With a distinctive engine sound that players either love or hate, the Wyvern S4 has made a name for itself as a formidable aircraft. Aside from its sea-level speed, it is capable of carrying up to 3×1000 lb bombs, rockets of various types, and even its excellent Hispanos Mk.V cannons with ample ammunition capacity. In addition to its firepower for ground attacks, it is perfectly capable of performing boom-and-zoom, features that undoubtedly give it the tools to tip any matchmaker in its favor for victory.
| Pro | Cons |
|---|---|
| Engine with excellent performance at sea level, with excellent acceleration, top speed and climb rate. | Unique sound, easy to detect. |
| Highly versatile, serving as both an attack aircraft or fighter capable of opportunistic kills, and a bomber with its bomb capability. | The front of the aircraft is very fragile, with the engine losing significant performance due to any damage and with large fuel tanks in the front parts of the wing. |
| Good for boom and zoom, with good energy retention in dives, high-speed maneuverability superior to its competitors, and airbrakes. | Despite being able to drop the 3×1000 lb bombs independently, if only one bomb is dropped, the weight load would be uneven and affect turning and rolling performance. |
| Powerful offensive armament, with large ammo reserves. | Poor engine performance at high altitudes and sudden throttle changes |
| In addition to carrying 3×1,000 lb bombs, you can release them separately from one another. | Very bad roll rate at low/medium speeds. |
Plane Characteristics
Powered by the Armstrong Siddeley Python 3, the Wyvern S4 can reach speeds of 650 km/h at sea level, making it an outstanding performer in its Battle Rating (BR) range with unparalleled low-level capabilities. In addition, the engine offers a War Emergency Power (WEP) mode with excellent cooling, making it remarkably difficult to overheat. You can use WEP throughout the match, only need to reduce in ultra rare situations where the engine temperature indicates red and, of course, if you want turn better.
It’s not uncommon to see two or three aircraft trying — and failing — to catch the Wyvern in an Air Battle. While its engine is most efficient at sea level, the Wyvern’s solid climb rate allows it to operate effectively at medium altitudes, making it ideal for boom-and-zoom tactics. You can use the Wyvern as an interceptor, but its engine is highly vulnerable, and even minor damage can significantly impact performance. Successful interception demands skilled piloting to evade bomber defensive fire and safeguard the engine.
The Wyvern has a structural limit of 844 km/h Indicated Air Speed (IAS) and respectable speed that ensures good energy retention during dives. The Wyvern’s excellent airbrakes can be used aggressively to tighten turns or safely avoid exceeding the IAS limit. This is particularly valuable as many high-energy aircraft have difficulty reducing speed when required. Some competitors exceed this limit, such as the P-47 (885 km/h IAS for most variants) and the Do 335 (945 km/h IAS). These aircraft pose a challenge, particularly due to their superior dive speeds and similar energy retention.
Unlike many aircraft, the Wyvern’s flight controls remain responsive at high speed. The flaps in combat position support a speed of 566 km/h of IAS, which is another striking feature of the plane. But, at medium speeds, the Wyvern’s turn rate and roll can be considered average to bad compared to many aircraft, especially the fighters it faces. Although the airbrake is a good tool for making slightly tighter turns, the aircraft’s main characteristic is its speed at sea level.
In an unavoidable combat scenario, it is far more advantageous for a Wyvern pilot to strike quickly like a shark, flying at medium altitude and taking the enemy by surprise. Moreover, aerial combat is just one of the Wyvern’s strengths. With excellent performance, a substantial payload, and high ammunition capacity, the Wyvern is also highly effective in ground attack missions. This versatility allows it to excel in both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat when used strategically. The aircraft is also equipped with a tail hook for landing and eventual take-off from aircraft carriers.
Note: I always recommend using the minimum fuel for best performance. There is also the issue of cannon convergence, which varies from player to player, I recommend using a maximum convergence of 500m.
