Seafire FR 47

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Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the British naval fighter Seafire FR 47. For the other navalised Spitfire, see Seafire F Mk XVII. For other versions, see Spitfire (Family).
seafire_fr47.png
GarageImage Seafire FR 47.jpg
Seafire FR 47
Research:27 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Seafire FR 47 is a rank IV British fighter with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB) and 6.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory".

Unlike the previous Seafire Mk XVII which is a low altitude fighter, the Seafire FR 47 has excellent high altitude performance, and you will perform most competitively above 6-7 km. It is good for engaging other fighters and bombers up to 12 km due to a 2nd supercharger gear that peaks in power at 8.4 km.

It has has a rather versatile selection of secondary armaments. You can take two 250 lb bombs or two 500 lb bombs. Whilst the first will result in marginally better performance, the latter is preferred for attacking ground vehicles and for pillboxes. The fact that you can carry rockets is even better. You have a choice of either 4 x RP-3 rockets or 8 x RP-3 rockets. It is more advisable to take 8 x rockets as having only 4 will means both your salvoes have to be dead-on the target. This isn't helped by the fact that rockets utilized are woefully inaccurate. When strafing a group of AI light tanks, it is at this point when utilizing 4 rockets make a bit more sense as you are almost guaranteed to take out some of the AI vehicles. If in a mixed RB battle, you should probably not even be carrying rockets and should just stick with bombs, however, if you are attacking vehicles with exposed crew members like the 8.8 cm Flak 37 you can benefit a bit more by using the rockets.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 7 467 m720 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude13 000 m
EngineRolls-Royce Griffon-88
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight6 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 7,315 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 697 675 13000 22.4 23.5 18.2 18.2 500
Upgraded 802 755 18.9 20.1 35.0 25.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
890 330 N/A 365 250 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 482 < 400 < 400 > 500
Compressor Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
Setting 1 4,100 m 1,510 hp 2,114 hp
Setting 2 8,100 m 1,340 hp 1,857 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural890 km/h
Gear330 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in cockpit front
  • 4 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
  • 6-7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
  • 3 mm Steel box around the wing ammunition
  • 1 mm Steel plate on top of the fuel tank and oil cooling system

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 561 → 3 278 Sl icon.png
RB5 963 → 7 632 Sl icon.png
SB9 156 → 11 719 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications46 500 Rp icon.png
84 300 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 210 / 460 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 100 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 100 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods oil.png
150 octane fuel
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HSBC mk.2
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 600 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HMBC mk.2
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 400 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 100 Sl icon.png
290 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk5_new_gun
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
GRC mk.8
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
GRC mk.9
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png

The engine improvements should be prioritized. The engine performance does not improve drastically until you unlock the 150 Octane Fuel.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition496 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Seafire FR 47 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, wing-mounted (134 rpg inner + 114 rpg outer = 496 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 12 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 22 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 34 x RP-3 rockets
Setup 44 x RP-3 rockets
4 x RP-3 rockets

The Seafire FR 47 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (500 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 4 x RP-3 rockets
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets

Usage in battles

The Seafire FR 47 excels in high altitude performance, performing best at around 6-7 km. Therefore, it is adept at engaging heavy bombers and high-altitude fighters.

The plane is a heavier modification of the Griffon Spitfires and in general has a worse climb rate and acceleration than they do. Since climb rate is below-average, side-climbing is recommended in order to gain an altitude advantage over the enemy and to get to those altitudes where the Seafire's engine performance is maximized. Also, this vehicle's turn rate is only average. It certainly isn't a dedicated turnfighter, and usually it is best to stick to a boom and zoom or energy fighting playstyle. In an extended turn, the Seafire can be outmanoeuvred or out-energied by many of the enemies it might face.

Although this plane's energy retention, acceleration, climb rate, and manoeuvrability are worse than that of its peers, it does accelerate quite well in a dive; and, remember that engine performance gets better at high altitude. Additionally, the Seafire has a good top speed for its rank.

If necessary, the Seafire is equipped with an arrestor hook for landing on carriers.

