Difference between revisions of "FJ-4B VMF-232"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Armaments)
(→‎Description)
 
(26 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=fj_4b_agm_12b
 
−
|cockpit=380038/1304952
 
−
|market=FJ-4B VMF-232 (USA)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = gift jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = gift American strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| other
 
| other
 
| usage-1 = the regular version
 
| usage-1 = the regular version
Line 11: Line 6:
 
| usage-2 = other versions
 
| usage-2 = other versions
 
| link-2 = F-86 (Family)
 
| link-2 = F-86 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=fj_4b_agm_12b
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_fj_4b_agm_12b.jpg
 +
|market=FJ-4B VMF-232 (USA)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 VMF-232 squadron of the Marine Corps, nicknamed "''Red Devils''", was known for using the [[FJ-4B]] in the 1950s, specifically between 1956 and 1959, after gathering experience with the FJ-2 and FJ-3. The squadron and their FJ-4Bs were deployed on USS Bennington during the Quemoy Matsu Crisis in 1958, and later transferred to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. In 1958, the squadron flew more than 10,000 hours. After their deployment ended, VMF-232's FJ-4Bs started to be replaced by the introduction of the first batch of [[F8U-2|F-8 Crusaders]].
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as the main reward for the Good Old S.U.M.M.E.R event 2018.
 
  
−
In the early 1950s, the US Navy realized during the Korean War that their straight-wing fighters were vastly inferior to the swept-wing [[MiG-15 (Family)|MiG 15s]] they flew against. Though the F7U and F9F fighters were under development, they were not ready for deployment requiring the Navy to look elsewhere for a usable swept-wing fighter. They looked to the Air Force’s [[F-86 (Family)|F-86]] Sabre as a stop-gap measure. Modifications were needed to make it aircraft carrier ready to include a stronger nose-wheel strut, all-moving flying tail without dihedral, outer wing panels folded upward and the windscreen was modified to aid the pilot’s visibility on approach for landing on the carrier. This version of the aircraft was designated as the FJ-2 Fury (completely different aircraft from the original North American FJ-1).  Even with modifications, the aircraft was unfit for carrier duty and was passed onto the US Marines for land-based duty.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] as the main reward for the Good Old S.U.M.M.E.R event 2018. The {{PAGENAME}} is a solid multi-role US Marine aircraft which can fight air-to-air combat, ground-pound, or both. The fighter features four 20 mm autocannons and then can outfit several different ordnance to its underwing stores. Bomb load-outs range from using 250, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 lb bombs effectively targeting from vehicles and pillboxes all the way up to bases.  FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets make short work of ground targets, but also can be deadly against any of the bomber aircraft it may intercept. Bullpup rockets can create a huge punch into a ground target, however, it requires the attention of the pilot all the way to the target to ensure it hits. The {{PAGENAME}} can also sport four AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles, which any smart pilot on the receiving end will immediately begin evasive manoeuvres when one of these are inbound because, at that point, nothing else matters!
  
−
The FJ-3 underwent development to rectify issues the FJ-2 had. Now outfitted with a more powerful engine, wing shape changed to provide more manoeuvrability and eliminated the leading edge slats and were reinforced to allow for four external pylons to allow for external fuel tanks, 500 or 1,000 lb bombs. The fuselage was enlarged to allow for more airflow to reach the engine and the fighter was outfitted with AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles.
+
== General info ==
−
 
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
The FJ-4 was a more aggressive approach compared to the FJ-3 with a much thinner wing and skin which was milled from solid alloy plates allowing for more strength, durability and aerodynamics. As the FJ-4 was built to be an all-weather interceptor, it required a considerable amount of fuel for operations and ultimately contained 50% more fuel than the FJ-3. To help conserve fuel, most of the protective armour was removed and the total ammunition count was reduced. Since weight was removed, an additional fuel tank was fitted within the fuselage, causing the “razorback” look to the rear deck of the aircraft just aft of the cockpit. Also, due to the stronger wing of this fighter, a total of six underwing stations were available allowing for more ordnance to be carried.  
+
{{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.'' -->
−
The {{PAGENAME}} found in War Thunder is a solid multi-role US Marine aircraft which can fight air-to-air combat, ground-pound or both. The fighter features four 20 mm autocannons and then can outfit several different ordnance to its underwing stores. Bomb load-outs range from using 250, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 lb bombs effectively targeting from vehicles and pillboxes all the way up to bases.  FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets make short work of ground targets, but also can be deadly against any of the bomber aircraft it may intercept. Bullpup rockets can create a huge punch into a ground target, however, it requires the attention of the pilot all the way to the target to ensure it hits. The {{PAGENAME}} can also sport two AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles, which any smart pilot on the receiving end will immediately begin evasive manoeuvres when one of these are inbound because, at that point, nothing else matters!
+
The FJ-4B's flight performance is a bit sluggish. Due to the weight of the airframe, it has poor acceleration compared to other aircraft at 9.0. The FJ-4B is not a very fast aircraft, at most you will see 880 km/h at sea level. It is not recommended to climb vertically in this aircraft, what is recommended is to build up speed at sea level then zoom climb up to your desired altitude.
  
−
== General info ==
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
=== 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.''-->
 
−
The FJ-4B's flight performance is a bit sluggish.  Due to the weight of the air frame, it has poor acceleration compared to other aircraft at 9.0. The FJ-4B is not a very fast aircraft, at most you will see 880 kph at sea level. It is not recommended to climb vertically in this aircraft, what is recommended is to build up speed at sea level then zoom climb up to your desired altitude.
 
−
[[File:FJ-4B_extended_airbrakes.jpg|500px|thumb|right|An '''{{PAGENAME}}''' preparing for a carrier landing with flaps and air brakes fully extended slowing the approach to snag a deck cable at about 140 mph (225 kph).]]
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 152 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 152 m)
Line 50: Line 44:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
[[File:FJ-4B_extended_airbrakes.jpg|500px|thumb|right|An '''{{PAGENAME}}''' preparing for a carrier landing with flaps and air brakes fully extended slowing the approach to snag a deck cable at about 140 mph (225 km/h).]]
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
Line 61: Line 56:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
Line 72: Line 67:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 620 || 620 || 435 || ~10 || ~4.5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 600 || 575 || 435 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 93: Line 88:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="2" | Wright J65-W-16A || 1
 
| colspan="2" | Wright J65-W-16A || 1
−
| colspan="3" | 6,695 kg || colspan="3" | 296 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="3" | 6,799 kg || colspan="3" | 299 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br/>Weight
+
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
Line 105: Line 100:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 1,270 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
 
| 1,270 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
−
| 7,486 kg || 7,745 kg || 8,263 kg || 9,041 kg || 9,300 kg || 12,700 kg
+
| 7,576 kg || 7,831 kg || 8,346 kg || 9,120 kg || 9,389 kg || 12,700 kg
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
+
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 
|-
 
|-
Line 113: Line 108:
 
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 50m fuel || MTOW
 
! 15m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 50m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || 3,478 kgf || N/A
+
| ''Stationary'' || 3,410 kgf || N/A
−
| 0.46 || 0.45 || 0.42 || 0.38 || 0.37 || 0.27
+
| 0.45 || 0.44 || 0.41 || 0.37 || 0.36 || 0.27
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || 3,478 kgf<br/>(0 km/h) || N/A
+
| ''Optimal'' || 3,410 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || N/A
−
| 0.46 || 0.45 || 0.42 || 0.38 || 0.37 || 0.27
+
| 0.45 || 0.44 || 0.41 || 0.37 || 0.36 || 0.27
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and 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.'' -->
  
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
 
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} fighter has minimal armour to save weight, which allowed for more fuel tanks to be installed. The armour on the aircraft is limited to a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot’s seat and a 60 mm bulletproof glass in the windscreen of the aircraft. This armour protection at best will help the pilot survive a pilot snipe, however, it will not do anything to protect the fuel tanks and jet engine which are all vulnerable to gun, rocket and missile fire.
+
The {{PAGENAME}} fighter has minimal armour to save weight, which allowed for more fuel tanks to be installed. The armour on the aircraft is limited to a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot's seat and a 60 mm bulletproof glass in the windscreen of the aircraft. This armour protection at best will help the pilot survive a pilot snipe, however, it will not do anything to protect the fuel tanks and jet engine which are all vulnerable to gun, rocket and missile fire.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== 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|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)}}
Line 138: Line 139:
 
* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)
 
* 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)
  
−
Like many of the contemporary fighters of the time, the {{PAGENAME}} was considered a ''gunslinger'' fighter. Fighter aircraft were flying much faster than aircraft a few years earlier and needed to have more manoeuvrability than ever before, one way to do this was to remove the guns from the wings and mount them in the fuselage. For the F4-J, wing-mounted guns would not work due to the fuel tanks already outfitted there. All four 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 cannons were mounted in the nose of the aircraft around the air intake for the engine. The benefits for mounting them here are huge, not only does it keep the centre of gravity tight, but it also relieves the pilot of having to set any convergence for them.  
+
Like many of the contemporary fighters of the time, the {{PAGENAME}} was considered a ''gunslinger'' fighter. Fighter aircraft were flying much faster than aircraft a few years earlier and needed to have more manoeuvrability than ever before, one way to do this was to remove the guns from the wings and mount them in the fuselage. For the F4-J, wing-mounted guns would not work due to the fuel tanks already outfitted there. All four 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 cannons were mounted in the nose of the aircraft around the air intake for the engine. The benefits for mounting them here are huge, not only does it keep the centre of gravity tight, but it also relieves the pilot of having to set any convergence for them.
  
