Difference between revisions of "XF5F"
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]]. | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]]. | ||
| − | The XF5F Skyrocket is an oddity. Its | + | The XF5F Skyrocket is an oddity. Its lightweight and underwhelming armament aren't what you'd expect from a twin-engine fighter, but neither is its surprising manoeuvrability. Indeed, it is among the most agile twin-engine plane out there. Coupled with the low weight and its two power plants, this aircraft makes for a unique flying style. |
| − | The Skyrocket's primary role is going to be Boom | + | The Skyrocket's primary role is going to be Boom & Zoom; the climb rate is decent, and so is the energy retention if you stay under 550 kph and opt for smooth, moderate turns. However, the lack of heavy armament means that you will have to keep your guns on target longer in order to achieve considerable damage. Such opportunity comes when the enemy is low on speed and not suspecting any enemies/tunnel-visioned on an ally; for example at the top of a loop, or in a sustained turn fight with an allied plane. Be cautious as you go past 600 kph, however, as it locks up, similar to the XP-50's high-speed compression. Overall, the XF5F is a plane that favours high altitude, medium speed engagements, where it is safe from crashing in the ground and has room to manoeuvre. |
| − | If required, you can push the XF5F into a more aggressive energy fighter, similar to the Bf 109 series, where looping back on the enemy while holding superior speed and altitude allows you to extinguish their energy little by little. The responsive roll and pull, in addition to the effective combat flaps, engine throttle management, and acceleration, allows for some nifty dogfighting against heavier planes that may see you as | + | If required, you can push the XF5F into a more aggressive energy fighter, similar to the Bf 109 series, where looping back on the enemy while holding superior speed and altitude allows you to extinguish their energy little by little. The responsive roll and pull, in addition to the effective combat flaps, engine throttle management, and acceleration, allows for some nifty dogfighting against heavier planes that may see you as easy prey. Keep in mind, however, that the engines will overheat badly at low altitude, and even more so at around 2,800m due to the supercharger setting in. Overheating isn't nearly as serious at higher altitude (around 12,000 ft / 3,600 m), where fresh air will cool your motor apparatus quickly. Alternatively, you may manually set the radiators to ~40% water/20% oil for continuous 100% engine power. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
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<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | <!-- ''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.'' --> | ||
| − | * 9.5 mm Steel plate in nose | + | * 9.5 mm Steel plate in the nose |
| − | * 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot | + | * 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the pilot |
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
| Line 152: | Line 152: | ||
== 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 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).'' --> | ||
| − | Exploiting the opponent's weakness while relying on a fast straight-line acceleration may allow for escapes out of an | + | Exploiting the opponent's weakness while relying on a fast straight-line acceleration may allow for escapes out of an unfavourable situation. |
Energy fighters (Bf 109/C.205/La-5) trying to out turn a twin-engine plane can be lured into stall-speed turn fights and intercepted during their subsequent speed recovery. | Energy fighters (Bf 109/C.205/La-5) trying to out turn a twin-engine plane can be lured into stall-speed turn fights and intercepted during their subsequent speed recovery. | ||
| Line 158: | Line 158: | ||
Single engagements at low altitude are optimal thanks to fast acceleration trumping dive speed and climb. | Single engagements at low altitude are optimal thanks to fast acceleration trumping dive speed and climb. | ||
| − | Engagements with multiple opponents are to be avoided | + | Engagements with multiple opponents are to be avoided since the XF5F needs a substantially longer time to effectively engage and eliminate a target. |
In Realistic Battle and Simulator Battle, the stiff opposition, in the form of [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|Bf 109 G-2]]s, [[Fw 190 A-5|Fw 190A]]s, [[Yak-9T]]s, [[Yak-3]], and [[La-5FN]], will give you a serious run for your money. Always make sure you hold the energy advantage at all times and are picking your fights with care. | In Realistic Battle and Simulator Battle, the stiff opposition, in the form of [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|Bf 109 G-2]]s, [[Fw 190 A-5|Fw 190A]]s, [[Yak-9T]]s, [[Yak-3]], and [[La-5FN]], will give you a serious run for your money. Always make sure you hold the energy advantage at all times and are picking your fights with care. | ||
