg inner = 640 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
+
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
+
* 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
 
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
'''Air RB'''
 +
 
 +
While the Firefly F Mk I is somewhat slow and not the most manoeuvrable aircraft, it can utilize its flaps to good effect in a dogfight. It has the advantage of airspawn as a strike aircraft, allowing it to reach enemy ground targets or other strike fighters before hostile fighters appear overhead. Its four Hispano Mk II cannons offer good rate of fire and the Default belts you get have two HE rounds for every four bullets fired, which make quick work of enemy aircraft and two tap AI Artillery and AI AAA units. For beginner to intermediate users Default belts is recommended. Small 1-2 second bursts is highly recommended to keep your guns from jamming. Only when you have grasped the velocity and reach of the Hispanos is it advisable to switch over to Stealth belts. While Stealth belts can be tricky to learn, practicing in Custom battles or Test drive is recommended, once you become comfortable with them, you can begin to surprise your enemy with shots they can't see! 
 +
 
 +
Head-ons with enemy fighters are only advisable when you are ready to fire a quick burst then quickly break off due to the very fragile radiator which, when damaged, almost instantly destroys the engine.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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|-
 
|-
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
| HSBC mk.2
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
| HMBC mk.2
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Mk.II year 1942
 
−
| HLBC mk.2
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| Mk.II year 1943
 
−
| HRC mk.8
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons as its armament
 
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons as its armament
 
* Reasonably manoeuvrable
 
* Reasonably manoeuvrable
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Rather slow
 
* Rather slow
 
* Large target for a single-engine fighter
 
* Large target for a single-engine fighter
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* Lousy climb rate
 
* Lousy climb rate
 
* Poor manoeuvrability and generally easy prey for other fighters
 
* Poor manoeuvrability and generally easy prey for other fighters
 +
* Fragile tailplane, often gets damaged causing pilot to lose control
 +
* Control surfaces compress at high speeds (past 500 km/h)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
The Firefly originated as a replacement for both the Blackburn Skua and Fairey Fulmar designs. The tried and tested the concept of having two crew, a pilot and an observer, proved to be effective for long-range missions where the aircraft would be airborne for an extended period of time. However, the origins of this crew composition were far less well thought out as some of its other features; the late inter-war period saw the British Admiralty insist on two crew members for any naval aircraft other than those intended for point defence, as it was felt that the complexities of over-sea navigation were too complicated for a pilot to carry out whilst simultaneously controlling the aircraft. This would, however, limit the performance of the aircraft due to the extra weight and size. First taking to the skies in 1941, the Firefly had an impressive 4 x 20 mm cannons; a massive improvement over the Fulmar's 8 x 0.303 inch (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns. The first model was to use a Rolls-Royce Griffon IIB engine that was a significant boost over the Fulmar's Rolls-Royce Merlin.
 
The Firefly originated as a replacement for both the Blackburn Skua and Fairey Fulmar designs. The tried and tested the concept of having two crew, a pilot and an observer, proved to be effective for long-range missions where the aircraft would be airborne for an extended period of time. However, the origins of this crew composition were far less well thought out as some of its other features; the late inter-war period saw the British Admiralty insist on two crew members for any naval aircraft other than those intended for point defence, as it was felt that the complexities of over-sea navigation were too complicated for a pilot to carry out whilst simultaneously controlling the aircraft. This would, however, limit the performance of the aircraft due to the extra weight and size. First taking to the skies in 1941, the Firefly had an impressive 4 x 20 mm cannons; a massive improvement over the Fulmar's 8 x 0.303 inch (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns. The first model was to use a Rolls-Royce Griffon IIB engine that was a significant boost over the Fulmar's Rolls-Royce Merlin.
  
 
Early on, the Firefly had a rough start before finally reaching naval squadrons in 1943 and becoming fully operational in 1944. As well as taking part on the Tirpitz attacks - providing cover and support - the aircraft mainly served with the British Pacific Fleet. Proving its worth in this theatre of operation, the Firefly continued in service and was refined in later models to greatly improve the performance. Fireflies of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm would once again see service over the skies of Korea in 1950 alongside Seafires and Sea Furies before finally being retired in 1956 after a lengthy career. The Firefly would also serve with several other navies including the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy and Royal Australian Navy to name only a few. The Firefly would ultimately bow out of service well into the age of jets to be replaced with this new breed of naval aircraft and another Fairey designed aircraft, the Gannet.
 
