Difference between pages "Leopard 2K" and "CW-21"

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m (Ammunition: Penetration for HEAT-FS was reduced in patch 1.93)
 
(History section added to the CW-21. May need some grammar revisions.)
 
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{{Specs-Card|code=germ_leopard_2k}}
+
{{Specs-Card|code=cw_21}}
{{About
 
| about = German medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other uses
 
| link = Leopard (Family)
 
}}
 
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert the screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, they will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
 +
 
 +
A relatively untested aircraft so far, the '''CW-21''' will be a surprise to pilots stepping into the Chinese tech tree. The first few Chinese aircraft can be a struggle to fly and master, however, the CW-21 picks up the slack the moment it gets airborne. While sitting on the airfield, you will notice quickly that this fighter is a relatively small monoplane fighter, akin to a P-26. During the take-off roll, you instantly notice the extremely short take-off span, as it begins lifting off when reaching 145 kph (90 mph). While speaking of speed, the CW will quickly outrun and outpace the competition, leading to a lot of the primary biplane opposition simply being unable to catch up and get within firing distance.
 +
 
 +
When it comes to firepower, this bird has talons and easily uses its 2 x.50 calibre M2s plus 4 x.30 calibre M1919s to decimate any plane that crosses its path. While it can punch hard with its guns, you might be more than surprised to know that the CW can take a hit too. The wings, strong as they are, are the most durable flight construction in the game and able to take round after round, hit after hit from the vast multitude of armaments from contemporary aircraft it comes up against, ranging from the weak Japanese 7.7 mm, to the heavy impacting 20 mm ShvaK cannons fielded by the Soviets. Not that you'll be getting hit much, as a competent pilot will tell you manoeuvrability is key and an agile plane it is. The turn time is easily competitive with most if not all biplanes, except possibly the I-153 that intrinsically trumps all other aircraft when it comes to turning and turn fighting. All in all, the CW-21 is a powerhouse, ready to zoom in, shred and ignite the enemy and shrug off all incoming fire.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
<!--''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat?''-->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
The Leopard 2K is one of the most thinly armoured MBT in the German tree, having only 50 mm of actual thickness and 144 mm of effective thickness upper frontal plate and actual 59 mm with an effective thickness of 118 mm for its lower frontal plate. Thin armour would tend to cause concern for the tanker, however, much of this is negated due to the angles in the armour. For survivability, it is almost comparable to the T-64s but without blowing up, playing this tank is a 50/50.
 
  
=== Mobility ===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''-->
+
|-
The Mobility of the Leopard 2K is astonishing, making it one of the most agile MBTs in its BR, reaching the speed of 70km/h on road.
+
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,700 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
 +
|-
 +
| 480 || 465 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 14.2 || 15.0 || 13.4 || 13.4 || 343
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,700 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
 +
|-
 +
| ??? || 505 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || 14.0 || ??.? || 18.2 || 343
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
== Armaments ==
+
==== Details ====
=== Main armament ===
+
[[File:CW-21_olife-001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|The sleek '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in flight.]]
<!--''Give the reader information about the characteristics of the main gun. Assess its effectiveness in a battle based on the reloading speed, ballistics and the power of shells. Do not forget about the flexibility of the fire, that is how quickly the cannon can be aimed at the target, open fire on it and aim at another enemy. Add a link to the main article on the gun: <code><nowiki>{{main|Name of the weapon}}</nowiki></code>. Describe in general terms the ammunition available for the main gun. Give advice on how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage.''-->
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{{main|Rheinmetall L44 (120 mm)}}
+
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 380 || ~10 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
The Leopard 2Ks gun is a 120 mm Rheinmetall L44 It can be found on the later models of the tank, such as the Leopard 2A4, and Leopard 2A5. But this does not mean it gets all of the later rounds, the rounds that the Leopard 2K gets is a DM12 and DM13 just like the Leopard A1A1 L/44. Being fitted with a 120 mm Rheinmetall gun it is effective at all ranges, capable of Penetrating tanks 1,000 m away
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 280 || < 260 || < 450 || > 250
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
==== Ammunition ====
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
+
|-
! colspan="8" |Penetration statistics
+
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 1,829 m || 850 hp || 1,000 hp
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Ammunition
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
! rowspan="2" |Type of warhead
 
! colspan="6" |'''Penetration''' '''''in mm''''' '''@ 0° Angle of Attack'''
 
 
|-
 
|-
!10m
+
! Optimal altitude
!100m
+
! 100% Engine power
!500m
+
! WEP Engine power
!1000m
 
!1500m
 
!2000m
 
 
|-
 
|-
|DM12
+
| 4,633 m || 750 hp || 882 hp
|HEATFS
 
|480
 
|480
 
|480
 
|480
 
|480
 
|480
 
 
|-
 
|-
|DM13
 
|APFSDS
 
|393
 
|390
 
|384
 
|376
 
|367
 
|359
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
=== Additional armament ===
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
<!--Some tanks are armed with several guns in one or more turrets. Evaluate the additional weaponry and give advice on its use. Describe the ammunition available for additional weaponry. Give advice on about how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.-->
+
''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.''
{{main|Rh202 (20 mm)}}
+
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
The tank has a 20 mm anti-aircraft gun which can be used to knock out Gun Barrels, Light Tanks, Helicopters and Planes. The belts are alternating AP-IT/HEF-IT, with 47 mm of penetration at 90 degrees at 0 m. The 20 mm has quite good elevation, and rotates independently from the turret, able to surprise light tanks attempting to flank following turret ring immobilization. m.
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
=== Machine guns ===
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
{{main|MG 3A1 (7.62 mm)}}
+
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
''Offensive and anti-aircraft machine guns not only allow you to fight some aircraft but also are effective against lightly armoured vehicles. Evaluate machine guns and give recommendations on its use.''
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Describe 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).''-->
As mentioned earlier, the Leopard 2K is very agile, well equipped and thinly armoured. Overall the tank fits well into both flanker and sniper roles. The mobility of the tank can take you to places where the enemy will not expect a tank to be in such a short period of time. It is not a good idea to lead the advance or brawl because of the lack of armour on this vehicle, and it's best to instead let the well-armoured tanks take the lead. This tank is just an M18, but has a good gun and is even faster if you utilize its speed, doing so will allow for potential domination of the matches
+
 
 +
The CW-21 should be mainly used as a fighter. Excelling in turns, acceleration, and hard-hitting guns, it is very easy to dogfight other planes at its battle rating. Your main composition will sometimes be bi-planes and some bi-planes can out turn you. However, the CW-21 against monoplanes is where it really shines. It can easily out turn other planes like the He-100 or even the He-112 which is crucial in a dogfight. The CW-21 does not have any CAS potential other than knocking out light targets like AAA and armoured vehicles, so the main targets will be other planes.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
|
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in a bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".-->
+
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* 120 mm gun with effective rounds
+
* Respectable firepower for the rank
* APFSDS is a tier 1 modification - high-velocity rounds allow for long-range shots with ease
+
* Turn rate is on par with the early Spitfires and even A6Ms
* Sloped armour has a tendency to bounce shots, somewhat making up for the lack of actual thickness
+
* .50 calibre API at this rank is very dangerous
* 20 mm cannon very effective against light armour and aircraft
+
* Mediocre energy retention
* Excellent mobility - one of the most mobile tanks on the battlefield
+
* Climb rate is very good for its rank
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Thin armour, ineffective if angles and cover not utilized
+
* Not very fast
* Relatively large profile, the 20 mm Rh 202 gun often sticks out behind cover, making an easy target for Russian HE-Frag-FS shells
+
* Very fragile
* Slow reload time relative to tanks with smaller guns or autoloaders
+
* Ammo can run out fast with poor trigger discipline 
* Stock round is HEAT-FS, and struggles against allied vehicles, especially ones outfitted with ERA blocks (such as the T-64BV it often faces)
 
* Infrared imager is less effective than thermal imager during night battles
 
* Thin top armor is and autocannon means becoming a priority target by rocket helicopters and aircraft
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ground vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
The Curtiss-Wrist 21 was a lightweight fighter interceptor based on the CW-19. CW-21 designer, George A. Page, only emphasized the plane to have an incredible rate of climb and to not dogfight. It would climb away from a dogfight instead of dog-fighting. The U.S. wouldn't adopt the plane as they. wanted a plane with low-level dogfight capability, and to not only excel in climbing. However, George A. Page knew this and designed the plane mainly for exporting.
In the 1960s, Germany and the United States were jointly-developing the MBT-70, and Germany was contractually prevented from developing any new MBTs independently until the joint project with the US was completed.
 