 
For the pilot in the heat of battle, the less they have to remember and do allows them to focus more on the situation at hand and shooting down enemy aircraft (or evade if you are being shot at). Without having to calculate convergence, the pilot is free to fire from effectively 0 m - +800 m and know the rounds will fly true. This allows the {{PAGENAME}} pilot to pummel enemy aircraft within a few hundred meters or attempt to take pilot-sniping shots at longer ranges. The clustering of the four cannons allows for some serious damage to be inflicted especially if it connects with critical components such as an engine, oil/water cooler, pilot, control surfaces or even a wing. Due to the nature of this aircraft and the reduced ammunition load, the pilot must make every shot count or else they will be frequently waiting for a reload or heading back to base to reload.
 
For the pilot in the heat of battle, the less they have to remember and do allows them to focus more on the situation at hand and shooting down enemy aircraft (or evade if you are being shot at). Without having to calculate convergence, the pilot is free to fire from effectively 0 m - +800 m and know the rounds will fly true. This allows the {{PAGENAME}} pilot to pummel enemy aircraft within a few hundred meters or attempt to take pilot-sniping shots at longer ranges. The clustering of the four cannons allows for some serious damage to be inflicted especially if it connects with critical components such as an engine, oil/water cooler, pilot, control surfaces or even a wing. Due to the nature of this aircraft and the reduced ammunition load, the pilot must make every shot count or else they will be frequently waiting for a reload or heading back to base to reload.
  
 
=== 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|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}
+
 
−
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|AIM-9B|AGM-12B Bullpup}}
 
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
 +
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_FJ-4B.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|250 lb LDGP Mk 81]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 +
| 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19 || 19
 +
|-
 +
! [[Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP]] rockets
 +
| 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4 || 4
 +
|-
 +
! [[AGM-12B Bullpup]] missiles
 +
| 1* || 1* || || 1* || 1* || 1*
 +
|-
 +
! [[AIM-9B Sidewinder]] missiles
 +
| 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! Targeting pod
 +
| || || 1* || || ||
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="7" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 2,675 kg<br>Maximum permissible wing load: 1,337 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="8" | * Targeting pod must be equipped when carrying AGM-12 Bullpup missiles
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 +
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
 +
* 5 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
 
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 
* 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 
* 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 
* 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
 
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 2 x AIM-9B missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 5 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
 
−
* 2 x AIM-9B missiles
 
−
* 4 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B missiles (1,000 lb total)
 
−
* 4 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B missiles (2,000 lb total)
 
−
* 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs + 2 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B missiles (3,000 lb total)
 
  
 
== Usage in 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 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
In battle, you are a support aircraft or a ground attack aircraft.  When being a support aircraft, your job is to bait the enemy into getting low and slow, which makes it easier for your allies to come and clean up the enemy.  Since you don't retain energy very well and you have poor acceleration, try to always manoeuvre with the enemy and if possible, shoot down enemy aircraft.  When using it as a ground attack aircraft you have many options.  The recommended loadout is 114 FFAR Mighty Mouse Rockets.  It is recommended that you attack primary ground targets like pillboxes and artillery positions.  It is not recommended to carry bombs on this aircraft as you do not have the bomb load to take out an enemy base.  Try to fly as low as possible to avoid being detected by the enemy.  If attacked by enemy aircraft, turn into your opponent as this will not give them a firing solution.  In Ground RB, you are one of the most heavily armed ground attackers for its tier, although in this game mode enemy tanks will require more than one rocket in order to be knocked out.
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} is an all-weather fighter/interceptor which includes multi-role capabilities also deeming it a fighter-bomber. While initially built for the Navy, this fighter saw most of its action with the US Marines and thus needed to be a multi-role aircraft which could combat both air and ground targets in support of US Marine operations.
 +
 
 +
;Ground attack
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a wide variety of options for ground attack operations, especially in War Thunder. Stock aircraft are limited in the munitions they can carry, however as the pilot progresses, heavier ordnance becomes available. For this aircraft, there are choices between 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 lb bombs. The choice of bombs to be used depends on the map being played and the targets available on that map. For maps with many smaller targets such as light/medium tanks, trucks and anti-aircraft batteries, it is best to use the 250 lb bombs from lower altitudes, whereas when you begin to encounter targets with heavier armour they will require the larger bombs. When base attacking, it is best to utilise the 1,000 and 2,000 lb bombs.
 +
 
 +
Rockets, while listed as "Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets" can be effectively used against ground targets, predominantly clusters of vehicles or aircraft landing on runways to repair or during domination matches. Since the rockets are unguided, the pilot will typically need to fire off a salvo (+5) of rockets to chance at least one hits the target, however, due to the situation, it would not be improper to fire off 10 or more to ensure a hit. With 114 FFAR rockets, the {{PAGENAME}} will have plenty to spare, don't hesitate to use them as the pilot going down in flames with almost a full load of rockets is probably kicking themselves for not using more.
 +
 
 +
;Air interceptor
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} was initially built as an interceptor and has the tools to do just that. In combination with the four autocannons, there are options to equip the FFAR rockets which can effectively be used against larger and slower aircraft such as bombers. Mighty Mouse rockets while small and unguided (aim, fire and forget) may seem to be a less effective choice, never underestimate them in large groups. When going against bombers, FFAR rockets can be highly effective, especially since they only need to explode close to the target and still can cause damage. Since the {{PAGENAME}} can carry 114 of these rockets, they are more effective when fired in large groups or salvos. This reasoning is due to the unguided nature of the rockets, it may be easy for a target aircraft to avoid one or two, however, if 10 or more are fired, chances are the evading aircraft may actually manoeuvre into the flight path of one of the rockets.
 +
 
 +
For direct air-to-air combat, the {{PAGENAME}} has the option to outfit the coveted AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles. These missiles were the missiles of choice for pilots in the Vietnam War as they had a higher rate of success compared to the Sparrow and other missiles used. While not a 100% guarantee to destroy an enemy aircraft after fired, they will usually cause the pilot immediately take evasive manoeuvres which at times may include energy haemorrhaging turns which may set up the aircraft an easy target for the FJ-4's autocannons.
 +
 
 +
;Multi-role fighter/bomber/interceptor
 +
 
 +
In regards to some maps, it is not always clear what the targets will be or if the match will end up fighter or bomber heavy. For this, there are several suspended armament load-outs which will cater to both bombing and aerial attack to include rockets/missiles, bombs/missiles and lots of bombs and missiles. Since the 20 mm autocannons are part of the offensive armament package, all loadout versions will include these weapons.
 +
 
 +
===Radars===
 +
<!--{{main|AN/APG-30}}-->
 +
The FJ-4B is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
 +
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
−
|-
+
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
−
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
+
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
−
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
+
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
−
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
−
|-
 
−
! Oil
 
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
| FSBC mk.5
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| New boosters
 
−
|
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
| SBC mk.1
 
−
| AERO 7D
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
| MBC mk.1
 
−
| AGM-12B Bullpup
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| G-suit
 
−
|
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
| LBC mk.1
 
−
| AIM-9B
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 233: Line 250:
 
* Powerful fast firing cannons and payload options
 
* Powerful fast firing cannons and payload options
 
* Superb ground attack potential
 
* Superb ground attack potential
−
* Has AGM-12B Bullpups air-to-ground missiles
+
* Has 5 AGM-12B Bullpups air-to-ground missiles
 
* Can land on carriers with ease
 
* Can land on carriers with ease
 
* Can equip 2 x AIM-9B air-to-air missiles along with bombs
 
* Can equip 2 x AIM-9B air-to-air missiles along with bombs
Line 241: Line 258:
 
* Very inaccurate guns when stock
 
* Very inaccurate guns when stock
 
* Slow acceleration (especially when stock)
 
* Slow acceleration (especially when stock)
−
* Carrying ordinance significantly reduces performance
+
* Carrying ordnance significantly reduces performance
 
* Is not competitive against pure jet fighters
 
* Is not competitive against pure jet fighters
  
 
== 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</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 FJ-4 was the fourth modification of the Fury - the naval version of the F-86 Sabre, serving primarily with the USMC. Being initially conceived as an all-weather interceptor, the FJ-4 Fury had to incorporate several design changes compared to the previous fighter version in order to fulfill this new role. The most notable change was the increase in range and the installation of new, thinner wing with an increased surface area. To achieve the range increase, the aircraft underwent several structural changes which reduced its weight and allowed for additional fuel tanks to be installed. Additionally, a more powerful Wright J65-W-16A engine, producing 7,700 lbf of thrust, was installed on the production versions. Following successful test flights, production of the FJ-4 commenced in 1955 with first units entering service with the Navy in 1956. Over 150 FJ-4 Fury interceptors were built.
 
The FJ-4 was the fourth modification of the Fury - the naval version of the F-86 Sabre, serving primarily with the USMC. Being initially conceived as an all-weather interceptor, the FJ-4 Fury had to incorporate several design changes compared to the previous fighter version in order to fulfill this new role. The most notable change was the increase in range and the installation of new, thinner wing with an increased surface area. To achieve the range increase, the aircraft underwent several structural changes which reduced its weight and allowed for additional fuel tanks to be installed. Additionally, a more powerful Wright J65-W-16A engine, producing 7,700 lbf of thrust, was installed on the production versions. Following successful test flights, production of the FJ-4 commenced in 1955 with first units entering service with the Navy in 1956. Over 150 FJ-4 Fury interceptors were built.
  
 
Wishing to increase the strike capabilities of the new FJ-4, engineers of the North American company went back to the drawing board and once more applied several changes to the design, creating the FJ-4B. The FJ-4B version most notably featured a strengthened wing, offering an increased payload by adding two additional hardpoints to each wing, bringing the total up from two to six. Furthermore, the aircraft received air brakes under the aft of the fuselage, making dive bombing and landing easier. Of the original order for 221 FJ-4 Fury interceptors, the last 71 were modified into the FJ-4B fighter-bomber version. An additional order for 151 FJ-4B Furies followed in April 1956, bring the total of produced FJ-4Bs up to 222. Both the interceptor and fighter-bomber version of the FJ-4 served with the Navy and USMC until the early 1960s, before being phased out of active service and moved to the Naval Air Reserve. The FJ-4 was the last modification of the Fury and among the last mass-produced variants of the Sabre lineage.
 
Wishing to increase the strike capabilities of the new FJ-4, engineers of the North American company went back to the drawing board and once more applied several changes to the design, creating the FJ-4B. The FJ-4B version most notably featured a strengthened wing, offering an increased payload by adding two additional hardpoints to each wing, bringing the total up from two to six. Furthermore, the aircraft received air brakes under the aft of the fuselage, making dive bombing and landing easier. Of the original order for 221 FJ-4 Fury interceptors, the last 71 were modified into the FJ-4B fighter-bomber version. An additional order for 151 FJ-4B Furies followed in April 1956, bring the total of produced FJ-4Bs up to 222. Both the interceptor and fighter-bomber version of the FJ-4 served with the Navy and USMC until the early 1960s, before being phased out of active service and moved to the Naval Air Reserve. The FJ-4 was the last modification of the Fury and among the last mass-produced variants of the Sabre lineage.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5555-development-fj-4b-fury-last-of-its-kind-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5555-development-fj-4b-fury-last-of-its-kind-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
<div><ul>
+
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:FJ-4B_VMF-232_VU-7_camo.png|thumb|none|350px|'''''VU-7 Camouflage''''', given to owners who have completed 10 pilot's mark of distinction during the event. Standard sea pattern (Engine Gray/Orange-Yellow) with insignia of VU-7, Nord Island, USA, 1959]]</li><!--
+
;Skins
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:New.jpg|thumb|none|250px|Info.]]</li>
+
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:New.jpg|thumb|none|250px|Info.]]</li>
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=fj_4b_agm_12b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:New.jpg|thumb|none|250px|Info.]]</li>
+
 
−
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:New.jpg|thumb|none|250px|Info.]]</li>-->
+
;Images
−
</ul>
+
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:FJ-4B_VMF-232_VU-7_camo.png|<small>VU-7 Camouflage Standard sea pattern (Engine Gray/Orange-Yellow) with insignia of VU-7, Nord Island, USA, 1959</small>
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|h_Gng-eiEXE|'''The Shooting Range #113''' - ''War Machines'' section at 00:36 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|vhTZXYk6eao|'''Tank busters''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:32 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
Line 289: Line 310:
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
−
* [[wt:en/news/5555-development-fj-4b-fury-last-of-its-kind-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> FJ-4B Fury: Last of its Kind]]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5555-development-fj-4b-fury-last-of-its-kind-en|[Devblog] FJ-4B Fury: Last of its Kind]]
−
* [[wt:en/news/5722-development-agm-12b-bullpup-they-can-t-dodge-en|[Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> AGM-12B Bullpup: They can’t dodge]]
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/414735-fj-4b-fury/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* [[wt:en/news/5722-development-agm-12b-bullpup-they-can-t-dodge-en|[Devblog] AGM-12B Bullpup: They can't dodge]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 10:21, 23 December 2023

This page is about the gift American strike aircraft FJ-4B VMF-232. For the regular version, see FJ-4B. For other versions, see F-86 (Family).
FJ-4B VMF-232
fj_4b_agm_12b.png
GarageImage FJ-4B VMF-232.jpg
ArtImage FJ-4B VMF-232.png
360://https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/images/e/ea/Cockpit_fj_4b_agm_12b.jpg
FJ-4B VMF-232
USA flag.png USA
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.0 8.7 9.0
Class:
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The VMF-232 squadron of the Marine Corps, nicknamed "Red Devils", was known for using the FJ-4B in the 1950s, specifically between 1956 and 1959, after gathering experience with the FJ-2 and FJ-3. The squadron and their FJ-4Bs were deployed on USS Bennington during the Quemoy Matsu Crisis in 1958, and later transferred to Naval Air Facility Atsugi. In 1958, the squadron flew more than 10,000 hours. After their deployment ended, VMF-232's FJ-4Bs started to be replaced by the introduction of the first batch of F-8 Crusaders.