| − | Countering an XF5F could include out-diving or -stalling with horizontal | + | Countering an XF5F could include out-diving or -stalling with horizontal manoeuvres followed up by a steep ascend, exploiting its weak energy retention and sluggishness at low speeds. Another tactic is to force the XF5F into a head-on attack. Since it's not very well armed, there is a good chance that you will be able to deal damage without receiving much yourself. |
===Manual Engine Control=== | ===Manual Engine Control=== | ||
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|} | |} | ||
| − | * As a gift plane, all modules are researched | + | * As a gift plane, all modules are researched upon receipt of the aircraft. |
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| Line 227: | Line 227: | ||
* Superb turn time | * Superb turn time | ||
* Nose mounted armament | * Nose mounted armament | ||
| − | * Can fly on a single engine, albeit not for long | + | * Can fly on a single-engine, albeit not for long |
| − | * Does not have an arrestor hook, however can land on carrier | + | * Does not have an arrestor hook, however, can land on a carrier to repair/rearm |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
* Weak armament | * Weak armament | ||
| − | * | + | * Control surfaces compress hard after exceeding around 600 kph |
* Horrible energy retention | * Horrible energy retention | ||
| − | * Large | + | * Large profile, an easy target |
* Large, fragile engines | * Large, fragile engines | ||
* Engine overheats fast | * Engine overheats fast | ||
Revision as of 00:50, 22 October 2019
Contents
Description
The XF5F Skyrocket is a premium rank III American fighter
with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB) and 2.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.37.
The XF5F Skyrocket is an oddity. Its lightweight and underwhelming armament aren't what you'd expect from a twin-engine fighter, but neither is its surprising manoeuvrability. Indeed, it is among the most agile twin-engine plane out there. Coupled with the low weight and its two power plants, this aircraft makes for a unique flying style. The Skyrocket's primary role is going to be Boom & Zoom; the climb rate is decent, and so is the energy retention if you stay under 550 kph and opt for smooth, moderate turns. However, the lack of heavy armament means that you will have to keep your guns on target longer in order to achieve considerable damage. Such opportunity comes when the enemy is low on speed and not suspecting any enemies/tunnel-visioned on an ally; for example at the top of a loop, or in a sustained turn fight with an allied plane. Be cautious as you go past 600 kph, however, as it locks up, similar to the XP-50's high-speed compression. Overall, the XF5F is a plane that favours high altitude, medium speed engagements, where it is safe from crashing in the ground and has room to manoeuvre.
If required, you can push the XF5F into a more aggressive energy fighter, similar to the Bf 109 series, where looping back on the enemy while holding superior speed and altitude allows you to extinguish their energy little by little. The responsive roll and pull, in addition to the effective combat flaps, engine throttle management, and acceleration, allows for some nifty dogfighting against heavier planes that may see you as easy prey. Keep in mind, however, that the engines will overheat badly at low altitude, and even more so at around 2,800m due to the supercharger setting in. Overheating isn't nearly as serious at higher altitude (around 12,000 ft / 3,600 m), where fresh air will cool your motor apparatus quickly. Alternatively, you may manually set the radiators to ~40% water/20% oil for continuous 100% engine power.
General info
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.
| Characteristics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 5,800 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 611 | 546 | 9400 | 19.9 | 20.6 | 22.7 | 18.9 | 180 |
| Upgraded | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 5,800 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 642 | 576 | 9400 | 18.2 | 19.0 | 27.4 | 20.3 | 180 |
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Limits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flap (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
| + | - | |||
| 487 | ~10 | ~8 | ||
| Optimal velocities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
| < 350 | < 400 | < 350 | > 320 |
| Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Setting 1 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 1,200-5,000 m | 1,200 hp | N/A |
| Setting 2 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 4,200-9,000 m | 1,120 hp | N/A |
Survivability and armour
- 9.5 mm Steel plate in the nose
- 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
Armaments
Offensive armament
The XF5F is armed with:
- 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
- 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
Usage in battles
Exploiting the opponent's weakness while relying on a fast straight-line acceleration may allow for escapes out of an unfavourable situation.