  
But development problems plagued the MBT-70 project, and it appeared that the vehicle would not be finished within an acceptable time frame—so Germany found a way to bypass contractual limitations for the MBT-70 development.
+
Intrigued by the CW-21's performance, China looked into the CW-21 furthermore with a prototype being delivered to China. During discussion about the CW-21, a prototype CW-21 shot down an Italian BR.20. China decided to buy some with China receiving 3 completely built CW-21's and 27 kits. Another 3 CW-21's were delivered to China and sent to the "Flying Tigers" group. They intended to use the CW-21 for attacking Japanese reconnaissance, but ended up crashing due to poor visibility.
  
Instead of ordering the development of a new tank, the German government issued an order to the Porsche company to research ways to improve the Leopard I tank already in service with the German army. This enabled Germany to research a more advanced fighting vehicle without breaching the contract signed with the US.
+
Meanwhile, Curtiss-Wright were developing the CW-21B. The CW-21B had inward retractable gears, instead of the gears being retracted into the fairings beneath each wing. The CW-21B also sported hydraulic control surfaces. The CW-21B did end up having a lower climb rate, but did have a higher top speed. The Dutch ordered 24 CW-21B's in an effort to obtain modern aircraft, but was too late as they surrendered to the Germans. The Dutch ended up giving the CW-21B's to the Dutch East Indies (Now Indonesia). After assembling the newly acquired CW-21B's, they started using them. They later ended up finding cracks on some of their CW-21B's and grounded them. This was due to the very lightweight construction of the CW-21B. These CW-21B's were easy prey to Japanese planes and most were destroyed on the ground as well as the few that were able to fly.  
 
 
Porsche’s first study of the Leopard I revealed a lot of room for improvement, and second study focusing on upgrading the Leopard I to match the MBT-70’s firepower was launched almost immediately. This eventually resulted in the construction of two prototype vehicles—one in 1969 and one in 1970—nicknamed Keiler (tusker).
 
 
 
In the early 1970s, Germany was able to back out of the MBT-70 project due to spiraling development costs. Instead, they continued work on the development of the Keiler, which was renamed to Leopard 2.
 
 
 
The Leopard 2 project was expected to yield two versions: the Leopard 2K armed with a cannon, and the Leopard 2FK armed with a gun/launcher similar to the MBT-70. In 1971, ten prototypes were ordered, and seven more orders followed shortly thereafter.
 
 
 
To get the most out of their prototypes, German engineers equipped each one with different components to determine what worked best. Some Leopard 2 versions were equipped with a 105mm smoothbore cannon, whereas others were fitted with 120mm smoothbore cannons. Some prototypes received a hydraulic suspension while others didn’t, and there was even a version equipped with the 20mm anti-air mount on the turret (similar to the one found on the Kpz-70).
 
 
 
Sixteen out of seventeen Leopard 2 prototypes were built and tested, yielding many refinements to the Leopard 2 design. Subsequent models further increased the Leopard 2’s capabilities, with each variant making it more powerful—and ultimately into the Leopard 2 known today.
 
 
 
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en Devblog]''
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== 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 vehicles;''
+
* ''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.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on tank;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.''
 
 
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5309-development-leopard-2k-a-legend-in-the-making-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Leopard 2K: A Legend In The Making]
 
  
{{Germany medium tanks}}
+
{{China fighters}}

Revision as of 03:19, 9 November 2019

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
cw_21.png
CW-21
AB RB SB
2.0 2.7 2.0
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage CW-21.jpg


The CW-21 is a rank I Chinese fighter with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB/SB) and 2.7 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision".

A relatively untested aircraft so far, the CW-21 will be a surprise to pilots stepping into the Chinese tech tree. The first few Chinese aircraft can be a struggle to fly and master, however, the CW-21 picks up the slack the moment it gets airborne. While sitting on the airfield, you will notice quickly that this fighter is a relatively small monoplane fighter, akin to a P-26. During the take-off roll, you instantly notice the extremely short take-off span, as it begins lifting off when reaching 145 kph (90 mph). While speaking of speed, the CW will quickly outrun and outpace the competition, leading to a lot of the primary biplane opposition simply being unable to catch up and get within firing distance.

When it comes to firepower, this bird has talons and easily uses its 2 x.50 calibre M2s plus 4 x.30 calibre M1919s to decimate any plane that crosses its path. While it can punch hard with its guns, you might be more than surprised to know that the CW can take a hit too. The wings, strong as they are, are the most durable flight construction in the game and able to take round after round, hit after hit from the vast multitude of armaments from contemporary aircraft it comes up against, ranging from the weak Japanese 7.7 mm, to the heavy impacting 20 mm ShvaK cannons fielded by the Soviets. Not that you'll be getting hit much, as a competent pilot will tell you manoeuvrability is key and an agile plane it is. The turn time is easily competitive with most if not all biplanes, except possibly the I-153 that intrinsically trumps all other aircraft when it comes to turning and turn fighting. All in all, the CW-21 is a powerhouse, ready to zoom in, shred and ignite the enemy and shrug off all incoming fire.

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 3,700 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
480 465 10800 14.2 15.0 13.4 13.4 343
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,700 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ??? 505 10800  ??.? 14.0  ??.? 18.2 343

Details

The sleek CW-21 in flight.
Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flaps
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
380 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 280 < 260 < 450 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,829 m 850 hp 1,000 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,633 m 750 hp 882 hp

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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

The CW-21 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

The CW-21 should be mainly used as a fighter. Excelling in turns, acceleration, and hard-hitting guns, it is very easy to dogfight other planes at its battle rating. Your main composition will sometimes be bi-planes and some bi-planes can out turn you. However, the CW-21 against monoplanes is where it really shines. It can easily out turn other planes like the He-100 or even the He-112 which is crucial in a dogfight. The CW-21 does not have any CAS potential other than knocking out light targets like AAA and armoured vehicles, so the main targets will be other planes.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe Offensive 12 mm
III Wings repair Engine New 7 mm MGs
IV Engine injection Cover New 12 mm MGs

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Respectable firepower for the rank
  • Turn rate is on par with the early Spitfires and even A6Ms
  • .50 calibre API at this rank is very dangerous
  • Mediocre energy retention
  • Climb rate is very good for its rank

Cons:

  • Not very fast
  • Very fragile
  • Ammo can run out fast with poor trigger discipline

History

The Curtiss-Wrist 21 was a lightweight fighter interceptor based on the CW-19. CW-21 designer, George A. Page, only emphasized the plane to have an incredible rate of climb and to not dogfight. It would climb away from a dogfight instead of dog-fighting. The U.S. wouldn't adopt the plane as they. wanted a plane with low-level dogfight capability, and to not only excel in climbing. However, George A. Page knew this and designed the plane mainly for exporting.

Intrigued by the CW-21's performance, China looked into the CW-21 furthermore with a prototype being delivered to China. During discussion about the CW-21, a prototype CW-21 shot down an Italian BR.20. China decided to buy some with China receiving 3 completely built CW-21's and 27 kits. Another 3 CW-21's were delivered to China and sent to the "Flying Tigers" group. They intended to use the CW-21 for attacking Japanese reconnaissance, but ended up crashing due to poor visibility.

Meanwhile, Curtiss-Wright were developing the CW-21B. The CW-21B had inward retractable gears, instead of the gears being retracted into the fairings beneath each wing. The CW-21B also sported hydraulic control surfaces. The CW-21B did end up having a lower climb rate, but did have a higher top speed. The Dutch ordered 24 CW-21B's in an effort to obtain modern aircraft, but was too late as they surrendered to the Germans. The Dutch ended up giving the CW-21B's to the Dutch East Indies (Now Indonesia). After assembling the newly acquired CW-21B's, they started using them. They later ended up finding cracks on some of their CW-21B's and grounded them. This was due to the very lightweight construction of the CW-21B. These CW-21B's were easy prey to Japanese planes and most were destroyed on the ground as well as the few that were able to fly.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

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

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  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
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China fighters
British  ␗Gladiator Mk I
French  D.510C
Japanese  ␗A6M2 · ␗Ki-27 otsu · ␗Ki-43-III ko · ␗Ki-44-II hei · ␗Ki-61-I otsu · ␗Ki-84 ko
American  CW-21 · Hawk III · P-66 · ␗P-40E-1 · H-81A-2 · ␗P-43A-1 · ␗P-47D-23-RA · ␗P-47D-30 · ␗P-51D-20 · ␗P-51K
Soviet  ␗I-15bis · ␗I-153 M-62 · ␗I-16 Chung 28 · ␗I-16 type 5 · ␗I-16 type 10 · ␗I-16 type 17 · ␗La-11 · ␗La-9