The Seafire is armed with 4 wing-mounted 20 mm cannons which have a high muzzle velocity and high rate of fire. Although this makes aiming easier, it also means that there is not as much available firing time as the ammunition count might suggest. Trigger discipline is advised. Additionally, the location of the cannons means that convergence must be kept in mind. It is recommended to set a convergence of 300 to 500 m. When attacking lightly armoured or open top ground targets, a higher convergence may be set. Attacking heavily armoured tanks with the Seafire's 20 mm cannons is usually futile, since the rounds cannot penetrate their roof armour in most cases. Still, it is possible to spot and mark such tanks for teammates on the ground to locate and destroy.

Speaking of ground targets, the Seafire is able to equip up to 2 x 500 lb bombs or 8 RP-3 rockets. Notice that the rocket loadout allows for more attack runs and potentially more kills, than the bomb loadout. However, they must be aimed precisely in order to do the most damage. These ordnance options can be used to attack ships or to destroy ground targets in either Air Realistic or Ground Realistic battles.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Combined Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good high altitude performance
  • Neutral torque, so cruising is relaxing for the joystick and aiming isn't difficult
  • Hispano Mk V cannons means a high rate of fire and high muzzle velocity
  • Can land on carriers
  • Fast acceleration when diving
  • Good top speed for its rank

Cons:

  • High stall speed and hence, unresponsive in its turn (even Bf 109 K-4s on equal speed can outturn the FR 47)
  • Abysmal climb rate at slow speed (Try zoom climbing once you reach about 400 km/h), but competitive when fully researched
  • Very weak engine when not upgraded
  • Playstyle is completely different than the other Spitfires

History


Archive of the in-game description

The last and ultimate incarnation in the life of the legendary Spitfire series, the Seafire F Mk.47 which entered service in 1948 was so different from the Spitfire Mk.I that it was barely recognizable. Now fully navalised after the previous Griffon Seafires' fixed wings, the F Mk.47 was fitted with folding wings and a new Rolls-Royce Griffon 88 which generated 2350 hp at 1250 feet and, fitted with a two-stage two-speed supercharger and petrol injection system, giving a steady flow of fuel under all conditions of accelerated 'g'. The fastest of all Seafires, the F Mk.47 was capable of reaching over 430 mph at some 24,000 feet.

Compared to other contemporary Royal Navy fighters, the Seafire F Mk.47 was faster in the dive and possessed a greater rate of climb above 25,000 feet than the Sea Fury, the Sea Hornet and, incredibly, the jet powered Sea Vampire. The Seafire could also out roll its contemporaries and was beaten in the turn itself only by the Sea Fury. The contra-rotating propellers which had been introduced on the Seafire F Mk.46 were retained, leading to far greater ease of control input in take off, landing and weapons firing due to the near elimination of torque effect with power changes.

Further modifications included the Spiteful-pattern enlarged fin and rudder, an altered forward fuselage profile and repositioning of the ram-air supercharger intake. Strengthening of the wings allowed a 500 lb bomb to be carried beneath each wing, theoretically allowing the aircraft to carry three 500 lb bombs when also adding a third beneath the fuselage. As with all late marque Seafires, rockets could also be carried. Air-to-air armament consisted of four 20 mm Hispano cannon.

Whilst the Seafire F Mk.47 was praised for its control response, handling and deck landing characteristics, it was criticized for its cramped cockpit, uncomfortable seating position, awkward control positioning and lack of modern features such as a properly heated cockpit.

Whilst the Seafire F Mk.47 was one of the greatest piston engine fighters ever produced, it was unfortunately a fighter out of its time period. Advances in jet aircraft meant that piston fighters were finding themselves outclassed more and more with each passing year, and the Seafire F Mk.47 was no exception.

The F Mk.47 first entered service with 804 Naval Air Squadron at RNAS Ford in January 1948. 90 Seafire F Mk.47s were produced, and first saw action in ground attack sorties against bandits in Malaya in October 1949. 800 NAS embarked aboard HMS Triumph were amongst the first aircraft to take part in the Korean War, taking part in their first offensive sorties in July 1950.


Media

Skins


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


Supermarine
Spitfires 
Merlin engine  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb
  Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
  Spitfire LF Mk IX · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Griffon engine  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Export  ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk.IX (CW) · Spitfire LF Mk.IXe Weizman's
Seafires  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Export  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III
Jet fighters  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Hydroplanes  Walrus Mk.I

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA