https://wiki.warthunder.com/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=U35790733&feedformat=atomWar Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T13:34:50ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.30.0https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_Leopard&diff=145078HMS Leopard2022-11-06T08:21:22Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
| about = British frigate '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
| other<br />
| usage-1 = the German destroyer<br />
| link-1 = Leopard<br />
| usage-2 = other uses<br />
| link-2 = Leopard (Disambiguation)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_frigate_leopard<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British frigate {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' --><br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' --><br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' --><br />
{{main|4.5 inch/45 QF Mark V (114 mm)}}<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead<br />
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)<br />
|-<br />
! 1,000 m !! 2,500 m !! 5,000 m !! 7,500 m !! 10,000 m !! 15,000 m<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch HE || HE || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch SAP || SAP || 117 || 100 || 77 || 61 || 50 || 41<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch HE-TF || HE-TF || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch HE-VT || HE-VT || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28 || 28<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="10" | Shell details<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead<br />
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>mass (kg)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(s)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)<br />
! colspan="3" | Ricochet<br />
|-<br />
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch HE || HE || 746 || 24.95 || 0 || 0.1 || 2,320 || 79° || 80° || 81°<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch SAP || SAP || 746 || 23 || 0.015 || 5 || 910 || 47° || 60° || 65°<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch HE-TF || HE-TF || 746 || 24.95 || 0 || 0.1 || 2,320 || 79° || 80° || 81°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="12" | Proximity-fused shell details<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead<br />
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>mass (kg)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Arming distance<br>(m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Trigger radius<br>(m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Explosive mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)<br />
! colspan="3" | Ricochet<br />
|-<br />
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%<br />
|-<br />
| 4.5 inch HE-VT || HE-VT || 746 || 24.95 || 0 || 0.1 || 244 || 23 || 2,320 || 79° || 80° || 81°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' --><br />
{{main|QF STAAG Mark II (40 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --><br />
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Two [[4.5 inch/45 QF Mark V (114 mm)|QF 4.5in cannons]], located at the aft and bow of the ship<br />
* Raised [[QF STAAG Mark II (40 mm)|QF STAAG]] AA mount near the center of the boat<br />
* Bridge is hidden behind the bow's cannon<br />
* Access to HE-VT shells<br />
* Large crew complement<br />
<br />
* Eight (separate) engine blocks, allowing for lasting mobility in combat scenarios. <br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Poor max speed compared to frigate's cousin, [[HMS Blackpool]]<br />
* No torpedoes or other specialised high-explosives<br />
* Ammunition for the STAAG and aft cannon are located in close proximity to each other<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
''HMS Leopard is the leading ship of Type 41 anti-air frigate.''<br />
<br />
''The concept of this frigate began in 1944 when Royal Navy sought the new anti-submarine frigate. Original requirements asked a mass-produced frigate to have enough speed (around 25 knots) to chase surfaced U-boat and sufficient main gun to engage surfaced U-boat'' <ref>Brown, David K.; Moore, George. Rebuilding the Royal Navy: Warship Design Since 1945 (p. 171). Pen & Sword Books.</ref>''.''<br />
<br />
''By 1945, the design concept witnessed significant changes due to the new threats and additional requirements. The new U-boat, Type XXI, could reach 15-18kts submerged for an extended period, leaving the existing frigates (their speed was no more than 20kts) or other escorts obsolete. Furthermore, the new enemy, the Soviet Union, who had paid a lot of attention to submarine warfare, would inevitably develop fast submarines. On the other hand, the Director of Anti-Submarine Warfare suggested research alternative Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti-Aircraft-Warfare (AAW) armaments on the common body as the previous ‘Loch’ and ‘Bay’ classes. The AAW type could provide air defense for the convoy and assist anti-submarine missions with a basic anti-submarine weapon such as depth charge. Besides, an Aircraft Direction (AD) type was added to guide land-based aircraft and provide early air warning for the convoy'' <ref>Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates (Kindle Location 7232). Pen and Sword. Kindle Edition.</ref>''.''<br />
<br />
''Further design modifications were included in the Post-war era. In 1946, the British observed the Bikini nuclear test, demonstrating that the open deck seemed vulnerable against the atomic explosion. Thus, the new frigate design featured an enclosed bridge with minimized altitude and integrate all operations rooms (like compass deck, radar room, etc.) within the enclosed structure. Debates on powerplant of different variants continued in the late 1940s. Finally, in 1947, it was decided that the AAW and AD types would use diesel machinery to achieve an endurance of 4500 miles at 15kts'' <ref>Brown, David K.; Moore, George. Rebuilding the Royal Navy: Warship Design Since 1945 (p. 173). Pen & Sword Books.</ref>'', while the ASW type would be equipped with new steam turbines to reach 27kts for hunting down the Soviet equivalent of Type XXI. In 1948, one AAW prototype (Leopard) and one AD prototype (Salisbury) were ordered, and the final design was approved by the Board in 1950'' <ref>Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates (Kindle Location 7490). Pen and Sword.</ref>''. This series of ships were marked as the 1951 Frigate Programme with Type 12 as ASW version, Type 41 as AAW type, and Type 61 as AD variant.''<br />
<br />
''The AAW type shares the same all-welded ''<ref name=":0">Marriott, Leo. Royal Navy Frigates 1945-1983 (p.45). London IAN ALLAN LTD. </ref> ''hull (340ft length, 40ft beam, 16ft draught) and machinery (8 Admiralty Standard Range diesel engines) as the AD type and differs in armament and equipment. Type 41 mounted two twin 4.5inch dual-purpose guns, while Type 61 has only one mount. Both ships are equipped with completed radar systems, including Type 275 anti-air fire control and Type 960 air-warning radar. Compared to Type 61, Type 41 also mounted Type 262 close range anti-air control system and the Type 992Q surface/low-level search system for engaging aircraft'' <ref>Marriott, Leo. Royal Navy Frigates 1945-1983 (p.51). London IAN ALLAN LTD. </ref>''. That extra equipment and firepower caused the Type 41 to displace 1835 tons, about a hundred tons heavier than Type 61 (1738 tons)'' <ref name=":1">Brown, David K.; Moore, George. Rebuilding the Royal Navy: Warship Design Since 1945 (p. 174). Pen & Sword Books.</ref>''. The early number requirement for Type 41 was 11 in 1953, but eventually, only four ships were produced for Royal Navy.''<br />
<br />
''HMS Leopard was laid down at Portsmouth dockyard on 25 March 1953 and was launched on 23 May 1955'' <ref>Warlow, Ben; Colledge, J J. Ships of the Royal Navy (p. 530). Pen and Sword.</ref>''. She and her sister ships formed the 7th Frigate Squadron to show the flag at the South American station during peacetime. On 29 July 1963, Leopard was involved in a collision with South African minesweeper Pietermaritzburg during training exercise Capex 63, putting the ship back to Portsmouth for repairs'' <ref>Arikin, William M.; Handler, Joshua. Naval Accidents 1945 – 1988 (p. 31). Neptune Papers No. 3.</ref>''. Between October 1964 and February 1966, Leopard received a major refit to install new Type 965 and Type 993 radars with other ECM and ECCM equipment. In 1973, Leopard was deployed to support European trawlers in Britain's fishing dispute (or second 'Cod War') with Iceland. She was involved in a close confrontation against patrol ship Ægir but did not open fire. She also conducted another patrol in supporting British trawlers during a fishing dispute in 1975.''<br />
<br />
''In the 1970s, the lack of missile armament made Type 41 frigate obsolescent in modern warfare. However, a large-scale modernization of weapons was impracticable for economic reasons and the ships' deteriorating condition''<ref name=":0" />''. Therefore, these frigates were either retired or sold to other countries in the late 1970s. In 1977, Leopard was sold for scrap at Dartford''<ref name=":1" />''.''<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_frigate_leopard Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.''<br />
<br />
{{ShipManufacturer Portsmouth}}<br />
{{Britain frigates}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=User:U35790733&diff=130544User:U357907332022-06-10T09:19:09Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{DISPLAYTITLE:Monika_in_action (Monika)}}<br />
{{Userbox/Favorite vehicle|jp_type_90}}<br />
{{Userbox/Windows}}<br />
{{Userbox/Forum|https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/profile/667222-monika_in_action/}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:jp_type_90|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #6d85c2<br />
|info = Type 90 ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:it_c1_ariete|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #c2be6d<br />
|info = Ariete ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:cn_m4a4_sherman_1st_ptg|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #ab2c2c<br />
|info = 安東星國軍戰鬥英雄<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:germ_leopard_c2_mexas|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #659c57<br />
|info = Bundeswehr ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:us_xm1_chrysler|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #976aab<br />
|info = US Army Master Chief<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:ussr_kv_1e|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #ba3f3f<br />
|info = Defender of Mother Russia<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:fr_leclerc_s2|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #dbdbdb<br />
|info = Récipiendaire de la Légion d'honneur<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:sw_strv_122|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #fff461<br />
|info = Northern Guardian<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
<br />
''「私のペンは私にとって大切な人のために苦い言葉を書くだけですか?」''<br />
<br />
=== Welcome to Doki Doki War Thunder Club! ===<br />
A wonderful world of vehicle history and infinite choices awaits!<br />
Now’s your chance to discover why War Thunder is one of the most beloved MMO vehicle-shooting games of the decade.<br />
<br />
=== Who am I? ===<br />
I'm a proud part of Wiki Share Program, Game Master, and one of the Forum Community Helper team. As the President of Doki Doki Literature Club (from which my nickname come from), it's my duty to make every club member feel comfortable and allocate fun assignments. Currently I'm working on history of Chinese, US and Great Britain vehicles. Whether it's naval, aerial or ground, every vehicle in the game have a story to tell.<br />
<br />
=== My work on brief history of War Thunder vehicles ===<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/P1Y1_mod._11_(China)#History P1Y1 mod.11 "Ginga" (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/Tu-4_(China)#History Tu-4 (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/J-2#History MiG-15 (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/F-86F-40_(China)#History F-86F-40 "Sabre" (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/F-5A_(China)#History F-5A (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/SU-76M_(China)#History SU-76M (Chinese Volunteer Army)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/M24_(China)#History M24 "Chaffee" (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/M18_GMC_(China)#History M18 "Hellcat" (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/M48A1_(China)#History M48A1 "Patton II" (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/M41D#History M41D]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/M60A3_TTS_(China)#History M60A3 TTS "Patton III" (China)]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/CM11#History CM11 "Brave Tiger"]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/HMS_London#History HMS London]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/HMS_Liverpool#History HMS Liverpool]<br />
<br />
[https://wiki.warthunder.com/HMCS_Brantford#History HMCS Brantford]</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=AH-64A_Peten_(USA)&diff=130445AH-64A Peten (USA)2022-06-07T06:55:50Z<p>U35790733: US AH-64 Peten discontinued from sale</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
| about = premium attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
| usage = other versions<br />
| link = AH-64 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=ah_64a_peten<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_002.jpg}}<br />
|store=7000<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter 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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]], and discontinued from being available in store since the start of Israeli ground forces CBT.<ref>"Dear players! We kindly remind you that the Magach 3, the Sho’t Kal Dalet and the AH-64A Peten. <br />
<br />
Packs are to be discontinued by the start of Israeli ground forces CBT."<br />
<br />
From [[wt:en/news/7573-development-zachlam-m3-tager-half-track-abroad-en|Zachlam M3 (Tager): Half-Track Abroad]]</ref><br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Heli-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
The AH-64A Peten is one of the fastest helicopters in the game as it has a very powerful engine, which also gives the Peten a good climb rate. Manoeuvrability at high speed is excellent.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 275 || 257 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}}<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 324 || 300<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Heli-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. 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 systems.'' --><br />
<br />
The Peten is a very tough helicopter, and can usually take a couple of hits from air-to-air missiles and small-calibre cannon rounds and still fly. The crew is very well protected, so getting pilot-sniped is a rare occurrence. The engines can also usually take a hit or two without exploding like other engines.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Heli-Armaments}}<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | [[Ballistic Computer]]<br />
|-<br />
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs)<br />
|-<br />
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Cross}}<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Heli-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the helicopter, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in battle, also what ammunition belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --><br />
{{main|M230E-1 (30 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* A choice between three presets<br />
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon, chin turret (1,200 rpg)<br />
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 30 x Countermeasures<br />
** 1 x 30 mm M230E-1 cannon + 30 x Countermeasures + IRCM<br />
<br />
The Peten has the same 30 mm cannon as the other Apaches in the game currently, and only has one belt choice. The belt carries only HEDP rounds, and can penetrate up to 51 mm of armour. The gun is fast firing, but relatively inaccurate, so shooting in close range is the best way to hit your target. If you don't mind the inaccuracy of the gun, it is a very good weapon all around. It can be locked in gunner and 3rd person view and will automatically track the target.<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --><br />
{{main|AGM-114B Hellfire|ATAS (AIM-92)|Hydra-70 M247}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets<br />
* 8 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles + 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets<br />
* 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles<br />
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles<br />
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles + 76 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets<br />
* 4 x ATAS (AIM-92) missiles + 16 x AGM-114B Hellfire missiles<br />
<br />
The Peten can carry up to 16 Hellfire ATGMs with over 1,000 mm of pen, 76 Hydra rockets with over 200 mm of pen, or 4 Stinger AAMs. The weapons are carried on the stub wings and can be carried in several different variations. The Hellfires are excellent missiles, although since the player must keep "painting" a laser beam on the target, misses can occur if the target lock slips. The Hydra rockets are generally very effective, especially when used with the ballistic computer. 76 rockets is enough for 3-5 tanks if they are used by an experienced player. However, the Stinger AAMs are not the best in the game by any stretch, with relatively little explosive mass and only a 10G overload. They may take 2-3 hits to damage aircraft, and heavily armoured helicopters such as the Mi-28 may survive multiple hits.<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using the helicopter 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).'' --><br />
<br />
'''Overview:'''<br />
<br />
The AH-64A Peten is an excellent helicopter for attacking ground targets, and can also hold its own against many enemy aircraft. Through adequate use of cover, teamwork, and game sense, the Apache can easily dismantle enemy teams. An Apache pilot must understand all of the tools at their disposal. The only difference between the Peten and the tech tree [[AH-64A]] is that the Peten lacks access to the AIM-9L Sidewinders as an ordnance option.<br />
<br />
The Apache has an arsenal of weapons. The most effective anti-tank weapon in the Apache's arsenal is the AGM-114 Hellfire, which uses a top attack trajectory to destroy ground vehicles. There is functionally very little difference between the AGM-114B and K variants, used on early and late Apaches respectively.<br />
<br />
'''Staying Alive:'''<br />
<br />
Flying the Apache effectively can be more difficult than most players would imagine. Trying to deal with threats from enemy air and ground vehicles while continuing to attack the enemy team can be difficult. If distracted, a pilot can quickly lose situational awareness. Being successful in the Apache requires situational awareness above all else. Due to the fragility of the helicopter, any blindspot can lead to a quick and sudden death. Additionally, the mobility of the Apache is adequate but not impressive, so evasive manoeuvres are not always effective.<br />
<br />
Using cover is a very important part of staying alive in the Apache. Always stay behind a hill or building in ground battles. When exposing yourself in order to fire on the enemy, be mindful to not gain too much altitude. Most importantly, ''Always listen to your RWR.'' If you hear an alarm, take evasive action immediately.<br />
<br />
Additionally, it is important to know when to use flares. Flares are extremely effective against heat-seeking missiles, but useless against any other missiles. It is the responsibility of the Apache pilot to recognize the threat and decide whether to use flares or not.<br />
<br />
'''Air-to-Air (Stinger and Gun):'''<br />
<br />
The Apache is surprisingly potent in air-to-air combat. Engagements should be conducted primarily through the use of the AIM-92 Stinger missiles. The Stinger is a simple but effective air-to-air missile. It has an excellent seeker head and can obtain all aspect lock on almost any air target within 3-5 km (even propeller aircraft with a low heat signature). However, the Stinger can be easily fooled by flares or outmanoeuvred by a fast enemy aircraft. The best way to use the Stinger against enemy aircraft is when they are heading directly towards you. If fired at the right second, most enemies will struggle to dodge a Stinger.<br />
<br />
If the enemy gets close, the 30 mm autocannon can be extremely effective. The gun will automatically aim with optical lock, so Apache pilots can aim accurately while taking evasive manoeuvres.<br />
<br />
'''Close Range Air-to-Ground (Gun and Rockets):'''<br />
<br />
At close range, the Apache has excellent offensive capability. The 30 mm autocannon is incredibly accurate even at surprisingly far distances. This cannon uses a High Explosive Dual Purpose round that can engage lightly armoured targets. Rocket pods can also be used, with the CCIP computer helping maintain accuracy even at further distances. Be careful when trying to use the Hellfire missile at close range. It can do a direct attack at closer ranges (rather than its usual top attack) but if fired at an odd angle, it may not have time to manoeuvre onto the target if fired at closer ranges.<br />
<br />
The problem with trying to engage at close range is that doing so will put the Apache in huge amounts of danger. Enemy tanks will be able to quickly destroy the Apache with their main guns or anti-aircraft machine guns.<br />
<br />
[[File:HellfireTrajectory.png|thumb]]<br />
'''Long Range Air-to-Ground (Hellfire): '''<br />
<br />
At longer ranges, the Hellfire missile can be used to full effect. The Hellfire will guide on its target as shown in the attached diagram. This is known as top attack. Being that it takes this path to the enemy target, the Hellfire can take upward of 30 seconds to reach its target at longer ranges. Do not fire at enemies that are about to move to cover, and make sure to fire multiple missiles at once in order to deal maximum damage. Because the Hellfire is laser guided, multiple missiles can be fired at once. They should be fired at intervals of 5-10 seconds, where between missiles the Apache can switch to a new ground target. This will allow for the quick destruction of multiple enemies. This tactic can be incredibly effective. Although the time to target for the most recently fired Hellfire is available on the HUD, pilots will have to keep track of all the missiles they have fired by memory and quick calculations.<br />
[[File:HellfireSequenceDemonstration.mp4|left]]<br />
<br />
Combatting enemy anti-aircraft vehicles can be a challenge. Always remain in cover and move unpredictably in combat. Use the radar warning receiver to obtain the general direction of enemy AA, and then attack with a Hellfire. An effective strategy is to fire a Hellfire, break optical lock to gain cover and avoid counterfire, and then pop back up and get lock again several seconds before the Hellfire hits. This strategy if applied correctly will result in a hit, as the Hellfire is smart enough to begin following the laser designator again once the Apache re-obtains its lock.<br />
{{Clear}}<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Activation of 3rd person lock by changing MFD on the pilot's view<br />
* Very high top speed, if you stay low or high you are always the most manoeuvrable<br />
* Amazing 30 mm cannon, can easily take out most tanks, and when locked can take out jets and helicopters too<br />
* Excellent secondary armament<br />
* Can carry up to 16 Hellfires and still carry AAMs<br />
* Can use ballistic computer to dramatically increase the effectiveness of Hydra rockets<br />
* Can lock targets for 30 mm cannon to automatically track<br />
* Excellent thermals<br />
* Well armoured for a helicopter, can take 2-3 critical hits to take it down, may survive hits from SAM's.<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Stinger air to air missiles don't have a reliable lock, and not enough explosive mass to do any real damage<br />
* Hellfires rarely hit other helicopters, and are difficult to guide to air targets anyway<br />
* Does not have as many armament options as non-premium AH-64s<br />
* 30 mm cannon only can access default belt<br />
* 30 mm cannon is relatively inaccurate<br />
* AAMs cannot reliably take down armoured helicopters<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
<br />
Israeli involvement in the Apache programs goes back to June 1983, when a prototype for the AH-64A Apache was sent to Israel for flight testing (by Israeli pilots) and testing of the aircraft in desert conditions. The testing directly resulted in a recommendation by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) for purchase of the Apache in order to increase the IAF's anti-tank capabilities.<br />
<br />
Israel became the first nation to have received the AH-64A Apache - other than the US - on 11 September 1990, when the first helicopter arrived. The first nation on the list for export had been Kuwait, but when Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990 the order was delayed. The first two helicopters were assembled in eleven hours - half the time that McDonnell Douglas recommended - and they arrived a day before the planned welcoming ceremony. By 2000, the IAF was operating 42 AH-64As. The AH-64A in Israeli service is known as the '''AH-64A Peten''', which translates to 'Cobra'.<br />
<br />
The AH-64A was put into service, and its first combat action occurred on 24 October 1990, with an attack on suspected terrorist positions. AH-64A Petens were used heavily during the 1993 Operation Accountability in Lebanon. They also participated in the 1996 Operation Grapes of Wrath against Hezbollah in Lebanon. On 13 April 1996, AH-64s killed six civilians when they fired two Hellfire missiles at an ambulance. Israeli AH-64s were used to kill senior figures in Hamas during the al-Aqsa Intifada in the 2000's. During the 2006 Lebanon War, IAF Apaches were used again to launch strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Apache saw heavy combat during the 2008 Operation Cast Lead, fighting against Hamas in Gaza. Israeli Apaches have been used to patrol the skies of Gaza, and often carried out strikes there against insurgents.<br />
<br />
The IAF AH-64A began to be upgraded to the AH-64Ai standard in 2013, comparable to the AH-64D - which has also been used by the IAF since 2005. The IAF currently operates over 40 AH-64 helicopters in two squadrons.<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/6638-development-ah-64-apache-the-rotary-chieftain-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
In the early 1970's, the US Army was keen to adopt a more powerful attack helicopter, with improved anti-tank capabilities and performance over the existing AH-1 Cobra in service at the time. As a result, the Army initiated the 'Advanced Attack Helicopter' (AAH) program in November of 1972, requesting design proposals from a number of prominent American helicopter manufacturers.<br />
<br />
Subsequently, various designs were proposed by Bell, Boeing, Hughes, Lockheed and Sikorsky. Of all the proposals, the Army picked two designs for further development - the Hughes' Model 77 (YAH-64) and Bell's Model 409 (YAH-63).<br />
<br />
After conducting their maiden flights on the 30th of September and the 1st of October, 1975, respectively, further testing of the two prototypes showed deficiencies in the fields of survivability and undercarriage stability on Bell's Model 409. As a result, Bell's design was excluded from the competition, while Hughes' design was declared as the winner of the AAH program in 1976.<br />
<br />
Following this, work on refining the YAH-64's design continued throughout the late 1970's. As part of this further development, the YAH-64 was optimized for the use of the newly developed AGM-114 Hellfire missile, which was in development since 1974. By the end of the '70's and going into the early '80's, the AH-64 was considered ready for full scale production. In 1981, the first pre-production machines were built, while the first production models began rolling off the assembly lines in 1983. Since then, the Apache has been produced in a huge numbers, participating in virtually every scale military operation of the US Army: Panama, Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo, etc. Israel became the first foreign operator of the Apache named AH-64 Peten, where this helicopter saw intense combat in Lebanon and Gaza strip.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ah_64a_peten Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
;Images<br />
<gallery mode="packed" caption="Store Pack Images" heights="150"><br />
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 01.jpg|<br />
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 02.jpg|<br />
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 03.jpg|<br />
File:AH-64A Peten Store Pack Image 05.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.''<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer Boeing}}<br />
{{USA helicopters}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Bf_109_Z-1&diff=129618Bf 109 Z-12022-05-27T14:30:01Z<p>U35790733: sale info</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
| about = German twin-engined fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
| usage = other versions<br />
| link = Bf 109 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=bf-109z<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} German twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced as a [[wt:en/news/3071--en|premium pack]] in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]] and was removed from the Gaijin store after [[wt:en/news/5865-special-big-war-thunder-birthday-sale-en|War Thunder's 6th Anniversary sale]]. It was then made available briefly in the store for the [[wt:en/news/5976-special-shop-war-thunder-winter-sale-en|2018 Winter sale]] and [[wt:en/news/7710-special-maiden-flight-of-the-bf-109-en|Maiden flight of the Bf 109 event]].<br />
<br />
The Bf 109 "Zwilling" (German for "twin") is quite literally two BF 109 Fs assembled together. Featuring a quartet of the MK 108 Maschinenkanonen, also nicknamed "Sledgehammer" due to the firing sound, mounted in the middle of the plane, it is capable of shredding anything in its sights.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
The Zwilling shares similar characteristics to the American [[F-82E|F-82 ''Twin Mustang'']], which also so happens to be two of the same plane super-sized and put together. However, two of the main differences is the lack of two cockpits and two pilots and a significantly more powerful armament.<br />
<br />
While being significantly heavier, it is still a Messerschmitt and boasts an above-average manoeuvrability for a heavy fighter and high speed due to its twin DB 605's. However, it is significantly less manoeuvrable against single-engined props that it will face, so it is not recommended to turn fight unless they are considerably less manoeuvrable than you.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,500 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 688 || 669 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.1 || 24.9 || 16.7 || 16.7 || rowspan="2" | 500<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 739 || 712 || 22.5 || 23.0 || 25.3 || 20.5<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="5" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~10 || ~6<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 450 || < 390 || < 450 || > 715<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
* 8 mm steel - pilot's seat<br />
* 10 mm steel behind and above pilot's head<br />
* 60 mm bulletproof glass in front of pilot<br />
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 behind pilot, 1 in right fuselage, 2 in "middle wing", 1 in each wing)<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
[[File:Bf 109 Z shooting down an enemy P-51H-5-NA.png|thumb|Bf 109 Z shooting down an enemy P-51H-5-NA]]<br />
{{main|MK 108 (30 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 4 x 30 mm MK 108 cannons, centre-mounted (65 rpg = 260 total)<br />
<br />
The MK 108 is a very bad anti-fighter weapon particularly in fighter to fighter combat. Bullet drop and slow velocity result in a severe difficulty leading shots at ranges above 300 meters (350 yds). In dogfights where both aircraft are constantly turning and changing direction, this trait gets even worse. The high speeds of the late props push the necessary lead for hitting the target high and very far in front of the enemy. Training with this weapon system in a custom battle against random enemies is heavily advised.<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 1 x 250 kg SC250JA bomb (250 kg total)<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
The Zwilling sits at a rather uncomfortable spot as a heavy fighter, it's fast in a straight line and it climbs well, however the plane doesn't have much else going for it. You will only win a dogfight to an F-82, you will not stand a chance against single engined fighters and you have to reserve the plane to a very passive playstyle in order to capitalize on the pros of the plane. <br />
<br />
However, where the Zwilling really shines is as a bomber interceptor. The large bodies of bombers make it so that the MK 108's drop isn't as problematic, and the off-centre pilot makes it harder for their gunners to land a shot on your pilot. At the start of a match, climb to bomber altitude (4k-6k metres) and start hunting for prey. If all of the bombers have been destroyed, or there weren't any to begin with, you are safe to use it as a Boom-&-Zoomer or an air superiority fighter.<br />
<br />
=== Manual Engine Control ===<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | MEC elements<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Mixer<br />
! rowspan="2" | Pitch<br />
! colspan="3" | Radiator<br />
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger<br />
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger<br />
|-<br />
! Oil !! Water !! Type<br />
|-<br />
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Extremely destructive armament mounting the dreaded ''Minengeschoss''<br />
* Quite speedy<br />
* Powerful DB 605s allow it to reach high speeds<br />
* Decent high altitude performance<br />
* Exceptional interceptor<br />
* Solid dive speed<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* MK 108s have an extremely slow travel time and drastic bullet drop<br />
* Increased weight make it harder to manoeuvre with<br />
* Easy prey for more nimble and heavily armed single-engined fighters<br />
* Sluggish handling at lower speeds and altitudes<br />
* Rudder locks up making aiming virtually impossible at high speeds <br />
* Sluggish roll rate means that trying to hit anyone who is actively manoeuvring is a challenge <br />
* Has a tendency to catch fire when hit due to the fuel tank that is positioned where the other pilot should be <br />
* Gun arrangement makes hitting small targets hard, two guns are mounted in both noses and on the outer wings. This means that the 109Z has one of the biggest spreads on any plane in the game (Could be seen as a pro for attacking bombers)<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
With the start of allied bombing campaigns against German strategic targets in 1942, the Luftwaffe was forced to go onto the defensive for the first time in the war. This sudden turn of events sparked an urgent demand for new heavy fighter and interceptor designs that would counter the ever increasing onslaught of allied bombers and their respective escorts. Although the Messerschmitt company was already working on such a new aircraft that would replace the dated Bf 110 - the Me 210 - several problems during development delayed the project's completion. As a result, new versions of the Bf 110 had to be developed to counter the new threat. However, the RLM (German Air Ministry) wasn't content with the creation of even more modifications of the aircraft as they planned to decrease the amount of different variants for all aircraft in service at the time in hopes of addressing logistical problems that strained production. Inspired by the previous He-111 "Zwilling" project, Messerschmitt engineers began work on a similar alternative heavy fighter based on the Bf 109, that could easily be mass produced and offer better performance (in reference speed) than the Bf 110 already in service, whilst at the same time being cheaper to manufacture than newly designed machines.<br />
<br />
By taking two standard Bf 109Fs from the assembly line and "welding" them together, Messerschmitt engineers created what would become known as the Bf 109Z-0 - the first prototype of the "zwilling" Bf 109. In 1943 however, a bombing raid of one of the Messerschmitt plants near Augsburg led to the destruction of the prototype, cancelling the planned tests. Despite this setback, the engineers kept working on the concept and less than a year later, in spring 1944, a new Z-1 prototype, based off the Bf 109G-6, was created. The second prototype differed from the first one, apart from being based on a later variant of the 109, in the abandoning of rifle-caliber guns in favor of interchangeable large caliber autocannons, a common trend for late-war German machines. In the end, the project was ultimately cancelled as resource shortages began afflicting the German industry in the final stages of the war and the concept of a twin Bf 109 fighter was abandoned for good.<br />
<br />
''- From [[wt:en/news/5534-development-messerschmitt-bf-109z-the-teutonic-twin-boom-terror-en|Devblog]]''<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=bf-109z Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
;Videos<br />
{{Youtube-gallery|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:34 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<br />
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era<br />
<br />
* [[F-82E]]<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/5534-development-messerschmitt-bf-109z-the-teutonic-twin-boom-terror-en|[Devblog] Messerschmitt Bf 109Z: The Teutonic Twin-Boom Terror]]<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/414734-bf109z/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
* [[wikipedia:Messerschmitt_Bf_109_variants|[Wikipedia] Messerschmitt Bf 109 variants]]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer BFW}}<br />
{{Germany twin-engine fighters}}<br />
{{Germany premium aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=M41D&diff=118470M41D2021-12-18T07:27:23Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
| about = Chinese light tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
| usage = other versions<br />
| link = M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=cn_m_41d<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should 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 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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese light tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Winged Lions"]].<br />
<br />
The most modern variant of the M41 in-game, this Taiwanese upgrade features APFSDS, thermals, a laser rangefinder, and a more powerful engine. The high gun depression and laser rangefinder, combined with its poor armour and lack of stabilizer, make this tank well-suited for hull-down sniping, and its good reverse speed allows it to quickly retreat if spotted. Compared to its PLA light tank counterpart, the [[PTL02]], the M41D trades a stabilizer and some firepower for superior reverse mobility, a slightly smaller profile, and increased gun depression.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
Although the M41D underwent an overhaul from the original Walker Bulldog, protection wasn't part of the upgrade. The M41D retains the very same protection like any other member of the M41 family of tanks, other than the addition of side skirts. The protection all-round is not enough to protect the tank from any shells found at the rank, autocannons are also a deadly foe for the M41D as they can penetrate it with ease. Since it is a light tank in nature, the crew is also cramped into a confined space, any penetration from shells with explosive filler or large-calibre HE shells means a very quick demise for the crew.<br />
<br />
'''Armour type:''' <!-- The types of armour present on the vehicle and their general locations --><br />
<!-- Example: * Rolled homogeneous armour (Front, Side, Rear, Hull roof)<br />
* Cast homogeneous armour (Turret, Transmission area) --><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof<br />
|-<br />
| Hull || 25.4 mm (60°) ''Upper''<br />
31.7 mm (45°) ''Lower''<br />
| 25.4 mm ''Front''<br> 19 mm ''Back'' || 12.7 mm (58°) ''Top''<br />
19 mm (32 - 37°) ''Bottom''<br />
| 10 - 19 mm<br />
|-<br />
| Turret || 25.4 mm ''Turret front'' <br>31.7 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 25.4 mm || 25.4 mm || 19 mm<br />
|-<br />
| Cupola || 31.7 mm || 31.7 mm || 31.7 mm || 5 mm<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
'''Notes:''' <!-- Any additional notes which the user needs to be aware of --><br />
<!-- Example: * Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick, tracks are 30 mm thick, and torsion bars are 60 mm thick. --><br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}<br />
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --><br />
For upgrades in terms of mobility, most vehicles would go for higher power output from the engine or replacing the transmission system.<br />
<br />
The upgrade for M41D did neither. ROCA decided to downgrade the original 500 hp Continental AOS 895-3 petrol engine to a Detroit Diesel 8V-71T engine for better fuel economy and torque. The statistic that matters the most is the engine output, and after downgrading the engine, the M41D can barely reach 50 km/h on road, let alone reached the claimed 72 km/h top speed. Handling is still identical, oddly, to the original M41.<br />
<br />
{{tankMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}<br />
=== Main armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|M32K1 (76 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The M32K1 cannon on M41D, to a certain extent, is the very first tank cannon made in Republic of China. Based on the original M32 76 mm gun found on other M41s, it can fire HEATFS, HE, APFSDS and smoke shells. It comes with a 2nd generation Texas Instruments TVD and a laser rangefinder which boosts the tank's search-and-destroy capabilities, though it has no stabilizer of any form, so firing accurately on the move is virtually impossible.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="5" | [[M32K1 (76 mm)|76 mm M32K1]] || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)<br />
|-<br />
! Mode !! Capacity !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer<br />
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced<br />
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced<br />
|-<br />
! ''Arcade''<br />
| rowspan="2" | 65 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__<br />
|-<br />
! ''Realistic''<br />
| __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Ammunition ====<br />
The stock shell is M496 HEATFS, which is the top shell for the German M41 and US T92; at its tier, it can handle medium tanks it might face, such as M48 Pattons or Soviet T-54/T-62 series. It might still need careful shots when facing any Cold War heavy tanks like T-10M; some other heavies can be penetrated up front, but the damage might be minimal.<br />
<br />
The other stock shell, M352 HE, can be neglected as a means to knock out any tanks at all, it doesn't have enough explosive mass to even trigger overpressure against most targets. It might be sufficient for vehicles with open combat compartment, but anything that is thicker than a sheet of steel or aluminum more than half an inch (12.7 mm) can stop this shell with ease.<br />
<br />
The M464 APFSDS serving as the M41D's top shell is another story. It is still the go-to ammunition for M41Ds in service, this dart imported from Israel can penetrate 280 mm of armour at point blank range, which does fit ROCA's requirement to penetrate PLAGF's masses of ZTZ59s; and many tanks at the same BR don't even come with any darts; which means M41D can finally handle most tanks it might face at similar BR.<br />
<br />
M361 smoke shell also comes available to M41D, serving as a long-range option to blind enemies or cover your team's movement.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead<br />
! colspan="6" | Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)<br />
|-<br />
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m<br />
|-<br />
| M496 shell || HEATFS || 254 || 254 || 254 || 254 || 254 || 254<br />
|-<br />
| M352 shell || HE || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12 || 12<br />
|-<br />
| M464 || APFSDS || 280 || 276 || 265 || 251 || 236 || 222<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="10" | Shell details<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead<br />
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)<br />
! colspan="3" | Ricochet<br />
|-<br />
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%<br />
|-<br />
| M496 shell || HEATFS || 1,082 || 3.2 || 0.05 || 0.1 || 653.69 || 65° || 72° || 77°<br />
|-<br />
| M352 shell || HE || 732 || 6.8 || 0 || 0.1 || 867.22 || 79° || 80° || 81°<br />
|-<br />
| M464 || APFSDS || 1,480 || 1.63 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics<br />
|-<br />
! Ammunition<br />
! Velocity<br>(m/s)<br />
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)<br />
! Screen radius<br>(m)<br />
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)<br />
! Screen hold time<br>(s)<br />
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)<br />
|-<br />
| M361 || 713 || 7.1 || 13 || 5 || 20 || 50<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====<br />
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] --><br />
<!-- '''Last updated:''' --><br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! Full<br>ammo<br />
! 1st<br>rack empty<br />
! 2nd<br>rack empty<br />
! 3rd<br>rack empty<br />
! Visual<br>discrepancy<br />
|-<br />
| '''65''' || 32&nbsp;''(+33)'' || 12&nbsp;''(+53)'' || 1&nbsp;''(+64)'' || No<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
Although the minimal survivability of being a light tank, it is still suggest to bring only 11+1 rounds as the standby ammo; in case of concerns over missed shots or non-lethal shots on enemies, only bring 32 shells at most, which located at the lower hull by the center mass.<br />
<br />
=== Machine guns ===<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|2}}<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|3}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|M2HB (12.7 mm)|M1919A4 (7.62 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The M41D retains the same M2HB as its anti-air machine gun; all the characteristics for the machine gun itself are identical to any other M2HB as well. It can be good for handling lightly armoured APCs, IFVs or SPAAGs; it is also a good for gunning down early helicopters with very limited protection in this BR range.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="5" | [[M2HB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm M2HB]]<br />
|-<br />
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal<br />
|-<br />
| Pintle || 2,175 (200) || 577 || -10°/+70° || ±60°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
M1919A4 coaxial machine gun is only good for gunning down exposed crew of vehicles and marking enemies, alternatively as a makeshift rangefinder before the laser rangefinder becomes available.<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="5" | [[M1919A4 (7.62 mm)|7.62 mm M1919A4]]<br />
|-<br />
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal<br />
|-<br />
| Coaxial || 4,900 (250) || 500 || N/A || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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 instead 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).'' --><br />
The M41D is still an M41 in nature, but players will find the under-powered diesel engine very frustrating with bad acceleration over other light tanks; so it might not be the first tank to reach key vantage points for scouting or sniping.<br />
<br />
But firepower is what makes the M41D different among its family members; instead of APCR or APDS, it has HEATFS and APFSDS at its disposal; it also comes with a laser rangefinder and a 2nd generation TVD gunner sight which even most tanks at a similar rank could only dream of. Just like every M41, stabilizer is not installed on M41D. Therefore it should be played as any other light tank: go for a vantage point if possible and use its TVD to search for enemies, then harass the enemy with its small yet powerful gun; it is also advised to use the terrain as cover - thanks to the -10° depression angle, it can assault the enemies without being worried about getting hit by a shell.<br />
<br />
Stay away from the sight of any vehicles with autocannons - they can tear through the M41D with ease, and avoid fighting tanks up-front unless in dire straits.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''Summarise 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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Powerful APFSDS can penetrate most common tanks it will face, like the [[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[T-55A|T-55]], or [[M60 (Family)|M60]]<br />
* Gunner thermals allows efficient target searching especially at night, as most other counterparts only have NVD<br />
* Laser rangefinder can quickly target distant foes<br />
* -10° gun depression means good hull-down and hilly terrain performance<br />
* -18 km/h reverse allows it to retreat from danger quickly<br />
* Smoke grenades and smoke shells allow it to protect itself or blind enemies<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Cannon is not stabilised, significantly reducing its ability to fire on the move or to shoot first during an encounter against stabilised guns<br />
* APFSDS is still not enough to penetrate certain well-protected tanks, e.g. [[M48 Super]], [[T-55AM-1]]<br />
* The small calibre of the APFSDS shell might have insufficient post-penetration damage<br />
* Mobility can become rather sluggish on soft surfaces like mud<br />
* Somewhat tall profile, worsening its concealment<br />
* Poor survivability. Can be easily penetrated by autocannons, or destroyed by cannons and missiles with overpressure<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
The ROCA, after their retreat to the island of Taiwan, used various imported tanks from different military aids, mostly US-built tanks such as earlier [[M24 (China)|M24 Chaffee]] and some [[M18 (China)|M18 GMC]]. Since 1958, during the heat of 1st Taiwan Strait Crisis, ROCA purchased 700 [[M41 Walker Bulldog (Family)|M41A1/A2 Walker Bulldogs]] and 300 [[M48A1 (China)|M48A1s]] to strengthen their defences in case the turmoil intensified into all-out warfare; these tanks replaced the older tanks in different armoured units. In 1975 (ROC Year 64,民國64年), ROCA started to reproduce a complete hull of M41, with some efforts made to reproduce the gun as well, the reverse-engineered light tank was named Type 64 Light Tank (國造64式輕坦克,another [[M42 (China)|M42 Duster]]-based light tank with M18 GMC's turret was also named so) then renamed Type 65 Light tank. While the tank didn't go into mass production, it gave ROCA the chance to build a domestic tank and some designs were retained for further use.<br />
<br />
Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, ROCA decided to opt for a NATO retrofit of their M41s, after a long shot plan to buy the new [[XM8|M8 AGS]] to replace the fleet was scrapped due to budget issues.<br />
<br />
The idea for M41D started during the 2nd Taiwan Strait Crisis. In view of aggressive PLA exercises aimed to protest against the talks given by the new ROC government, ROCA was in dire need for an overhaul upgrade of the M41 against possible landing operations from PLANMC, along with the insufficient amount of [[CM11]] and [[M60A3 TTS (China)|M60A3 TTS]] on hand. <br />
<br />
=== The major update of M41"D" ===<br />
The M41 light tank improvement project mainly focused on night vision/fire control system and the adaptation of diesel engine. Two corporations participated in the M41 tank improvement and 2 prototype vehicles were built and tested. The prototype No. 1 was equipped with Texas Instruments (TI) CVTTS night vision FCS and a 4-stroke VTA-903TR diesel engine produced by Cummins company, No. 2 vehicle is equipped with the ‘M41 tank night vision fire control system’ of domestic Kunyi Company And a two-stroke 8V-71T diesel engine produced by Napco company (the letter D of M41D stands for diesel engine modification).<br />
<br />
After the bids for the improvements were determined, the first M41D prototype was composed of the chassis of the No. 2 prototype and the turret of the No. 1. The assembly took about a week and it costed about NT$20 million to transform a regular M41 into M41D. Only 50 M41D were modified as first branch due to insufficient funding, but the budget was expected to increase in the future.<br />
<br />
The original M32A1 cannon was replaced with a M32K1 gun produced by Joint Logistics Command. The new cannon slightly enlarged the original cylindrical smoke evacuator and moved it backward for 44cm, while the original T-shaped muzzle brake was cancelled, and a pepper-pot type depressor was installed.<br />
<br />
Although the caliber of the M32K1 cannon remains 76mm, it can fire the high-pressure M464 APFSDS due to the self-tightening design of the cannon, and the muzzle velocity of the projectile can reach 1400m/s. The new ammunition can penetrate the frontal armor of Type 59 and Type 69 MBTs that the communist force equip at that time. The M41D light tank was planned to be assigned to the armored cavalry, and the main task of which is to perform search, alert, and cover tasks on the battlefield, or to sweep the beach and annihilate the enemy’s lightly armed forces during the initial stage of the enemy’s landing, instead of engaging the heavy armor face-to-face. So the new main gun of the M41D tank should be sufficient for future missions.<br />
<br />
The CVTTS (Combat Vehicle Thermal Targeting System) night vision FCS equipped by the M41D light tank can identify the enemy and aim at a target from 1000m away at night. In addition, a periscope in front of the driver's seat is modified with a starlight night vision goggles to facilitate night driving. The original mechanical ballistic compensator was converted to a digital ballistic computer; the optical rangefinder was also replaced with a laser rangefinder.<br />
<br />
M41D employs a two-stroke DDC 8V-71T diesel engine, and the maximum net output of which is 405hp and the maximum net torque is 806ft/lb. As the diesel engine is more fuel-efficient than the original gasoline one, while the fuel capacity has been increased from the original 530L to 760L, the maximum cruising range has been greatly increased from the original 160km to 450km. The 8V-71T diesel engine of the M41D can also be found in the M108, M109, M110 and other self-propelled artillery vehicles in the ROCA, which helped to reduce pressure on the logistics.<br />
<br />
The original Allison CD500 gearbox of M41 retains and the improvement in the suspension system lies in the replacement of a new torsion bar produced by Joint Logistics Command. Thus, the general maneuverability of the M41D tank has been greatly improved compared with the original M41A series.<br />
<br />
=== M41D in ROCA service ===<br />
The Ministry of National Defence then passed a 20 billion NTD budget for emergency upgrades of existing equipment, where 400 M41A1/A2s with better hull condition would undergo the new M41D upgrade program; after more M60A3 TTS were delivered to ROCA, the whole program shrunk to a 1.2 billion NTD budget and only 50 of these Walker Bulldogs were upgraded into M41D. 6 out of the 50 upgraded tanks were retained at military academies, the remaining ones were deployed on Kinmen Island just off the coast of Xiamen, Fujian; the closest Nationalist-controlled area to Mainland China. Later military reforms decided to have them return to the main island and serve in different units. A recent incident at Kinmen raised concerns as to whether the remaining few M41A2s were safe enough for training, let alone fighting the now-modernized PLA with masses of MBTs; around 20 M41Ds returned to Kinmen and replaced these old tanks, leaving the remaining ones on the main island until CM34 "Project Leopard" MGS and M1A2T could finally replace them.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.''<br />
<br />
{{TankManufacturer Ordnance Research Development Center}}<br />
{{China light tanks}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=User:U35790733&diff=108723User:U357907332021-08-11T04:19:02Z<p>U35790733: </p>
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<div>{{DISPLAYTITLE:Monika_in_action (Monika)}}<br />
{{Userbox/Favorite vehicle|jp_type_90}}<br />
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|info = Récipiendaire de la Légion d'honneur<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:sw_strv_122|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #fff461<br />
|info = Northern Guardian<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
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''「私のペンは私にとって大切な人のために苦い言葉を書くだけですか?」''<br />
<br />
* My Personal site: [https://tieba.baidu.com/home/main?un=%E5%A5%87%E5%81%B6%E5%87%BD%E6%95%B0%E7%9A%84%E5%8C%BA%E9%97%B4&id=2f22e5a587e581b6e587bde695b0e79a84e58cbae997b4454e?t=1501496853&fr=index&red_tag=x0880254057 Monika (Baidu Tieba)]<br />
<br />
=== Welcome to Doki Doki War Thunder Club! ===<br />
A wonderful world of vehicle history and infinite choices awaits!<br />
Now’s your chance to discover why War Thunder is one of the most beloved MMO vehicle-shooting games of the decade.<br />
<br />
=== Who am I? ===<br />
I'm a proud part of Wiki Share Program, one of the Forum Community Helper team, and a conscientious moderator of an unofficial War Thunder player forum. As the President of Doki Doki Literature Club (from which my nickname come from), it's my duty to make every club member feel comfortable and allocate fun assignments. Currently I'm working on history of Chinese, US and Great Britain vehicles. Whether it's naval, aerial or ground, every vehicle in the game have a story to tell.</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_Liverpool&diff=108412HMS Liverpool2021-08-06T15:36:04Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
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<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_cruiser_liverpool<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} British light cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' --><br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' --><br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' --><br />
{{main|6 inch/50 BL Mark XXIII (152 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' --><br />
{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}<br />
<!-- ''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.'' --><br />
{{main|QF Mark V (40 mm)|QF Mark VII (40 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' --><br />
{{main|Mk.IX (533 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --><br />
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
''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".''<br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
*<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
<!-- Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable). --> <br />
After completing Leander class and Arethusa class cruisers in the early 1930s, the Royal Navy aimed to build more similar cruisers to meet its target of fifty cruisers. The problem was, by 1933, the foreign navies started developing larger cruisers: Japan was constructing Mogami class weighing more than 11000 tons, and the United States had decided to build 10000-ton Brooklyn class, putting the smaller Leander and Arethusa at a significant disadvantage. <br />
<br />
To counter the new cruisers from other leading fleets, the Admiralty revised the new design to increase displacement for twelve 6inch guns and extra protection against the 8inch shells<ref name="GillonoEUUnits">http://www.ww2ships.com/britain/gb-cl-001-b.shtml</ref>. The design was crystallized in 1934 as “Town” class cruisers named after British cities. Ten ships of this class were laid down and completed from 1935 to 1939, including the one original variant class (Southampton class) and two modified variants (1935 Programme Cruisers & Edinburgh class).<br />
<br />
HMS Liverpool (C11) was one of three ships belongs to 1935 Programme Cruisers. The overall configure this group is similar to the Southampton class, but extra armor was added to main gun turrets to 4inch (compared to 2inch on Southampton class) and deck over the machinery to increase deck protection at 1/4 inch (1 inch on Gloucester). Furthermore, an additional director control tower was placed aft to separate fire control for main guns and secondary armaments<ref name="GillonoEUUnits2">Brown, David K.. Nelson to Vanguard: Warship Design and Development, 1923–1945 (Chatham's Distinguished Design) (p. 175). Pen & Sword Books.</ref>. These modifications increase the total displacement from 9110 tons to 9600 tons. For keeping the stability, the beam of the cruiser was increased by 0.8 inches to balance the increasing weight. Besides, the propulsion power was raised from 75,000 shp on the Southampton class to 82,000 shp<ref name="GillonoEUUnits3">https://www.naval-encyclopedia.com/ww2/uk/town-class-cruisers-1936</ref>. <br />
<br />
Liverpool was ordered on 11th Nov 1935 at Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. The ship was laid down on 17 Feb 1936, and launched on 24 Mar 1937<ref name="GillonoEUUnits4">https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/1230.html</ref>. During her trials, Liverpool lost all engine power for short periods on two occasions caused by water in fuel pump<ref name="GillonoEUUnits2" />, delaying her commission to 2 Nov 1938.<br />
<br />
All three cruisers of the 1935 Programme were initially deployed to East Indies Station. When the war broke out, she escorted British convoys on the Indian Ocean. On November 14th, 1939, Liverpool transferred to Hong Kong to join the 5th Cruiser Squadron to trade defense and intercept German blockade runners in Eastern water. On January 21st, 1940, she intercepted Japanese ocean liner Asama Maru, which carried German adults suitable for military service, just 35 nautical miles off the Japanese coast at the southern tip of the Boso Peninsula. The liner refused to stop until Liverpool fired a blank shell by her 3pdr saluting gun and took 21 German nationals to her board. The Japanese government officially protested the action, for this is a violation of Japanese neutrality. As a result, nine of the Germans were returned, while the Japanese government promised not to offer passage as a way home for German citizens overseas<ref name="TankArchives1stMCBerlin2">https://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-06CL-Liverpool.htm</ref>.<br />
<br />
HMS Liverpool and her sister ship Gloucester transferred to Mediterranean in May 1940. After Italy declared war on 10th June 1940, Liverpool and Gloucester bombed Tobruk on 12th June, sunk an armed trawler, Giovanni Bert<ref name="GillonoEUUnits5" />. <br />
<br />
On 27th June 1940, three Italian destroyers-Espero, Zeffiro, and Ostro-departed Taranto with supplies to Tobruk. British scout planes spotted them around noon the next day. HMS Liverpool, part of the 7th Cruiser Squadron (7CS), covering British convoy by that moment, was ordered to alter course to intercept. At local time 1831 hours, Liverpool firstly spotted the Italian destroyers and engaged with her main guns<ref name="GillonoEUUnits5">Waters, Conrad. British Town Class Cruisers: Design, Development & Performance: Southampton & Belfast Classes (p. 168).</ref>.<br />
<br />
These high-speed (credited with 37 knots) destroyers proved challenging targets with smoke screens and falling visibility at dusk. The British cruisers did not score a hit until 1930 hours, when Espero was damaged and slowed by a 6inch shell. The Italian destroyer bravely turned against the British fleet to cover her fellows by sacrificing herself. Espero was immobilized in 2000 hours and sunk 40 minutes later. The British only picked up fifty survivors.<br />
<br />
The 7CS suffered a minor loss. With no casualty and only Liverpool was hit by one 4.7inch shell. The shell hit her armor belt, knocking off a chip of armor and causing some splinters<ref name="GillonoEUUnits" />.<br />
<br />
On 9 July 1940, HMS Liverpool, together with 7CS, participated the first fleet battle between the Royal Navy and Regia Marina, the Battle of Punta Stilo, which is result of convoy escorts from both sides. However, limited by her main guns’ horizontal range, Liverpool achieved no hit when Italian fleet was forced to retreat. <br />
<br />
In the end of July, a single 250lb bomb hit HMS Liverpool from the Italian Air Force during a high-level attack around 1420 hours on 29th July in the following month. The bomb hit the bridge's front deck, penetrated 'B' gun deck and the forecastle deck, and stopped in the senior petty officer's pantry on the upper deck<ref name="TankArchives1stMCBerlin">Waters, Conrad. British Town Class Cruisers: Design, Development & Performance: Southampton & Belfast Classes (p. 213). Pen & Sword Books.</ref>. Fortunately, the fuse in the bomb's tail was damaged when it penetrated the bridge structure and was not functional. On 30th July, Liverpool reached Alexandria, where her crews fixed up small holes with wood. Then, on 5th August, the cruiser backed to patrol.<br />
<br />
Liverpool stayed on her station for convoys escorts, and fleet operations until 14th October 1940. At the local time around 1855 hours, on her way to Alexandria with Mediterranean Fleet, Liverpool was attacked by the Italian Air Force and hit by an aircraft torpedo at the fore-end of her starboard side, damaging the aviation fuel tank in the forward section. The volatile aviation fuel leaked started to accumulate in the fore storage areas; then, an electrical failure ignited the vapor and detonate the aviation fuel tank containing 5,700 gallons of fuel at 1920<ref name="TankArchives1stMCBerlin" />. The explosion caused a huge flame to envelop the forward sections of Liverpool and blown away the 'A' turret roof. Fortunately, the forward magazine had been flooded to prevent the further explosion. However, the bow's construction was severely damaged by the blast and beginning to separate from the ship. Two destroyers HMS Decoy and HMS Hereward, came to assist the firefighting efforts, and cruiser HMS Orion, covered by two anti-air cruisers, tried to tow Liverpool back to Alexandria. On the following day, the fire on broad was under control. The hanging bow of the cruiser acted as a rudder until it broke away at 1435 on 15th October<ref name="GillonoEUUnits4" />. On 16th October, Liverpool and her escorts finally reached Alexandria. <br />
<br />
The damage to Liverpool was serious. She lost her entire bow in front of the ‘A’ turret; the ‘A’ turret itself needed to replace the gunhouse and repair the turret ring (and a new roof); besides, the electrical and engineering equipment required to either repair or replace. Resources in Alexandria were far from enough to repair such damage, while the routine to Gibraltar or the British Isles was too dangerous for the badly damaged cruiser. Luckily, as the United States agreed to repair British vessels, Liverpool could travel east and receive the permanent repairs at U.S. harbors. Even so, Liverpool would need a temporary bow to make the long voyage. Unfortunately, the limited resource and local workforce delayed the application of the false bow. In the end, it took six months to collect enough material and place a temporary bow for Liverpool to begin sail East on 30th April 1941. The cruiser steamed via Aden, Colombo, Singapore, Manila, and Honolulu. Finally, on 16th June 1941, she reached her destination at Mare Island, California, where she would receive repairs in the following four months. Once the work was finished in October, she departed for the British Isles through Panama Canal. Liverpool arrived in the U.K. in December 1941, and took a refit to stall a series of radar systems, including surface warning radar (Type 273), air warning radar (Type 281), and fire control radar for main guns & secondary armaments (Type 284/285)<ref name="TankArchives1stMCBerlin" />. Liverpool rejoined the Home Fleet in April 1942. In the following two months, she participated escorts for Arctic Convoys. In June 1942, she was re-deployed to Mediterranean to reinforce Operation Harpoon for supplying Malta. <br />
<br />
On 14th June 1942, when Liverpool was covering the convoy with Force W, the fleet was attacked by Italian torpedo bombers. At the local time 1420 hours, on starboard of the convoy, Liverpool was targeted by four bombers. She successfully evaded three torpedoes, yet the last one hit her starboard, right on the ‘B’ engine room beneath the rear mast. The torpedo made a 24ft by 19ft hole in the starboard, destroying turbo generators in the ‘B’ engine room, left two shafts on the starboard out of function. The water soon flooded in the ‘B’ engine room and kept entering into nearby sections such as the entire ‘B’ boiler room, therefore making the inner shaft on the port side inoperative as well. The unbalanced power output turned the cruiser 270° to starboard. Before the flood was under control, it was estimated over 2,600 tons of water entered the ship, creating a list to 7°<ref name="TankArchives1stMCBerlin3">Waters, Conrad. British Town Class Cruisers: Design, Development & Performance: Southampton & Belfast Classes (p. 216). Pen & Sword Books.</ref>.<br />
<br />
The situation for Liverpool was critical. She could only maintain 3 to 4 knots with the one remaining shaft while more airstrikes were on their way. The Italian Air Force in Sardinia shifted their focus on Liverpool instead of the convoy. Two destroyers, HMS Antelope and HMS Westcott came to tow Liverpool and support air defense. The small fleet was ordered to return Gibraltar. At the local time 1640 hours, a wave of Italian fighters dropped bombs on Liverpool. Two bombs nearly hit the starboard side, increasing the list to 9.5° and draught to 27ft 8in (standard draught for Liverpool is 20ft 7in). But this is not the end of the day; At 1800 hours, a coordinated attack of 11 high-level bombers and seven torpedo bombers attempted to sink the damaged cruiser. Luckily, the attack scored no hit on Liverpool. Italians continued their attack for the rest of the day. A group of high-level bombers attacked at 2015 hours, and six torpedo bombers dropped their torpedoes at long range against Liverpool at 2230 hours. None of the attacks achieved further damage to Liverpool, while she brought down at least one bomber using her main guns4.<br />
<br />
In the afternoon of the 17th, Liverpool and her guarding destroyers safely reached Gibraltar, where she received some emergency repairs. On 5th August 1942, Liverpool was transferred to Rosyth, the UK, for permanent repairs. Due to the significant damage, it would require a lot of time and resources to repair Liverpool fully. Therefore, the priority of repairing is lower than patching up slightly damaged ships. In 1944, the modification for the Pacific area was added to the work. An Anti-air battery replaced one aft turret, and more advanced radars were applied on the ship. In August 1945, Liverpool was ready for re-service, but at this time, it was too late for her to gain more Battle Honors. She was the only survivor of three 1935 variant cruisers.<br />
<br />
Liverpool continued her service as flagship of the 15th Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean Fleet after the war. In 1953, she was reduced to reserve fleet, where she was kept until 1957 and moved to Disposal List. In 1958, Liverpool was sold for breaking up by P&W MacLellan at Bo'ness<ref name="TankArchives1stMCBerlin" />. <br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<!-- Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:<br />
<br />
reference to the series of the ship;<br />
links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees. --><br />
'''References:''' <br />
<references /><br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/7159-development-squadron-vehicles-hms-liverpool-en|[Devblog] Squadron Vehicles: HMS Liverpool]]<br />
<br />
{{Britain light cruisers}}<br />
{{Squadron ships}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-5E&diff=107332F-5E2021-07-21T13:54:07Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
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<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-5e<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 11,582 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,756 || 1,746 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.2 || 27.2 || 129.9 || 115.5 || rowspan="2" | 850<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| ___ || 1,777 || __._ || 26.0 || __._ || 149.1<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1,018 || 470 || 463 || ~11 || ~5<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-21A || 2<br />
| colspan="2" | 4,825 kg || colspan="3" | 395 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 303 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 5,423 kg || 5,861 kg || 6,379 kg || 6,820 kg || _,___ kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 38m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 1,480 kgf || 2,220 kgf<br />
| 0.82 || 0.76 || 0.70 || 0.65 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 1,554 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 2,908 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)<br />
| 1.07 || 0.99 || 0.91 || 0.85 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
''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.''<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|M39A3 (20 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 20 mm M39A3 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}<br />
{{main|AGM-65B|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9E Sidewinder|AIM-9J Sidewinder}}<br />
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP|GAU-13/A (30 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
* 4 x AGM-65B missiles<br />
* 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AGM-65B missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AGM-65B missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 30 mm GAU-13/A cannon (353 rpg)<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
''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).''<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Great manoeuvrability<br />
* An almost overwhelming selection of air-to-ground armaments, including Bullpup and Maverick air-to-ground missiles<br />
* Generous ammunition capacity for guns<br />
* Small target<br />
* Efficient afterburner allows the use of lower fuel reserves, improving performance<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Low top speed<br />
* Can only carry a maximum of two air-to-air missiles<br />
* No ballistic computer<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
<!-- 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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable). --><br />
In the late 1960s, Northrop realized that by using an improved version of the General Electric J85 engine with more maximum thrust, the flight performance of the N-156 fighter could be improved a lot. During the test, the new J85-GE-21 engine was approved that it could produce almost 23% more thrust than the earlier J85-GE-13 engine used by early produced F-5A/B Freedom Fighter, F-5C Skoshi Tiger and T-38 Talon, which was 5000 pounds maximum thrust in afterburner mode and 3500 pounds thrust in military mode.<br />
[[File:1200px-Northrop F-5E (Tail No. 11417) 061006-F-1234S-067.jpg|thumb|332x332px|Official roll-out of first USAF F-5E Tiger II]]<br />