Early on, the Firefly had a rough start before finally reaching naval squadrons in 1943 and becoming fully operational in 1944. As well as taking part on the Tirpitz attacks - providing cover and support - the aircraft mainly served with the British Pacific Fleet. Proving its worth in this theatre of operation, the Firefly continued in service and was refined in later models to greatly improve the performance. Fireflies of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm would once again see service over the skies of Korea in 1950 alongside Seafires and Sea Furies before finally being retired in 1956 after a lengthy career. The Firefly would also serve with several other navies including the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy and Royal Australian Navy to name only a few. The Firefly would ultimately bow out of service well into the age of jets to be replaced with this new breed of naval aircraft and another Fairey designed aircraft, the Gannet.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{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 Fairey Aviation Company had a long and successful relationship with the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, perhaps best summed up by test pilot Captain Eric Brown who described their aircraft as supremely versatile, reliable and possessing fine handling qualities, performance and firepower. The Firefly would be no different.
 
The Fairey Aviation Company had a long and successful relationship with the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, perhaps best summed up by test pilot Captain Eric Brown who described their aircraft as supremely versatile, reliable and possessing fine handling qualities, performance and firepower. The Firefly would be no different.
  
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After a further period of testing and consolidation which led to the adoption of a horn balanced rudder and metal ailerons, an order for 200 Firefly I aircraft was placed and the first examples rolled off the production line in March 1943. After carrier trials in July, 1770 Naval Air Squadron was formed as the first Firefly squadron at RNAS Yeovilton in October 1943. Fireflies acquitted themselves well in their part in the series of strikes against the German battleship Tirpitz and in anti-shipping sorties in the ETO, but it would be in the Far East that the new fighter/strike aircraft would prove its worth. Playing not only an integral role in the ground attack elements of the famous Palembang raids, the Firefly also accounted for three Japanese fighters destroyed in air-to-air combat. Some 800 Firefly I's were built and continued to serve with distinction until the end of the war, but further advances in the design meant that the end of the war was certainly not the end of the Firefly's story.
 
After a further period of testing and consolidation which led to the adoption of a horn balanced rudder and metal ailerons, an order for 200 Firefly I aircraft was placed and the first examples rolled off the production line in March 1943. After carrier trials in July, 1770 Naval Air Squadron was formed as the first Firefly squadron at RNAS Yeovilton in October 1943. Fireflies acquitted themselves well in their part in the series of strikes against the German battleship Tirpitz and in anti-shipping sorties in the ETO, but it would be in the Far East that the new fighter/strike aircraft would prove its worth. Playing not only an integral role in the ground attack elements of the famous Palembang raids, the Firefly also accounted for three Japanese fighters destroyed in air-to-air combat. Some 800 Firefly I's were built and continued to serve with distinction until the end of the war, but further advances in the design meant that the end of the war was certainly not the end of the Firefly's story.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=firefly_mk1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''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.''
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<!-- ''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 aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/3991--en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Fairey Firefly F.Mk.I and F.Mk.V]
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/3991--en|[Devblog] Fairey Firefly F.Mk.I and F.Mk.V]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Fairey}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Fairey}}
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{{Britain strike and twin-engine fighters}}
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{{Britain strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 19:35, 1 September 2024

This page is about the British strike aircraft Firefly F Mk I. For other versions, see Firefly FR Mk V and Firefly F.Mk.IV (France).
Firefly F Mk I
firefly_mk1.png
GarageImage Firefly F Mk I.jpg
Firefly F Mk I
Britain flag.png Britain
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.3 4.0
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Firefly F Mk I is a rank III British strike aircraft with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB), 3.3 (RB), and 4.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory".

Within War Thunder, the Firefly F Mk I is a Rank III aircraft situated early on in the Fleet Air Arm line. The distinctive feature of the Firefly Mk I is its characteristic chin radiator that supports the powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, later variants of which can also be seen on the late model Spitfires and Seafire. The aircraft is one of the first examples of a 4 cannon fighter aircraft available to pilots and boasts an impressive array of external weaponry to complement this.

