Difference between pages "Challenger Mk.3" and "F-89D"

From War Thunder Wiki
(Difference between pages)
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Edits.)
 
(Edits.)
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Specs-Card|code=uk_challenger_mk_3}}
+
{{Specs-Card|code=f-89d}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other version
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
+
| link = F-89B
 
}}
 
}}
 +
== 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.-->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
  
== Description ==
+
The {{PAGENAME}} Scorpion was designed and built to be an all-weather interceptor intended to neutralize any potential invading Soviet bomber force. The USAAF was intent of replacing the P-61 Black Widow with another night fighter, one specifically which would fly faster (minimum 530 mph/850 kph) almost assuredly requiring the usage of jets, six sixty-calibre machine guns or 20 mm autocannons and armed with internally stored aerial rockets. To round out the aircraft for ground attack if needed, it would also need to accommodate 1,000 lb bombs and eight larger rocket types externally. Initial wind tunnel testing of the fighter determined that the proposed swept-wings were insufficient at slow speeds and were changed out with straight wings. Though causing a loss of high-end performance, increased stability at low speeds was necessary.  
<!--''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.''-->
 
[[File:GarageImage {{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{Break}}
 
  
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (shortened as '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''') is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.85 "Supersonic"]].
+
Other changes to the horizontal stabilizer also increased the effectiveness of the elevators and rudder. Concerns about the fuel tanks situated right over the engines were nullified when it was determined that efforts made by Northrop to protect them were considered sufficient, anything else would have required a complete redesign of the aircraft.  
  
The Challenger Mk.3 is a fast, mobile, manoeuvrable tank. It is almost identical to the legendary [[Challenger Mk.2]]. It has some unique differences; such as: [[Armour#Explosive_reactive_armour_.28ERA.29|"ROMOR-A ERA"]] which covers the lower glaciers and sides, along with the addition of the ammunition storage being covered with rolled homogeneous armour. A higher performance engine which provides 1200BHP at 2300RPM. This also allows for sharper handling and faster acceleration. Its iconic, legendary, and pin-point accurate gun stays the same as already installed on the Challenger Mk.2.
+
Other key features of the Scorpion was the usage of decelerons or clamshell-style split ailerons which work as a standard aileron, however, can open up as a dive brake or be utilized as a takeoff/landing flap. Last-minute changes by the Air Force required upgrading the engines and outfitting an afterburner, adding a radar system, fire control system, permanent wingtip fuel tanks, reconfigured nose guns and easy access to lower the entire engine to make for easier maintenance.  
  
== General info ==
+
Having determined that the six autocannons originally specced with the F-89A and B models would be less effective against bomber formations as it requires relative precision to damage or destroy the enemy bombers. On the other hand, a new requirement for the F-89 to house 104 Folding-Fin Mighty Mouse Aerial Rockets and underwing HVAR rockets would allow the F-89 (now designated as the {{PAGENAME}}) the ability to launch salvos of rockets and quickly targeting another bomber to launch more and allow for the potential of one or more rockets in the salvo to accomplish the required amount of damage necessary to destroy them or cause them to turn around and retreat. Though unguided and not terribly accurate, a salvo of rockets typically allowed for one or two rockets to explode near enough to be a successful hit.  
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
<!--''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?''
 
''If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.''-->
 
  
The armour protection on the Challenger Mk.3 is excellent in some areas and bad in others. The turret is capable of withstanding all kinetic penetrators except the Ariete top round and will stop most chemical penetrators with less than 800 mm. Additionally, the breach weak spot is quite small. This means the turret has excellent protection and hulldown play is recommended. The hull composite is only good against lower penetrating APFSDS rounds such as T-55AM, and can also withstand some chemical munitions, but it is not advised to rely on this armour. The rest of the tank (turret and hull sides, lower front plate) has decent protection against chemical rounds due to the add on armour, ERA, and thick turret sides.
+
To aid in the aerodynamics of the rocket launchers, they were outfitted around the wing-tip fuel tanks. Engineered so that the launching rockets would not damage the fuel tanks, the underwing still allowed for the mounting of the larger HVAR rockets to be used against bombers, but also along with the FFAR rockets be used against ground targets. The {{PAGENAME}} though best used with higher speeds, can be used as a dive-bomber of sorts, when going against ground targets, the fighter should throttle back, extend dive brakes, line up the shot and fire the rockets. Immediately when finished firing, retract the brakes and full-throttle the engines to gain speed and distance from any enemy fighters which may have targeted you.
  