Armaments
The Wyvern is equipped with four formidable 20mm Hispano Mk.V cannons with an impressive total of 1200 rounds. These cannons are mounted centrally in the wing, and the use of ammunition convergence is highly recommended for accurate hits. This offensive armament stands out, as most aircraft within its BR range carry less than half this amount of ammunition, giving the Wyvern a significant advantage in firepower. While most of the Wyvern’s ammo belts are excellent, I recommend that players always use the Universal belt for Air Battles. For Ground Battles, the Ground Target belt is the optimal choice.
In addition to its primary armament, the Wyvern can carry a significant amount of secondary weaponry. In particular, it can carry three 1000 lb bombs capable of destroying a mini-base and that can be released individually. Despite its heavy payload, the Wyvern’s powerful engine allows it to reach speeds over 600 km/h at sea level in windless conditions. This combination of ample ammunition and versatile ground attack capabilities makes the Wyvern an outstanding asset for turning the tide of battle. Its firepower far exceeds that of most opponents, providing a significant advantage.
Although the Wyvern can carry the 18-inch Mark XV torpedo, it is generally not recommended. Deploying the torpedo requires a significant slowdown, to 443 km/h, which negates the aircraft’s advantage. Use conventional bombs instead, even against ships. The destroyers the Wyvern encounters are usually too fragile to survive a 1000 lbs bomb, making the torpedo unnecessary.
The Wyvern’s most powerful rockets are the Red Angels with 39.9 kg of TNT, effective against small ships and tanks. Up to two can be mounted on its wings, and they can be paired with a 1000 lb bomb for a customizable payload. However, wings equipped with Red Angels cannot carry additional rockets. For versatility, the Wyvern can carry 16 RP-3 rockets, each containing 5.4 kg of TNT, providing superior destructive power compared to American High Velocity Aircraft Rockets (HVARs).
It also supports AP Mk I rockets, which lack an explosive charge but can penetrate up to 92mm of steel at 500m, making them devastating against tanks. However, these AP rockets require precise targeting to exploit vulnerabilities such as crew compartments or ammunition stores. Unlike the Red Angel, the RP-3 and AP can be combined in mixed payload.
Note: Each rocket type is effective, and the choice depends on the player’s preference. While bombs offer reliability for destroying ground vehicles and ships, experienced players may find RP-3 rockets ideal for eliminating multiple targets before reloading.
Air Battles
In Air Battles, it is recommended that players always use the Universal ammo belt. This belt provides sufficient penetration and explosive power for both air and ground combat. From here, players have two clear strategic options: ground attack or interception. Whatever your strategy, stay alert and watch for enemy aircraft at least 2km away that show interest in engaging you. At this distance, you can avoid the Wyvern by flying in a straight line and avoiding significant altitude gains.
If an enemy approaches head-on, consider either engaging in a head-on attack or faking one—pretend to commit, then dodge and run. A common and energy-efficient way to evade a frontal attacker is with a gentle downward barrel roll. This maneuver often confuses opponents and conserves speed while sacrificing altitude. After passing the enemy, quickly level out and focus on escaping. Maintain a relentless retreat, dodging any incoming fire as necessary. Avoid sharp turns at all costs, as the Wyvern is at a severe disadvantage in dogfights and will lose most close combat.
Most players within BR range of the Wyvern are inexperienced and often waste energy on pointless pursuits. Use gentle turns to draw them toward your team, breaking their focus and forcing them to give up the chase. Depending on how many players are following you, sometimes it’s better to just keep them in pursuit and busy. This type of attitude can negate the opponent’s numerical advantage and allow your team to win the match while these players are following you.
Ground Attack
Equip three 1000 lb bombs to secure a mini-base. By leveraging the plane’s main feature, a Wyvern player can confidently secure any mini-base on any map. Avoid competing with other Wyverns for the same base; if you realize you won’t reach the base before your allies, consider switching to another one as quickly as possible. You can use the map ping to signal your preference to other players, but remember, the ping is merely an alert and does not guarantee priority.