Its 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk II cannons carry 160 rounds per gun for a total capacity of 640 rounds. This allows pilots of the Firefly to have more opportunities to attack enemy aircraft or ground targets with its guns. However, trigger discipline should still be practiced in order to get the most out of it when it is being operated solely as a fighter. The Firefly can also mount 2 x 250 lb, 2 x 500 lb or 2 x 1,000 lb bombs with one under each wing. The final weapon upgrade, "HRC mk.8", allows for the installation of 8 x 76 mm RP-3 rockets, further boosting its ground attack capabilities.

The Firefly often struggles in initial climbing due to the heavy weight and large size of the aircraft. Once engaged, however, the Firefly's "Ace" combat advantage is its exceptional two stage combat flaps. Unlike most aircraft where the flap simply deploys from the wing, the Firefly's flaps actually swing back to enlarge the wing surface as a whole and create much more lift. This allows it to turn exceptionally well at low speeds without external ordnance attached and makes landings very simple to perform even on carriers. Coupled with a wide track and durable undercarriage, the Firefly rounds off to be a very forgiving aircraft to fly.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 4 572 m508 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude10 050 m
EngineRolls-Royce Griffon-2
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight9 t
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 486 470 10050 22.2 23.1 10.0 10.0 480
Upgraded 533 508 19.9 21.0 16.1 12.7

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 + -
720 270 600 326 242 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 321 < 400 < 410 > 316

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural720 km/h
Gear270 km/h
  • 42.8 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
  • Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB809 → 1 038 Sl icon.png
RB1 164 → 1 494 Sl icon.png
SB2 835 → 3 640 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 560 Rp icon.png
32 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 110 / 220 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HSBC mk.2
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk2_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HMBC mk.2
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1942
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HLBC mk.2
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gun camora mod.png
Mk.II year 1943
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
HRC mk.8
Research:
1 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png

Using the Stock Hispano Mk IIs is hard due to their tendency to almost immediately overheat but the HE rounds you get tear apart enemy aircraft. The later modifications of the Hispano Mk IIs you get to research on the Firefly (Mk.II year 1942 & Mk.II year 1943) are improved in both accuracy and their ability to fire in longer burst with each iteration. It is highly recommend that these modifications are prioritized next to the Flight performance modifications. The Default belts have the highest volume of HE rounds on every version of the Hispanos only beaten out by the very, very potent Stealth belts which have two HE rounds, one SAP-I round (has a small amount of HE filler) and one AP round. This belt is available after the "Offensive 20 mm" modification is unlocked.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannon
Ammunition640 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.II (20 mm)

The Firefly F Mk I is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.II cannons, wing-mounted (175 rpg outer + 145 rpg inner = 640 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 12 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 22 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 32 x 1000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb
Setup 48 x RP-3 rockets
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb), RP-3

The Firefly F Mk I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets

Usage in battles

Air RB

While the Firefly F Mk I is somewhat slow and not the most manoeuvrable aircraft, it can utilize its flaps to good effect in a dogfight. It has the advantage of airspawn as a strike aircraft, allowing it to reach enemy ground targets or other strike fighters before hostile fighters appear overhead. Its four Hispano Mk II cannons offer good rate of fire and the Default belts you get have two HE rounds for every four bullets fired, which make quick work of enemy aircraft and two tap AI Artillery and AI AAA units. For beginner to intermediate users Default belts is recommended. Small 1-2 second bursts is highly recommended to keep your guns from jamming. Only when you have grasped the velocity and reach of the Hispanos is it advisable to switch over to Stealth belts. While Stealth belts can be tricky to learn, practicing in Custom battles or Test drive is recommended, once you become comfortable with them, you can begin to surprise your enemy with shots they can't see!

Head-ons with enemy fighters are only advisable when you are ready to fire a quick burst then quickly break off due to the very fragile radiator which, when damaged, almost instantly destroys the engine.