=== Mobility ===
+
== General info ==
<!--''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability as well as the maximum speed forward and backwards.''-->
+
=== Flight performance ===
The Challenger Mk.3 is capable of keeping up with its adversaries, but it is slightly slower in most respects to comparable western MBT.
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Mobility characteristic
+
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ??,??? 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
 +
|-
 +
|| ???? || ???? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ????
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ??,??? m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
|-
 
|-
! Weight (tons)
+
! AB
! colspan="1" | Add-on Armour<br>weight (tons)
+
! RB
! colspan="1" | Max speed (km/h)
+
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| rowspan="2" | 65.5 || colspan="1" rowspan="2" | N/A || colspan="1" | 39 (AB)
+
| ???? || ???? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ????
 
|-
 
|-
|35 (RB/SB)
+
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine power (horsepower)
+
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
+
! Combat flap
!Stock
+
! Take-off flap
!Upgraded
+
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
|''Arcade''
+
| || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X    <!-- ✓ -->
|1,860
 
|2,290
 
 
|-
 
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
+
|}
|1,061
+
 
|1,200
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="1" | Mode
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
!Stock
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
!Upgraded
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
|''Arcade''
+
! +
|__.__
+
! -
|__.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
|''Realistic/Simulator''
+
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? ||~??|| ~??
|__.__
 
|__.__
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! '''Module rotation speed'''
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
! 90 Degrees
 
! 180 Degrees
 
! 360 Degrees
 
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Tank Hull'''
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
| 5 Seconds
+
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
| 10 Seconds
+
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
| 20 Seconds
+
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Tank Turret'''
+
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
| 3 Seconds
 
| 6 Seconds
 
| 12 Seconds
 
 
|-
 
|-
| '''Test Conditions'''
 
| colspan="3" |  *Tank and crew conditions of this test were done using a spaded Challenger MK 3: With crew at maximum crew skill, with the qualification of basic training. Results can very based on tank research state, crew levels & qualifications.   
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
====''Urban Environment''====
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
In an urban environment, the Challenger mark 3 is not able to compete with its rivals such as the [[T-80B]], [[M1_Abrams|M1 Abrams]] and [[Leopard_2A4|Leopard 2A4]]. The Challenger Mk.3 turns into a slow and big target. The Mk.3 cannot turn as fast or go as fast in the urban streets; its wide body makes finding suitable alleyways hard, which it can use to its an advantage to sneak around or to hide and wait for some prey to be ambushed.
+
|-
There is a lack of protection at the rear. The engine cover, which is also at the rear, limits the gun depression where it is unable to use it to fight off the attacking tanks if attacked from the rear. If the Challenger Mk.3 is turning on a street corner and is suddenly surprised by an enemy tank, the tank will not be able to defend itself from the aggressor tank, since it will be unable to depress the cannon low enough due to engine bay.
+
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 0 m || ???? kgf || ???? kgf
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
====''Rural Environment''====
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
The Challenger Mark 3 in a rural environment excels like no other tank. It can go hull down and hold the enemy off until reinforcements arrive! (That’s unless it has destroyed the opposing force). The Challenger Mark 3 is able to snipe enemy opponents with point accuracy from anywhere on the battlefield (Pending you can see them, of course). Its faster acceleration over the Challenger Mk.2 and more responsive handling makes the critical difference for the mobility.  When driving in a rural environment, the maximum forward speed is around 43 km/h (27 mph), with a maximum reversing speed of -35 km/h (-22 mph).
+
''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.''
What makes the Challenger Mk. 3 especially unique is its cannon, additional armour, and it's higher performing engine over the previous generation. The Challenger Mk.3 can move around the rural map like an ancient Celtic druid. It may lack protection which the competition may have the advantage over. However, its overall urban mobility makes up for it. Its gun is very well stabilised when firing on the move, at speed, and it can terminate its targets with ease.
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
=== Main armament ===
+
=== Suspended armament ===
''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.''
+
<!--''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|FFAR Mighty Mouse|HVAR}}
  
=== Additional armament ===
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is unique in its weapons loadout and stands out in a class of its own with the F-86D Sabre Dog in that the only weapons found on the fighter/interceptor are unguided aerial rockets (both FFAR and HVAR). It is not the intention of this aircraft to dogfight other fighters, instead its purpose is to was to eliminate Soviet bombers. The {{PAGENAME}} when given the clearance, would zoom-climb to bomber altitude with its afterburners engaged and then would utilise its Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (Mighty Mouse) by shooting salvos (with 104 total rockets on board, a few could be fired off or a large amount) at inbound bomber aircraft. The rockets would spread out similar to how a shotgun works and the result should be enough rockets make contact or explode near the bombers to take them out. While these unguided rockets may not be accurate, with the amount on-board, many can be fired to increase the interceptor's chances of hitting. The HVAR rockets are larger and only a few are mounted under the wings. These rockets should be reserved for the larger and slower bombers, notwithstanding there are less to work with which decreases the chances to hit compared to the FFARs.  
''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 how to use them and how to fill the ammunition storage. If there is no additional weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
  
=== Machine guns ===
+
While the {{PAGENAME}} was built and configured for aerial interception and destruction of aircraft, the rockets, both FFAR and HVAR can be utilised on ground targets too. The {{PAGENAME}} is outfitted with decelerons which double as speed brakes which open up in a clam-shell style. The Scorpion can dive on ground targets, engage the dive brakes, line up the target and then unleash either the FFAR or HVAR rockets depending on the target types. With the 104 FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, enemy vehicles which are clustered together are an excellent target to unleash salvos of rockets at. Another opportunity is during domination maps, the rockets come in very handy for taking out aircraft which are attempting to cap the airfield as the rocket spread does not need to be super accurate to still achieve a critical hit or destruction of the aircraft capping the airfield.  
<!--''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.''-->
 
It is possible to switch to the machine-gun as the main weapon and use thermals through the machinegun sight to get a better view of the situation while hulldown.
 
  
== Usage in the 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 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).''
  
 
=== 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. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*Good Turret armour with small breach
+
* Fearsome rocket armament, both Mighty Mouse and HVARs
*good all around chemical protection
+
* Decent high-speed manoeuvrability
 +
* Dual-engine, can fly with one (though, head back to base!)
 +
* Targeting radar equipped
 +
* Bomber interceptor or ground attacker role capable
 +
* Use of decelerons as ailerons, dive brakes (clamshell-type) or flaps
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*Gun lacks penetration against higher teir vehicles
+
* No autocannon armament
*anything but the turret is vulnerable to kinetic penetrators
+
* Rockets are inaccurate, odds increased when launched in salvos
*slightly slower than most of its peers
+
* Not very manoeuvrable at low speeds
 +
* Large target wing-surface
 +
* Heavy wing-tips, losing one throws the aircraft off balance
 +
* Not as nimble as single-engine MiGs
  
 
== 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.''
+
<!--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></nowiki></code>, 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 <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).-->
 +
[[File:F-89D_fulzy_nyan.jpg|450px|thumb|right|'''{{PAGENAME}}''' at cruising altitude.]]
 +
Almost immediately after WWII, the Nothrop Corporation began developing an experimental jet fighter-interceptor to meet the new requirements for that class of aircraft. The American interceptor’s primary targets were supposed to be Soviet bombers, so the projected model’s flight characteristics and armament had to meet this objective. At first the two-seater twin-engine jet was developed to have a rather interesting four gun turret. This turret was to be mounted on the aircraft’s nose and could fire on targets either automatically or manually along a vertical plane either forward, up, down or, in some cases, backward. However, when the experimental model of the aircraft was ready, the turret still hadn’t undergone testing yet, so the military decided to install traditional static frontal guns on it, as well as HVARs on the wing pylons. It was with this loadout that the Scorpion F-89A and F-89B went into service. The armament was switched exclusively to rockets somewhat later. To make the change to rockets, the designers implemented an interesting solution: Mighty Mouse unguided rockets were installed on the front of the wing-mounted fuel tanks in such a way that the rocket and fuel sections of this part of the design were separated by a fireproof barrier. This also made it possible to install heavier, more destructive HVARs under the wing. The F-89D or “rocket” version of the Scorpion went on to become the most widespread version of the aircraft in the US air force – 682 of them were manufactured.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/6371-development-f-89b-and-f-89d-scorpion-jet-bros-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.''-->
 +
===Images===
 +
<div><ul>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F_89d_wallpaper001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F_89d_wallpaper002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F_89d_wallpaper003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F_89d_wallpaper004.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F_89d_wallpaper005.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 +
</ul></div>
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
  