As a result, the sixth production F-5B trainer was chosen to be modified with two new J85-GE-21 engines at Edwards AFB during the summer of 1969, and this upgraded version of Freedom Fighter with J85-GE-21 engine was called F-5-21 at that time. Overall, the new J85-GE-21 engine’s weight was 100 lbs less than J85-GE-13 engine, the length of J85-GE-21 engine was 7 inches longer than J85-GE-13 engine, and an additional stage was added to the front of the J85-GE-13 ’s previous eight-stage compressor to provide more extra power, through the single rotor structure was retained, apart from that, two auxiliary intake doors were added on the fuselage above the wing trailing edge (one on each side of fuselage) to provide additional air to the engines for added thrust during take-off and low-speed flight, the doors are ac powered and automatically or individually controlled from the new Central Air Data Computer. In the fall of 1969, USAF decided to hold a new competition to select a new international fighter for Allied countries, and Northrop’s F-5-21 program was announced the winner of new international fighter on 20<sup>th</sup> November 1970, then Northrop received the contract from USAF for the further development of F-5E fighter on 8<sup>th</sup> December 1970. In January 1971, USAF changed the new F-5 fighter’s nomenclature from F-5-21 to F-5E, and the latter was named Tiger II in memory of the previous Skoshi Tiger Combat Evaluation program in Vietnam.<br />
<br />
As for the airborne avionics system, a Central Air Data Computer was introduced on the new F-5E Tiger II fighter, it could convert raw air data inputs into computed output, and transmit the results to other airborne electrical equipment such as Lead Computing Optical Sight (LCOSS) and Stability Augmenter System. The new AN/ASG-29 Lead Computing Optical Sight (LCOSS) replaced the non-computing fixed optical sight used by F-5A Freedom Fighter and F-5C Skoshi Tiger, which consisted a gyro lead computer (GLC) unit and an optical display unit (ODU), also an AIM-9 sidewinder missile select switch was provided to select the appropriate missile launch envelope program stored in the GLC, and the ODU contained sight controls, a mirror drive assembly, and a combing glass which reflected the aiming reticle, late production F-5E Tiger II fighter changed the original AN/ASG-29 LCOSS to the new AN/ASG-31 LCOSS. The most important equipment of the F-5E Tiger II fighter was the new AN/APQ-153 multi-mode, forward-looking, X-band pulse, Search and Fire Control Radar, which could provide air-to-air search, range, and track information for use in Air-to-Air gunnery and missile launch, it formed the F-5E fighter's Fire Control System together with LCOSS unit, also the late production version of F-5E Tiger II fighter used AN/APQ-159 (V) 3 Search and Fire control Radar instead of the previous AN/APQ-153 Radar.<br />
<br />
As for the aerodynamic design, in order to increase the maneuverability of F-5E Tiger II fighter, Northrop decided to increase the total area of Leading Edge Extensions (LEX) sections which were 2.75 times as large as that on the F-5A Freedom Fighter, also the wing area was more than 9% greater than that of F-5A Freedom Fighter, this improvement helped to increase lift and CL max at high angle attack situation, also it could improve take-off and landing performance of F-5E Tiger II fighter too. The CL max of F-5E Tiger II fighter was increased to 1.4 compared with slightly lower than 1.2 of F-5A Freedom Fighter, and the maximum L/D at subsonic cruise speed was 10. <br />
<br />
Thanks to the increased maximum power of new engine, the maximum level flight speed of F-5E Tiger II was increased from Mach 1.4 to Mach 1.6, the maximum climb rate at sea level was also increased to more than 189 m/s, the empty weight was increased from 3600 kg to 4300 kg, and the maximum take off weight was increased to 9800 kg, also the maximum internal fuel capability of F-5E Tiger II was increased from 3790 pounds to 4536 pounds.<br />
<br />
On 10<sup>th</sup> August 1972, the first F-5E Tiger II fighter completed its first flight at Edwards AFB. By March 1973, six F-5E Tiger II fighters comprised the test force. One interesting fact was that during these flight tests at Edwards AFB, at least one F-5F fighter was painted with Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) desert camouflage because at that time Iranian government was still willing to buy American military equipment. The Saudi Arabian Air Force decided to buy several F-5E and F-5F in 1976, which the program was named Peace Hawk IV, as the Saudi Arabian Air Force wanted to add the AGM-65 Maverick Air-to-Ground missile firing ability and Radar Warning Receiver equipment on their F-5 fighters, F-5E 71-1418 was chosen to conduct the test flights with AGM-65 Maverick Air-to-Ground missiles, also F-5E 75-00462 was chosen to test the new Chaff/Flare dispenser and AGM-65 Maverick Air-to-Ground missiles too. Except for Saudi Arabia and Iran, many other third-world countries such as Brazil, Kenya, and Malaysia became the customer of F-5 fighters, and the total amount of countries and regions received F-5E Tiger II fighters were 37. Thought the Imperial Iranian Air Force (IIAF) was changed to Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) as a result of the coup in 1979, but during the Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, many former Imperial Iranian Air Force pilots who were trained by the U.S decided to join the battle against Iraq with the name of Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force after they were been released by the government, even one time a F-5E Tiger II fighter of IRIAF successfully shot down a MiG-25 Foxbat interceptor of Iraq Air Force, the total air-to-air kills made by F-5 fighters of IRIAF was 23. <br />
<br />
By late November 1986, the F-5E/F Tiger II production line in California was finally shut down after it completed the last seven aircraft on the contract. Northrop built 2603 F-5 fighters in total including 1399 E and F models (793 F-5E and 146 F-5F Tiger II according to some sources). The first unit of USAF equipped with F-5E Tiger II fighters was the 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (TFTS) at Williams AFB, which was responsible for the majority of the training of customer nation air and ground crew, they used F-5E Tiger II fighters until June 1989, 1499 students around the world were graduated from the 425th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (TFTS). Apart from that, Imperial Iranian Air Force started to receive their F-5E Tiger II fighters in 1974, but as the war situation of South Vietnam became worse, American decided to diverted 18 F-5E Tiger II fighters from the later Iranian order to support the Republic of Vietnam Air Force. <br />
<br />
As a result, a total of 55 F-5E Tiger II fighters were transported by the USA to South Vietnam before they lost the war on 30th April 1975. Except for battle damage and loss, about 27 F-5E fighters and 60-87 F-5A/B fighters that hadn’t escape to Thailand were captured by the North Vietnamese army after the defeat of South Vietnam. Through Vietnamese government decided to retain a small number of F-5 fighters and used them during the invasion of Cambodia, and they also sent some of the F-5 fighters to the Soviet Union. At first, the Soviet aircraft engineers didn't show much interest in the F-5E Tiger II fighters because of the low thrust of the J85 engine, and they still believe that their fighters were much better than Western products, according to the estimated report of F-5E Tiger II written by the Soviet engineers, they even thought that F-5E fighter ’s level acceleration performance was only as slow as a piston fighter, also the estimated rate of climb at sea level was only 160 m/s. As a comparison, the true rate of climb of F-5A Freedom Fighter was 189 m/s.<br />
<br />
Therefore, they thought that used the latest MiG-23 fighters against F-5E fighters is really bullying, so they decided to let the MiG-21bis fighter, which entered into service in 1972, conduct simulated air combat with captured F-5E Tiger II fighter. The final result of that simulated air combat was beyond everyone's expectations: No matter what combat maneuver the MiG-21bis fighter did during the test, it couldn't avoid the fate of being shot down by F-5E fighter! The frustrated Soviet aircraft engineers decided to let their most advanced MiG-23M fighter at that time teach F-5E fighter a lesson, but the result was almost the same: Though the MiG-23M fighter could win in Beyond Visual Range battle because of its R-23R medium-range semi-active radar-guided missile, however, the F-5E fighter can always maintain at the six o'clock position of MiG-23M fighter through various air combat maneuvers. At last, the Soviet Union officially claimed that their aircraft was fully capable of competing with the most advanced fighter in the West at the time, but only the soviet pilots knew that their nightmare would continue until today. <br />
<br />
[[File:1200px-Three F-5E agressors from Alconbury 1983.jpg|left|thumb|381x381px|Three USAF aggressor unit F-5Es in formation.]]<br />
Back in 1972, the USAF realized the need for dissimilar aircraft combat training, and they began to use T-38 Talon trainers as an aggressor aircraft at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Although the USAF wanted the more desirable F-5E Tiger II fighter jets to act as the aggressor ’s aircraft, the F-5E Tiger II fighter produced at the time were prioritized to South Vietnam to save the situation. After the Saigon government was finally fall in 1975, many F-5E Tiger II fighters including those former Republic of Vietnam Air Force ’s planes that escaped to Thailand successfully were transported to those aggressor squadrons of the USAF, apart from their homeland, the USAF also established some aggressor squadrons in England and the Philippines to train with other fighter squadrons overseas. As for the U.S Navy, they also realized the need for dissimilar aircraft combat training, even earlier than the U.S Air Force. The famous Top Gun program was first established in 1969, initially with A-4 Skyhawk, but later it was changed to T-38 Talon and F-5E Tiger II. In the 1980s, the U.S Navy introduced the F-16N Fighting Falcon and Israel F-21A Kfir as the new aggressor aircraft, therefore, the use of F-5E Tiger II was waned. In 2009, Northrop Grumman delivered the last 44 ex-Swiss Air Force F-5E Tiger II fighter to the U.S Navy after modification for use as aggressor aircraft, these 41 single seat fighter and three fighters modified from F-5E and F-5F were renamed F-5N by U.S Navy (one interesting fact was that in 1965, Northrop also tested a modified F-5A 63-8421 fighter which was equipped with two new J85-GE-15 engine, and this aircraft was initially named F-5N too, the N referred to Northrop), these aircraft were served in VFC-13 and VFC-111 aggressor squadrons in Nevada and Florida.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/526079-f-5e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
{{USA jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:1200px-Three_F-5E_agressors_from_Alconbury_1983.jpg&diff=107331File:1200px-Three F-5E agressors from Alconbury 1983.jpg2021-07-21T13:52:47Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>A trio of USAF aggressor squadron F-5Es in formation.<br />
Author: USAF<br />
Cited from Wikipedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Three_F-5E_agressors_from_Alconbury_1983.jpg</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:1200px-Northrop_F-5E_(Tail_No._11417)_061006-F-1234S-067.jpg&diff=107330File:1200px-Northrop F-5E (Tail No. 11417) 061006-F-1234S-067.jpg2021-07-21T13:50:06Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>The first F-5E prototype leaves the factory<br />
Author: USAF<br />
Cited from Wikipedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Northrop_F-5E_(Tail_No._11417)_061006-F-1234S-067.jpg</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:The_F-5E_prototype_leaves_the_factory_by_USAF.png&diff=107329File:The F-5E prototype leaves the factory by USAF.png2021-07-21T13:47:14Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>The F-5E prototype leaves the factory<br />
Author: USAF</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-5C&diff=107326F-5C2021-07-21T13:42:09Z<p>U35790733: Test in Vietnam, history</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-5c<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 001.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 002.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 003.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 004.jpg|StoreImage F-5C 005.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Red Skies"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
The F-5C is generally an all-round good fighter. Its not the fastest plane and not the most manoeuvrable.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 10,668 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | 850<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,460 || 1,443 || 26.9 || 27.0 || 159.1 || 133.6<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 560 || 555 || ~11 || ~5<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-13 || 2<br />
| colspan="2" | 4,051 kg || colspan="3" | 366 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 271 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 4,580 kg || 4,992 kg || 5,463 kg || 5,814 kg || _,___ kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 960 kgf || 1,426 kgf<br />
| 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.49 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 1,200 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 2,459 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)<br />
| 1.07 || 0.99 || 0.90 || 0.85 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
''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.''<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|M39A2 (20 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}<br />
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9E Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb (500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9E Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
<br />
In air RB, the F-5C can be played as both a support and offensive plane. In medium range engagements, it plays well as a support fighter, either baiting enemies to use up missiles with the large amount of flares/chaff or launching missiles at enemies who are chasing friendly aircraft to give a chance to let your teammate get in a better position. In close range engagements, with some effort you can stay on the tail of the enemy, if possible making the enemy pull as many manoeuvres as possible to slow them down so you can get a short burst from the respectable 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose. Due to the plane's characteristics, overshooting an enemy won't be the end of a dogfight, the F-5C is able bleed enough speed in a quick turn to get right back on the enemy if they don't take avantage of the overshoot or if they are going too slow to be able to make any quick counterattack.<br />
<br />
In mixed ground battles (RB), the F-5C is able to function as a light strike aircraft, while also being able to maintain air supremacy. The F-5Cs versatile loadout of air to ground ordinance allows the player to choose what range they want to do air support, for example the 4x AGM-12B loadout is great for medium range engagements with the enemy ground units. Its largest downfall as a light strike aircraft is the lack of RWR, so SPAA are easily able to deal with a pilot that does not notice them fast enough.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Good top speed<br />
* Light and small<br />
* Has countermeasures<br />
* Guns are effective<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Only gets AIM-9Es while the Chinese equivalent gets AIM-9Ps<br />
* No radar<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
In 1965, after the outbreak of the Vietnam War, the U.S government decided to send troops to South Vietnam to counter the threat of North Vietnam forces. At that time, many tactical wings of USAF were sent to Thailand and South Vietnam for Operation Rolling Thunder, also they need to support the South Vietnam Army to counter those Viet Cong forces in the South Vietnam area. In the meantime, many countries were doubted that if they really need to buy a fighter that wasn’t chosen by USAF before, so USAF decided to let Colonel Frank Emory lead a special provisional squadron named 4503<sup>rd</sup> Tactical fighter squadron to take the new F-5 fighters into the Vietnam War because it provides an excellent chance to prove that F-5 could do its job well in regional conflicts, this combat evaluation project was named Skoshi Tiger.<br />
[[File:Skoshi Tiger welcome banner AFHRA.png|left|thumb|343x343px|The welcome banner of F-5C Skoshi Tiger in Bein Hoa AFB, Vietnam.]]<br />
To extended the combat capability of Skoshi Tiger, Northrop did some modifications on the original F-5A Freedom Fighter, such as an external fixed refueling probe on the left side of the forward fuselage that could receive fuel from KC-135 tanker to extend the combat radius for some long-range missions, the total weight of Skoshi Tiger’s in-flight refueling system was 85 pounds, also the in-flight refueling system could be removed if necessary. To improve the survival ability of Skoshi Tiger from the enemy’s ground fire, two 1/4 inch-thick face-hardened steel armor plate was mounted externally on the fuselage, the function of the front plates was to protect the pilot and control mechanism, and the after plates was to protect vital hydraulic and control areas near the tail section, which added 236 pounds to the overall weight, there were five jettison-able pylons in total under wings and fuselage like the original F-5A Freedom Fighter, other improvements such as better throttle linkage for improved afterburner modulation and the deletion of the rudder limiter were also implemented on the Skoshi Tiger. <br />
<br />
The official name of "Skoshi Tiger" is F-5C. Five F-5A-15 and seven F-5A-20 originally destined to allied countries were withdrawn and sent to 4503<sup>rd</sup> Tactical Fighter Squadron after received those modifications, also some sources claim that USAF wanted 200 F-5 fighters which could be used in Vietnam War, in which the Skoshi Tiger program will be divided into three parts, and 4503<sup>rd</sup> Tactical Fighter Squadron was the first part who will be sent to Bien Hoa AFB to attack the ground targets in South Vietnam. (According to different source, not only the 12 F-5C Skoshi Tigers but also they received several F-5A Freedom Fighter)<br />
[[File:F-5C carrying MK82 bombs by Frank Emory.png|thumb|381x381px|Northrop F-5C loaded with Napalm and 500 lbs Mk82 "Snake eye" bombs.]]<br />
On 23<sup>rd</sup> October 1965, Skoshi Tigers of 4503<sup>rd</sup> Tactical Fighter Squadron finally arrived at Bien Hoa AFB and started their combat evaluation missions. In their first combat evaluation mission at the same day, two Skoshi Tigers each carried four 500 pounds bombs and 500 rounds of 20mm ammunition to strike a Viet Cong concentration, they made five bomb runs and two strafing passes over the target, luckily these two F-5C Skoshi Tigers didn’t encounter any Anti-Air fire in the combat zone at that time. The squadron worked as an independent combat unit until it was attached to the Bien Hoa AFB based 3<sup>rd</sup> Tactical Fighter Wing which the latter was equipped with North American F-100D and F-100F Super Saber fighter.<br />
<br />
Through the end of December 1965, F-5C Skoshi Tigers usually flew their combat missions within 40 miles of their home base, and the only loss happened on 16th December 1965 due to the enemy’s ground fire. As the month ended, Skoshi tigers flew 1531 sorties and finished 496 missions, they spent 3,110,886 pounds ordnance against Viet Cong targets and claimed to destroy 1377 structures with another 1292 damaged in their Phase I combat evaluation test missions.<br />
<br />
After that, 4503<sup>rd</sup> Tactical Fighter Squadron moved to Da Nang Forward Base for their Phase II combat evaluation test missions, which will test that if F-5C Skoshi tigers could survive in combat zones with heavy anti-air defense in North Vietnam, also, it will provide a wonderful chance for Skoshi Tigers to prove its air combat capability by destroying any North Vietnamese aircraft in the air. Started on 3rd January 1966, Because the combat operations near North Vietnam were forbid by the order of the president, Skoshi Tigers of lost their chance against enemy’s MiG fighters, so they changed their targets to Viet Cong Troops in Laos, and air-refueling were needed for these combat missions in Laos. During these combat missions, Skoshi Tigers had flown almost 400 sorties (another source claimed 397 missions) and successfully destroyed six bridges until the Phase II combat evaluation tests were ended on 30<sup>th</sup> January 1966.<br />
[[File:8 F-5C fighters in Da Nang by R.P.D..png|left|thumb|338x338px|Line up of 8 Northrop F-5C at Da Nang AFB.]] <br />
<br />
The Phase III combat evaluation tests started on 2<sup>nd</sup> February 1966 when the Skoshi Tigers backed to Bien Hoa AFB, and their primary mission was to support the third Army Crops. During these days (the duration of the Phase III combat test, depending on different source was 10 to 21 days), Skoshi Tigers made 348 combat sorties, the combat load carried by the Skoshi Tigers during this phase averaged 2,603 lbs per sorties. <br />
<br />
Though the original plan was scheduled that the Skoshi Tiger program would be ended after the end of Phase III combat missions,4503rd Tactical Fighter Squadron returned to Da Nang AFB on 20th February 1966 again because USAF still wanted to find chances to test the true survival ability of F-5C fighters in combat zones with heavy anti-air defense in North Vietnam, also they wanted a chance to prove that F-5C fighters could counter any Communist MiG fighters, so the original Skoshi Tiger program was extended to Phase IV at that time. During the first week, because of the bad weather condition, F-5C fighters was drove away from Laos, but since the weather got better on 1st March 1966, they obtained permission to conduct their combat test missions on the borders of North Vietnam and South Vietnam for the first time, the Skoshi Tigers not only did ground attack role but also some of them carried two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles to do Air Escort missions for allied aircraft, they logged 176 combat sorties on 45 missions over North Vietnam and Laos area, also they spent 5,923 rounds of 20 mm ammunition and 543 M117 750 lb bombs during these combat missions until 10<sup>th</sup> March 1966.<br />
<br />
On 8<sup>th</sup> March 1966, the Skoshi Tiger program was finally ended, but another squadron called 10<sup>th</sup> Fighter Commando Squadron was established at Bien Hoa AFB on 8<sup>th</sup> March 1966 (April 1966 according to some sources) through some sources said that they just changed their name from the original 4503<sup>rd</sup> Tactical Fighter Squadron to the new 10<sup>th</sup> Fighter Commando Squadron. Seven additional F-5 fighters without air-refueling equipment were assigned to the new squadron which increased the total amount of aircraft to 18. Some sources said that 10<sup>th</sup> Fighter Commando Squadron was assigned to 3<sup>rd</sup> Tactical Fighter Wing of USAF at Bien Hoa AFB until 17<sup>th</sup> April 1967 and their aircraft and equipment were transferred to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, but another source claimed that the reason that these F-5 fighters removed their Air-refueling equipment was Republic of Vietnam Air Force lacked tankers at that time, also Americans didn’t want them to invade the North Vietnam area without a permit, which means it was assigned to Republic of Vietnam Air Force at that time. At that time Skoshi Tiger’s name was retained by the pilots of the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron, also some pilots decided to paint tiger stripes on their flight helmet.<br />
<br />
Since the new 57 mm Anti-Air gun had been introduced into the North Vietnam Army by the end of 1966, the NVA finally found their approach to fight against the F-5C Skoshi Tiger formations at medium to high altitudes. From 8th March 1967 to 17th April 1967, the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron had conduct 7321 combat sorties, and 7537 hours had been flown, including close support and against enemy supply roles missions. A large amount of munition had been expended by Skoshi Tigers for these combat missions, including 9,777 napalm canisters, 875 CBU bombs, and 778,566 20 mm rounds, and eight aircraft had been lost, including six aircraft due to ground fire and two aircraft due to engine failure. Also, seventeen aircraft had received battle damage.<br />
<br />
In October 1966, the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron received a new mission at Bien Hoa AFB: To train those new Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots to fly the F-5 fighters for combat missions, and maintenance personals of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force were trained to maintain the F-5 fighters. At last, twelve remaining F-5A and F-5C fighters were turned over to the Republic of Vietnam Air Force at Bien Hoa AFB on 17th April 1967 from the deactivation of the USAF Squadron.<br />
<br />
[[File:F-5 fighter jets of NVA by Janeral Holley.png|thumb|356x356px|F-5 fighter in NVA service]]<br />
Like their American Ally, the Republic of Vietnam Air Force also used their F-5 fighters in close support and attack supply role mission in the South Vietnam area, which helped the Republic of Vietnam Army a lot in many campaigns. From 1974 to 1975, North Vietnam Army launched huge offensives from all directions to the Republic of Vietnam, which destroyed many Republic of Vietnam Army forces while occupying many of the Republic of Vietnam's territories, through in many cases, F-5 fighters, A-1 attackers, A-37 attackers and Armed helicopters successfully helped the allied army broke the enemy’s offensive or successfully help them carried out a retreat operation, however, as the North Vietnamese army gradually occupied the territories of South Vietnam, many Air Force Bases were captured by the North Vietnamese army, and F-5 fighters that had not yet taken off or were destroyed were captured by North Vietnamese army too. Because of the risk that the U.S government would send their Combat Forces back to Vietnam, the senior commander of North Vietnam Forces didn’t want to use their MiG fighters during these invasion operations, therefore, some of the Republic of Vietnam Air Force pilots who surrendered before were ordered to re-drive their F-5 fighters to attack the positions of the South Vietnamese army, even one time a F-5 fighter dropped a bomb on the square of the presidential palace in Saigon. <br />
<br />
As the Vietnam War was finally ended in 1975, The new Vietnam government decided to transfer some American military equipment, such as F-5 fighters, A-37 attackers, and UH-1 helicopters, to the Soviet Union and China in exchange for more support. In China, the captured F-5A Freedom Fighter sent by the Vietnam government was tested with their own J-6 fighter, and it was found that the air combat performance of F-5A fighter not only could completely match their own J-6 fighter, but it also had much better ground attack capability than J-6 fighter, apart from that, the manufacturing process, aerodynamic design, airborne equipment and other parts of the F-5A fighter also had left a deep impression on Chinese aircraft engineers.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-5c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<br />
;Related development<br />
<br />
* [[F-5A (China)]]<br />
* [[F-5E]]<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/7166-development-top-gun-day-premium-f-5c-in-red-menace-camo-for-pre-order-en|[Devblog] Top Gun Day: Premium F-5C in Red Menace camo for pre-order!]]<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/519024-f-5a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
{{USA jet aircraft}}<br />
{{USA premium aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-5_fighter_jet_of_NVA.png&diff=107315File:F-5 fighter jet of NVA.png2021-07-21T13:35:41Z<p>U35790733: U35790733 uploaded a new version of File:F-5 fighter jets of NVA by Janeral Holley.png</p>
<hr />
<div>F-5 fighter jets of NVA<br />
Cited from: Thompson, Warren. "Skoshi Tiger: The Northrop F-5 in Vietnam". Wings of Fame, Volume 5, 1996, pp. 4–23. London: Aerospace Publishing.<br />
Author: Janeral Holley</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-5_fighter_jet_of_NVA.png&diff=107314File:F-5 fighter jet of NVA.png2021-07-21T13:32:23Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>F-5 fighter jets of NVA<br />
Cited from: Thompson, Warren. "Skoshi Tiger: The Northrop F-5 in Vietnam". Wings of Fame, Volume 5, 1996, pp. 4–23. London: Aerospace Publishing.<br />
Author: Janeral Holley</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:Skoshi_Tiger_welcome_banner_AFHRA.png&diff=107307File:Skoshi Tiger welcome banner AFHRA.png2021-07-21T13:17:49Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>The welcoming banner of F-5C Skoshi Tiger<br />
Author: AFHRA</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=User:U35790733&diff=106430User:U357907332021-07-03T16:19:04Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{DISPLAYTITLE:Monika_in_action (Monika)}}<br />
{{Userbox/Favorite vehicle|jp_type_90}}<br />
{{Userbox/Windows}}<br />
{{Userbox/Forum|https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/profile/667222-monika_in_action/}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:jp_type_90|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #6d85c2<br />
|info = Type 90 ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:it_c1_ariete|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #c2be6d<br />
|info = Ariete ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:cn_m4a4_sherman_1st_ptg|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #ab2c2c<br />
|info = 安東星國軍戰鬥英雄<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:germ_leopard_c2_mexas|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #659c57<br />
|info = Bundeswehr ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:us_xm1_chrysler|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #976aab<br />
|info = US Army Master Chief<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:ussr_kv_1e|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #ba3f3f<br />
|info = Defender of Mother Russia<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:fr_leclerc_s2|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #dbdbdb<br />
|info = Récipiendaire de la Légion d'honneur<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:sw_strv_122|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #fff461<br />
|info = Northern Guardian<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
<br />
=== Welcome to Doki Doki War Thunder Club! ===<br />
A wonderful world of vehicle history and infinite choices awaits!<br />
Now’s your chance to discover why War Thunder is one of the most beloved MMO vehicle-shooting games of the decade.<br />
<br />
=== Who am I? ===<br />
I'm a proud part of Wiki Share Program, one of the Forum Community Helper team, and a conscientious moderator of an unofficial War Thunder player forum. As the President of Doki Doki Literature Club (from which my nickname come from), it's my duty to make every club member feel comfortable and allocate fun assignments. Currently I'm working on history of Chinese, US and Great Britain vehicles. Whether it's naval, aerial or ground, every vehicle in the game have a story to tell.</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Ph%C3%B2ng_kh%C3%B4ng_T-34&diff=106338Phòng không T-342021-06-29T08:54:00Z<p>U35790733: additional info</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
| about = Chinese SPAA '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
| other<br />
| usage-1 = the gift vehicle in the Russian tree<br />
| link-1 = Phòng không T-34 (USSR)<br />
| usage-2 = other vehicles using the T-34 chassis<br />
| link-2 = T-34 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=cn_type_65_aa<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should 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 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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (English: 37 mm anti air tank), or '''Phòng không T-34''' (English: Anti air T-34) for short, is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese SPAA {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].<br />
<br />
The vehicle is a North Vietnamese SPAAG created during the mid-1960's for the Vietnam war. It uses the hull of a Soviet [[T-34-85]] but features an original open-top box turret fitted with dual 37 mm [[Type 65 (37 mm)|Type 65]] cannons from the Chinese.<br />
<br />
It's likely that the NVA improvised this build during the Vietnam War, since North Vietnam invested heavily in anti-air weaponry to combat the US air support. However no NVA documentation on the vehicle is known and all known information comes from one unit captured by US-forces during the war. The name {{Specs|name}} was created for the game as the vehicle's real name is unknown. The name is based on the descriptive names of other NVA vehicles of the time.<br />
<br />
In-game it's easily recognized because of the box-shaped and open turret on a T-34-85 hull and lacking the single 85 mm main armament, it also has a higher profile than a regular T-34-85.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
'''Armour type:'''<br />
<br />
* Rolled homogeneous armour<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable"<br />
|-<br />
! Armour !! Front (Slope angle) !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof<br />
|-<br />
| Hull || 45 mm (60°) ''Upper glacis'' <br> 75 mm (21-61°) ''Driver's hatch'' <br> 45 mm (55°) ''Lower glacis'' || 45 mm (41°) ''Upper'' <br> 45 mm ''Lower'' || 45 mm (46°) ''Upper'' <br> 10 mm (48°) ''Lower'' || 20 mm<br />
|-<br />
| Turret || 15 mm (11-29°) || 15 mm (8-26°) || 15 mm (8-27°)<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
'''Notes:'''<br />
<br />
* Suspension wheels are 20 mm thick<br />
* Tracks are 20 mm thick<br />
<br />
The armour of Phòng không T-34 turret is an easy target to penetrate with it consisting of only 15 mm all-around armour it makes it easy to disable with most type of shells that it might face and machine guns are a danger for it too with the 12.7 mm calibre able to penetrate that thin armour even smaller machine guns can disable the turret. Mainly because the front of the turret got gaps for the gunner and commander where the bullets can easily find its way in and damage the crew. With is being an open-top SPAA makes it as many other open SPAA making it a tasty snack for aircraft machineguns and cannons. One of the drawbacks with the Phòng không T-34 is that 80% of its crew sits in the turret, 2 of them looking up from the turret making them extremely vulnerable to machinegun fire.<br />
<br />
The hull is better armoured like a T-34-85 and its strongest armour is the front hull armour, It's missing the hull-mounted machine gun that there is on the T-34-85 making it have an exposed hole on the front left hull when facing it, it's a trap shot location so it would be best to try angle the tank to remove the open machine gun port for easy access for enemy Shells.<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Mobility}}<br />
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' --><br />
<br />
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=710|rbMinHp=442}}<br />
<br />
The mobility of the Phòng không T-34 is good at its battle rating, easy to manoeuvre on- and off-road. It has similar mobility characteristics as the T-34-85 with an engine that produces 500 hp at 1800 RPM giving it a top speed of 55 km/h (34mph).<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Armaments}}<br />
=== Main armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Tank-Weapon|1}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|Type 65 (37 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The {{PAGENAME}} has a pair of decent 37 mm autocannons. The full AP belt is great at both anti-tank and anti-air roles. For AT duty, it is capable of penetrating almost all light tanks and SPAAs frontally, such as the [[M24|M24 Chaffee]], [[M41A1]], etc, most medium tanks from the side like the [[M4A1]]/[[M4A2|2]], [[Panther A]]/[[Panther D|D]], [[Comet I]], and some TDs from the side like the [[Panzer IV/70(V)]]. Upon penetration, the shells create quite a bit of shrapnel which makes wiping out crew very easy. It also works great against planes, especially when shooting those attacking you from head-on. The AP shell can easily go through the engine or armour plates and knock out the pilot. One shell is also enough to instantly snap off the wing spar, destroying the plane. Of course, the full HE belt is recommended for dedicated AA duty. Its large calibre plus the 34 g TNT makes the {{PAGENAME}} a lethal threat to almost all planes. Even if the shell hits an unimportant part (eg. wingtip), it can still blow off parts of the plane while the AP will over-penetrate without doing much damage.<br />
<br />
The HVAP belt can become handy when you are facing targets whose armour thickness is right between 71-102 mm, for example the Comet, the sides of the [[Tiger H1]], and the [[M4A3E2]]. However there are only 2 HVAP in a 5-shell clip thus careful aiming must be applied when firing the first and the fourth shell (they are the HVAP).<br />
<br />
Note, when shooting distant targets (tanks 300 m away, or planes around 750 m away) you want to slow down the fire, as the {{PAGENAME}} shakes violently in a continuous spray, therefore greatly reducing its accuracy. However the accuracy is very good when firing single shells and waiting for the guns to stabilise before the next shot.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | [[Type 65 (37 mm)|37 mm Type 65]] (x2) || colspan="5" | Turret rotation speed (°/s) || colspan="4" | Reloading rate (seconds)<br />
|-<br />
! Mode !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Stabilizer<br />
! Stock !! Upgraded !! Full !! Expert !! Aced<br />
! Stock !! Full !! Expert !! Aced<br />
|-<br />
! ''Arcade''<br />
| rowspan="2" | 390 (5) || rowspan="2" | 160 || rowspan="2" | -5°/+85° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | N/A || 52.8 || 73.1 || 88.8 || 98.2 || 104.5 || rowspan="2" | 1.30 || rowspan="2" | 1.15 || rowspan="2" | 1.06 || rowspan="2" | 1.00<br />
|-<br />
! ''Realistic''<br />