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:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano cannons as its armament
  • Reasonably manoeuvrable
  • Heavy bomb loads (up to 2 x 1,000 lbs)
  • Exceptionally large flaps grants the plane the ability to fly at unusually low speeds and still be able to manoeuvre

Cons:

  • Rather slow
  • Large target for a single-engine fighter
  • Cannons overheat quickly when stock
  • Lousy climb rate
  • Poor manoeuvrability and generally easy prey for other fighters
  • Fragile tailplane, often gets damaged causing pilot to lose control
  • Control surfaces compress at high speeds (past 500 km/h)

History

The Firefly originated as a replacement for both the Blackburn Skua and Fairey Fulmar designs. The tried and tested the concept of having two crew, a pilot and an observer, proved to be effective for long-range missions where the aircraft would be airborne for an extended period of time. However, the origins of this crew composition were far less well thought out as some of its other features; the late inter-war period saw the British Admiralty insist on two crew members for any naval aircraft other than those intended for point defence, as it was felt that the complexities of over-sea navigation were too complicated for a pilot to carry out whilst simultaneously controlling the aircraft. This would, however, limit the performance of the aircraft due to the extra weight and size. First taking to the skies in 1941, the Firefly had an impressive 4 x 20 mm cannons; a massive improvement over the Fulmar's 8 x 0.303 inch (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns. The first model was to use a Rolls-Royce Griffon IIB engine that was a significant boost over the Fulmar's Rolls-Royce Merlin.

Early on, the Firefly had a rough start before finally reaching naval squadrons in 1943 and becoming fully operational in 1944. As well as taking part on the Tirpitz attacks - providing cover and support - the aircraft mainly served with the British Pacific Fleet. Proving its worth in this theatre of operation, the Firefly continued in service and was refined in later models to greatly improve the performance. Fireflies of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm would once again see service over the skies of Korea in 1950 alongside Seafires and Sea Furies before finally being retired in 1956 after a lengthy career. The Firefly would also serve with several other navies including the Royal Canadian Navy, Royal Netherlands Navy and Royal Australian Navy to name only a few. The Firefly would ultimately bow out of service well into the age of jets to be replaced with this new breed of naval aircraft and another Fairey designed aircraft, the Gannet.


Archive of the in-game description

The Fairey Aviation Company had a long and successful relationship with the British Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm, perhaps best summed up by test pilot Captain Eric Brown who described their aircraft as supremely versatile, reliable and possessing fine handling qualities, performance and firepower. The Firefly would be no different.

Working under chief designer HE Chaplin, the Fairey team set about answering the call to Naval Spec N.5/40 for a fast, two seat shipborne fighter. The Fairey team had already gained much experience with the successful Fulmar, and had a good basis to work from; however, the Fulmar's Merlin was replaced with the superior Griffon engine and a more advanced, elliptical wing design was adopted, housing an impressive punch of four 20mm Hispano cannon. Further design features included the Youngman area-increasing wing flap. The Firefly was a completely new aircraft rather than an improved Fulmar and was designed from the outset as a true multi-role aircraft with ground strike capabilities. The first prototype was flown successfully in December 1941.

A true pilot's aircraft, the Firefly handled well, was notably robust, capable of speeds of 319 mph at 17,000 feet and was a good deck lander, although the pilot's view on final approach was poorer than its predecessor. It also had a range of nearly 1100 miles and could carry eight 60 lb rockets or two 1000 lb bombs in addition to its impressive firepower.

After a further period of testing and consolidation which led to the adoption of a horn balanced rudder and metal ailerons, an order for 200 Firefly I aircraft was placed and the first examples rolled off the production line in March 1943. After carrier trials in July, 1770 Naval Air Squadron was formed as the first Firefly squadron at RNAS Yeovilton in October 1943. Fireflies acquitted themselves well in their part in the series of strikes against the German battleship Tirpitz and in anti-shipping sorties in the ETO, but it would be in the Far East that the new fighter/strike aircraft would prove its worth. Playing not only an integral role in the ground attack elements of the famous Palembang raids, the Firefly also accounted for three Japanese fighters destroyed in air-to-air combat. Some 800 Firefly I's were built and continued to serve with distinction until the end of the war, but further advances in the design meant that the end of the war was certainly not the end of the Firefly's story.


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


Fairey Aviation Company, Limited
Fighters  Firefly F Mk I · Firefly FR Mk V
Bombers  Swordfish Mk I · Swordfish Mk II
Export  ◘Firefly F.Mk.IV

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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