It was introduced in Update 1.79 "Project X" as the main reward for the Good Old S.U.M.M.E.R event 2018. The FJ-4B VMF-232 is a solid multi-role US Marine aircraft which can fight air-to-air combat, ground-pound, or both. The fighter features four 20 mm autocannons and then can outfit several different ordnance to its underwing stores. Bomb load-outs range from using 250, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 lb bombs effectively targeting from vehicles and pillboxes all the way up to bases. FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets make short work of ground targets, but also can be deadly against any of the bomber aircraft it may intercept. Bullpup rockets can create a huge punch into a ground target, however, it requires the attention of the pilot all the way to the target to ensure it hits. The FJ-4B VMF-232 can also sport four AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles, which any smart pilot on the receiving end will immediately begin evasive manoeuvres when one of these are inbound because, at that point, nothing else matters!

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 152 m1 090 km/h
Turn time31 s
Max altitude14 700 m
EngineWright J65-W-16A
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight13 t

The FJ-4B's flight performance is a bit sluggish. Due to the weight of the airframe, it has poor acceleration compared to other aircraft at 9.0. The FJ-4B is not a very fast aircraft, at most you will see 880 km/h at sea level. It is not recommended to climb vertically in this aircraft, what is recommended is to build up speed at sea level then zoom climb up to your desired altitude.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 152 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,058 1,029 14700 32.5 33.2 28.1 26.4 750
Upgraded 1,107 1,090 30.2 31.0 42.8 35.0

Details

An FJ-4B VMF-232 preparing for a carrier landing with flaps and air brakes fully extended slowing the approach to snag a deck cable at about 140 mph (225 km/h).
Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1166 435 600 575 435 ~10 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 750 < 690 < 680 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Wright J65-W-16A 1 6,799 kg 299 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 50m fuel
1,270 kg Axial-flow turbojet 7,576 kg 7,831 kg 8,346 kg 9,120 kg 9,389 kg 12,700 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 50m fuel MTOW
Stationary 3,410 kgf N/A 0.45 0.44 0.41 0.37 0.36 0.27
Optimal 3,410 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.45 0.44 0.41 0.37 0.36 0.27

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 166 km/h
Gear435 km/h
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.

The FJ-4B VMF-232 fighter has minimal armour to save weight, which allowed for more fuel tanks to be installed. The armour on the aircraft is limited to a 12.7 mm steel plate behind the pilot's seat and a 60 mm bulletproof glass in the windscreen of the aircraft. This armour protection at best will help the pilot survive a pilot snipe, however, it will not do anything to protect the fuel tanks and jet engine which are all vulnerable to gun, rocket and missile fire.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 163 → 4 273 Sl icon.png
RB9 212 → 12 445 Sl icon.png
SB10 620 → 14 347 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications224 500 Rp icon.png
347 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 360 / 600 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mk_12_mod3_belt_pack
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FSBC mk.5
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
AERO-7
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC mk.I
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket large.png
LAU-10/A
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mk_12_mod3_new_gun
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC mk.I
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods agm missile.png
AGM-12B Bullpup
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
390 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC mk.I
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9B
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
28 000 Sl icon.png
640 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)

The FJ-4B VMF-232 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)

Like many of the contemporary fighters of the time, the FJ-4B VMF-232 was considered a gunslinger fighter. Fighter aircraft were flying much faster than aircraft a few years earlier and needed to have more manoeuvrability than ever before, one way to do this was to remove the guns from the wings and mount them in the fuselage. For the F4-J, wing-mounted guns would not work due to the fuel tanks already outfitted there. All four 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 cannons were mounted in the nose of the aircraft around the air intake for the engine. The benefits for mounting them here are huge, not only does it keep the centre of gravity tight, but it also relieves the pilot of having to set any convergence for them.