| 35.7 || 42.0 || 51.0 || 56.4 || 60.0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Ammunition ====<br />
<br />
* '''Default:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}<br />
* '''UO-167:''' {{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}<br />
* '''BR-167:''' {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}<br />
* '''BR-167P:''' {{Annotation|HVAP-T|High-velocity armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEFI-T*|High-explosive fragmentation incendiary tracer (self-destroying)}}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="7" | Penetration statistics<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt<br />
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''<br />
|-<br />
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m<br />
|-<br />
| Default || 71 || 68 || 57 || 46 || 37 || 30<br />
|-<br />
| UO-167 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3 || 3<br />
|-<br />
| BR-167 || 71 || 68 || 57 || 46 || 37 || 30<br />
|-<br />
| BR-167P || 102 || 95 || 80 || 59 || 35 || 28<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="10" | Belt details<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Belt<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead<br />
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)<br />
! colspan="3" | Ricochet<br />
|-<br />
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%<br />
|-<br />
| UO-167 || HEFI-T* || 866 || 0.74 || 0 || 0.1 || 34 || 79° || 80° || 81°<br />
|-<br />
| BR-167 || AP-T || 880 || 0.76 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 47° || 60° || 65°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====<br />
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]<br />
<!-- '''Last updated: 1.101.1.16''' --><br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! Full<br>ammo<br />
! 1st<br>rack empty<br />
! 2nd<br>rack empty<br />
! 3rd<br>rack empty<br />
! Visual<br>discrepancy<br />
|-<br />
| '''78''' || 66&nbsp;''(+12)'' || 54&nbsp;''(+24)'' || 2&nbsp;''(+76)'' || No<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
<!-- ==== [[Optics]] ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="3" | {{PAGENAME}} Optics<br />
|-<br />
!<br />
! Default magnification<br />
! Maximum magnification<br />
|-<br />
! Main Gun optics<br />
| X3.8 || X4.0<br />
|-<br />
! Comparable optics<br />
| colspan="2" | ???<br />
|-<br />
|} --><br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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 instead 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).'' --><br />
The Phòng không T-34 is an excellent self-propelled anti-air vehicle, but its slow dual 37 mm guns make it hard to hit fast low flying targets if you are not a good shot with SPAA. Its mobility and speed combined with the fast turret rotation make it a deadly opponent for the enemy if ambushed or flanked.<br />
<br />
The Phòng không T-34 is an excellent self-propelled anti-air vehicle, but also a great vehicle for ambushes on the enemy side and rear armour. Be aware that all the tanks and aircraft it will oppose are deadly opponents to it, the exposed crew makes it an easy target from both air and ground.<br />
<br />
One way to tactically use the Phòng không T-34 is to stay behind the main force and cover them from possible air threats or light flanking tanks. Its dual 37 mm will make quick work of the air and lighter tanks that you will face. Another way is when enemy players are distracted by your teams player you can use your speed and manoeuvrability to flank around and hit them from the side or rear with AP-T or HVAP-T rounds.They will deal with most side armour. Flanking might not work as well in Arcade Battle as in Realistic or Simulator Battle.<br />
<br />
Some players might find this tank hard to hit aerial targets, since the Phòng không T-34 's guns have rather slow fire rate and velocity. A good tactic is to find a place that is not too far away from the frontline (planes usually go for the crowded frontline) but also not too close to it (easier to get shot by tanks), so you can fully concentrate on planes and not worry about tanks. The place should have a hard cover that is wide and tall enough to hide from strafing aircraft. Then just wait til the enemy begins to spawn in planes. You want to hold fire and let them close in to around 1 km from you. If their target appears to be a teammate near you, then utilise your head-on techniques as this is a slanted head-on. Even if you did not hit you will still get their attention. Most ground pounders in ground RB will do loops / high yoyos a lot (dive at a target, pull up vertically, dive again). If you see a plane pulling up, climbing to its peak, aim carefully but hold fire. When it reaches the peak and begins to slowly fall down, spray shells at it, because that is when the plane has the slowest speed, making it an easier target. If you lured a plane into diving on you, aim slightly above it (usually aim near the cockpit) and fire continuously, there is a good chance of hitting and crippling it. Head-on is the most effective yet most risky way to get kills. Overall, for the Phòng không T-34, do not fire until the target is around 1 km or closer.<br />
<br />
'''Enemies worth noting:'''<br />
<br />
* [[Wirbelwind]]: This SPAA is equipped with four fast-firing 20 mm autocannons, allowing it to fire a dense barrage of shells in a matter of seconds. This means that the Wirbelwind can quickly knock out all 4 crew in the {{PAGENAME}}'s turret, making it defenseless. Plus the Wirbelwind has a more stable chassis that wobbles less in a brake, meaning that in a sudden encounter the Wirbelwind is more likely to stabilise its guns and fire first. Therefore, if you know a Wirbelwind is somewhere near, be very alert and try to spot it before it spots you. Aim at the turret to disable its gunner first. Note: your firing speed depends on the distance, as the {{PAGENAME}} shakes violently when firing. So if you are face to face with the enemy, fire continuously. If it is more than 200 m away, only fire in short bursts or even single shots to avoid missing due to the shake. Wait for the guns to stabilise before firing the next salvo.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''Summarise 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 - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Destructive damage upon hitting an aircraft<br />
* Fast turret rotation of more than 40°/sec allows it to deal with agile targets easily<br />
* Powerful engine/weight ratio gives it good manoeuvrability<br />
* Has a crew of 6, can replace unconscious ones multiple times which increases survivability.<br />
* Good gun elevation of 85°, crucial for an SPAA<br />
* Multiple belt types allows flexible gameplay: full HE belt for anti-air. Full AP belt can penetrate common tanks' side, eg. [[M4]], [[Panther A]]/[[Panther D|D]], [[Chi-Ri II|Chi-Ri]]. HVAP belt (mixed with HE) for side of heavy targets up close, like [[Tiger H1]]/[[Tiger E|E]], [[Ho-Ri Production|Ho-Ri]], [[Ferdinand]].<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Open turret exposes 4 crew directly to enemy fire. Very vulnerable to top attacks.<br />
* High profile makes it easier to be seen & hit<br />
* Below-average gun depression of -5° combined with the high mount makes it useless in hilly terrains<br />
* Guns are super unstable during continuous fire. Can only fire short bursts to maintain accuracy. The [[Wirbelwind]] and [[Ostwind II]] (also twin 37mm), in comparison, are way more stable.<br />
* Thin turret armour of 15mm is prone to be penetrated by heavy MG/shrapnel. SPAA like [[Wirbelwind]] and [[M16 MGMC|M16]] can easily disable all turret crew<br />
* Awkward to place bushes on upper front hull due to the obstruction of MG port and driver's optics<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle 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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
=== Historical problems ===<br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a bit of an enigma as no official known North Vietnamese documentation exists concerning its design or construction. Even today, almost half a century after the type first became known, little is known about it. What is known comes from a single unit captured by US-forces during the Vietnam war, which have miraculously survived the test of time. Thus it is important to first focus on what little is known about this unique T-34-based SPAAG, before going into theories.<br />
<br />
=== US capture and evaluation ===<br />
During the 1972 Spring-Summer Offensive of the Vietnam War, a single example of a SPAAG was captured by the 4th Infantry Regiment of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam on August 13th 1972. This vehicle was subsequently transferred to the United States military, who eventually shipped it to the Aberdeen Proving Ground for technical evaluation. After testing was concluded, the vehicle was put on display at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, where it stood until the early 2010s when it was transferred along with the rest of the collection to the Air Defence Artillery Museum in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.<br />
<br />
==== Construction ====<br />
Evaluation of this single example showed that it consisted of a T-34-85 chassis which was made at UTZ 183 (Uralsky Tankovij Zavod) in the USSR sometime between 1944 and 1947, featuring a number of modifications. The most important one concerned the removal of the turret, with a solid reinforced steel slab being bolted onto the turret aperture on top of which a twin AA gun was mounted. Other modifications included the removal of the hull-mounted 7.62 mm machine gun, and the removal of part of the engine top deck to allow the gun turret to freely rotate.<br />
<br />
The main weaponry of the vehicles consisted of a Chinese [[Type 65 (37 mm)|37 mm Type 65]] twin gun system, a Chinese-built variant of the Soviet [[61-K (37 mm)|37 mm M1939 (61-K)]]. NORINCO of China copied the original Soviet single design and produced it under the Chinese designation 37 mm Type 55 (most likely after the year it was first constructed). The Chinese would later update the design by developing a twin mount around the same gun, designated 37 mm Type 65. Such guns were supplied to the NVA by China to help them counter the US air supremacy during the war.<br />
<br />
As mounted on the tank, the Type 65 gun mount was surrounded by a box-like open-topped structure composed of 16-mm thick armour plates, large enough to house both the gun and a crew of five. Similar in concept to the US-built [[M42|M42 Duster]], the vehicle lacked any advanced aiming system or power-assisted gun traverse or elevation, making it less efficient in use against low-flying high-speed jets, but still deadly to slower attackers and helicopters.<br />
<br />
=== Name and creation ===<br />
The vehicle is commonly called the Type 63 or the Type 65, however the vehicle's real name is unknown. The origin of the names comes from the lack of any official documentation on the vehicle, which has lead to a lot of speculation regarding its creation and history.<br />
<br />
==== Outdated theories ====<br />
Since the vehicle was fitted with a Chinese-built AA gun, the US Military speculated that this vehicle was a Chinese-built dedicated SPAAG. As such, the vehicle commonly became known as the ''Type 63 SPAAG'', this name first appearing in the 1987 publication ''A Compendium of Armaments and Military Hardware'' by Christopher Chant, after the assumption that the ''Type 63'' was a variant of the ''Type 65'' specifically built for use on this SPAAG. However, more recently the vehicle has become known as the Type 65 - or Type 63/65 - after the NORINCO-built gun. However there exists no real indication that the Chinese had anything to do directly with the creation of this vehicle.<br />
<br />
==== Current theories ====<br />
With the lifting of the US embargo on North Vietnam in 1994, new information about the Vietnam War from (formerly North) Vietnamese sources finally became available, and visitors to the Vietnam People's Air Force Museum in Hanoi noticed a photograph on display which gives an entirely different turn to the "Type 65's" story. This singular photograph, with the texts ''three SPAAG's moving to the front'' in English, and "improvised 14,5 mm, 37 mm, 57 mm self propelled anti air gun tanks on their way to the front" in Vietnamese, shows three tank-mounted anti-aircraft guns, one mounted on a T-34-85, the two others on the chassis of an SU-76. The nature of their construction seems to indicate that they - and the captured "Type 65" - were in fact locally-built improvised vehicles, combining the hulls of discarded or damaged tanks with AA guns to increase the number of available anti-aircraft guns for use against US forces, the Hanoi-displayed picture showing a T-34-85 hull with a ''[[S-68 (57 mm)|57 mm S-60]] AA gun'' rather than the ''37 mm Type 65 AA gun'' used on the captured vehicle.<br />
<br />
As such, it can be concluded that the captured vehicle was in fact an improvised locally-built SPAAG (Some source claim that the vehicle is adapted by the North Vietnamese Q153 arsenal, currently Z153 arsenal), possibly an attempt at creating a cheap alternative to the more advanced [[ZSU-57-2|Soviet ZSU-57-2]], using the hulls of T-34-85s that had been delivered to North Vietnam in 1965.<br />
<br />
=== In-game name ===<br />
The ''{{Specs|name}}'' was originally implemented into War Thunder with the name ''Type 65'', due to the lack of historical NVA sources. This was later changed to the current names ''{{Specs|name}}'' (English: 37 mm anti air tank) and ''Phòng không T-34'' (English: Anti air T-34), a shortened name for the research tree. This Change was done as it seems the NVA lacked a proper indiginous designationsystem during the war and instead gave vehicles descriptive names, for example "anti air gun truck", etc. Such descriptive names can be found on a lot of name signs in Vietnamese war museums featuring vehicles and weaponry. However in some cases it seems the NVA also used the original designations of the equipment they recieved, such as the [[ZSU-23-4]] (although spelled 3CY-23 from the cyrillic name ''ЗСУ-23''). However since the vehicle in question most likely is an original creation by the NVA, this cannot be applied here. Thus the vehicle recieved its current name.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the vehicles;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''<br />
* ''other literature.''<br />
<br />
{{China anti-aircraft vehicles}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_Armada&diff=106307HMS Armada2021-06-28T12:38:17Z<p>U35790733: /* External links */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_destroyer_battle_2series<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the British fleet closed beta test.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
{{main|4.5 inch/45 QF Mark IV (114 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
{{main|QF Mark V (40 mm)|QF Mark VII (40 mm)|QF STAAG Mark II (40 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
{{main|Mk.IX (533 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --><br />
<br />
The Battle is a fast destroyer with decent durability and powerful forward-firing armament. Use these features to press against the enemy: keep your ship pointed straight and close the distance between you and your opponents while constantly firing back and keeping the pressure on. While the 4.5-inch guns can lack huge damage, the sustained rate of fire is insanely good, and they're very accurate. Don't show your broadside if you can help it, as it opens up to receive more potential damage and only allows you to bring a single other gun on target, which is not worth the risk. The Battle also has a good AA and auxiliary armament with its host of 40 mm guns, so don't be frightened of aircraft and patrol boats, as they won't pose a threat. <br />
<br />
The Battle is not invincible, and will take huge damage if you show your broadside to the enemy. The torpedoes are good, but the torpedo tubes are slow to traverse and have a poor firing arc. Do not turn your ship to launch torpedoes. It makes you an easier kill and isn't worth it. Only use the torpedoes when an enemy is already in front of them, or if you know you won't receive any counter-battery attacks.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* High rate of fire, with no slow down like other destroyers that have first-stage ammo<br />
* Decent survivability thanks to a large crew size and decent armour protection<br />
* All main calibre guns are located on the bow of the ship, meaning you don't necessarily have to expose the entire profile of the ship in order to maximize firepower<br />
* Fastest British bluewater ship in the game<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Ineffective against cruisers, even the SAP will struggle with some cruisers<br />
* The low number of main guns means that loss of even one turret significantly effects ability to fight other large ships<br />
* Poor firing arcs on torpedo tubes limit the use of torpedoes<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
The original concept of the “Battle” class is giving destroyers the ability to engage air targets with their main guns. Early war experiences such as the Norwegian campaign (April to June 1940) revealed that existing guns of destroyers did not have enough elevation for shooting airplanes and the need for an all-dual-purpose battery for destroyers or smaller ships in defending airstrikes. On 21 October 1940, the Director of Tactical and Staff Duties Division (DTSD), a directorate of the Admiralty Naval Staff of the Royal Navy responsible for the tactical use and crew training of naval weapons, stated that all future long-range guns for destroyers and smaller ships be dual-purpose<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks" />. However, at this time, the problem was that the largest destroyer gun had enough elevation was the 4in gun, which was considered not “man enough” for a destroyer<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks">Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates. Chapter 6. “Battle” Class. Pp 108. Pen and Sword.</ref>. Other dual-purpose batteries used on capital ships by then were too heavy for a destroyer.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, opinion on specifications was divided within Admiralty. The idea of 1942 destroyer was discussed at a 9 April 1941 Deputy Controller’s meeting. Director of Naval Construction (DNC) and Director of Naval Ordnance (DNO) both suggested the new ship to be a rearmed ‘Tribal’ by replacing one of the twins 4.7inch with a twin 4inch gun, while DTSD wanted to build more 4inch ‘L’ class, and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff-Home Waters (ACNS(H)) preferred the new ships with more light anti-air guns (the Hazemeyers Bofors) and most main guns facing forward. In the following month’s Controller meeting, DNC sketched a design with four 4.7inch or twin 4inch guns and four cornered light AA guns to meet requirements from different departments.<br />
<br />
Still, this was a rough design, and replenishment was added to the arrangement in the rest of 1941: a new mounting of twin 4.5inch with a new director was selected to replace 4.7inch and 4inch as primary weapons; all main armaments facing forward; a single 4inch was placed on the middle planform to fire starshell for night operations. Construction of ten ships began on April 1942, and the remaining six were ordered on 12 August 1942. During the construction of the first 16 ships (1942 “Battle”), extra modifications, including electronic power and provisions for Arctic operations, were added, causing the total displacement to increase to 2285 tons<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks2">Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates. Chapter 6. “Battle” Class. Pp 110. Pen and Sword.</ref>.<br />
<br />
HMS Armada is one of the 16 “Battle” class Group-1(1942), named for the English Victory over Spanish Armada in 1588. She was laid down on 29th December 1942 in Hawthorn Leslie, Newcastle, and launched on 9th December 1943. However, due to the delays of the MK.VI Director and fire control systems, Armada would not be commissioned until June 1945<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks3">Lt Cdr Geoffrey, B Mason. 2004. HMS Armada – Battle class Destroyer. (<nowiki>https://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-75Battle-HMS_Armada.htm</nowiki>)</ref>. By the time, she was the one of the five “Battle” class still equipped with the 4inch gun. As there was an increasing need for anti-air fire for actions in the Pacific, most “Battle” class replace the single 4inch gun with two Bofors<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks4">Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates. Chapter 6. “Battle” Class. Pp 112. Pen and Sword.</ref>. <br />
<br />
Armada was nominated to 19th Destroyer Flotilla in British Pacific Fleet in June 1945. However, it would take months to conduct Acceptance trials, equipment trials, and crew training, and when Armada joined the Pacific fleet in Hong Kong, December 1945, the war was already over.<br />
<br />
In the next ten months, HMS Armada stayed in the Far East with the 19th Destroyer Flotilla to provide escorts for British flagged ships in China and Indo-China waters. In addition, the Flotilla visited several ports in Japan and Australia. In October, Armada was ordered for return to the UK and sent to the Reserve fleet. After three years in reserve, Armada was recalled for service with the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla in 1949. With the Flotilla, she would conduct fleet exercises, patrols, and port visits around Mediterranean coasts until April 1953, when she was sent to refit. In January 1956, Armada returned to duty with the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla and took part in Operation MUSKETEER against Egypt. After the United Nations intervention, Armada returned to the UK with the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla. Armada was assigned the flotilla leader in the next four years, participating in fleet exercises, visiting missions, and NATO exercises with Home Fleet. In 1960, Armada was reduced to the Reserve Fleet and was sold for breaking at the end of 1965<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks3" />. <br />
<br />
[[wt:en/news/5835-fleet-development-hms-armada-d14-keeping-the-birds-at-bay-en|'''Devblog''']]<br />
<br />
Realizing the heavy losses to air attacks and the inability of the then current destroyer designs to deal with aerial threats, the Royal Navy decided to act. In 1941, the first plans for what would become the replacement for the Tribal-class were drawn up.<br />
<br />
Contrary to previous classes, the new destroyers would focus on powerful AA armament, featuring large calibre, high-angle dual purpose guns assisted by a number of smaller calibre AA cannons. The proposed design was accepted in autumn of 1941 under the name "Battle-class" with initial plans to build a total of 16 ships, forming two flotillas. The first order for 10 ships was issued in April 1942, with the second order for the remaining six ships following in August.<br />
<br />
Despite the orders already being placed, further debate among high-ranking officials about the final design of the ship continued. As the initial ships were already under construction, changes to the existing design couldn't be applied anymore. This led to several more subclasses being developed, but that's a story for another time.<br />
<br />
Although the first ships were launched by November 1943, delays in their completion were caused by late deliveries of critical fire control systems. In the end, only a handful of ships were completed by the end of WW2 and none of them saw any combat action. However, most of the ships of the Battle-class continued to serve well into the Cold War.<br />
<br />
HMS Armada was one of these early ships of the class to be completed, but due to similar reasons, was only commissioned into service in July 1945. After several port visits throughout the UK, she was placed in reserve in 1947 only to rejoin active service in 1949 as part of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, operating in the Mediterranean.<br />
<br />
During the mid 1950s, HMS Armada was involved in the Suez Crisis, but rejoined the Home Fleet shortly after. In 1960, HMS Armada was decommissioned and five years later, in 1965, taken apart for scrap.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/5835-fleet-development-hms-armada-d14-keeping-the-birds-at-bay-en|[Devblog] HMS Armada (D14): Keeping The Birds at Bay]]<br />
<br />
{{Britain destroyers}}<br />
<br />
=== Reference ===<br />
<references /></div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_Armada&diff=106306HMS Armada2021-06-28T12:37:44Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_destroyer_battle_2series<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British destroyer {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the British fleet closed beta test.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
{{main|4.5 inch/45 QF Mark IV (114 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
{{main|QF Mark V (40 mm)|QF Mark VII (40 mm)|QF STAAG Mark II (40 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
{{main|Mk.IX (533 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --><br />
<br />
The Battle is a fast destroyer with decent durability and powerful forward-firing armament. Use these features to press against the enemy: keep your ship pointed straight and close the distance between you and your opponents while constantly firing back and keeping the pressure on. While the 4.5-inch guns can lack huge damage, the sustained rate of fire is insanely good, and they're very accurate. Don't show your broadside if you can help it, as it opens up to receive more potential damage and only allows you to bring a single other gun on target, which is not worth the risk. The Battle also has a good AA and auxiliary armament with its host of 40 mm guns, so don't be frightened of aircraft and patrol boats, as they won't pose a threat. <br />
<br />
The Battle is not invincible, and will take huge damage if you show your broadside to the enemy. The torpedoes are good, but the torpedo tubes are slow to traverse and have a poor firing arc. Do not turn your ship to launch torpedoes. It makes you an easier kill and isn't worth it. Only use the torpedoes when an enemy is already in front of them, or if you know you won't receive any counter-battery attacks.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* High rate of fire, with no slow down like other destroyers that have first-stage ammo<br />
* Decent survivability thanks to a large crew size and decent armour protection<br />
* All main calibre guns are located on the bow of the ship, meaning you don't necessarily have to expose the entire profile of the ship in order to maximize firepower<br />
* Fastest British bluewater ship in the game<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Ineffective against cruisers, even the SAP will struggle with some cruisers<br />
* The low number of main guns means that loss of even one turret significantly effects ability to fight other large ships<br />
* Poor firing arcs on torpedo tubes limit the use of torpedoes<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
The original concept of the “Battle” class is giving destroyers the ability to engage air targets with their main guns. Early war experiences such as the Norwegian campaign (April to June 1940) revealed that existing guns of destroyers did not have enough elevation for shooting airplanes and the need for an all-dual-purpose battery for destroyers or smaller ships in defending airstrikes. On 21 October 1940, the Director of Tactical and Staff Duties Division (DTSD), a directorate of the Admiralty Naval Staff of the Royal Navy responsible for the tactical use and crew training of naval weapons, stated that all future long-range guns for destroyers and smaller ships be dual-purpose<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks" />. However, at this time, the problem was that the largest destroyer gun had enough elevation was the 4in gun, which was considered not “man enough” for a destroyer<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks">Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates. Chapter 6. “Battle” Class. Pp 108. Pen and Sword.</ref>. Other dual-purpose batteries used on capital ships by then were too heavy for a destroyer.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, opinion on specifications was divided within Admiralty. The idea of 1942 destroyer was discussed at a 9 April 1941 Deputy Controller’s meeting. Director of Naval Construction (DNC) and Director of Naval Ordnance (DNO) both suggested the new ship to be a rearmed ‘Tribal’ by replacing one of the twins 4.7inch with a twin 4inch gun, while DTSD wanted to build more 4inch ‘L’ class, and Assistant Chief of the Naval Staff-Home Waters (ACNS(H)) preferred the new ships with more light anti-air guns (the Hazemeyers Bofors) and most main guns facing forward. In the following month’s Controller meeting, DNC sketched a design with four 4.7inch or twin 4inch guns and four cornered light AA guns to meet requirements from different departments.<br />
<br />
Still, this was a rough design, and replenishment was added to the arrangement in the rest of 1941: a new mounting of twin 4.5inch with a new director was selected to replace 4.7inch and 4inch as primary weapons; all main armaments facing forward; a single 4inch was placed on the middle planform to fire starshell for night operations. Construction of ten ships began on April 1942, and the remaining six were ordered on 12 August 1942. During the construction of the first 16 ships (1942 “Battle”), extra modifications, including electronic power and provisions for Arctic operations, were added, causing the total displacement to increase to 2285 tons<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks2">Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates. Chapter 6. “Battle” Class. Pp 110. Pen and Sword.</ref>.<br />
<br />
HMS Armada is one of the 16 “Battle” class Group-1(1942), named for the English Victory over Spanish Armada in 1588. She was laid down on 29th December 1942 in Hawthorn Leslie, Newcastle, and launched on 9th December 1943. However, due to the delays of the MK.VI Director and fire control systems, Armada would not be commissioned until June 1945<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks3">Lt Cdr Geoffrey, B Mason. 2004. HMS Armada – Battle class Destroyer. (<nowiki>https://www.naval-history.net/xGM-Chrono-10DD-75Battle-HMS_Armada.htm</nowiki>)</ref>. By the time, she was the one of the five “Battle” class still equipped with the 4inch gun. As there was an increasing need for anti-air fire for actions in the Pacific, most “Battle” class replace the single 4inch gun with two Bofors<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks4">Friedman, Norman. British Destroyers & Frigates. Chapter 6. “Battle” Class. Pp 112. Pen and Sword.</ref>. <br />
<br />
Armada was nominated to 19th Destroyer Flotilla in British Pacific Fleet in June 1945. However, it would take months to conduct Acceptance trials, equipment trials, and crew training, and when Armada joined the Pacific fleet in Hong Kong, December 1945, the war was already over.<br />
<br />
In the next ten months, HMS Armada stayed in the Far East with the 19th Destroyer Flotilla to provide escorts for British flagged ships in China and Indo-China waters. In addition, the Flotilla visited several ports in Japan and Australia. In October, Armada was ordered for return to the UK and sent to the Reserve fleet. After three years in reserve, Armada was recalled for service with the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla in 1949. With the Flotilla, she would conduct fleet exercises, patrols, and port visits around Mediterranean coasts until April 1953, when she was sent to refit. In January 1956, Armada returned to duty with the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla and took part in Operation MUSKETEER against Egypt. After the United Nations intervention, Armada returned to the UK with the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla. Armada was assigned the flotilla leader in the next four years, participating in fleet exercises, visiting missions, and NATO exercises with Home Fleet. In 1960, Armada was reduced to the Reserve Fleet and was sold for breaking at the end of 1965<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_Trucks3" />. <br />
<br />
[[wt:en/news/5835-fleet-development-hms-armada-d14-keeping-the-birds-at-bay-en|'''Devblog''']]<br />
<br />
Realizing the heavy losses to air attacks and the inability of the then current destroyer designs to deal with aerial threats, the Royal Navy decided to act. In 1941, the first plans for what would become the replacement for the Tribal-class were drawn up.<br />
<br />
Contrary to previous classes, the new destroyers would focus on powerful AA armament, featuring large calibre, high-angle dual purpose guns assisted by a number of smaller calibre AA cannons. The proposed design was accepted in autumn of 1941 under the name "Battle-class" with initial plans to build a total of 16 ships, forming two flotillas. The first order for 10 ships was issued in April 1942, with the second order for the remaining six ships following in August.<br />
<br />
Despite the orders already being placed, further debate among high-ranking officials about the final design of the ship continued. As the initial ships were already under construction, changes to the existing design couldn't be applied anymore. This led to several more subclasses being developed, but that's a story for another time.<br />
<br />
Although the first ships were launched by November 1943, delays in their completion were caused by late deliveries of critical fire control systems. In the end, only a handful of ships were completed by the end of WW2 and none of them saw any combat action. However, most of the ships of the Battle-class continued to serve well into the Cold War.<br />
<br />
HMS Armada was one of these early ships of the class to be completed, but due to similar reasons, was only commissioned into service in July 1945. After several port visits throughout the UK, she was placed in reserve in 1947 only to rejoin active service in 1949 as part of the 3rd Destroyer Flotilla, operating in the Mediterranean.<br />
<br />
During the mid 1950s, HMS Armada was involved in the Suez Crisis, but rejoined the Home Fleet shortly after. In 1960, HMS Armada was decommissioned and five years later, in 1965, taken apart for scrap.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
=== Reference ===<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/5835-fleet-development-hms-armada-d14-keeping-the-birds-at-bay-en|[Devblog] HMS Armada (D14): Keeping The Birds at Bay]]<br />
<br />
{{Britain destroyers}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=User:U35790733&diff=106261User:U357907332021-06-27T05:41:19Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{DISPLAYTITLE:Monika_in_action (Monika)}}<br />
{{Userbox/Windows}}<br />
{{Userbox/Favorite vehicle|jp_type_90}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:jp_type_90|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #6d85c2<br />
|info = Type 90 ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:it_c1_ariete|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #c2be6d<br />
|info = Ariete ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:cn_m4a4_sherman_1st_ptg|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #ab2c2c<br />
|info = 安東星國軍戰鬥英雄<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
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|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:germ_leopard_c2_mexas|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #659c57<br />
|info = Bundeswehr ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:us_xm1_chrysler|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #976aab<br />
|info = US Army Master Chief<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:ussr_kv_1e|icon}}<br />
|id-background = <br />
#cc1616<br />
<br />
|info = Defender of Mother Russia<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
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|id = {{#unit:fr_leclerc_s2|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #dbdbdb<br />
|info = Récipiendaire de la Légion d'honneur<br />
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|id-background = #fff461<br />
|info = Northern Guardian<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
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|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Welcome to my personal page! '''<br />
=== Who am I? ===<br />
I'm a proud part of Wiki Share Program, a conscientious moderator of an unofficial War Thunder player forum. As the President of Doki Doki Literature Club (from which my nickname come from), it's my duty to make every club member feel comfortable and allocate fun assignments. Currently I'm working on history of Chinese, US and Great Britain vehicles. Whether it's naval, aerial or ground, every vehicle in the game have a story to tell.</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=User:U35790733&diff=106260User:U357907332021-06-27T04:19:17Z<p>U35790733: /* Who I am? */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{DISPLAYTITLE:Monika_in_action (Monika)}}<br />
{{Userbox/Windows}}<br />
{{Userbox/Favorite vehicle|jp_type_90}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:jp_type_90|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #6d85c2<br />
|info = Type 90 ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:it_c1_ariete|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #c2be6d<br />
|info = Ariete Ace Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:germ_leopard_c2_mexas|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #659c57<br />
|info = Bundeswehr Ace Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Welcome to my personal page! '''<br />
=== Who am I? ===<br />
I'm a proud part of Wiki Share Program, a conscientious moderator of an unofficial War Thunder player forum. As the President of Doki Doki Literature Club (from which my nickname come from), it's my duty to make every club member feel comfortable and allocate fun assignments. Currently I'm working on history of Chinese, US and Great Britain vehicles. Whether it's naval, aerial or ground, every vehicle in the game have a story to tell.</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=User:U35790733&diff=106254User:U357907332021-06-26T18:24:19Z<p>U35790733: </p>