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''
+
* [[F-89B]] - Cannon-armed variant of the fighter.
* ''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/5918-development-challenger-mk-3-a-royal-upgrade-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Challenger Mk 3 - A Royal Upgrade]
+
* [[wt:en/news/6371-development-f-89b-and-f-89d-scorpion-jet-bros-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> F-89B and F-89D Scorpion: Jet Bros]]
  
{{Britain medium tanks}}
+
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 14:17, 3 October 2019

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
F-89D
f-89d.png
F-89D
Purchase:3 770 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game
This page is about the American jet fighter F-89D. For other version, see F-89B.

Description

GarageImage F-89D.jpg


The F-89D is a premium rank V American jet fighter with a battle rating of 6.7 (AB), 7.0 (RB), and 7.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision".

The F-89D Scorpion was designed and built to be an all-weather interceptor intended to neutralize any potential invading Soviet bomber force. The USAAF was intent of replacing the P-61 Black Widow with another night fighter, one specifically which would fly faster (minimum 530 mph/850 kph) almost assuredly requiring the usage of jets, six sixty-calibre machine guns or 20 mm autocannons and armed with internally stored aerial rockets. To round out the aircraft for ground attack if needed, it would also need to accommodate 1,000 lb bombs and eight larger rocket types externally. Initial wind tunnel testing of the fighter determined that the proposed swept-wings were insufficient at slow speeds and were changed out with straight wings. Though causing a loss of high-end performance, increased stability at low speeds was necessary.

Other changes to the horizontal stabilizer also increased the effectiveness of the elevators and rudder. Concerns about the fuel tanks situated right over the engines were nullified when it was determined that efforts made by Northrop to protect them were considered sufficient, anything else would have required a complete redesign of the aircraft.

Other key features of the Scorpion was the usage of decelerons or clamshell-style split ailerons which work as a standard aileron, however, can open up as a dive brake or be utilized as a takeoff/landing flap. Last-minute changes by the Air Force required upgrading the engines and outfitting an afterburner, adding a radar system, fire control system, permanent wingtip fuel tanks, reconfigured nose guns and easy access to lower the entire engine to make for easier maintenance.

Having determined that the six autocannons originally specced with the F-89A and B models would be less effective against bomber formations as it requires relative precision to damage or destroy the enemy bombers. On the other hand, a new requirement for the F-89 to house 104 Folding-Fin Mighty Mouse Aerial Rockets and underwing HVAR rockets would allow the F-89 (now designated as the F-89D) the ability to launch salvos of rockets and quickly targeting another bomber to launch more and allow for the potential of one or more rockets in the salvo to accomplish the required amount of damage necessary to destroy them or cause them to turn around and retreat. Though unguided and not terribly accurate, a salvo of rockets typically allowed for one or two rockets to explode near enough to be a successful hit.

To aid in the aerodynamics of the rocket launchers, they were outfitted around the wing-tip fuel tanks. Engineered so that the launching rockets would not damage the fuel tanks, the underwing still allowed for the mounting of the larger HVAR rockets to be used against bombers, but also along with the FFAR rockets be used against ground targets. The F-89D though best used with higher speeds, can be used as a dive-bomber of sorts, when going against ground targets, the fighter should throttle back, extend dive brakes, line up the shot and fire the rockets. Immediately when finished firing, retract the brakes and full-throttle the engines to gain speed and distance from any enemy fighters which may have targeted you.

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 ??,??? m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ????  ???? 14996  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ????
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at ??,??? m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ????  ???? 14996  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ????