For the pilot in the heat of battle, the less they have to remember and do allows them to focus more on the situation at hand and shooting down enemy aircraft (or evade if you are being shot at). Without having to calculate convergence, the pilot is free to fire from effectively 0 m - +800 m and know the rounds will fly true. This allows the FJ-4B VMF-232 pilot to pummel enemy aircraft within a few hundred meters or attempt to take pilot-sniping shots at longer ranges. The clustering of the four cannons allows for some serious damage to be inflicted especially if it connects with critical components such as an engine, oil/water cooler, pilot, control surfaces or even a wing. Due to the nature of this aircraft and the reduced ammunition load, the pilot must make every shot count or else they will be frequently waiting for a reload or heading back to base to reload.

Suspended armament

The FJ-4B VMF-232 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6
Hardpoints FJ-4B.png
250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 1 1 1 1 1 1
1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs 1 1
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 19 19 19 19 19 19
Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets 4 4 4 4 4 4
AGM-12B Bullpup missiles 1* 1* 1* 1* 1*
AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1
Targeting pod 1*
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 2,675 kg
Maximum permissible wing load: 1,337 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 1,000 kg
* Targeting pod must be equipped when carrying AGM-12 Bullpup missiles
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles
  • 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 24 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets
  • 5 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles
  • 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 6 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (4,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

In battle, you are a support aircraft or a ground attack aircraft. When being a support aircraft, your job is to bait the enemy into getting low and slow, which makes it easier for your allies to come and clean up the enemy. Since you don't retain energy very well and you have poor acceleration, try to always manoeuvre with the enemy and if possible, shoot down enemy aircraft. When using it as a ground attack aircraft you have many options. The recommended loadout is 114 FFAR Mighty Mouse Rockets. It is recommended that you attack primary ground targets like pillboxes and artillery positions. It is not recommended to carry bombs on this aircraft as you do not have the bomb load to take out an enemy base. Try to fly as low as possible to avoid being detected by the enemy. If attacked by enemy aircraft, turn into your opponent as this will not give them a firing solution. In Ground RB, you are one of the most heavily armed ground attackers for its tier, although in this game mode enemy tanks will require more than one rocket in order to be knocked out.

The FJ-4B VMF-232 is an all-weather fighter/interceptor which includes multi-role capabilities also deeming it a fighter-bomber. While initially built for the Navy, this fighter saw most of its action with the US Marines and thus needed to be a multi-role aircraft which could combat both air and ground targets in support of US Marine operations.

Ground attack

The FJ-4B VMF-232 has a wide variety of options for ground attack operations, especially in War Thunder. Stock aircraft are limited in the munitions they can carry, however as the pilot progresses, heavier ordnance becomes available. For this aircraft, there are choices between 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000 lb bombs. The choice of bombs to be used depends on the map being played and the targets available on that map. For maps with many smaller targets such as light/medium tanks, trucks and anti-aircraft batteries, it is best to use the 250 lb bombs from lower altitudes, whereas when you begin to encounter targets with heavier armour they will require the larger bombs. When base attacking, it is best to utilise the 1,000 and 2,000 lb bombs.

Rockets, while listed as "Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets" can be effectively used against ground targets, predominantly clusters of vehicles or aircraft landing on runways to repair or during domination matches. Since the rockets are unguided, the pilot will typically need to fire off a salvo (+5) of rockets to chance at least one hits the target, however, due to the situation, it would not be improper to fire off 10 or more to ensure a hit. With 114 FFAR rockets, the FJ-4B VMF-232 will have plenty to spare, don't hesitate to use them as the pilot going down in flames with almost a full load of rockets is probably kicking themselves for not using more.

Air interceptor

The FJ-4B VMF-232 was initially built as an interceptor and has the tools to do just that. In combination with the four autocannons, there are options to equip the FFAR rockets which can effectively be used against larger and slower aircraft such as bombers. Mighty Mouse rockets while small and unguided (aim, fire and forget) may seem to be a less effective choice, never underestimate them in large groups. When going against bombers, FFAR rockets can be highly effective, especially since they only need to explode close to the target and still can cause damage. Since the FJ-4B VMF-232 can carry 114 of these rockets, they are more effective when fired in large groups or salvos. This reasoning is due to the unguided nature of the rockets, it may be easy for a target aircraft to avoid one or two, however, if 10 or more are fired, chances are the evading aircraft may actually manoeuvre into the flight path of one of the rockets.

For direct air-to-air combat, the FJ-4B VMF-232 has the option to outfit the coveted AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles. These missiles were the missiles of choice for pilots in the Vietnam War as they had a higher rate of success compared to the Sparrow and other missiles used. While not a 100% guarantee to destroy an enemy aircraft after fired, they will usually cause the pilot immediately take evasive manoeuvres which at times may include energy haemorrhaging turns which may set up the aircraft an easy target for the FJ-4's autocannons.