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<div>{{DISPLAYTITLE:Monika_in_action (Monika)}}<br />
{{Userbox/Windows}}<br />
{{Userbox/Favorite vehicle|jp_type_90}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:jp_type_90|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #6d85c2<br />
|info = Type 90 ACE Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:it_c1_ariete|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #c2be6d<br />
|info = Ariete Ace Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
{{Userbox<br />
|id = {{#unit:germ_leopard_c2_mexas|icon}}<br />
|id-background = #659c57<br />
|info = Bundeswehr Ace Commander<br />
|info-background = #ffffff<br />
|info-color= black<br />
|info-font-size = 10<br />
|class = userbox-img-scale<br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Welcome to my personal page! '''<br />
=== Who I am? ===<br />
I'm a proud part of Wiki Share Program, a conscientious moderator of an unofficial War Thunder player forum. As the President of Doki Doki Literature Club (from which my nickname come from), it's my duty to make every club member feel comfortable and allocate fun assignments. Currently I'm working on history of Chinese, US and Great Britain vehicles. Whether it's naval, aerial or ground, every vehicle in the game have a story to tell.</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F8U-2&diff=106206F8U-22021-06-25T15:52:29Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
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<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f8u-2<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
<br />
The F8U-2 is a single engine supersonic carrier-based jet fighter, its powerplant is the Pratt & Whitney J57-P-16 engine that can produce 8,000 kgf of thrust. The Crusader is able to reach 1 Mach in level flight at sea level and 1.95 Mach at 10,600 m, that puts it on par with many jet fighters like the MiG-19 or the Su-7B, but it is also slower than any F-104 and MiG-21 at low altitude.<br />
The structural speed limit is very high: 1,555 km/h IAS, reaching that speed even when the plane is diving is not that easy, so the player does not have to worry about overspeeding. Its thrust to weight ratio while not being close to 1.0 still is good enough to make the plane very good in any longer fight and makes the level acceleration very good.<br />
The F8U-2 is also decent at climbing, at sea level with full fuel tanks it can reach up to 130 m/s, however other jets like the MiG-19, MiG-21, or Su-7 are better at climbing. With the afterburner on and full fuel tanks it can fly for about 12 minutes at low altitude, flying at higher altitude (5,000 m) increases it to about 16 minutes.<br />
<br />
Compared to many other supersonic jet fighters, the Crusader is very good at dogfighting. Although it has quite low G limits (+10G with full fuel tanks) it is capable in both shorter and longer fights because of instantaneous turn rate which can be improved by using slats with the speed limit that is 1,070 km/h IAS (slats which are not automatic are being extended by switching flaps to the combat position, also the flaps itself are being extended after switching them to the landing position) and sustained turn rate, the plane is capable of performing a full horizontal circle at sea level in 22 seconds with 30 minutes of fuel.<br />
The best sustained turn rate can be achieved by flying at ~650 km/h IAS where it reaches 16.2 deg/s, that makes it better at longer turning than many jet fighters, for example any MiG-21, Mirage, F-4 Phantom or F3H, however it will struggle below 300 km/h against anything because of high wing loading. Due to low G limits the plane is very easy to break in RB with the Mouse Aim controls, in SB it also the case, especially after switching to the damping stability augmentation system (SAS) mode, which overrides high speed locking of the elevator.<br />
The roll rate performance is above the average compared to other jet fighters, it is ~135 deg/s at 600 km/h IAS and increases further to ~210 deg/s at 1,000 km/h IAS. The airbrake in this plane is located under the fuselage, that means it is not possible to extend it and the landing gear at the same time.<br />
The most interesting feature about this plane is its variable-incidence wing design which can be pivoted by 7° out of the fuselage during the take-off or landing to make them easier, this functionality can be enabled by lowering flaps to the landing position and the minimum speed is 580 km/h IAS.<br />
<br />
With full-real controls the F8U-2 has access to two SAS modes, manual and damping. With the manual mode it is quite challenging to fly, it is very easy to pull too much G or stall it out at lower speed. After switching to the damping mode it gets much more stable, but gets less responsive in roll axis, also makes the plane not lock up at any speed.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 10,668 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 2,025 || 2,017 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.4 || 29.4 || 113.8 || 104.6 || rowspan="2" | 1,828<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 2,054 || 2,038 || 27.6 || 28.0 ||162.5 || 137.0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Static G|Full fuel tanks without any additional weapons}} <br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> 1555 || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 1070 || N/A || 583 || ~10 || ~6<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 1000 || < 590 || < 500 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney J57-P-16 || 1<br />
| colspan="3" | 8,339 kg || colspan="3" | 341 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 48m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 1,592 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 9,531 kg || 9,916 kg || 10,708 kg || 11,925 kg || 12,279 kg || 12,760 kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 14m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 49m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 4,562 kgf || 8,003 kgf<br />
| 0.84 || 0.81 || 0.75 || 0.67 || 0.65 || 0.63<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 4,804 kgf<br />(1,000 km/h) || 8,921 kgf<br />(1,200 km/h)<br />
| 0.94 || 0.90 || 0.83 || 0.75 || 0.73 || 0.70<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
The only protection that this plane offers is a 25 mm bulletproof glass in front of the cockpit.<br />
Fuel tanks are located in the center part of the plane: in the fuselage and wings, getting hit there will most likely set the plane on fire.<br />
Flaps in this plane work also as ailerons, so losing them by overspeeding or being hit will make the plane unable to roll.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 (20 mm)|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* A choice between two presets:<br />
** 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total)<br />
** 4 x 20 mm Browning-Colt Mk12 Mod 3 cannons, nose-mounted (144 rpg = 576 total) + 32 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9D Sidewinder|Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 4 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 4 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
* 8 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9D Sidewinder missiles + 4 x Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP rockets<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
<br />
The F8U-2 performs the best when using tactics similar to the Hunter, which involves using your high-speed pointing and handling to break the enemy formation. However, be sure not to engage in a close combat when your speed is 900 km/h or above, since there is a great risk that your wing would break due to the overload.<br />
<br />
The most dangerous enemies include:<br />
<br />
* Any soviet aircraft that has an R-60: since it would be impossible to dodge the missile at high speed.<br />
* MiG-17s: they can outmanoeuvre you in dogfights.<br />
<br />
'''SB EC'''<br />
<br />
The F8U-2 is a great dogfighter, it can deal with almost any fighter in EC7 bracket, its main strengths are very good sustained turn rate, radar with an identification friend or foe feature and quite good missiles: the AIM-9D.<br />
Before spawning in it is the best to select 30 or 45 minutes of fuel, its consumption is very high in combat and it is very easy to run out of it after fighting multiple enemies.<br />
Due to the presence of radar guided missiles and the lack of any countermeasures or systems like the RWR it is recommended to not fly too high, flying even at very lot altitude will work because of the excellent turning capabilities of the Crusader.<br />
<br />
Compared to the other jet fighters with similar battle rating it has similar low altitude level speed, but planes like the MiG-21, Mirage, J35, Lightning F.6 or F-104 will easily be able to outclimb or outrun it. <br />
However all of them can easily be outturned, any delta wing jet will struggle in sustained turning, even the MiG-21bis with a very high thrust to weight ratio. Since the F8U-2 has quite high wing loading and the fact it is very easy to break wings going for scissors should be avoided, flying at low speed (below 400 km/h) also will end up badly.<br />
The best sustained turn rate can be achieved by flying with the speed range: 550 - 740 km/h, its turn rate will be ~16°/s without missiles and 30 min of fuel and 15 deg/s with missiles and the same fuel amount. The most dangerous delta wing plane, the MiG-21bis is worse by 1-2°/s and the other MiGs like the MF and earlier by 3-4°/s. <br />
Other planes like the Mirage or J35 are similar to the MiG-21MF, so outturning them should not be a problem, however the Mirage is equipped with the R.550 missile which can be launched from quite high angles and can pull up to 30G, so it is the best to not allow it to get anywhere near the rear of the F8U, the later MiG-21 versions can also carry a similar missile, the R-60M, which is very dangerous at close range within 2,000 m.<br />
<br />
The most dangerous foes that this plane can meet are the MiG-19 and J32B, both are better at dogfighting and as fast as the Crusader at low altitude, engaging them without the speed and altitude advantage is not recommended, although since they carry very early missiles, the R-3S and AIM-9B, it is possible to just run away from them and easily dodge their missiles, but that will work only above 2,000 m.<br />
Both these fighters are better at sustained turning by at least 20%, their wing loading is also lower, so forcing them to one circle fight/scissors might be risky.<br />
The last plane worth mentioning is the Su-17M2, its sustained turn rate is also superior to the F8U, but since its wing loading and stall speed are so much higher it can be forced to low speed or one circle fight, it also does not have any radar except for the rangefinding one for its gun. All weapons used by that plane are very similar to the MiG-21Bis, so running away will not end well, it is also one of the fastest planes.<br />
<br />
===Radars===<br />
<!--{{main|AN/APS-19}}--><br />
The F8U-2 is equipped with an AN/APQ-50 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in the nose of the aircraft.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Detection Radar<br />
|-<br />
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br/>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br/>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}<br />
|-<br />
| 370,000 m<br />(theoretical) || 40,000 m || ±50.0° || -8.15°/+4.15°<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | AN/APQ-50 - Target Tracking Radar<br />
|-<br />
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}<br />
|-<br />
| 92,500 m || 200 m || ±58.0° || ±58.0°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Cannons could fire separately to save ammo<br />
* Cannons can deal serious damage, with 4 guns even a short burst is enough to destroy an enemy aircraft.<br />
* Four AIM-9Ds, good when engaging enemies at about 3 km<br />
* Excellent flight performance<br />
* Superb acceleration, even compared to top tier jets<br />
* Very stable, even at high speed<br />
* Very good sustained turn rate<br />
* Landing flaps provide a lot of lift thanks to the variable wing design<br />
* Extendable rocket pod which fires 16 Mighty Mouses at once<br />
* Good radar with an identification friend or foe feature<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Fragile wings, can easily rip at high speeds and hard turns.<br />
* Very likely to set on fire because of the fuel tank placement<br />
* Lacks RWR<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
=== The "Crusader" ===<br />
In the early 1950s, the U.S Air Force and U.S Navy both realized that with the arrival of the age of supersonic, they both needed to develop new fighters to meet the new challenges in the mid and late 1950s. As for the U.S Air Force, their answer was the North American Aviation Saber-45 program, this program would be later developed into the famous F-100 Super Saber fighter that entered into service in 1954. But by contrast with the U.S Air Force, the birth of the first supersonic fighter of the US Navy was much more complicated. <br />
<br />
In July 1952, Chance Vought Leadership learned that there would be a competition for a simple, lightweight, low-cost day fighter with a maximum speed of Mach 1.0 (670mph). During the first week of September, 1952, Chance Vought ’s general manager Detweiler met Captain Russel in the chief of naval operations section and discussed the day fighter specifications. As for the result, Detweiler said that he preferred the twin-engine design and the BuAer was prepared to go ahead with a light weight refinement of the Westinghouse J46 engine.<br />
<br />
In 16<sup>th</sup> September 1952, the BuAer invited CVA to submit proposals for a new Navy day fighter with special emphasis placed on simplicity, small size,low cost,and a maximum speed of Mach 1. This request for proposals was based on the Outline Specification 130 (OS-130) which was often been regraded as the true beginning of Chance Vought F8U fighter. In general, the Navy wanted a fighter that can maintain air superiority in daylight fair weather, both over friendly task force and over hostile areas. The OS-130 specified a maximum speed at 35000 feet in level flight at combat weight of at least Mach 1, the combat radius was to be not less than 300 nautical miles, an altitude of 52000 feet was the specified combat ceiling at maximum power with a combat load (fuel and weapons). <br />
[[File:F8U-1 of VM-235 "Death Angels" squadron.jpg|left|thumb|353x353px|Vought F8U-1 "Crusader" of VMF-235 Squadron 'Death Angels', MCAS Beaufort, S.C.]]<br />
At the beginning stage, Chance Vought ’s engineers prefer the twin-engine design, but a single-engine proposal was also put forward as a backup choice , and the power plant that was chosen was the Wright J65 engine, a license-produced version of the British Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire engine, but on 31st October 1952, a letter wrote by Paul Baker to Detweiler suggested that the one single J65 engine design couldn't meet the required specification of the OS-130 program, and he recommended the newly developing Pratt Whitney J57 engine for replacement, also a variable incidence swept wing with a tail configuration was suggested by Paul Baker. In December 1952, twelve basic configurations was study by Chance Vought ’s engineers including six configurations with a variable incidence feature on the wings and six configurations without a variable incidence feature on the wings<br />
<br />
But on 18<sup>th</sup> November 1952, the BuAer changed some required specifications of the OS-130 Day fighter program including the maximum speed was increased from Mach 1 to Mach 1.2 at an altitude of 35000 feet with thrust augmentation, and the Pratt Whitney J57-P-7 engine was chosen to be the only engine that could deliver an airplane to meet or exceed all requirements, the estimated landing speed was 145 to 160 knots depending on the wing area of the design. Also on 29<sup>th</sup> December 1952, amendment 3 released by the BuAer to the OS-130 program restricted catapulting and arresting accelerations to 5.5G. With the incorporation pf this changes and wind tunnel test results, Chance Vought finally had a configuration for their day fighter proposal, the V-380, and the first engineering report of V-380 Navy day fighter was published to the BuAer on 5<sup>th</sup> September 1953.<br />
<br />
To meet the new specification, Chance Vought proposed two aircraft: one maximum performance with the J57 engine and one minimum performance with the J65 engine, both with afterburners, these two proposals were divided from the original V-380 program and were called V-383 and V-384 program. At this stage, the basic weapon configuration for these two program were sixty 2-inch rockets and three T-160 20 mm cannon, they both had the same variable-incidence wing design. On 19<sup>th</sup> May 1953, the V-383 proposal had been selected by BuAer and a contract was rewarded by Chance Vought for the test of the XF8U-1 airplane which was the official name of V-383 proposal.<br />
<br />
The first XF8U-1 prototype was delivered to the structures test lab at 7:42 am on 19<sup>th</sup> February 1955, and during the first flight mission on 25<sup>th</sup> March 1955, the X8U-1 prototype with J57-P-11 engine successfully achieved the object of flight speed of Mach 1.1, which was six days ahead of contract schedule and only 22 months from the contract between the U.S Navy and Chance Vought. After some technical changes of the XF8U-1 prototype, the first production model of F8U-1 fighter began to roll off the Dallas assembly line and successfully complete its first flight mission in 30<sup>th</sup> September 1955 which was only six months after the first flight of the XF8U-1 prototype. <br />
<br />
The first 30 F8U-1 fighters were equipped with a J57-P-12 engine while the later version was equipped with a new J57-P-4 engine which could produce 16000 lbs thrust in afterburner mode, also later the first 30 F8U-1 fighters were retrofitted with new J57-P-4 engines. The maximum level flight speed of the F8U-1 fighter was nearly Mach 1.5, the basic weapon configuration of F8U-1 fighter was four Colt MK.12 20mm cannon with 576 rounds in total and a retractable rocket launcher under the fuselage with Twenty-four 2.75 inch Mighty Mouse rockets in total. Apart from that, since the new AIM-9B Sidewinder infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile was entered into service in 1956, Chance Vought also introduced this new-generation weapon into F8U-1 fighter which latter could carry two sidewinder missiles in total. <br />
<br />
The F8U-1 fighter was equipped with MK16 Mod 12 Aircraft Fire Control System including a AN/APG-56 ranging radar (a modified AN/APG-30A ranging radar), this was behind the F-100 Super Saber fighter of USAF in the same period because the U.S Navy didn’t purchase the A-1 or A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating gunsight like the USAF, also the only role for the F8U-1 fighter was air superiority mission. The ranging radar system could lock on any target within range and furnish target information to the fire-control system for gun firing, also the fire control system may be used in conjunction with sidewinder missile launching. In this case, the missile release indicator displays optimum missile launching point.<br />
<br />
In September 1955, the U.S Navy decided that all its carrier aircraft needed to be equipped for aerial refueling, since the internal space of F8U-1 fighter was already tight with the incorporation of all necessary equipment into the smallest airframe possible for the day fighter competition, Chance Vought decided to install a retractable air-refueling probe, and the 16<sup>th</sup> F8U-1 fighter was modified and took place in test program from December 1956 to the end of March 1957. After all test program was finished, since the 50<sup>th</sup> (another source claim the 66<sup>th</sup> ) production aircraft the In-flight refuel (IFR) ability was added into F8U-1 fighter, and the earlier F8U-1 fighters were retrofitted with refueling probes too. Apart from that, Chance Vought also tested the Boundary Layer Control System (BLC, the first test of BLC system was conducted in the 100<sup>th</sup> production F9F-4 fighter and was first introduced in F-104A Starfighter) in the sixth F8U-1 fighter, and the Boundary Layer Control System was finally introduced into the French Navy F-8E(FN) and American F-8J Crusader fighter (a modernization version of F-8E) in the 1960s.<br />
<br />
After the carrier qualifications aboard USS Forrestal in April 1956, the F8U-1 fighters began to come off the assembly line at the rate of eight per month, and VF-32 squadron at NAS Cecil Field became the first combat unit to receive the new F8U-1 fighter in March 1957. It was named Crusader in August 1955 by Detweiler, which was a name that will became a truly nightmare for all MiG pilots. On 21<sup>st</sup> August 1956, Windsor successfully flew the 15<sup>th</sup> production F8U-1 Crusader fighter to set up a new speed record of 1015 mph which was previously hold by USAF ’s F-100C Super Saber fighter of 822 mph under the name of Project One Grand, also this achievement helped him and Crusader fighter earned the highly prized Thompson trophy. The final F8U-1 fighter came off the production line in 1961 and its name was changed to F-8A in 1962. The total amount of F8U-1 Crusader fighters came off the production line was 317.<br />
<br />
The second production version of Crusader fighter which entered into U.S Navy service was F8U-1E. The most important change for the F8U-1E compare to the original F8U-1 was the new AN/AWG-3 Fire Control system including AN/APS-67 Search and Range-tracking Radar and a computer group to provide a limited all-weather capability for Crusader fighter, the computer group used the target range and range rate information from the AN/APS-67 Radar to generate lead angle which is presented to the pilot as gunsight pipper displacement. The prototype of F8U-1E fighter first flew in 3<sup>rd</sup> September 1958 and 130 F8U-1E fighters were produced in total. It was renamed F-8B in 1962.<br />
<br />
In 1960s, the F-8B became the first version of Crusader fighter family to integrated the new AIM-9D sidewinder missile which was introduced into service in 1966. (F-8A didn’t have provision for the AIM-9D sidewinder missile) The cooling nitrogen was added in the launcher to permit the use of AIM-9D sidewinder missile on F-8B Crusader fighter.<br />
<br />
On 29<sup>th</sup> April 1954, a recommendation of BuAer extended the current 5 basic configuration F8U-1 fighter to 75 with an additional 34 being produced out of FY 1956, and a F8U-2 designation would be given to the new version with several new equipment such as sidewinder missile and in-flight refuel probe etc. Though it was scheduled that 59 F8U-2 would be built from the remaining FY 1956 budget, this decision was be abandoned by BuAer in October 1955.<br />
[[File:F-8C Crusader of VF-111 at NAS North Island 1968.jpg|thumb|331x331px|A U.S. Navy Vought F-8C ''Crusader'' (BuNo 146991) of Fighter Squadron VF-111 "Sundowners" at Naval Air Station North Island, California, USA.]]<br />
In the summer of 1957, the new F8U-2 fighter project was reborn. The most important change for the new F8U-2 fighter was the Pratt Whitney J57-P-16 engine which replaced the J57-P-4 engine used by F8U-1 and F8U-1E fighter, and the former could produce 16900 pound thrust in afterburner mode compare to the latter’s 16000 pound maximum thrust in afterburner mode, this improvement increased the maximum level flight speed of F8U-2 fighter to Mach 1.95 and the maximum climb rate at sea level to 200 m/s. Other improvements including low aspect ratio ventral stabilizing fins installed on the lower rear fuselage for additional stability in the extended flight boundary region, external cooling air scoops for added cooling for the afterburner section as well as for increase afterburner thrust due to better air flow characteristics were also introduced into F8U-2 fighter, also the AN/AWG-3 fire control system was remained in F8U-2 fighter too.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, Chance Vought also introduced the new “Y” type missile racks that permitted the installation of four AIM-9 sidewinder missiles (Two on each rack) on F8U-2 Crusader fighter which doubled the firepower. Also in 1950s, the Swiss Air Force once showed interest on F8U-2 fighter and sent pilots to flew the F8U-2 fighter at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River and the delivery was scheduled in February 1959, but the Swiss changed their mind to purchase the French Mirage III fighters in the end. JASDF once reviewed the F8U-2 fighter but they chose the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter in the end too. The first production F8U-2 first flew on 20<sup>th</sup> August 1958 and it was delivered to VF-84 squadron at NAS Oceana, VA on 4<sup>th</sup> April 1959, during the middle-east crisis in Lebanon in 1958, the F8U-2 fighters flew operations with USS Saratoga and USS Essex fleet carriers in June and August. In 1962, the designation of F8U-2 was changed to F-8C Crusader fighter, and during the Vietnam War, F-8C Crusader fighter flew combat missions by both the U.S Navy and U.S Marine Corps, where the Navy’s F-8C Crusader fighter scored six air-to-air kills including five MiG-17 and one MiG-21. (another source claimed five air-to-air kills in total including four MiG-17 and one MiG-21)<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/7078-development-f8u-2-crusader-the-last-of-the-gunfighters-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
In 1952, the American Naval command announced requirements for a new supersonic jet carrier-based fighter to protect carrier groups from enemy aircraft and achieve air superiority. Chance Vought Aircraft Inc., which already had considerable experience working with carrier-based aircraft, became one of the participants in the competition. Their candidate differed from the competition by a variable-incidence wing. The wing tilted upward by 5 degrees, which noticeably improved taking off and landings on short decks of aircraft carriers.<br />
<br />
Just 20 months after receiving the contract, the first prototype was built for tests. The fighter successfully passed the initial tests, in the very first flight it easily broke the sound barrier, and in a modified form went to the navy for deck tests. The first prototype series was successfully tested on aircraft carriers in the spring of 1956, after which the F8U-1 Crusader entered service with the US Navy. Work on a promising jet fighter did not stop after the start of mass production. The modified aircraft with a new power plant, advanced navigation system, radar, FCS and improved armament received the designation F8U-2.<br />
<br />
The Crusader has become a real legend and a symbol of US carrier-based aviation for its excellent flight characteristics, ease of operation, reliability and significant firepower. The fighter received the baptism of fire almost immediately after entering the service, and since then has been actively used in combat and training missions in many parts of the world, including intensive combat service in Vietnam. Even when more advanced aircraft entered service, the naval pilots were reluctant to say goodbye to the Crusaders. "When you're out of F-8's, you're out of fighters" they said.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=jet_fighter&vehicle=f8u-2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
;Images<br />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"><br />
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 01.jpg|<br />
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 02.jpg|<br />
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 03.jpg|<br />
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 04.jpg|<br />
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 05.jpg|<br />
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 06.jpg|<br />
File:F8U-2 WTWallpaper 07.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<br />
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era<br />
<br />
* Mitsubishi [[T-2]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-19 (Family)|MiG-19]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-21 (Family)|MiG-21]]<br />
* Hawker [[Hunter F.6|Hunter F.6]]<br />
* Fiat [[G.91 YS|G.91 YS]]<br />
* Saab [[J32B|J32B]]<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/7078-development-f8u-2-crusader-the-last-of-the-gunfighters-en|[Devblog] F8U-2 Crusader: The Last of the Gunfighters]]<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/521052-f8u-2-crusader/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
* [https://www.aerosociety.com/publications/jah-an-examination-of-the-f-8-crusader-through-archival-sources/ <nowiki>[Royal Aeronautical Society]</nowiki> An Examination of the F-8 Crusader through Archival Sources]<br />
<br />
=== References ===<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer Vought}}<br />
{{USA jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F8U-1_of_VM-235_%22Death_Angels%22_squadron.jpg&diff=106204File:F8U-1 of VM-235 "Death Angels" squadron.jpg2021-06-25T15:47:13Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Vought F8U-1 "Crusader" of VMF-235 Squadron 'Death Angels', MCAS Beaufort, S.C.<br />
Cited from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/my_public_domain_photos/4763096412/in/album-72157648689433150/<br />
Author/Owner: Robert Sullivan, cited from author's open domain album</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-8C_Crusader_of_VF-111_at_NAS_North_Island_1968.jpg&diff=106203File:F-8C Crusader of VF-111 at NAS North Island 1968.jpg2021-06-25T15:41:33Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>A U.S. Navy Vought F-8C Crusader (BuNo 146991) of Fighter Squadron VF-111 "Sundowners" at Naval Air Station North Island, California (USA). VF-111 was assigned to Carrier Air Wing 16 (CVW-16).<br />
<br />
Wikipedia image, original site:<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:F-8C_Crusader_of_VF-111_at_NAS_North_Island_1968.jpg</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-5A_in_a_military_prade.jpg&diff=106106File:F-5A in a military prade.jpg2021-06-23T14:55:59Z<p>U35790733: U35790733 uploaded a new version of File:F-5A in a military prade.jpg</p>
<hr />
<div>Cited from 《中國的空軍》(China Air Force, the official magazine of ROCAF) Vol. 361, 1970<br />
Publisher: the Central News Agency</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-5A_(China)&diff=106099F-5A (China)2021-06-23T10:45:55Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-5a_china<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].<br />
<br />
Designed from the N-156 prototype of Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman), F-5A is the first-comer of the long-lasting family of F-5 series lightweight fighter; which is still widely used by various military powers throughout the planet with ROCAF (currently F-5E/F Tiger II) being the largest operator among them. In-game, the F-5A is a highly versatile aircraft courtesy of its many loadouts. In a relatively clean configuration with only a pair of AIM-9P Sidewinders, it serves as a wonderfully agile dogfighter that can hold its own against much larger and heavier opponents. It can also be loaded up with a deceptively large amount and variety of ordnance for ground attacking. Pilots valuing pleasant handling characteristics and lethal weaponry can enjoy the F-5A as worthy capstone for the ROCAF fighter line.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
Being a lightweight supersonic jet fighter, the F-5A is a really manoeuvrable aircraft: the aerodynamic design and the structure of this fighter can sustain high-G manoeuvres even around 1,000 km/h at around 11 G of overloading without losing much energy. Try to stay above 800 km/h, if you go below that your speed starts dropping rapidly. You don't really have to care about ripping your wings. At lower speeds, the F-5A stand amongst the best jets in terms of manoeuvrability. The angle of attack in a turn stays really low, as it does not have delta wings and is really light. However, the aircraft does not have a high top speed and the acceleration is subpar compared to same-tier jets due to the limitations on the J85 engines.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 10,668 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,430 || 1,422 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.1 || 28.3 || 112.5 || 99.3 || rowspan="2" | 850<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,461 || 1,444 || 26.9 || 27.0 || 160.0 || 135.0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 559 || 555 || ~11 || ~4<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-13 || 2<br />
| colspan="2" | 4,051 kg || colspan="3" | 365 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 271 kg || colspan="2" | Axial flow turbojet with afterburner<br />
| 4,580 kg || 4,992 kg || 5,462 kg || 5,814 kg || _,___ kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 960 kgf || 1,426 kgf<br />
| 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.49 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 1,200 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 2,459 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)<br />
| 1.07 || 0.99 || 0.90 || 0.85 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
There is no armour at all on the F-5A. As such, all of the modules, control surfaces, and the pilot are exposed to any projectiles that connect.<br />
<br />
The F-5A has two self-sealing fuel tank located in the rear fuselage right besides the engine. While this minimizes fuel strikes to a small portion of the plane, the issue comes in that the fuel tanks are overlapping each other closely. A cannon round or two fired in a volley by an enemy can easily strike both fuel tanks at the same time, leading to both tanks leaking fuels, or worse case both tanks catching on fire which would severely hamper the F-5A's survival chances.<br />
<br />
The engines are mounted all the way towards the fuselage rear, contained around the area of the tail. This means the engine are in one of the least likely areas to be hit when attacked by an enemy in a high-deflection attack. This also means that if the enemy aims for the F-5A's rear end via guns or missiles, both the tail control and the engines are liable to be knocked out at the same time, leading to gravity taking over and dooming the aircraft.<br />
<br />
Though it is possible to lose a wing and still maintain enough lift to fly back to base, this is a very situational case of the wings tearing off from excessive G-force (also a rare case) and if the enemy shoots it off with their armaments and damaging nothing else. The prevalence of missiles at top-rank jet battles mean this is a very unlikely situation and the F-5A most likely would not survive a direct hit by a cannon round or missile.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
Part of the F-5A's forte in the air is its manoeuvrability, as such there should be an emphasis towards unlocking the modifications in the ''Flight Performance'' and ''Survivability'' category to boost engine power, flight speed, and turning rate.<br />
<br />
''Weaponry'' can be prioritized depending on the intent of use of the F-5A. IF one requires a more reliable and flexible cannon armament, the ''Offensive 20 mm'' and ''New 20 mm cannons'' should be considered, though the default belt is already sufficient for knocking out both enemy aircraft and ground AI target in Air Realistic battles. If trying to take down enemy aircraft more reliably, the ''AIM-9P'' module should be prioritized, though this requires unlocking the ''LAU-3/A'' and ''AGM-12B Bullpup'' modules to get to. If trying to attack ground targets in Ground Realistic battles, the ''AGM-12B'' is also a good place to go while unlocking the ''AIM-9P'' as it will unlock four Bullpup missiles ready to be mounted on the F-5A.<br />
<br />
The research priority of the bombs is up to the user's preference and ability to skillfully put bombs onto target, as the F-5A does not comes with a ballistic computer to help guide where the bombs will drop. User's intuition and skill are relied upon for an accurate drop, which can be harder to do in Ground Realistic battles due to the likely contested airspace the F-5A would find themselves in when the enemy team begin deploying SPAAs.<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)<br />
<br />
The F-5 can make short work of enemy jet fighters thanks to its fairly accurate cannons, the generous amount of rounds and the directional controllability of the aircraft. The two nose-mounted autocannons are not as fast-firing as many of the top-rank vehicles like the [[M61 (20 mm)|M61 Vulcan]] on Phantoms or the [[GSh-23L_(23_mm)|GSh-23L]] on MiG-21s. However, the M39A2 cannon shells are of similar nature to the M61, so the same effect on enemy targets can be expected if the shots land onto target. One benefit of the lower rate of fire is the longer time of firing available to a F-5A pilot. So if the pilot aims carefully, the F-5A can deliver devastating effects with their 20 mm M39A2 for a longer period of time.<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}<br />
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9P Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)<br />
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb (500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
<br />
The F-5A has a bewildering array of loadouts, but the vast majority are dedicated to ground attack. Once AIM-9P missiles are unlocked, your attack capability is vastly increased and F-5A becomes an effective dogfighter provided it is not carrying too much ordnance.<br />
<br />
For a pure air-to-air role, the 2x AIM-9P loadout is the best, as the F-5A cannot carry more than two air-to-air missiles and everything else causes unnecessary weight and drag during combat. Most of the other loadouts still include the twin AIM-9Ps as a supplement to combinations of rockets, AGMs, and bombs. For mixed battles, these multirole loadouts are generally best option as they allow the F-5A to cause plenty of havoc to ground targets while still having air-to-air missiles for countering enemy aircraft. The one loadout lacking missiles that may be worth considering consists of 4x AGM-12B Bullpup AGMs and nothing else; Bullpups are very lethal against player controlled tanks but the multirole loadouts are limited to only having two of them.<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