Energy fighters (Bf 109/C.205/La-5) trying to out turn a twin-engine plane can be lured into stall-speed turn fights and intercepted during their subsequent speed recovery.
Single engagements at low altitude are optimal thanks to fast acceleration trumping dive speed and climb.
Engagements with multiple opponents are to be avoided since the XF5F needs a substantially longer time to effectively engage and eliminate a target.
In Realistic Battle and Simulator Battle, the stiff opposition, in the form of Bf 109 G-2s, Fw 190As, Yak-9Ts, Yak-3, and La-5FN, will give you a serious run for your money. Always make sure you hold the energy advantage at all times and are picking your fights with care.
Countering an XF5F could include out-diving or -stalling with horizontal manoeuvres followed up by a steep ascend, exploiting its weak energy retention and sluggishness at low speeds. Another tactic is to force the XF5F into a head-on attack. Since it's not very well armed, there is a good chance that you will be able to deal damage without receiving much yourself.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Controllable | Not controllable | Not controllable | Not controllable | Separate | Not controllable | Not controllable |
Modules
| Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Fuselage repair | Radiator | Offensive 7 mm | |
| II | Compressor | Airframe | New 7 mm MGs | |
| III | Wings repair | Engine | Offensive 12 mm | |
| IV | Cover | New 12 mm MGs | ||
- As a gift plane, all modules are researched upon receipt of the aircraft.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Telescopic sight for RB/SB
- Good manoeuvrability overall
- Superb turn time
- Nose mounted armament
- Can fly on a single-engine, albeit not for long
- Does not have an arrestor hook, however, can land on a carrier to repair/rearm
Cons:
- Weak armament
- Control surfaces compress hard after exceeding around 600 kph
- Horrible energy retention
- Large profile, an easy target
- Large, fragile engines
- Engine overheats fast
- Somewhat underwhelming climb rate
- Terrible high altitude performance
- No WEP in RB/SB
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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).
Obtainable events
- During the January 2014 event "Winter Magic", the XF5F was given to those who participated the most in the event.
- On 31 October 2014, the XF5F was one of the few planes that could be received by Gaijin in their 2nd anniversary present giveaways.
- In March 2016, the XF5F was obtainable in the "War Thunder:100" team deathmatch event
- In September 2017, the XF5F was obtainable in the U.S. Air Force Anniversary Event
- It is currently considered a rare vehicle and is obtainable through the Gaijin Marketplace.
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
{{Youtube-gallery|OcYq1It4TAI|War Thunder Premium Review: XF5F Skyrocket [Ugly Duckling]
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
- War Thunder Aircraft Data Sheet: Grumman XF5F
- Aviation History Online Museum - Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket
- Performance Data of XF5F-1 and XFL-1 (26 Dec 1942)
- SD-260 Detail Specification for Model XF5F-1 Airplane, May 5, 1938
| USA twin-engine fighters | |
|---|---|
| P-38 | XP-38G · P-38E · P-38G-1 · P-38J-15 · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38L-5-LO · P-38K · YP-38 |
| P-61 | P-61A-11 · P-61C-1 |
| F7F | F7F-1 · F7F-3 |
| Other | XF5F · XP-50 · F-82E |
| USA premium aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Fighters | Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-40C · P-43A-1 |
| P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55 | |
| ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc | |
| Twin-engine fighters | XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3 |
| Jet fighters | P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A |
| Strike aircraft | A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · AV-8B (NA) · A-6E TRAM · A-10A |
| Bombers | A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" · PV-2D |