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
920 379  ??? ~?? ~??
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< ??? < ??? < ??? > ???
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
0 m  ???? kgf  ???? kgf

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: FFAR Mighty Mouse, HVAR

The F-89D is unique in its weapons loadout and stands out in a class of its own with the F-86D Sabre Dog in that the only weapons found on the fighter/interceptor are unguided aerial rockets (both FFAR and HVAR). It is not the intention of this aircraft to dogfight other fighters, instead its purpose is to was to eliminate Soviet bombers. The F-89D when given the clearance, would zoom-climb to bomber altitude with its afterburners engaged and then would utilise its Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets (Mighty Mouse) by shooting salvos (with 104 total rockets on board, a few could be fired off or a large amount) at inbound bomber aircraft. The rockets would spread out similar to how a shotgun works and the result should be enough rockets make contact or explode near the bombers to take them out. While these unguided rockets may not be accurate, with the amount on-board, many can be fired to increase the interceptor's chances of hitting. The HVAR rockets are larger and only a few are mounted under the wings. These rockets should be reserved for the larger and slower bombers, notwithstanding there are less to work with which decreases the chances to hit compared to the FFARs.

While the F-89D was built and configured for aerial interception and destruction of aircraft, the rockets, both FFAR and HVAR can be utilised on ground targets too. The F-89D is outfitted with decelerons which double as speed brakes which open up in a clam-shell style. The Scorpion can dive on ground targets, engage the dive brakes, line up the target and then unleash either the FFAR or HVAR rockets depending on the target types. With the 104 FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets, enemy vehicles which are clustered together are an excellent target to unleash salvos of rockets at. Another opportunity is during domination maps, the rockets come in very handy for taking out aircraft which are attempting to cap the airfield as the rocket spread does not need to be super accurate to still achieve a critical hit or destruction of the aircraft capping the airfield.

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).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fearsome rocket armament, both Mighty Mouse and HVARs
  • Decent high-speed manoeuvrability
  • Dual-engine, can fly with one (though, head back to base!)
  • Targeting radar equipped
  • Bomber interceptor or ground attacker role capable
  • Use of decelerons as ailerons, dive brakes (clamshell-type) or flaps

Cons:

  • No autocannon armament
  • Rockets are inaccurate, odds increased when launched in salvos
  • Not very manoeuvrable at low speeds
  • Large target wing-surface
  • Heavy wing-tips, losing one throws the aircraft off balance
  • Not as nimble as single-engine MiGs

History

F-89D at cruising altitude.

Almost immediately after WWII, the Nothrop Corporation began developing an experimental jet fighter-interceptor to meet the new requirements for that class of aircraft. The American interceptor’s primary targets were supposed to be Soviet bombers, so the projected model’s flight characteristics and armament had to meet this objective. At first the two-seater twin-engine jet was developed to have a rather interesting four gun turret. This turret was to be mounted on the aircraft’s nose and could fire on targets either automatically or manually along a vertical plane either forward, up, down or, in some cases, backward. However, when the experimental model of the aircraft was ready, the turret still hadn’t undergone testing yet, so the military decided to install traditional static frontal guns on it, as well as HVARs on the wing pylons. It was with this loadout that the Scorpion F-89A and F-89B went into service. The armament was switched exclusively to rockets somewhat later. To make the change to rockets, the designers implemented an interesting solution: Mighty Mouse unguided rockets were installed on the front of the wing-mounted fuel tanks in such a way that the rocket and fuel sections of this part of the design were separated by a fireproof barrier. This also made it possible to install heavier, more destructive HVARs under the wing. The F-89D or “rocket” version of the Scorpion went on to become the most widespread version of the aircraft in the US air force – 682 of them were manufactured.

- From Devblog

Media

Images

  • F 89d wallpaper001.jpg
  • F 89d wallpaper002.jpg
  • F 89d wallpaper003.jpg
  • F 89d wallpaper004.jpg
  • F 89d wallpaper005.jpg

See also

  • F-89B - Cannon-armed variant of the fighter.

External links


USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
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-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-14  F-14A Early · F-14B
F-15  F-15A
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
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-6  A-6E TRAM
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late
B-57  B-57A · B-57B
F-105  F-105D
F-111  F-111A