<br />
F-5A was designed to be a lightweight fighter at the first place, so one thing players may find is the better manoeuvrability over most jets at the same tier, also another traits of this aircraft is its directional controllability (that is, the nose points to whether your mouse pointed at without much corrections); but you will also suffer from a major drawback of it- the subpar thrust of the pair of J85 on the it, which provides lower-than-average acceleration to fighters of the same tier, unless necessary or 1-on-1 battles, DO NOT have the airspeed lower than 800kph which the speed drops even significantly.<br />
<br />
One way to cope with the lack of acceleration is to use the directional controllability to bait enemies during head-on, with the currently smallest size jet at 10.7, players can dodge devastating cannons with relatively ease and use that manoeuvrability to turn back on the enemy; or trick their shots then immediately point the nose back onto the enemy during head-on albeit risky. Another safer option is pick those fighters with lower energy and make quick and short work of them with those pair of M39A2 cannons; until players unlock AIM-9P with exceptional accuracy and long range; with missiles, try to keep the target at around 2km where the missiles can track with more accuracy but keep in mind that you only have 2 chances as F-5A has no underwing pylon for AAMs.<br />
<br />
For Ground(RB):<br />
<br />
One thing that makes F-5A different from most ROCAF and PLAAF aircraft is the surprising amount of variety of CAS configs ranging from 250-2000 lbs LDGP bombs, FFARs or 4 AGM-12B AGMs that proves lethal to ground vehicles. But lacks of ballistic computers (not even a gyroscope gunsight) makes it struggles on pin-point bombings against your targets, so experience on jet ground-attacks is very essential for this aircraft; alternatively, if you prefer AGMs, these 4 AGM-12B can make really short work to any ground targets.<br />
<br />
The key to ground attack in a F-5A is keep on track of SPAAGs as you don't have a RWR and if necessary, bring 2 extra AIM-9Ps to protect your team from other ground attackers.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Many payload options<br />
* AIM-9P missiles are quite effective<br />
* Highly manoeuvrable<br />
* Amazing energy retention, even in high-G manoeuvres<br />
* Hard to rip the wings<br />
* Can be used in many roles, such as fighter, attacker and base bomber<br />
* Competitive speed at sea level, on par with MiG-21s<br />
* Reasonable ammo pool for the cannons<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* No flares and RWR<br />
* No radar or rangefinder<br />
* No extra protection on the aircraft<br />
* Low top speed, acceleration, and climb rate compared to its counterparts<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
As a supersonic fighter born in late 1950s, Northrop F-5 series fighters were a popular choice for many countries, as well as being a famous star in USAF's Exercise Red Flag, where it performed well even against 3rd generation fighters such as F-14 Tomcat. Although the US Air Force only used a limited number of F-5C "Skoshi Tiger" in the Vietnam War, both F-5A "Freedom Fighter" and F-5E "Tiger" were involved in many wars and conflicts around the world, such as the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, in which one of the Iranian F-5E fighter jets shot down a MiG-25 flown by an Iraqi ace pilot with the M39 autocannons!<br />
<br />
=== "Freedom Fighters" and "Tigers" in Taiwan ===<br />
In an effort to replace the outdated F-86F Sabre fighter jets, the ROCAF placed an order of 60 F-5A and B fighters to the United States, the first tranche of a total requirement for 115 aircraft. <br />
[[File:F-5A in a military prade.jpg|thumb|382x382px|F-5A "Freedom Fighter" in a military prade.]]<br />
The 115 aircraft were aided through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and the Military Aid Program (MAP), while some sources claim that the total amount of F-5A was 72 with an additional batch of 11 F-5Bs.<br />
<br />
The first batch of Freedom Fighters was delivered in 1964, which equipped three squadrons of 1st Tactical Fighter Wing. Subsequently, a total of four squadrons were equipped with the F-5A/B fighters and the military aid program was codenamed "Yu Shan" ("玉山", One of the main mountain ranges in Taiwan). Followed by the requirement for updating weaponry and equipment for the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, 48 of the ROCAF's Freedom Fighters were to be leased to the Vietnamese ally and then be sent to Southeast Asia as quickly as possible. During this period, air defense missions over the Taiwan Strait were mainly carried out by the U.S. Air Force. The US Air Force drew two F-4C fighter squadrons from Kadena Air Force Base, and a total of 48 Phantom II fighters were stationed at Ching-Chuan-Kang Air Force Base in Taichung. In return for ROC's aiding military equipment to the Republic of Vietnam, the ROCAF received 28 F-5E Tiger from Northrop in 1975, and it is believed that part of the F-5A transferred to South Vietnam was later returned to the ROCAF, even including an F-5C used by USAF in Vietnam for evaluation, at which time the F-4 Phantom II fighter squadrons and the supporting T-38 trainers returned to Kadena Air Force Base.<br />
<br />
=== The Domestic "Tiger" jets: Peace Tiger Program ===<br />
On February 9, 1973, the ROC authorities and the US government reached an agreement for the co-production of 100 F-5E "Tiger" fighter jets. This program was given the codename "Hu An" ("虎安", Peace Tiger) and was to be undertaken jointly by Northrop and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation of Taiwan (AIDC) (then a research institute of the ROCAF).<br />
<br />
The first AIDC-built F-5E was rolled out on October 30, 1974, one day before the late President Chiang Kai Shek's 88th birthday, and was thus christened "Chung Chen", an alias of President Chiang. Production of all 100 aircraft was completed by November 1977.<br />
<br />
Later 208 more aircraft were added to the production run in five batches, lasted from "Peace Tiger No. 2" through "Peace Tiger No. 6". Complexity of the production work by AIDC also evolved in several phases. The whole "Peace Tiger" program was completed on December 9, 1986, when the final aircraft was rolled of the production line.<br />
<br />
The Peace Tiger No. 6 stands out among these programs, for it was the only batch approved after the US authorities led by President Carter established diplomatic relations with Communist China in 1979. The succeeding Reagan administration denied Taiwan's request to purchase the more advanced F-16 and F-20 in early 1982, for fear of angering mainland China.<br />
[[File:F-5E firing AGM-65.jpg|left|thumb|338x338px|ROCAF F-5E firing AGM-65 air-to-surface missile.]]<br />
More than denying following military aids, the US government signed the 817 Communique with China on August 17, 1982, pledging to gradually reduce military sales and aid to Taiwan. However, in an effort to assure the security of the Taiwan Strait and curb the offensive attempts of mainland China, the Reagan administration submitted the proposed sale of 60 F-5E/F to Republic of China to Congress after two days. As a result, the US $240-million sale was made of the license production of 30 F-5E and 30 F-5F and was later named as Peace Tiger 6.<br />
<br />
At its peak in 1990, the ROC Air Force had a total of 5 Tactical Fighter Wings (The 401 Wing in Taoyuan, the 455 Wing in Chiayi, the 443 Wing in Tainan, the 828 Wing in Hualien, and the 737 Wing in Taitung), a total of 15 squadrons were equipped with F-5E/F fighters. A portions of F-5E/F (such as some aircraft of 443 Wing stationed in Tainan) were able to use AGM-65 "Mavericks" air-to-surface missiles, 500 and 2000 lbs "Paving Stone" laser-guided bombs in the later stages of their service.<br />
<br />
''The US-Sino August 17th Joint Communiqué, also known as "中美就解決美國向台出售武器問題的公告" (China-US Announcement on Solving the Issue of US Arms Sales to Taiwan), aimed to cease the arms sales and any form of military aid that the US provides to Republic of China.''<br />
<br />
=== End of the era of "Freedom Fighter" ===<br />
After nearly 30 years of active service, the F-5A fighter was officially decommissioned from the Republic of China Air Force on June 30, 1987, while the F-5B fighter was decommissioned on June 30, 1996. In fact, before the last F-5A/B was ever decommissioned from service, most of these fighters had been converted into unmanned drones or disassembled to provide spare parts for the successor fighter jets.<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/7060-development-f-5a-freedom-fighter-bring-em-hell-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
In the mid-50's, a group of specialists from the Northrop Corporation began developing a light multi-role short-range support fighter on their own initiative that could take off and land on short runways. The idea did not receive much appreciation from the military authorities, as the main stake was then placed on high-tech expensive fighters, for which the length of the runway did not play a decisive role. However, within Northrop Corporation, the project continued to develop. While research, construction and testing of prototypes were going on, the strengthening of the NATO and SEATO alliances required the United States to supply a cheap multi-role fighter to allies.<br />
<br />
This is where the work of the Northrop engineers came in handy. With minor modifications, the experimental aircraft went into production under the designation F-5A. Very easy to assemble and maintain, without modern navigation and guidance systems, the aircraft was able to carry a huge arsenal of suspended weaponry and effectively carry out missions to destroy various types of ground targets, as well as successfully participate in air battles, often against more expensive and advanced enemy aircraft.<br />
<br />
The F-5A Freedom Fighter was first put in service by the Norwegian Air Force in 1964, later she was supplied to a large number of US allies and was actively used in many conflicts around the world, including Vietnam, the Iran-Iraq conflict and the War of Ogaden.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-5a_china Skins and camouflages for the F-5A from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
;Images<br />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"><br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 01.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 02.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 03.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 04.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 05.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 06.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
;Videos<br />
{{Youtube-gallery|pFRi6Bg08Ts|'''It's Finally Here! - F-5A Freedom Fighter''' - ''DEFYN''}}<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/7060-development-f-5a-freedom-fighter-bring-em-hell-en|[Devblog] F-5A Freedom Fighter: Bring 'em Hell!]]<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/519024-f-5a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}<br />
{{China jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-5E_firing_AGM-65.jpg&diff=106098File:F-5E firing AGM-65.jpg2021-06-23T10:44:47Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Cited from ROCAF official magazine "China Air Force" Vol. 428, 1991<br />
(According to the 50th, 61st and the 65th regulation of the copyright law of ROC. Resources published on such official publications are considered open-domain)</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-5A_in_a_military_prade.jpg&diff=106097File:F-5A in a military prade.jpg2021-06-23T10:36:02Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Cited from 《中國的空軍》(China Air Force, the official magazine of ROCAF) Vol. 361, 1970<br />
Publisher: the Central News Agency</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-86F-40_(China)&diff=106092F-86F-40 (China)2021-06-23T08:38:31Z<p>U35790733: advanced F-86F-40 history, with detailed description of sidewinder air combat.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
|about=Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
|usage=other variants<br />
|link=F-86 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-86f-40_china<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
<br />
While the F-86F-40's acceleration and top speed are lacking compared to its contemporaries, the F-86F-40's slats allow the plane to have an outstanding manoeuvrability. That said, one must be aware of their speed as pulling high manoeuvres at high and max speed can put the plane under great stress which leads to the wings falling apart. The outstanding manoeuvrability comes at the cost of speed. Pulling hard turns will bleed your air speed. <br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,095 || 1,088 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.4 || 24.9 || 38.8 || 36.3 || rowspan="2" | 750<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 22.1 || 23.0 || 55.8 || 46.5<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1<br />
| colspan="2" | 5,490 kg || colspan="2" | 232 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 5,848 kg || 6,490 kg || 6,786 kg || 9,530 kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A<br />
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || N/A<br />
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
* 6.35 mm - Fore-cockpit steel plates<br />
* 38 mm - Bulletproof windscreen<br />
* 12.7 mm - Steel plate behind pilot's seat<br />
* 20 mm - Steel plate in pilot's headrest<br />
<br />
The plane is equipped at the front with 2 steel plates, each 6.35mm thick. The cockpit has a 38mm bullet proof glass that protects the pilot's torso and head. The backseat is made of 12.7mm of steel which protects the pilot's back while his head is further protected by another 20mm steel plate. This protection will help against smaller calibre rounds, however, cannot sustain many direct hits with 20 mm rounds or higher.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)<br />
<br />
The F-86F-40 (China) offered the same offensive armament of many of its Sabre brethren, namely the 6 x M3 Browning 12.7 mm/.50 calibre machine guns. These machine guns are similar in performance to their predecessor, the M2 Browning; however, they excelled with a significantly higher rate of fire. The total ammunition count for this aircraft is 1,800 rounds, divided up with 300 rounds per gun. Ammunition belts for this aircraft are conventional 12.7 mm belts found on U.S. aircraft, and typically the tracer belts permit for the quickest correction of aim. Other belts may be utilised as necessary and depending on play-style such as the Stealth belts; however, these should be used by skilled pilots who already understand the firing aspects of the M3 Brownings and bullet performance. One challenge with the Stealth belts is the lack of tracers, making it much harder to correct aim when solely relying on visual clues.<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|AIM-9B Sidewinder|HVAR}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 16 x HVAR rockets<br />
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
<br />
The unguided rockets out-fitted on this aircraft are the familiar American HVARs, which can be used against slow-moving bombers or ground target vehicles and anti-aircraft guns. Since the HVARs are a fire-and-forget rocket, they work best against either stationary targets or against slow-moving targets which may not be able to avoid inbound rockets. Another option for suspended ordnances includes bombs, namely the 1,000 lbs AN-M65A1 bombs. Two of these bombs is all that this aircraft can safely carry, but these bombs will do considerable damage against ground units, ships and bases. While performing bombing runs, always be on the lookout for enemy fighters attempting to swoop in and eliminate the F-86F-40 which may be flying slower and lower than typical. For air-to-air combat, using the Aim-9B missiles to complement the M3 Browning machine guns makes for a deadly combination. These missiles are best used in close quarters, anywhere from 600 - 800 m which minimizes the opportunity for the enemy pilot to evade or out-fly the missiles. It is quite possible for the enemy to avoid the in-bound missile; however, this provides the attacking aircraft with the opportunity to manoeuvre in and take out the fighter with its machine guns. Hopefully, the enemy fighter has bled any energy advantage it may have had presenting itself as an ideal target for the machine guns.<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
<br />
Try to climb up before engaging the enemy to ensure you have enough energy to get out of a sticky situation. Hopefully, there will be a jets fighting underneath you where you would be able to pounce on low-energy fighters with your guns or the AIM-9B. One advantage the F-86 has over the jets of other nations is the large ammo count of its 6 x .50 cals (1,800) although it would be wise to hit most of your shoots. Try staying above 500 km/h as any slower and you would lose a significant amount of energy in a prolonged turn.<br />
<br />
=== Air Realistic Battles ===<br />
In air realistic battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is not the fastest jet at its BR when it comes to top speed. The thrust output is below average and without an afterburner, and the jet does not accelerate fast either. It is best to take off and do a slight side climb while paying attention to aircraft like Harriers that could try to fly over the team. It is important to maintain at least 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. Once a furball is started, proceed into it and pick targets that are low on energy. The F-86F-40 should take advantage of its wings and good energy retention. Combined with a good roll rate, no enemy should be able to shake you once you are on their tail. Watch for attempts by enemies to force you to overshoot. In late game air realistic battles, there will be more freedom to how slow a fight can get. If you know where the enemy is, you can afford to stall climb and get a missile off to a climbing enemy F-104A.<br />
<br />
=== Ground Realistic Battles - CAS ===<br />
In mixed ground battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is a good all-round aircraft. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets are a good option against lightly armoured SPAAGs or light tanks. The 1,000 lb bombs are good but both drop at the same time only giving chance for one attack round per landing. In an air superiority role, the Sabre is a good helicopter hunter with 1,800 rounds of .50 cal, which is enough to take care of any amount of enemy UHT or Apache helicopters. Enemy fighters should be engaged with care: keep away from the battlefield before climbing to avoid enemy SAMs. It is however the better air-to-air fighter compared to other options for China at this BR, as the Q-5 early has better climb and top speed but no missiles.<br />
<br />
=== Air Simulator Battles ===<br />
In air simulator battles, the F-86F-40 (China) is an excellent turn fighter. While the wings with slats do give a lot of angle of attack before stalling, they're also great for turn fights. This Sabre will be able to outturn most jets it can face, at anywhere between 400 and 800 km/h IAS. It is recommended to stay above 600 km/h IAS because any slower the Sabre will struggle to dodge enemy missiles. The AIM-9B should be able to deal with any running/climbing enemy. However, enemies with RWR will get notified if the rangefinding radar is turned on and may drop flares. It is best to keep the radar off when launching a missile attack against aircraft like the German Starfighter or the Mirage III. In battle, stay low and fast and by the time you are up close to your enemy they would not be able to outrun the missiles or outturn the Sabre. <br />
<br />
=== Ground Simulator Battles CAS ===<br />
In ground simulator battles, F-86F-40 can be a multirole fighter depending on the task to complete. In ground attack, the HVAR rockets will struggle with most targets at the top simulator bracket, but do offer better accuracy per 100 m when compared to the Bombs. The 1,000 lb bombs are very reliable against all levels of protection but take a higher approach for a accurate drop (lack of bomb sight). In an air superiority role, the Sabre will preform even better than it did in air simulator battles. The 6 x .50 cal MGs will make quick work of any enemy helicopter, even if they try to manoeuvre, the Sabre's roll rate should allow for last second adjustments. Turnfighting enemy fighter also got easier as the chances of them carrying bombs/rockets are up, thus limiting their performance. Tree-top level flying should be practiced to avoid SAMs. --><br />
<br />
===Radars===<br />
<!--{{main|AN/APG-30}}--><br />
The F-86F-40 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.<br />
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range. Note that this Radar will trigger RWR of enemy helicopters and jets and may lead to them using flares which will defeat the AIM-9B.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar<br />
|-<br />
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}<br />
|-<br />
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Outstanding manoeuvrability<br />
* Can wield air-to-air missiles<br />
* Good guns: the 12.7 mm MGs have lots of ammo, straight bullet trajectory, and adequate velocity<br />
* Air-to-ground armament, such as bombs and missiles<br />
* Excellent roll rate<br />
* Great dive acceleration makes it a nice diver<br />
* Good energy retention in a climb<br />
* Stable shooting platform during high speeds<br />
* Air brakes and flaps allow for tight manoeuvres and enemy overshoots at the cost of reduced speed<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Mediocre acceleration<br />
* Mediocre top speed<br />
* Weak one-second burst mass of the armament<br />
* High speed manoeuvres can lead to wings breaking apart<br />
* Slower turn rate than many contemporaries<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
In the 1950s, after the Korean War was over, the U.S government decided to support more modern military equipment to the Taiwan province of China to counter the increasing threat of the China mainland Army, especially the PLAAF ’s MiG-15 Fagot fighter which was supplied by Soviet Union and saw action during the Korean War.<br />
<br />
At this time, the straight-wing design version of the F-84 Thunderjet fighters of the ROCAF could no longer effectively counter the MiG-15 fighter with the swept-wing design. As for the solution, the U.S. government had officially decided to supply more than 500 F-86 Saber fighter to Taiwan province in early 1950s (some sources claim that this number is just an estimate, not the actual number of Saber fighter fleet because many of them were delivered in middle the to late 1950s, and some sources also confirm that Taiwan has received 415 F-86F fighters, 18 F-86D interceptors and 7 RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft in total), this Military Assistance Program (MAP) was named 4F343, and started in 1954, about 320 F-86F Saber fighters and 7 RF-86 Saber reconnaissance aircraft were delivered to ROCAF. Apart from that, ROCAF also received about 18 F-86D-36 Saber Dog Interceptor from U.S Air Force in 1960 too.<br />
<br />
=== Sabre in ROCAF ===<br />
The first Saber fighter delivered to the ROCAF was an F-86F-1, series number 51-2893. By June 1956, 171 F-86 fighters had delivered including 38 F-86F-1, 9 F-86F-5, and 23 F-86F-10, and the 26th fighter Squadron from 5th fighter wing was the first combat unit to receive the new Saber fighters at Tao yuan Air Base in late 1954.<br />
[[File:Twin ROCAF F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|thumb|360x360px|Twin F-86F Saber fighters of 5th fighter wing of ROCAF armed with two AIM-9B Sidewinder Air-To-Air missiles underwing.]]<br />
Apart from that, ROCAF received some F-86F-30 fighters, but it was doubt that if they truly receive the original F-86F-40 fighters, because at that time, the North American Aviation company not only produce the original F-86F-40 version for military sales, but also produce some modification kits for those countries that receive the previous version of F-86F Saber fighters to help them upgrade their Saber fighters to the newest version. Actually, one F-86F-30 Saber fighter captured by the PLAAF in 1950s which is now displayed in the Beijing Aviation Museum was a F-86F-30 with Leading-edge Slats which was re-added in Canadian CL-13 MK6 Saber fighters and American F-86F-40 Saber fighters, that is the most important evidence to confirm that ROCAF had upgrade some F-86F Saber fighters to the newest F-40 version.<br />
<br />
In the 1950s, even though the civil war in mainland China had ended, the PLAAF still often sent aircraft to the Taiwan Strait for provocations in order to "liberate" Taiwan. ROCAF showed no fear, except for sending fighters to intercept the invading PLAAF aircraft, they also sent their aircraft to the mainland for reconnaissance missions as payback. At that time, the PLAAF engaged their new MiG-17 and MiG-17F (or its imitation versions, called J-5) fighters against ROCAF ’s F-86F Saber fighter from time to time, but the latter usually saw victory in aerial battles.<br />
<br />
From a technical point of view, the F-86F Saber fighter’s maximum level flight speed was less than MiG-17 and MiG-17F "Fresco", also the MiG-17F fighter’s maximum climb rate at sea level was slightly higher than F-86F Saber fighter, but the early version of F-86F Saber fighter’s maximum climb rate was almost the same or even higher than MiG-15bis and MiG-17 fighter, while the Saber fighter could out-turn the MiG-15 and MiG-17 fighter in both instantaneous and sustain turn battle. Apart from that, the F-86F saber fighter has A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating gunsight which can work with the AN/APG-30 ranging-radar, these equipment were more advance than the PLAAF ’s MiG fighters. (It should note that the J-5 fighter didn’t have the ranging radar mounted on the later version of MiG-17F fighter). <br />
<br />
From a training point of view, the PLAAF ’s pilots usually lack the necessary air combat experience compare to the ROCAF pilots at the same time, especially in the Matsu air battle on July 21, 1956, ROCAF pilots even shot down several PLAAF ’s MiG fighters with clumsy and outperformanced F-84 fighters loaded with HVAR rockets and even with disadvantage in number.<br />
<br />
=== AIM-9B, the "Black Magic" ===<br />
[[File:F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png|left|thumb|396x396px|The F-86F "357" 52-4673, with AIM-9B underwing.]]<br />
On August 18th, 1958, under the secret project named Black Magic (Codenamed "明星計劃" in Taiwan, Operation Bright Star), a C-124 transport plane was landing in Taiwan with some American technical officers and the new GAR-8 sidewinder infrared-guided air-to-air missile, which is better known as AIM-9B. To help the ROCAF pilots get started with the new sidewinder missile in air combat, the U.S pilots flew F-100 Super Saber fighter to simulate the MiG fighter equipped by the PLAAF at that time, and ROCAF pilots flew F-86 fighters to conduct simulated attacks on these F-100 Super Saber fighters with their sidewinder missiles, also those technical officers needed to collect the data of the sidewinder missiles used in combat to learn how it could be improved these missiles.<br />
<br />
On July 29<sup>th</sup>, 1958, the PLAAF ’s MiG-17 fighter had successfully shot down one F-84G Thunderjet fighter of ROCAF and seriously damaged another (the pilot successfully bailed out in Ma gong) at the same time. In the next few weeks, the ROCAF ’s F-86F Saber fighters had successfully shot down four MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF as revenge. At that time, ROCAF had received 40 sidewinder missiles and 40 launchers in total, and on September 10<sup>th</sup>, 1958, two batches of ROCAF pilots returned to their squadron after completing training on the use of the Sidewinder missile.<br />
<br />
=== Sidewinder over Taiwan Strait, the battle debut ===<br />
On September 24<sup>th</sup> , 1958, ROCAF decided to send nine RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft to the mainland area for a recon mission, and the commander thought it a wonderful chance to test the combat effectiveness of the GAR-8 sidewinder missiles, so the 11<sup>th</sup> Fighter Group was ordered to undertake an escort mission for those RF-84F Thunderflash reconnaissance aircraft. The initial plan was that these F-86F Saber fighters would be divided into four squadrons, the first squadron had four F-86F Saber fighters with GAR-8 sidewinder missiles while the remaining two Saber fighters without GAR-8 sidewinder missiles were ordered to escort those four Sabers fighters if they were in trouble with PLAAF ’s MiG fighters in the close-range battle.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, the fourth squadron was ordered to stay to stay at 45,000 feet to act as a decoy because the condensation trail of the J47 engine at high altitude will attract the attention of the PLAAF ’s MiG fighters, so that the other squadrons could attack those PLAAF ’s MiG fighters that wanted to climb to attack the fourth squadron at high altitude.<br />
<br />
At 10:30 in the morning, the attack group led by Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan arrived in the sky over Wenzhou. One minute later, a message came from Shimen Battle Control Center said that PLAAF ’s MiG fighters were take off from Luqiao Airport to intercept those ROCAF ’s reconnaissance aircraft. As the original plan expect, the PLAAF ’s MiG fighters paid their attention to those F-86F Saber fighters in high altitude, which gave a wonderful chance for the first Squadron of ROCAF ‘s F-86F Saber fighters to attack them, but unfortunately, the first squadron couldn’t identify the condensation trail was friendly or foe, so Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan called the Saber fighters of fourth squadron to do a turn-maneuver to their right side, therefore they successfully located the PLAAF ’s MiG fighters formation.<br />
[[File:Gun camera of shooting down MiG.png|thumb|352x352px|Gun camera image of shooting down PLAAF MiG. The image shows the tail cloud of the MiG and a flying AIM-9B missile.]]<br />
At the beginning of the battle, Li Shuyuan and Qian Yiqiang each fired one GAR-8 sidewinder missile and shot down one PLAAF ’s MiG-17 fighter. One of MiG-17 fighter successfully evaded a Sidewinder missile fired by Qian Yiqiang ’s F-86F Saber fighter, but it was shot down by another Sidewinder missile fired by another ROCAF ’s F-86F Saber fighter, the last MiG-17 was shot down by one of the Sidewinder missile fired by the fourth F-86F Saber fighter of first squadron too, after suffering such severe losses, the remaining MiG-17 fighters of the PLAAF decided to withdraw from the battle.<br />
<br />
Later, four Saber fighters from the commander squadron ambushed a PLAAF ’s MiG-17 fighters formation which was just took off from the airfield and successfully shot down one of MiG-17 fighter. After that, the fourth squadron score two kills and another squadron led by Ma Dapeng successfully shot down two PLAAF ’s MiG-17 fighters. <br />
<br />
In the end, the ROCAF ’s F-86F saber fighters had successfully shot down nine MiG-17 fighters of PLAAF, including four kills by GAR-8 missiles and five kills by AN/M3 12.7 mm machine-gun.<br />
[[File:Sabre ace pilot Lee.jpg|left|thumb|247x247px|Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan, the first man in history to shoot down aircraft with homing missiles in air combat.]]<br />
As for the point of view of PLAAF, at 8:47 in the morning, twelve J-5 or MiG-17 fighters from the 46th Regiment of the 16th Division took off to intercept eight F-86F Saber fighters, and the 12<sup>th</sup> plane damaged one Saber fighter. At 9: 06 in the morning, eight MiG-15bis fighters from the 5<sup>th</sup> Regiment and eight MiG-17F fighters from the 6<sup>th</sup> Regiment of the 2<sup>nd</sup> Division of the PLAN took off to intercept the reconnaissance aircraft of ROCAF, and they spotted four Saber fighters fly at the altitude of 13000 m at 9:30, then the enemy tried to turn back to avoid the engagement (which was the same as the description of ROCAF ’s combat report, but one hour earlier). The commander of the 2<sup>nd</sup> division ordered the formation of 5<sup>th</sup> Regiment to retract in order to attract the enemy aircraft to the mainland, but when they tried to turn the right side at Wenzhou Bay, the fourth plane suddenly lost control and began to go down rapidly, others saw this situation and asked the pilot to bail out, but no response was received. In general, PLAAF claimed that they only loss one fighter due to the sidewinder missile.<br />
<br />
The F-86F Saber fighters remained in ROCAF service until 1977, but for the fact that its flight performance and endurance is outdated and unsuitable for active service, the air-defense mission was taken over by the advanced F-100A Super Sabre and F-5A Freedom fighters.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<br />
;Related development<br />
<br />
* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")<br />
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre<br />
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre<br />
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury<br />
<br />
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era<br />
<br />
* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]<br />
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar<br />
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]<br />
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]<br />
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/392644-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
* [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_13.html <nowiki>[joebaugher.com]</nowiki> North American F-86F-40-NA]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}<br />
{{China jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:Sabre_ace_pilot_Lee.jpg&diff=106091File:Sabre ace pilot Lee.jpg2021-06-23T08:29:50Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Squadron Captain, Lieutenant Colonel Li Shuyuan. The very pilot who first time in history shot down enemy aircraft with air-to-air missiles.<br />
The image is cited from:<br />
https://www.ewmib.com/news.php?news_id=180&cate_id=12</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:Gun_camera_of_shooting_down_MiG.png&diff=106089File:Gun camera of shooting down MiG.png2021-06-23T08:23:46Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Historical gun camera image of firing AIM-9B towards MiGs in air battle over Kinmen island.<br />
The image is cited from:<br />
https://www.ewmib.com/news.php?news_id=180&cate_id=12</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-86F_with_AIM-9B_underwing.png&diff=106088File:F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png2021-06-23T08:03:57Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>The F-86357 "357" 24673 52-4673, with AIM-9B underwing.<br />
The image is cited from:<br />
http://yocumusa.com/sweetrose//images/2017rocaf/db499.htm</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:Twin_ROCAF_F-86F_with_AIM-9B_underwing.png&diff=106087File:Twin ROCAF F-86F with AIM-9B underwing.png2021-06-23T07:50:03Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Originally published in ROC Official Military magazine "Wing of China" in 1970s<br />
Cited from http://yocumusa.com/sweetrose//images/2017rocaf/db499.htm</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-86F-30_(China)&diff=106086F-86F-30 (China)2021-06-23T07:40:06Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
| about = Chinese jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
| usage = other uses<br />
| link = F-86 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-86f-30_china<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''--><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,095 || 1,089 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.7 || 25.9 || 38.8 || 35.9 || rowspan="2" | 750<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 23.6 || 24.0 || 56.5 || 46.7<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
====Details====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1<br />
| colspan="2" | 5,430 kg || colspan="2" | 239 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 900 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 5,787 kg || 6,429 kg || 6,726 kg || 9,530 kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A<br />
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || N/A<br />
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- 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. --><br />
<br />
* 6.35 mm steel - in front of cockpit<br />
* 12.7 mm steel - behind pilot<br />
* 38 mm steel - armoured windscreen<br />
* 20 mm steel pilot's headrest<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)<br />
<br />
Six 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns make up the F-86F-30's firepower by the sheer rate of fire rather than the damage potential of a single projectile. The six machine guns altogether can make even a half-second hit on an enemy plane crippling for the enemy's modules.<br />
<br />
The 12.7 mm machine gun can also be quite versatile in Air RB, as the M3 Browning has enough penetration power with ''Default'' and ''Ground Target'' belts to destroy light pillboxes.<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 16 x HVAR rockets<br />
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)<br />
<br />
The F-86F-30 can carry a small assortment of payloads. Though not inconsequentially small, the payloads do impact the F-86F-30's flight characteristics enough that it is not suggested to use them in a fighter role at all if equipped with ordnance.<br />
<br />
Use rockets on battlefields with many lightly-armoured vehicles, while bombs against hard points like a well dug-in tank.<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!--''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).''--><br />