Then you can focus on gound targets. Before launching your attack, assess the situation and reposition as necessary. Focus on soft targets such as AAA positions, howitzers, light vehicles, or BTR-152s, and avoid structures or more durable vehicles such as medium and heavy tanks with unmodelled crews or pillboxes. Light pillboxes can be engaged, but aim for their windows to conserve ammo. Other targets can be neutralized by setting their engines on fire or landing 2-10 accurate 20mm rounds. You can also attack bot planes, I suggest trying to hit them with low ammo and quietly. Be careful as some of these planes have anti-aircraft defenses.
Interception
Gain altitude, around 2–3km, to effectively execute boom-and-zoom. You can attack anything, but prioritize targets that are isolated from groups of enemy aircraft to minimize the risk of uneven engagements. While intercepting bombers is possible, exercise caution. The Wyvern experiences significant power loss at high altitudes, and any engine damage can severely impact its performance. Avoid chasing bombers above 3 km; staying below this altitude allows for better dive margins and maintains acceptable handling.
You can respawn with 1000 lb bombs and jettison them immediately to prioritize air combat. This ensures the bombs are reloaded upon reload, enabling a seamless transition to ground attack missions if needed. During dives, you can use airbrakes and flaps to improve maneuverability, but be mindful not to reduce your speed excessively and lose energy.
Ground Battles
For Ground Battles, I recommend the Ground Target ammo belt. While the Universal Belt is still effective, the Ground Target Belt includes two AP-T rounds in its rotation, capable of penetrating 36mm at 10 meters, providing better performance against armored vehicles. For a simple and effective payload, I suggest three 1000 lbs bombs with a 1.5 second on fuse. You can use rockets, all rockets are useful in Ground Battles, but they are often more difficult to use. The Red Angel has the same balancing problem described when dropping a bomb during the dive.
In Ground Battle, always be alert to intercept possible attacking aircraft. In this mode, the nicks are not spotted beforehand, which requires double attention as the noise of the Wyvern is sure to alert the enemy. Intercept them as soon as possible.
The Wyvern can drop its three bombs individually. In War Thunder, bombs are released in sequence: first from the left wing, then the right wing, and finally the center mount. To avoid destabilization, roll slightly counterclockwise during your dive just before releasing the first bomb. This counters the Wyvern’s natural clockwise roll caused by the bomb’s weight on the right side. Timing is crucial—roll and release the bomb simultaneously to maintain stability and ensure a smooth climb. If you delay rolling, the aircraft may tilt right, making recovery from the dive harder. This imbalance will affect any turns you make until the second bomb is released.
After the first dive, many people may be alert to its presence. In this context, one problem for the Wyvern is its turboprop, which emits an unmistakable sound. Be careful of possible anti-aircraft fire on subsequent dives. To increase stealth time, consider turning off the engine before the dive and restarting it immediately after dropping the bombs.
As mentioned above, the Wyvern does a pretty good job of dealing with its BR’s destroyers. You can destroy them with a well-placed 1000 lb bomb near one of the main turrets. Your biggest problem will be the extensive anti-air defenses of WWII destroyers, which can be circumvented by terrain (islands) and clouds.
Despite the difficulty, you can use the Wyvern at any of the above BRs. I recommend using conventional bombs or torpedoes. You can try to use the Wyvern’s penetration bombs, but they may be more difficult to use because they require a certain altitude to be deployed, and the Wyvern does not have a bomb sight. The other weapons are virtually useless in Naval Battles (only work against small coastal). While flying, try to see ships that do not have active air defenses. If you are playing in the top tier, consider giving preference to battleships that do not have many air defenses (those from the first war).
I suggest you try to hit the bombs near the battleship’s main turrets, but not exactly above them and close to the ship’s bridge. With some luck, you can do really significant damage to these larger ships; however, in general, you will have difficulty sinking one alone.
With a favorable BR and some luck, you may survive the attack, giving you one of three actions: press J and go to ship, intercept, or rearm. I recommend prioritizing these options in that order. Since playing as an aircraft in Naval Battles is challenging, respawning as a ship to secure objectives is more important than intercepting enemy aircraft, which is more important than rearming (since you probably won’t have enough time to rearm and return to battle before the match ends).