Multi-role fighter/bomber/interceptor

In regards to some maps, it is not always clear what the targets will be or if the match will end up fighter or bomber heavy. For this, there are several suspended armament load-outs which will cater to both bombing and aerial attack to include rockets/missiles, bombs/missiles and lots of bombs and missiles. Since the 20 mm autocannons are part of the offensive armament package, all loadout versions will include these weapons.

Radars

The FJ-4B is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft. It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.

AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range 		Minimum
Tracking
Range 		Azimuth Tracking
Angle 		Elevation Tracking
Angle
2,750 m 300 m ±9° ±9°

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Relatively high top speed
  • Powerful fast firing cannons and payload options
  • Superb ground attack potential
  • Has 5 AGM-12B Bullpups air-to-ground missiles
  • Can land on carriers with ease
  • Can equip 2 x AIM-9B air-to-air missiles along with bombs

Cons:

  • Very inaccurate guns when stock
  • Slow acceleration (especially when stock)
  • Carrying ordnance significantly reduces performance
  • Is not competitive against pure jet fighters

History

The FJ-4 was the fourth modification of the Fury - the naval version of the F-86 Sabre, serving primarily with the USMC. Being initially conceived as an all-weather interceptor, the FJ-4 Fury had to incorporate several design changes compared to the previous fighter version in order to fulfill this new role. The most notable change was the increase in range and the installation of new, thinner wing with an increased surface area. To achieve the range increase, the aircraft underwent several structural changes which reduced its weight and allowed for additional fuel tanks to be installed. Additionally, a more powerful Wright J65-W-16A engine, producing 7,700 lbf of thrust, was installed on the production versions. Following successful test flights, production of the FJ-4 commenced in 1955 with first units entering service with the Navy in 1956. Over 150 FJ-4 Fury interceptors were built.

Wishing to increase the strike capabilities of the new FJ-4, engineers of the North American company went back to the drawing board and once more applied several changes to the design, creating the FJ-4B. The FJ-4B version most notably featured a strengthened wing, offering an increased payload by adding two additional hardpoints to each wing, bringing the total up from two to six. Furthermore, the aircraft received air brakes under the aft of the fuselage, making dive bombing and landing easier. Of the original order for 221 FJ-4 Fury interceptors, the last 71 were modified into the FJ-4B fighter-bomber version. An additional order for 151 FJ-4B Furies followed in April 1956, bring the total of produced FJ-4Bs up to 222. Both the interceptor and fighter-bomber version of the FJ-4 served with the Navy and USMC until the early 1960s, before being phased out of active service and moved to the Naval Air Reserve. The FJ-4 was the last modification of the Fury and among the last mass-produced variants of the Sabre lineage.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Images

  • VU-7 Camouflage Standard sea pattern (Engine Gray/Orange-Yellow) with insignia of VU-7, Nord Island, USA, 1959

Videos
The Shooting Range #113 - War Machines section at 00:36 discusses the FJ-4B VMF-232.
Tank busters discusses the FJ-4B VMF-232 at 3:32 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Related development
  • Canadair Sabre (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")
  • North American F-86A/F
  • North American F-86D Sabre
  • North American F-100 Super Sabre
  • North American FJ-4 Fury
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


North American Aviation
Fighters 
P-51A  P-51 · P-51A
P-51C  P-51C-10
P-51D  P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30
P-51H  P-51H-5-NA
Twin-engine fighters  F-82E
Jet fighters  F-86A-5 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-35 · F-100D
Strike aircraft  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
Bombers  B-25J-1 · B-25J-20
Export/Licence  ▂B-25J-30 · ␗B-25J-30
  ▄Mustang Mk IA · F-6C-10-NA · ␗P-51C-11-NT · ␗P-51D-20 · J26 David · J26 · P-51D-20-NA · ␗P-51K
  F-86F-30 ▅ · ␗F-86F-30 · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · ␗F-86F-40
  ◄F-86K · ▄F-86K (Italy) · ▄F-86K (France)
  ␗F-100A · ▄F-100D · ␗F-100F
Captured  ▅P-51C-11-NT
  Canadair Limited license-built the F-86 as the CL-13 for use in Canada and export to Europe.
  Fiat license-built the F-86K for the Italian Air Force though another 120 NAA built F-86Ks were also sold to the Italians.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Canadair Limited · Fiat Aviation

USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-14  F-14A Early · ▄F-14A IRIAF · F-14B
F-15  F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C · AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late · A-10C
F-111  F-111A · F-111F
Other  A-6E TRAM · F-105D · F-117
  Bombers
B-57  B-57A · B-57B

Retrieved from "https://old-wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=FJ-4B_VMF-232&oldid=179288"