<br />
While the F-86F-30's acceleration and top speed are lacking compared to its contemporaries, the F-86F-30's slats allow the plane to have an outstanding maneuvrability. That said, one must beware of their speed as pulling high maneuvres at high and max speed can put the plane under great stress which leads to the wings falling apart. The outstanding manoeuvrability comes at the cost of speed. Pulling hard turns will bleed your airspeed. Try to climb up before engaging the enemy to ensure you have enough energy to get out of a sticky situation. Hopefully, there will be a furball underneath you where you would be able to pounce on low-energy fighters with your guns. One advantage the F-86 has over the jets of other nations is the large ammo count of its 6 x 50 cals (1,800) although it would be wise to hit most of your shoots. Try staying above 500 km/h as any slower and you would lose a significant amount of energy in a pro-longed turn.<br />
<br />
===Radars===<br />
<!--{{main|AN/APG-30}}--><br />
The F-86F-30 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.<br />
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar<br />
|-<br />
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}<br />
|-<br />
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!--''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".''--><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Clear cockpit view for simulator battle<br />
* Decent turn time for jet<br />
* Good acceleration<br />
* Decent armament 12.7mm M3 with a high rate of fire<br />
* Can carry bombs or rockets<br />
* Decent radar<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Easy to rip off the wings with high-speed manoeuvres (realistic and simulator battles)<br />
* This plane fights against jets with afterburners and missiles<br />
* Low ammo count equates to only 15-second burst<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!--''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).''-->The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) was one of the many nations to use surplus F-86 Sabre jet-fighters. Between December 1954 to June 1916, the ROCAF received 160 surplus American F-86F-1 to F-86F-30 aircraft, and by 1958, the ROCAF possessed 320 such aircraft. The aircraft would engage in air combat with Chinese MiGs over the Taiwan Strait during the Taiwan Strait crisis of 1958. Additionally, ROCAF Sabres were among the first aircraft to be equipped with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, which were used with devastating effectiveness against Chinese MiGs during the Taiwan Strait Crisis.<br />
<br />
Following the end of the Chinese Civil War, the ROCAF received the F-86F series jet fighter from the United States, being surplus USAF airframes. The ROCAF received 160 airframes between December of 1954 to June of 1956, with further aircraft delivered afterwards contributing to a total of 320 F-86F aircraft. These aircraft were mostly upgraded to F-86F-40 standards. ROCAF F-86Fs engaged Communist MiG-15s and MiG-17s during the 1958 Taiwan Strait Crisis. During the crisis, Communist MiGs shot down or damaged 42 ROCAF aircraft but lost 15 of their own.<br />
<br />
However, the Taiwanese F-86F introduced a new weapon to the realm of aerial warfare - air-to-air missiles. In 1958, under Operation Black Magic, the United States equipped Taiwanese F-86Fs with the newly-developed AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each aircraft was fitted with two Sidewinders on underwing launch racks, which were used with considerable success against Chinese MiGs over the Taiwan Strait. ROCAF F-86Fs were the first aircraft to fire the missile in combat and achieved the first air-to-air missile kills on September 24th 1958, when multiple MiG-17s were shot down using the new weapon.<br />
<br />
The AIM-9 Sidewinder severely undermined the air superiority of the Chinese MiG-17s, which had better thrust-to-weight ratio, vertical performance and climb rate than the ROCAF F-86s. The AIM-9 changed this, as Sabre pilots could engage with Chinese MiGs without needing to reach a similar altitude. However, while the AIM-9’s deployment was a considerable setback for the PLAAF, the situation changed when a Chinese MiG-17 returned to base with an unexploded AIM-9B lodged in its airframe. The missile was given to Soviet technicians, and subsequently reverse-engineered into the R-3 series of missiles.<br />
<br />
=== Sabre in ROCAF ===<br />
It's questionable if ROCAF received stock F-86F-40 or actually F-86F-30 with F-40 modification kits. The service history and combat history, including tales of firing Infrared guided air-to-air missiles would be covered in the page of ROCAF F-86F-40: <br />
<br />
{{Main|Https://wiki.warthunder.com/F-86F-40 (China)}}<br />
<br />
===In-game plane details===<br />
The F-86F-30 depicted in-game is an F-86F-30-NA model with the serial number 52-4589.<br />
<br />
52-4589 was issued to the 4th Fighter Wing towards the last weeks of the Korean War, flown by 1Lt Edwin Scariff from the 334th Fighter Squadron under the name ''JACKIE'S BOY'' with tail number "FU-589".<ref name="ThompsonF86Aces">Thompson 2006, p.95</ref> In 1954, 52-4589 was given to the Republic of China Air Force (RoCAF) renamed as F-86011 "011".<ref name="ThompsonF86Aces" /><ref name="RoseFJWBR">Rose 2018</ref><ref name="YocumRoCAF">Yocum 2017</ref> 52-4589 served in the No.17 squadron of the 5th Fighter Group,<ref name="YocumRoCAF">Yocum 2017</ref> which transitioned to using the F-86 in January 1955.<ref name="LiRoCAF">Li 2019, p.27</ref><br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''--><br />
<br />
;Related development<br />
<br />
* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")<br />
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre<br />
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre<br />
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury<br />
<br />
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era<br />
<br />
* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]<br />
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar<br />
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]<br />
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]<br />
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''<br />
* ''other literature.''--><br />
<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272062-north-american-f-86f-30/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
;References:<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
;Bibliography:<br />
<br />
* Baugher, Joseph F. "F-86F in Foreign Service." ''<nowiki>joebaugher.com</nowiki>'', 05 NOV 1999, [http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p86_12.html Website].<br />
* Li, Jordan. ''Harder Than Climbing to Heaven: Fighter Aviation in the Republic of China Air Force (1928-1994).'' California Polytechnic State University, March 2019.<br />
* Rose, Scott. "North American F-86F Sabre - 52-4305 to 52-5530." ''Forgotten Jets - A Warbirds Resource Group Site'', 2018, [http://www.forgottenjets.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/f86f-sabre_524305-525530.html Website].<br />
* Thompson, Warren. ''F-86 Sabre Aces of the 4th Fighter Wing.'' Osprey Publishing Limited, 2006.<br />
* Yocum, Eric. "RoCAF F-86 Sabres Database" ''Yocum USA - Sweet Rose'', 2017, [http://yocumusa.com/sweetrose//images/2017rocaf/db199.htm Website].<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}<br />
{{China jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-86F-25&diff=106085F-86F-252021-06-23T07:38:31Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
|about=American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
|usage=other variants<br />
|link=F-86 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-86f-25<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
|cockpit=cockpit_f-86f-25.jpg<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.35]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,095 || 1,089 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.7 || 25.9 || 38.8 || 35.9 || rowspan="2" | 750<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 23.6 || 24.0 || 56.5 || 46.7<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1<br />
| colspan="2" | 5,430 kg || colspan="2" | 239 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 5,787 kg || 6,429 kg || 6,726 kg || 9,530 kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A<br />
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || N/A<br />
| 0.45 || 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
* 6.35 mm steel - in front of cockpit<br />
* 12.7 mm steel - behind pilot<br />
* 38 mm steel - armoured windscreen<br />
* 20 mm steel pilot's headrest<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (300 rpg = 1,800 total)<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 16 x HVAR rockets<br />
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
[[File:F-86 vs MiG-15.jpg|thumb|Climbfighting with a [[MiG-15 (Family)|MiG-15]]]]<br />
The F-86 F-25 differs greatly from its A-5 predecessor as it no longer has leading edge slats on the wings which increase low speed manoeuvrability. This was removed from the F model Sabres as North American Aviation (the maker of the Sabre) saw that low speed dogfights were a rare occasion (although a slatted wing made a comeback in the -40 block). A more powerful engine was also installed inside the F-86 giving it a better rate of climb, acceleration and top speed. In the F model the biggest difference between was the addition of the "all flying tail" which allowed for high speed manoeuvring. Where the Sabre excels is in high-speed manoeuvring. Its main opponent—the MiG-15bis—doesn't have an 'all flying tail,' so its control surfaces lock up at speeds exceeding 500 mph (800 kph). Inexperienced pilots new to the aircraft must be careful of the Sabre's manoeuvrability, as it's quite easy to pull too many Gs and tear off the wings. Once the new engine is installed, the Sabre gets a much-improved rate of climb. Although not quite capable of out-climbing the MiG-15bis, the Sabre can handily out-climb (and out-dive) the MiG-15.<br />
<br />
===Radars===<br />
<!--{{main|AN/APG-30}}--><br />
The F-86F-25 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.<br />
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar<br />
|-<br />
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}<br />
|-<br />
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* High roll rate<br />
* Good performance below 8 km altitude<br />
* Nose mounted weaponry<br />
* Good zooming ability<br />
* Very good diving acceleration<br />
* Very effective aerodynamic brake<br />
* Very good manoeuvrability at high speeds and in horizontal<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Moderate acceleration<br />
* Poor climb rate in a sustained climb<br />
* Poor manoeuvrability at low speeds and in vertical<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
In order to improve the overall flight performance and improve the air-to-ground ability of the current F-86F Saber fighter, the North American Aviation company decided to start a new fighter program on October 26th, 1951, code name NA-191. The first improvement was adding a pair of additional pylons under the wings, so that the new Saber fighter could carry two 120 gal external drop tanks and bombs at the same time.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, because of the introduction of the fully irreversible hydraulic powered flying tail unit design on the standard production model of F-86D Saber Dog interceptor and F-86E Saber fighter, it was found that in high-angles of attack condition, unexplained vortices were observed on the leading edge which neatly and repeatedly peeled off and swept back over the outboard section of the wing. As angle of attack increased, the span station where the vortex peeled off moved inboard. Further investigation showed that the sharper the leading edge radius, the more pronounced this effect became. Although surface tufts suggested the wing was stalled, the wing tunnel force balance measurements showed that lift continuing to increase.<br />
<br />
Based on the previous research data collected from the wind-tunnel test, the engineers of North American Aviation Company decided to introduce a new wing design on the new F-86F Saber fighter to solve these problems. One of the basic improvement was deleting the original leading-edge slats and extended the wing root length by 6 inches, and the wing tip length was increased by 3 inches, these technical improvements increase the taper ratio of the wings which could also help to improve the rate of climb of the Saber fighter.<br />
<br />
The new wing design was called 6-3 wing. Because the wing area was increased, the engineer decided to add 130 gal fuel to increase the combat radius and range of the Saber fighter, also they added two wing fences to solve the problem of increasing the loss rate of span-wise airflow. According to the final test report, the new 6-3 wing design doubled the combat maneuverability by adding at least one and half g to the already good maneuverability of the F-86 at 35000 feet, and both the boundary at which buffet became noticeable and the maximum maneuvering limit were improved by this amount.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, the final flight test report of the new 6-3 wing design was finished in August, 1952, which confirm that the maximum level flight speed of the new F-86F Saber fighter with 6-3 wing design was increased to 608 mph compare to 604 mph of the original version without 6-3 wing design, the minimum stall speed was increased from 128 mph to 144 mph.<br />
<br />
On August 5<sup>th</sup> , 1952, The U.S. Air Force has officially placed a production order for 907 mass-produced NA-191 aircraft to North American Aviation company ’s Inglewood Factory in California, then they decided to introduce new design to the production order for 341 NA-171 aircraft (it was called F-86F-20) of the Oregon Factory which was renamed NA-193 aircraft, and the number of this order has also increased by 259.<br />
<br />
The military name of the NA-191 program was F-86F-30 while the NA-193 ’s military name was F-86F-25, the only difference between them is the production factory. Started in the 171st F-86F-25 Saber fighter (series number 51-13341) and the 200th F-86F-30 Saber fighters (series number 52-4505), the new 6-3 wing design was introduced into the production line.<br />
<br />
In October 1952, the first production model of the F-86F-30 Saber fighter came off the production line of the Inglewood Factory, and these aircraft were rapidly transported to South Korea to equip those American fighter wings, while the first production model of the F-86F-25 Saber fighter came off the production line of the Oregon Factory on January 1953.<br />
<br />
The fighter wings in Europe started to equip new F-86F Saber fighters in April 1953, the first combat unit in Europe to receive new Saber fighters was 86<sup>th</sup> FBW which replaced the F-84 Thunderjet fighters , while the 36<sup>th</sup> and 406<sup>th</sup> FBW started to equip new F-86F Saber fighters in August 1953 which replaced the F-84 Thunderjet fighters too. <br />
<br />
In January 1953, 18<sup>th</sup> FBW in South Korea replace their F-51D Mustang fighter to the new F-86F-30 fighter while the 8<sup>th</sup> FBW in South Korea also replace their F-80C Shooting star to the new F-86F-30 fighter in April 1953 too. Except the production model, North American Aviation company also produced many modification kits for the old version of F-86F Saber fighters, and the first fifty 6-3 wing modification kits were quickly retrofit to those old version of F-86F Saber fighters which was flew by Aces in South Korea even before the production model of new Saber fighter was delivered. In the second half of 1953, all F-86F fighters in Korea were equipped with new 6-3 wing.<br />
<br />
The F-86F-35 was a version based on the previous F-25/F-30 Saber fighter, but equip with a M1 Low-altitude-bombing-system (LABS) for nuclear weapon delivery missions. It can carry one MK12 nuclear bomb on the inner pylon under the left wing. The first F-86F-35 was delivered to the USAF on October, 1952, they were assigned to 48<sup>th</sup> and 388<sup>th</sup> FBW in Europe.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<br />
;Related development<br />
<br />
* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")<br />
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre<br />
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre<br />
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury<br />
<br />
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era<br />
<br />
* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]<br />
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar<br />
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]<br />
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]<br />
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''<br />
* ''other literature.''--><br />
<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272057-north-american-f-86f-25/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}<br />
{{USA jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-86F-2&diff=106084F-86F-22021-06-23T07:08:26Z<p>U35790733: Advanced history on F-86F-2 and gun val project</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
|about=American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
|usage=other variants<br />
|link=F-86 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-86f-2<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
|cockpit=cockpit_f-86f-2.jpg<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.35]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,095 || 1,089 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.7 || 25.9 || 38.8 || 35.9 || rowspan="2" | 750<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,115 || 1,106 || 23.6 || 24.0 || 56.5 || 46.7<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 590 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~6<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 850 || < 600 || < 650 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J47-GE-27 || 1<br />
| colspan="2" | 5,570 kg || colspan="2" | 243 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 1,150 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 5,927 kg || 6,569 kg || 6,866 kg || 9,530 kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 26m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 2,626 kgf || N/A<br />
| 0.44 || 0.40 || 0.38 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 2,626 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || N/A<br />
| 0.44 || 0.40 || 0.38 || 0.28<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
* 6.35 mm steel - in front of cockpit<br />
* 12.7 mm steel - behind pilot<br />
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen<br />
* 20 mm steel pilot's headrest<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|FMC T-160 (20 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 4 x 20 mm FMC T-160 cannons, nose-mounted (115 rpg = 460 total)<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 16 x HVAR rockets<br />
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (2,000 lb total)<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
In RB, speed is life on this plane. First thing that should be done after takeoff is gaining at least 800-900 kph IAS in level flight and zoom climbing to around 2 km(or we can fight even at the deck, all depends on situation). Maintaining speed at 800 kph is very important. BnZ is main tactic, don't engage in vertical with MiG-15bis. Sabre easily outdive MiG-15bis(Sabre have higher top speed, which means MiG-15bis won't be able to catch Sabre in level flight/dive). Avoid flying slow and turnfighting.<br />
<br />
===Radars===<br />
<!--{{main|AN/APG-30}}--><br />
The F-86F-2 is equipped with an AN/APG-30 rangefinding radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.<br />
It will automatically detect other planes within the scanning area and display the range to the closest target. It is linked with a gyro gunsight and can help with aiming at close range.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-30 - Rangefinding radar<br />
|-<br />
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}<br />
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}<br />
|-<br />
| 2,750 m || 300 m || ±9° || ±9°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Very fast roll rate<br />
* Very accurate high-velocity cannons with little recoil<br />
* Excels overall at high-speed manoeuvres, good for snapshots<br />
* Good rate of turn in the horizontal<br />
* Good zooming ability<br />
* Energy retention superior to MiG-15<br />
* Superior acceleration from high speeds to top speed than MiG-15<br />
* Heavy bombs available if desired<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Extremely high rate of fire demand strict trigger discipline<br />
* Stock guns quickly jam when the trigger is held down<br />
* Poor acceleration from low speeds compared to MiG-15<br />
* Poor rate of climb<br />
* Wings easier to rip when boosters equipped<br />
* Air-brake is less effective than some opponents'<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
=== The "Gun Val" Project ===<br />
As is well-known that most of F-86 Saber fighters of USAF which joined the Korean War have six AN/M3 12.7mm machine-gun as their basic weapon configuration against enemy aircraft. Although the experience of the European battlefield during World War II shows that an average of 300 rounds of 12.7mm bullets can shoot down an enemy aircraft, the U.S pilot found that sometimes their 12.7 mm machine-gun can’t easily shot down enemy MiG fighters even when they score many hits on them, especially once a Soviet MiG-15 fighter was able to return to base safely even with more than 200 bullet holes. Though there were also many F-86 fighter successfully return to the airfield when they were hit by the 23 mm or 37 mm cannon of MiG-15 fighter, it was no doubt the fact that USAF needed a new airborne weapon to replace the aged 12.7 mm machine gun.<br />
<br />
Although USAF had successfully introduced the famous M24A1 20 mm cannon on the Convair B-36 Peacemaker Strategic bomber which was the Air Force version of the Navy’s AN/M3 20 mm cannon, they don’t want to simply introduce the old 20 mm cannon to the F-86F Saber fighter because its rate of fire (700-800 rounds per minute) was found unsuitable for the modern air combat. Therefore, a research project named Gun Val was established on April 3<sup>rd</sup> 1951 to find out the most suitable cannon which could incorporating into current Saber fighter and the incoming Centuries Series Aircraft. (Other aircraft that have participated in the Gun Val program like F-94B, F-84F and F-89C will not be described in this article )<br />
<br />
North American Aviation Company delivered four F-86E-10 and six F-86F-1 Saber fighters to the Air Material Command to test the newly developed T-160 20×102 mm cannon. As for the T-160 cannon, it was a single-barreled revolver cannon which was an imitation of the captured German MG213C 20 mm revolver cannon, the latter was transported to the USA in 1946. Thanks to the cooperation of Springfield Arsenal and the Illinois Institute of Technology, the initial development work of the T-160 cannon was finished in the early 1950s, and it was put into the production line in June 1951. In general, it was a gas-operated, belt-fed, electrically fired weapon, the cannon was capable of firing electrically primed ammunition at the rate of 1500 rounds per minute and develops a muzzle velocity of 3250 feet per second. There were five types of 20×102 mm cartridges available for the T-160 cannon, including M55A1 and M55A2 ball, M53 Armor-Piercing-Incendiary and M56 High-Explosive-Incendiary ammunition.<br />
<br />
=== The Oerlikon Counterpart ===<br />
[[File:F-86F-3 with Oerlikon cannon.jpg|left|thumb|353x353px|F-86F-3 armed with Oerlikon cannons.]]<br />
Apart from that, another cannon joined the competition with T-160 cannon was the Oerlikon 206 RK 20mm cannon which was also a revolver gun, it was capable of firing electrically primed ammunition at the rate of 1650 rounds per minute and develops a muzzle velocity of 3500 feet per second which were both higher than T-160 cannon.<br />
<br />
The 10 Saber fighters fitted with four T-160 cannon was called F-86F-2 while the remaining two Saber fighters with four Saber fighters with four Oerlikon 206 RK cannon was called F-86F-3. As for the F-86F-3, the USAF didn’t receive any of them until April 1954, and the final test report was finished in February 1955 which pointed that the Oerlikon 206 RK cannon had lots of problems that needed to be solved before it entered into service, such as the poor round dispersion of the gun and installation problems. Though the company claimed that these problems could be solved in the future, but at that time the M39 revolver cannon had been put into mass production many years ago, so not surprisingly that the Oerlikon program was canceled in the end.<br />
<br />
As a comparison, those ten F-86F-2 fighters equipped with T-160 cannon were much luckier. Apart from the cannon, all F-86F-2 fighters were fitted with new 6-3 wing, and both the original A-4 gun/rocket/bomb calculating sight and the AN/APG-30 Ranging Radar was remained. After the initial test was done, Lieutenant Colonel Peterson who was the project officer of Gun Val program at that time decided to took eight F-86F-2 fighters to Korea aboard the USS Windham Bay for combat trials in December 1952.<br />
<br />
All the F-86F-2 fighters were assigned to the 335<sup>th</sup> FIS of 4<sup>th</sup> FW at Kimpo, and only six aircraft were ever actually in Korea at any one time. When they arrived at Kimpo, these F-86F-2 fighters were re-painted as other original F-86F Saber fighter such as the black and yellow FEAF ID bands and yellow and black tail stripe, also the ground crews painted the third gun port on the nose under two 20mm muzzle to make them looks no difference with the original F-86F Saber fighter. Apart from that, the commander of F-86F-2 team was changed to Colonel Garrison, but Peterson was still stayed there as a contractor technician with other three contractor technicians and five assigned pilots.<br />
<br />
The combat trial was began in January 1953, though it was discovered that the cannon gas from the 20 mm cannon may cause a compressor stall which is very dangerous for both plane and its pilot, including one accident that Major Moorehead fired his 20 mm cannon in a long burst during one mission and cause the engine stop working, though he restart the engine, the problem was appeared again later. But even the Saber pilots chose to only use two cannon at one time to avoid the problem, they still fired almost 10900 rounds in combat, engaged MiG fighters in 41 missions and successfully shot down six of them (3 MiG fighters were probably destroyed and 13 MiG fighters damaged) with two F-86F-2 were damaged (one’s intake was being hit by the 37 mm shell and another one’s wing was being hit by the 23 mm shell), but unfortunately Captain Moore ’s plane suffered a flame-out accident followed by turbine failure on 30<sup>th</sup> April 1953, so he had to bail out in the end.<br />
[[File:See-through of F-86H and its M39 cannons.jpg|thumb|342x342px|F-86H with M39 cannons, the successor of T-160 and the Gun Val project.]]<br />
To solve these problems, Peterson not only sent the report to the test center, but also found a way to simply solve the problem: a simple horseshoe clip installed in the blast tube of the cannon broke up the cannon gas before it could enter the intake. The Gun Val combat trial program was finished on May 1953, and in order to completely solve the cannon gas problem, the engineers of North American Aviation company invented a C-shaped plate which could effectively dissipated the cannon gas, this solution was finally adopted for operational use on the late version of F-86H fighter with four M39 cannons. <br />
<br />
Inspire by the success of the Gun Val program, USAF finally decided to accept the T-160 cannon as its next-generation air-combat weapon and renamed it as M39 20 mm cannon. The first operational fighter equip with M39 cannon was North American Aviation F-86H-5 Saber fighter in mid 1950s, then it became the standard internal weapon on both North American Aviation F-100 Super Saber fighter, McDonnell F-101A Voodoo long-range escort fighter and Northrop F-5 fighter. <br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<br />
;Related development<br />
<br />
* Canadair [[F-86 (Family)|Sabre]] (those Sabres manufactured with the designator "CL")<br />
* North American [[F-86 (Family)|F-86A/F]]<br />
* North American [[F-86K (France)|F-86D]] Sabre<br />
* North American [[F-100D|F-100]] Super Sabre<br />
* North American [[FJ-4B|FJ-4]] Fury<br />
<br />
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era<br />
<br />
* Dassault [[Super Mystere B2|Super Mystère]]<br />
* Grumman [[F9F-8|F-9]] Cougar<br />
* Hawker [[Hunter F.1|Hunter]]<br />
* Lavochkin [[La-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-15]]<br />
* Mikoyan-Gurevich [[MiG-17]]<br />
* Saab [[J29D|J29]] Tunnan<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''<br />
* ''other literature.''--><br />
<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/272058-north-american-f-86f-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer NAA}}<br />
{{USA jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:See-through_of_F-86H_and_its_M39_cannons.jpg&diff=106083File:See-through of F-86H and its M39 cannons.jpg2021-06-23T07:06:36Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Cited from Красив. North American F-86 Sabre и программа Gun val (https://sias15.rssing.com/chan-8856538/all_p57.html)<br />
Initially taken from F-86H flight manual</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:F-86F-3_with_Oerlikon_cannon.jpg&diff=106082File:F-86F-3 with Oerlikon cannon.jpg2021-06-23T06:56:06Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>Cited from Красив. North American F-86 Sabre и программа Gun val<br />
Link: https://sias15.rssing.com/chan-8856538/all_p57.html</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-5A_(China)&diff=106057F-5A (China)2021-06-22T16:42:15Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-5a_china<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].<br />
<br />
Designed from the N-156 prototype of Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman), F-5A is the first-comer of the long-lasting family of F-5 series lightweight fighter; which is still widely used by various military powers throughout the planet with ROCAF (currently F-5E/F Tiger II) being the largest operator among them. In-game, the F-5A is a highly versatile aircraft courtesy of its many loadouts. In a relatively clean configuration with only a pair of AIM-9P Sidewinders, it serves as a wonderfully agile dogfighter that can hold its own against much larger and heavier opponents. It can also be loaded up with a deceptively large amount and variety of ordnance for ground attacking. Pilots valuing pleasant handling characteristics and lethal weaponry can enjoy the F-5A as worthy capstone for the ROCAF fighter line.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
Being a lightweight supersonic jet fighter, the F-5A is a really manoeuvrable aircraft: the aerodynamic design and the structure of this fighter can sustain high-G manoeuvres even around 1,000 km/h at around 11 G of overloading without losing much energy. Try to stay above 800 km/h, if you go below that your speed starts dropping rapidly. You don't really have to care about ripping your wings. At lower speeds, the F-5A stand amongst the best jets in terms of manoeuvrability. The angle of attack in a turn stays really low, as it does not have delta wings and is really light. However, the aircraft does not have a high top speed and the acceleration is subpar compared to same-tier jets due to the limitations on the J85 engines.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 10,668 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,430 || 1,422 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.1 || 28.3 || 112.5 || 99.3 || rowspan="2" | 850<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,461 || 1,444 || 26.9 || 27.0 || 160.0 || 135.0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 559 || 555 || ~11 || ~4<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-13 || 2<br />
| colspan="2" | 4,051 kg || colspan="3" | 365 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 271 kg || colspan="2" | Axial flow turbojet with afterburner<br />
| 4,580 kg || 4,992 kg || 5,462 kg || 5,814 kg || _,___ kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 960 kgf || 1,426 kgf<br />
| 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.49 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 1,200 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 2,459 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)<br />
| 1.07 || 0.99 || 0.90 || 0.85 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
There is no armour at all on the F-5A. As such, all of the modules, control surfaces, and the pilot are exposed to any projectiles that connect.<br />
<br />
The F-5A has two self-sealing fuel tank located in the rear fuselage right besides the engine. While this minimizes fuel strikes to a small portion of the plane, the issue comes in that the fuel tanks are overlapping each other closely. A cannon round or two fired in a volley by an enemy can easily strike both fuel tanks at the same time, leading to both tanks leaking fuels, or worse case both tanks catching on fire which would severely hamper the F-5A's survival chances.<br />
<br />
The engines are mounted all the way towards the fuselage rear, contained around the area of the tail. This means the engine are in one of the least likely areas to be hit when attacked by an enemy in a high-deflection attack. This also means that if the enemy aims for the F-5A's rear end via guns or missiles, both the tail control and the engines are liable to be knocked out at the same time, leading to gravity taking over and dooming the aircraft.<br />
<br />
Though it is possible to lose a wing and still maintain enough lift to fly back to base, this is a very situational case of the wings tearing off from excessive G-force (also a rare case) and if the enemy shoots it off with their armaments and damaging nothing else. The prevalence of missiles at top-rank jet battles mean this is a very unlikely situation and the F-5A most likely would not survive a direct hit by a cannon round or missile.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
Part of the F-5A's forte in the air is its manoeuvrability, as such there should be an emphasis towards unlocking the modifications in the ''Flight Performance'' and ''Survivability'' category to boost engine power, flight speed, and turning rate.<br />
<br />
''Weaponry'' can be prioritized depending on the intent of use of the F-5A. IF one requires a more reliable and flexible cannon armament, the ''Offensive 20 mm'' and ''New 20 mm cannons'' should be considered, though the default belt is already sufficient for knocking out both enemy aircraft and ground AI target in Air Realistic battles. If trying to take down enemy aircraft more reliably, the ''AIM-9P'' module should be prioritized, though this requires unlocking the ''LAU-3/A'' and ''AGM-12B Bullpup'' modules to get to. If trying to attack ground targets in Ground Realistic battles, the ''AGM-12B'' is also a good place to go while unlocking the ''AIM-9P'' as it will unlock four Bullpup missiles ready to be mounted on the F-5A.<br />
<br />
The research priority of the bombs is up to the user's preference and ability to skillfully put bombs onto target, as the F-5A does not comes with a ballistic computer to help guide where the bombs will drop. User's intuition and skill are relied upon for an accurate drop, which can be harder to do in Ground Realistic battles due to the likely contested airspace the F-5A would find themselves in when the enemy team begin deploying SPAAs.<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)<br />
<br />
The F-5 can make short work of enemy jet fighters thanks to its fairly accurate cannons, the generous amount of rounds and the directional controllability of the aircraft. The two nose-mounted autocannons are not as fast-firing as many of the top-rank vehicles like the [[M61 (20 mm)|M61 Vulcan]] on Phantoms or the [[GSh-23L_(23_mm)|GSh-23L]] on MiG-21s. However, the M39A2 cannon shells are of similar nature to the M61, so the same effect on enemy targets can be expected if the shots land onto target. One benefit of the lower rate of fire is the longer time of firing available to a F-5A pilot. So if the pilot aims carefully, the F-5A can deliver devastating effects with their 20 mm M39A2 for a longer period of time.<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}<br />
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9P Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)<br />
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb (500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
<br />
The F-5A has a bewildering array of loadouts, but the vast majority are dedicated to ground attack. Once AIM-9P missiles are unlocked, your attack capability is vastly increased and F-5A becomes an effective dogfighter provided it is not carrying too much ordnance.<br />
<br />
For a pure air-to-air role, the 2x AIM-9P loadout is the best, as the F-5A cannot carry more than two air-to-air missiles and everything else causes unnecessary weight and drag during combat. Most of the other loadouts still include the twin AIM-9Ps as a supplement to combinations of rockets, AGMs, and bombs. For mixed battles, these multirole loadouts are generally best option as they allow the F-5A to cause plenty of havoc to ground targets while still having air-to-air missiles for countering enemy aircraft. The one loadout lacking missiles that may be worth considering consists of 4x AGM-12B Bullpup AGMs and nothing else; Bullpups are very lethal against player controlled tanks but the multirole loadouts are limited to only having two of them.<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
<br />
F-5A was designed to be a lightweight fighter at the first place, so one thing players may find is the better manoeuvrability over most jets at the same tier, also another traits of this aircraft is its directional controllability (that is, the nose points to whether your mouse pointed at without much corrections); but you will also suffer from a major drawback of it- the subpar thrust of the pair of J85 on the it, which provides lower-than-average acceleration to fighters of the same tier, unless necessary or 1-on-1 battles, DO NOT have the airspeed lower than 800kph which the speed drops even significantly.<br />
<br />
One way to cope with the lack of acceleration is to use the directional controllability to bait enemies during head-on, with the currently smallest size jet at 10.7, players can dodge devastating cannons with relatively ease and use that manoeuvrability to turn back on the enemy; or trick their shots then immediately point the nose back onto the enemy during head-on albeit risky. Another safer option is pick those fighters with lower energy and make quick and short work of them with those pair of M39A2 cannons; until players unlock AIM-9P with exceptional accuracy and long range; with missiles, try to keep the target at around 2km where the missiles can track with more accuracy but keep in mind that you only have 2 chances as F-5A has no underwing pylon for AAMs.<br />
<br />
For Ground(RB):<br />
<br />
One thing that makes F-5A different from most ROCAF and PLAAF aircraft is the surprising amount of variety of CAS configs ranging from 250-2000 lbs LDGP bombs, FFARs or 4 AGM-12B AGMs that proves lethal to ground vehicles. But lacks of ballistic computers (not even a gyroscope gunsight) makes it struggles on pin-point bombings against your targets, so experience on jet ground-attacks is very essential for this aircraft; alternatively, if you prefer AGMs, these 4 AGM-12B can make really short work to any ground targets.<br />
<br />
The key to ground attack in a F-5A is keep on track of SPAAGs as you don't have a RWR and if necessary, bring 2 extra AIM-9Ps to protect your team from other ground attackers.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Many payload options<br />
* AIM-9P missiles are quite effective<br />
* Highly manoeuvrable<br />
* Amazing energy retention, even in high-G manoeuvres<br />
* Hard to rip the wings<br />
* Can be used in many roles, such as fighter, attacker and base bomber<br />
* Competitive speed at sea level, on par with MiG-21s<br />
* Reasonable ammo pool for the cannons<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* No flares and RWR<br />
* No radar or rangefinder<br />
* No extra protection on the aircraft<br />
* Low top speed, acceleration, and climb rate compared to its counterparts<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
As a supersonic fighter born in late 1950s, Northrop F-5 series fighters were a popular choice for many countries, as well as being a famous star in USAF's Exercise Red Flag, where it performed well even against 3rd generation fighters such as F-14 Tomcat. Although the US Air Force only used a limited number of F-5C "Skoshi Tiger" in the Vietnam War, both F-5A "Freedom Fighter" and F-5E "Tiger" were involved in many wars and conflicts around the world, such as the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, in which one of the Iranian F-5E fighter jets shot down a MiG-25 flown by an Iraqi ace pilot with the M39 autocannons!<br />
<br />
=== "Freedom Fighters" and "Tigers" in Taiwan ===<br />
In an effort to replace the outdated F-86F Sabre fighter jets, the ROCAF placed an order of 60 F-5A and B fighters to the United States, the first tranche of a total requirement for 115 aircraft. <br />
<br />
''The 115 aircraft were aided through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and the Military Aid Program (MAP), while some sources claim that the total amount of F-5A was 72 with an additional batch of 11 F-5Bs.''<br />
<br />
The first batch of Freedom Fighters was delivered in 1964, which equipped three squadrons of 1st Tactical Fighter Wing. Subsequently, a total of four squadrons were equipped with the F-5A/B fighters and the military aid program was codenamed "Yu Shan" ("玉山", One of the main mountain ranges in Taiwan). Followed by the requirement for updating weaponry and equipment for the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, 48 of the ROCAF's Freedom Fighters were to be leased to the Vietnamese ally and then be sent to Southeast Asia as quickly as possible. During this period, air defense missions over the Taiwan Strait were mainly carried out by the U.S. Air Force. The US Air Force drew two F-4C fighter squadrons from Kadena Air Force Base, and a total of 48 Phantom II fighters were stationed at Ching-Chuan-Kang Air Force Base in Taichung. In return for ROC's aiding military equipment to the Republic of Vietnam, the ROCAF received 28 F-5E Tiger from Northrop in 1975, and it is believed that part of the F-5A transferred to South Vietnam was later returned to the ROCAF, even including an F-5C used by USAF in Vietnam for evaluation, at which time the F-4 Phantom II fighter squadrons and the supporting T-38 trainers returned to Kadena Air Force Base.<br />
<br />
=== The Domestic "Tiger" jets: Peace Tiger Program ===<br />
On February 9, 1973, the ROC authorities and the US government reached an agreement for the co-production of 100 F-5E "Tiger" fighter jets. This program was given the codename "Hu An" ("虎安", Peace Tiger) and was to be undertaken jointly by Northrop and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation of Taiwan (AIDC) (then a research institute of the ROCAF).<br />
<br />
The first AIDC-built F-5E was rolled out on October 30, 1974, one day before the late President Chiang Kai Shek's 88th birthday, and was thus christened "Chung Chen", an alias of President Chiang. Production of all 100 aircraft was completed by November 1977.<br />
<br />
Later 208 more aircraft were added to the production run in five batches, lasted from "Peace Tiger No. 2" through "Peace Tiger No. 6". Complexity of the production work by AIDC also evolved in several phases. The whole "Peace Tiger" program was completed on December 9, 1986, when the final aircraft was rolled of the production line.<br />
<br />
The Peace Tiger No. 6 stands out among these programs, for it was the only batch approved after the US authorities led by President Carter established diplomatic relations with Communist China in 1979. The succeeding Reagan administration denied Taiwan's request to purchase the more advanced F-16 and F-20 in early 1982, for fear of angering mainland China.<br />
<br />
More than denying following military aids, the US government signed the 817 Communique with China on August 17, 1982, pledging to gradually reduce military sales and aid to Taiwan. However, in an effort to assure the security of the Taiwan Strait and curb the offensive attempts of mainland China, the Reagan administration submitted the proposed sale of 60 F-5E/F to Republic of China to Congress after two days. As a result, the US $240-million sale was made of the license production of 30 F-5E and 30 F-5F and was later named as Peace Tiger 6.<br />
<br />
At its peak in 1990, the ROC Air Force had a total of 5 Tactical Fighter Wings (The 401 Wing in Taoyuan, the 455 Wing in Chiayi, the 443 Wing in Tainan, the 828 Wing in Hualien, and the 737 Wing in Taitung), a total of 15 squadrons were equipped with F-5E/F fighters. A portions of F-5E/F (such as some aircraft of 443 Wing stationed in Tainan) were able to use AGM-65 "Mavericks" air-to-surface missiles, 500 and 2000 lbs "Paving Stone" laser-guided bombs in the later stages of their service.<br />
<br />
''The US-Sino August 17th Joint Communiqué, also known as "中美就解決美國向台出售武器問題的公告" (China-US Announcement on Solving the Issue of US Arms Sales to Taiwan), aimed to cease the arms sales and any form of military aid that the US provides to Republic of China.''<br />
<br />
=== End of the era of "Freedom Fighter" ===<br />
After nearly 30 years of active service, the F-5A fighter was officially decommissioned from the Republic of China Air Force on June 30, 1987, while the F-5B fighter was decommissioned on June 30, 1996. In fact, before the last F-5A/B was ever decommissioned from service, most of these fighters had been converted into unmanned drones or disassembled to provide spare parts for the successor fighter jets.<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/7060-development-f-5a-freedom-fighter-bring-em-hell-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
In the mid-50's, a group of specialists from the Northrop Corporation began developing a light multi-role short-range support fighter on their own initiative that could take off and land on short runways. The idea did not receive much appreciation from the military authorities, as the main stake was then placed on high-tech expensive fighters, for which the length of the runway did not play a decisive role. However, within Northrop Corporation, the project continued to develop. While research, construction and testing of prototypes were going on, the strengthening of the NATO and SEATO alliances required the United States to supply a cheap multi-role fighter to allies.<br />
<br />
This is where the work of the Northrop engineers came in handy. With minor modifications, the experimental aircraft went into production under the designation F-5A. Very easy to assemble and maintain, without modern navigation and guidance systems, the aircraft was able to carry a huge arsenal of suspended weaponry and effectively carry out missions to destroy various types of ground targets, as well as successfully participate in air battles, often against more expensive and advanced enemy aircraft.<br />
<br />
The F-5A Freedom Fighter was first put in service by the Norwegian Air Force in 1964, later she was supplied to a large number of US allies and was actively used in many conflicts around the world, including Vietnam, the Iran-Iraq conflict and the War of Ogaden.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-5a_china Skins and camouflages for the F-5A from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
;Images<br />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"><br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 01.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 02.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 03.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 04.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 05.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 06.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
;Videos<br />
{{Youtube-gallery|pFRi6Bg08Ts|'''It's Finally Here! - F-5A Freedom Fighter''' - ''DEFYN''}}<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/7060-development-f-5a-freedom-fighter-bring-em-hell-en|[Devblog] F-5A Freedom Fighter: Bring 'em Hell!]]<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/519024-f-5a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}<br />
{{China jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=F-5A_(China)&diff=106052F-5A (China)2021-06-22T15:07:31Z<p>U35790733: F-5 series in Taiwan</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=f-5a_china<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]].<br />
<br />
Designed from the N-156 prototype of Northrop Corporation (now Northrop Grumman), F-5A is the first-comer of the long-lasting family of F-5 series lightweight fighter; which is still widely used by various military powers throughout the planet with ROCAF (currently F-5E/F Tiger II) being the largest operator among them. In-game, the F-5A is a highly versatile aircraft courtesy of its many loadouts. In a relatively clean configuration with only a pair of AIM-9P Sidewinders, it serves as a wonderfully agile dogfighter that can hold its own against much larger and heavier opponents. It can also be loaded up with a deceptively large amount and variety of ordnance for ground attacking. Pilots valuing pleasant handling characteristics and lethal weaponry can enjoy the F-5A as worthy capstone for the ROCAF fighter line.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
Being a lightweight supersonic jet fighter, the F-5A is a really manoeuvrable aircraft: the aerodynamic design and the structure of this fighter can sustain high-G manoeuvres even around 1,000 km/h at around 11 G of overloading without losing much energy. Try to stay above 800 km/h, if you go below that your speed starts dropping rapidly. You don't really have to care about ripping your wings. At lower speeds, the F-5A stand amongst the best jets in terms of manoeuvrability. The angle of attack in a turn stays really low, as it does not have delta wings and is really light. However, the aircraft does not have a high top speed and the acceleration is subpar compared to same-tier jets due to the limitations on the J85 engines.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 10,668 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 1,430 || 1,422 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.1 || 28.3 || 112.5 || 99.3 || rowspan="2" | 850<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 1,461 || 1,444 || 26.9 || 27.0 || 160.0 || 135.0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 926 || 559 || 555 || ~11 || ~4<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | General Electric J85-GE-13 || 2<br />
| colspan="2" | 4,051 kg || colspan="3" | 365 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 271 kg || colspan="2" | Axial flow turbojet with afterburner<br />
| 4,580 kg || 4,992 kg || 5,462 kg || 5,814 kg || _,___ kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 11m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 37m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 960 kgf || 1,426 kgf<br />
| 0.62 || 0.57 || 0.52 || 0.49 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 1,200 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h) || 2,459 kgf<br>(1,400 km/h)<br />
| 1.07 || 0.99 || 0.90 || 0.85 || _.__<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
There is no armour at all on the F-5A. As such, all of the modules, control surfaces, and the pilot are exposed to any projectiles that connect.<br />
<br />
The F-5A has two self-sealing fuel tank located in the rear fuselage right besides the engine. While this minimizes fuel strikes to a small portion of the plane, the issue comes in that the fuel tanks are overlapping each other closely. A cannon round or two fired in a volley by an enemy can easily strike both fuel tanks at the same time, leading to both tanks leaking fuels, or worse case both tanks catching on fire which would severely hamper the F-5A's survival chances.<br />
<br />
The engines are mounted all the way towards the fuselage rear, contained around the area of the tail. This means the engine are in one of the least likely areas to be hit when attacked by an enemy in a high-deflection attack. This also means that if the enemy aims for the F-5A's rear end via guns or missiles, both the tail control and the engines are liable to be knocked out at the same time, leading to gravity taking over and dooming the aircraft.<br />
<br />
Though it is possible to lose a wing and still maintain enough lift to fly back to base, this is a very situational case of the wings tearing off from excessive G-force (also a rare case) and if the enemy shoots it off with their armaments and damaging nothing else. The prevalence of missiles at top-rank jet battles mean this is a very unlikely situation and the F-5A most likely would not survive a direct hit by a cannon round or missile.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
Part of the F-5A's forte in the air is its manoeuvrability, as such there should be an emphasis towards unlocking the modifications in the ''Flight Performance'' and ''Survivability'' category to boost engine power, flight speed, and turning rate.<br />
<br />
''Weaponry'' can be prioritized depending on the intent of use of the F-5A. IF one requires a more reliable and flexible cannon armament, the ''Offensive 20 mm'' and ''New 20 mm cannons'' should be considered, though the default belt is already sufficient for knocking out both enemy aircraft and ground AI target in Air Realistic battles. If trying to take down enemy aircraft more reliably, the ''AIM-9P'' module should be prioritized, though this requires unlocking the ''LAU-3/A'' and ''AGM-12B Bullpup'' modules to get to. If trying to attack ground targets in Ground Realistic battles, the ''AGM-12B'' is also a good place to go while unlocking the ''AIM-9P'' as it will unlock four Bullpup missiles ready to be mounted on the F-5A.<br />
<br />
The research priority of the bombs is up to the user's preference and ability to skillfully put bombs onto target, as the F-5A does not comes with a ballistic computer to help guide where the bombs will drop. User's intuition and skill are relied upon for an accurate drop, which can be harder to do in Ground Realistic battles due to the likely contested airspace the F-5A would find themselves in when the enemy team begin deploying SPAAs.<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 20 mm M39A2 cannons, nose-mounted (280 rpg = 560 total)<br />
<br />
The F-5 can make short work of enemy jet fighters thanks to its fairly accurate cannons, the generous amount of rounds and the directional controllability of the aircraft. The two nose-mounted autocannons are not as fast-firing as many of the top-rank vehicles like the [[M61 (20 mm)|M61 Vulcan]] on Phantoms or the [[GSh-23L_(23_mm)|GSh-23L]] on MiG-21s. However, the M39A2 cannon shells are of similar nature to the M61, so the same effect on enemy targets can be expected if the shots land onto target. One benefit of the lower rate of fire is the longer time of firing available to a F-5A pilot. So if the pilot aims carefully, the F-5A can deliver devastating effects with their 20 mm M39A2 for a longer period of time.<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|LDGP Mk 81 (250 lb)|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|M117 cone 45 (750 lb)|LDGP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)}}<br />
{{main|AGM-12B Bullpup|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AIM-9P Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)<br />
* 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 4 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 18 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (4,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (2,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 5 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (3,750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 3 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bombs (3,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 1 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 6 x 250 lb LDGP Mk 81 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (1,500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 3 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bombs (2,250 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 750 lb M117 cone 45 bomb (750 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb (500 lb total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9P Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AGM-12B Bullpup missiles + 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb LDGP Mk 83 bomb (1,000 lb total)<br />
<br />
The F-5A has a bewildering array of loadouts, but the vast majority are dedicated to ground attack. Once AIM-9P missiles are unlocked, your attack capability is vastly increased and F-5A becomes an effective dogfighter provided it is not carrying too much ordnance.<br />
<br />
For a pure air-to-air role, the 2x AIM-9P loadout is the best, as the F-5A cannot carry more than two air-to-air missiles and everything else causes unnecessary weight and drag during combat. Most of the other loadouts still include the twin AIM-9Ps as a supplement to combinations of rockets, AGMs, and bombs. For mixed battles, these multirole loadouts are generally best option as they allow the F-5A to cause plenty of havoc to ground targets while still having air-to-air missiles for countering enemy aircraft. The one loadout lacking missiles that may be worth considering consists of 4x AGM-12B Bullpup AGMs and nothing else; Bullpups are very lethal against player controlled tanks but the multirole loadouts are limited to only having two of them.<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
<br />
F-5A was designed to be a lightweight fighter at the first place, so one thing players may find is the better manoeuvrability over most jets at the same tier, also another traits of this aircraft is its directional controllability (that is, the nose points to whether your mouse pointed at without much corrections); but you will also suffer from a major drawback of it- the subpar thrust of the pair of J85 on the it, which provides lower-than-average acceleration to fighters of the same tier, unless necessary or 1-on-1 battles, DO NOT have the airspeed lower than 800kph which the speed drops even significantly.<br />
<br />
One way to cope with the lack of acceleration is to use the directional controllability to bait enemies during head-on, with the currently smallest size jet at 10.7, players can dodge devastating cannons with relatively ease and use that manoeuvrability to turn back on the enemy; or trick their shots then immediately point the nose back onto the enemy during head-on albeit risky. Another safer option is pick those fighters with lower energy and make quick and short work of them with those pair of M39A2 cannons; until players unlock AIM-9P with exceptional accuracy and long range; with missiles, try to keep the target at around 2km where the missiles can track with more accuracy but keep in mind that you only have 2 chances as F-5A has no underwing pylon for AAMs.<br />
<br />
For Ground(RB):<br />
<br />
One thing that makes F-5A different from most ROCAF and PLAAF aircraft is the surprising amount of variety of CAS configs ranging from 250-2000 lbs LDGP bombs, FFARs or 4 AGM-12B AGMs that proves lethal to ground vehicles. But lacks of ballistic computers (not even a gyroscope gunsight) makes it struggles on pin-point bombings against your targets, so experience on jet ground-attacks is very essential for this aircraft; alternatively, if you prefer AGMs, these 4 AGM-12B can make really short work to any ground targets.<br />
<br />
The key to ground attack in a F-5A is keep on track of SPAAGs as you don't have a RWR and if necessary, bring 2 extra AIM-9Ps to protect your team from other ground attackers.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Many payload options<br />
* AIM-9P missiles are quite effective<br />
* Highly manoeuvrable<br />
* Amazing energy retention, even in high-G manoeuvres<br />
* Hard to rip the wings<br />
* Can be used in many roles, such as fighter, attacker and base bomber<br />
* Competitive speed at sea level, on par with MiG-21s<br />
* Reasonable ammo pool for the cannons<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* No flares and RWR<br />
* No radar or rangefinder<br />
* No extra protection on the aircraft<br />
* Low top speed, acceleration, and climb rate compared to its counterparts<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
As a supersonic fighter born in late 1950s, Northrop F-5 series Fighters was a well-known choice for many countries, also it was a famous star in American’s Red Flag military drill, which it performed well even in a situation against the 3rd generation fighters such as F-14 Tomcat. Although U.S Air Force only used a limited number of F-5C "Skoshi Tiger" in Vietnam War, both F-5A "Freedom Fighter" and F-5E "Tiger" were involved in many wars and conflicts around the world, such as the Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, in which one of the Iranian F-5E fighter jets shot down a MiG-25 flew by an Iraqi ace pilot with M39 autocannons!<br />
<br />
=== "Freedom Fighters" and "Tigers" in Taiwan ===<br />
Back to the early 1960s, ROCAF placed an order to bought 60 F-5A and B fighters in 1963, also the amount of the first tranche of the aircrafts was 115. (Some sources claim that the total amount of F-5A was 72 with an additional batch of 11 F-5Bs)<br />
<br />
The first batch of Freedom Fighters was delivered in 1964, which equipped three squadrons of 1st Tactics Fighter Wing. Followed by the requirement for updating weaponry and equipment for the Republic of Vietnam Air Force, 48 of the ROCAF’s Freedom Fighters were be leased to the Vietnamese ally and then be sent to South east Asia as quickly as possible. As for the payback of the support for the South Vietnam Air Force, ROCAF soon received 28 F-5E Tiger by Northrop in 1975, and it is believed that 20 of the leased Freedom Fighter were handed back to ROCAF after the Vietnam War.<br />
<br />
On February 9, 1973, the ROC authorities and the US government reached an agreement for the co-production of 100 F-5E "Tiger" fighter jets. This very program was awarded a codename "Hu An" ("虎安", Peace Tiger) and was to be undertaken jointly by Northrop and Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation of Taiwan (AIDC) (then a research institute of the ROCAF).<br />
<br />
The first AIDC-built F-5E was rolled out on October 30, 1974, one day before the late President Chiang Kai Shek's 88th birthday, and was thus christened "Chung Chen", an alias of President Chiang. Production of all 100 aircraft was completed by November 1977.<br />
<br />
Later 208 more aircraft were added to the production run in five batches, lasted from "Peace Tiger No. 2" through "Peace Tiger No. 6". Complexity of the production work by AIDC also evolved in several phases. The whole "Peace Tiger" program was completed on December 9, 1986, when the final aircraft was rolled of the production line.<br />
<br />
=== The surviving "Peace Tiger No. 6" ===<br />
Among these batches, Peace Tiger No. 6 stands out for it was the only batch approved after the US authorities led by President Carter established diplomatic relations with Communism China in 1979. The succeeding Reagan administration denied Taiwan's request to purchase the more advanced F-16 and F-20 in early 1982, for fear of angering mainland China.<br />
<br />
More than denying following military aids, the US government signed the 817 Communique with China on August 17, 1982, pledging to gradually reduce military sales and aids to Taiwan. However, in an effort to assure the security of Taiwan Straits and curb the offensive attempts of mainland China, the Reagan administration submitted the proposed sale of 60 F-5E/F to Republic of China to the Congress after two days. As a result, the US $240-million sale was made of the license production of 30 F-5E and 30 F-5F and was later named as Peace Tiger 6.<br />
<br />
* ''The US-Sino August 17th Joint Communiqué, also known as "中美就解決美國向台出售武器問題的公告" (China-U.S. Announcement on Solving the Issue of U.S. Arms Sales to Taiwan), which aims to cease the arms sales and any form of military aid that US provide to Republic of China.''<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/7060-development-f-5a-freedom-fighter-bring-em-hell-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
In the mid-50's, a group of specialists from the Northrop Corporation began developing a light multi-role short-range support fighter on their own initiative that could take off and land on short runways. The idea did not receive much appreciation from the military authorities, as the main stake was then placed on high-tech expensive fighters, for which the length of the runway did not play a decisive role. However, within Northrop Corporation, the project continued to develop. While research, construction and testing of prototypes were going on, the strengthening of the NATO and SEATO alliances required the United States to supply a cheap multi-role fighter to allies.<br />
<br />
This is where the work of the Northrop engineers came in handy. With minor modifications, the experimental aircraft went into production under the designation F-5A. Very easy to assemble and maintain, without modern navigation and guidance systems, the aircraft was able to carry a huge arsenal of suspended weaponry and effectively carry out missions to destroy various types of ground targets, as well as successfully participate in air battles, often against more expensive and advanced enemy aircraft.<br />
<br />
The F-5A Freedom Fighter was first put in service by the Norwegian Air Force in 1964, later she was supplied to a large number of US allies and was actively used in many conflicts around the world, including Vietnam, the Iran-Iraq conflict and the War of Ogaden.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-5a_china Skins and camouflages for the F-5A from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
;Images<br />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"><br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 01.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 02.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 03.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 04.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 05.jpg|<br />
File:F-5A WTWallpaper 06.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
;Videos<br />
{{Youtube-gallery|pFRi6Bg08Ts|'''It's Finally Here! - F-5A Freedom Fighter''' - ''DEFYN''}}<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/7060-development-f-5a-freedom-fighter-bring-em-hell-en|[Devblog] F-5A Freedom Fighter: Bring 'em Hell!]]<br />
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/519024-f-5a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}<br />
{{China jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMCS_Brantford&diff=105897HMCS Brantford2021-06-17T12:04:00Z<p>U35790733: service history done</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_flower_class<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British sub-chaser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] as part of the British fleet Closed Beta Test.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.'' --><br />
<br />
[[File:Flower_class_(K-218)_internals.png|thumb|Flower class (K-218) internals (starboard side).]]<br />
<br />
Flower class (K-218) has the following armour layout:<br />
<br />
* [[BL Mark IX (102 mm)|102 mm BL Mark IX]] gunshield: 4.97 mm, antifragmentation armour<br />
* [[2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII]] gunshield: 12.7 mm, hardened armour<br />
* [[20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II]] gunshields: 12.7 mm, hardened armour<br />
* Hull: 6 mm, steel<br />
* Superstructure: 4 mm, steel<br />
<br />
While the gunshields may stop low-calibre machineguns, heavy machineguns and cannons will have no trouble with them at any range. The hull and superstructure are cannot stop gunfire of any sort.<br />
<br />
There is currently no gun in the game that can hull-break Flower class (K-218).<br />
<br />
Flower class (K-218)'s hull is split into five compartments. The first compartment starts at the bow and ends in front of the 102 mm BL Mark IX cannon. The second starts at the 102 mm BL Mark IX cannon and ends in front of the fuel tanks. The third starts at the fuel tanks and ends where the fuel tanks end. The fourth starts at the end of the fuel tanks and ends at the aft 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII cannon. The fifth starts at the aft 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII cannon and ends at the stern. Flower class (K-218) is notable for being one of the only rank I boats to have the "Shrapnel Protection" modification, though this doesn't affect survivability much.<br />
<br />
Flower class (K-218) has two types of ammunition storages: a "Shells room", located in the second hull compartment, and an "Ammunition storage", located in the fifth hull compartment. The "Shells room" contains ammunition for the 102 mm BL Mark IX cannon, and the "Ammunition storage" contains ammunition for both the 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII and 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II cannons. Destroying either will cause any remaining ammunition for the respective guns to be destroyed, but doing so will not immediately destroy Flower class (K-218).<br />
<br />
With a crew complement of 85, Flower class (K-218)'s overall survivability is very high.<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
<!-- ''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.'' --><br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility<br />
|SpeedForwardStockAB = 33<br />
|SpeedBackStockAB = 16<br />
|TurnTimeStockAB = 100.25<br />
|TurnSpeedStockAB = 23<br />
|TurnTimeSpadedAB = 57.57<br />
|TurnSpeedSpadedAB = 23<br />
<br />
|SpeedForwardStockRB = 25<br />
|SpeedBackStockRB = 12<br />
|TurnTimeStockRB = 148.67<br />
|TurnSpeedStockRB = 18<br />
|TurnTimeSpadedRB = 100.43<br />
|TurnSpeedSpadedRB = 21<br />
}}<br />
<br />
Flower class (K-218) has a displacement of 1030 tons.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
<!-- ''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.'' --><br />
{{main|BL Mark IX (102 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The primary armament consists of a single 102 mm BL Mark IX cannon mounted on the bow. There are 150 rounds of ammunition available for it. Stock, the mount can traverse horizontally at a rate of 13°/s and vertically at a rate of 8.5°/s; with the "Primary Armament Targeting" modification installed, this is increased to 15°/s and 10°/s respectively. The gun is single-shot and has a nominal rate of fire of 12 rounds/min. With a stock crew, it can be reloaded in 6.5 seconds; with an aced crew, it can be reloaded in 5 seconds.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="25%"<br />
! colspan="2" | '''Primary Armament Guidance'''<br />
|-<br />
! Horizontal !! Vertical<br />
|-<br />
| ±145° || -5°/+30°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are three ammunition choices available:<br />
<br />
* 4 inch HE<br />
* 4 inch SAP<br />
* 102 mm shrapnel<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="8" | '''Penetration Statistics'''<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type<br />
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''<br />
|-<br />
! 1000 m !! 2,500 !! 5,000 m !! 7,500 m !! 10,000 m !! 15,000 m<br />
|-<br />
| 4 inch HE || {{Annotation|HE|High-explosive}} || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11 || 11<br />
|-<br />
| 4 inch SAP || {{Annotation|SAP|Semi-armour piercing}} || 90 || 75 || 60 || 52 || 46 || 40<br />
|-<br />
| 102 mm shrapnel || Shrapnel || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5 || 5<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="12" | '''Shell Details'''<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! rowspan="2" | Type<br />
! rowspan="2" | Projectile Mass (kg)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Velocity (m/s)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Type<br />
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass (kg)<br />
! rowspan="2" | TNT Equivalent (kg)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse Delay (m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Fuse Sensitivity (mm)<br />
! colspan="3" | Ricochet<br />
|-<br />
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%<br />
|-<br />
| 4 inch HE || {{Annotation|HE|High-explosive}} || 14.06 || 805 || TNT || 0.721 || 0.721 || N/A || 0.1 || 79° || 80° || 81°<br />
|-<br />
| 4 inch SAP || {{Annotation|SAP|Semi-armour piercing}} || 15.2 || 805 || Amatol || 0.520 || 0.520 || 3 || 3 || 47° || 60° || 65°<br />
|-<br />
| 102 mm shrapnel || Shrapnel || 17.7 || 805 || TNT || 0.218 || 0.218 || N/A || 0.1 || 62° || 69° || 73°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
<!-- ''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.'' --><br />
{{main|2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The secondary armament consists of a single 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII cannon mounted aft. There are 3,920 rounds of ammunition available for it. Stock, the mount can traverse horizontally at a rate of 38°/s and vertically at a rate of 30°/s; with the "Auxiliary Armament Targeting" modification installed, this is increased to 45°/s and 35°/s respectively. The gun has a belt capacity of 56 rounds and a rate of fire of 200 rounds/min. With a stock crew, it can be reloaded in 6 seconds; with an aced crew it can be reloaded in 3 seconds.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="25%"<br />
! colspan="2" | '''Secondary Armament Guidance'''<br />
|-<br />
! Horizontal !! Vertical<br />
|-<br />
| ±180° || -10°/+80°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are three ammunition choices available:<br />
<br />
* Universal: {{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}<br />
* 40 mm HE: {{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}<br />
* 40 mm AP: {{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|AP-T|Armour-piercing tracer}}{{-}}{{Annotation|HEF|High-explosive fragmentation}}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"<br />
! colspan="7" | '''Penetration Statistics'''<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition<br />
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''<br />
|-<br />
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m<br />
|-<br />
| Universal || 60 || 57 || 50 || 43 || 38 || 34<br />
|-<br />
| 40 mm HE || 60 || 57 || 50 || 43 || 38 || 34<br />
|-<br />
| 40 mm AP || 60 || 57 || 50 || 43 || 38 || 34<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}<br />
<!-- ''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.'' --><br />
{{main|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The anti-aircraft armament consists of two 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II cannons in single mounts, one on either side of the bridge. There are 2,400 rounds of ammunition available for each mount for a total of 4,800 rounds. There are no stated traverse rates for these mounts listed in-game, though they handle very similarly, if not identically, to other single 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II mounts in the game, all of which handle as follows: stock, they can traverse horizontally and vertically at a rate of 64°/s; upgraded (with the "Anti-Air Armament Targeting" installed in Flower class (K-218)'s case), they can traverse horizontally and vertically at a rate of 75°/s. Each gun has a belt capacity of 60 rounds and a stated rate of fire of 450 rounds/min, though in actuality, they fire at slightly different rates: the starboard gun fires at a slightly lower rate, around 420 rounds/min, while the port gun fires at a slightly high rate, around 480 rounds/min. With a stock crew, both guns can be reloaded in 5.2 seconds; with an aced crew, they can be reloaded in 4 seconds.<br />
<br />
{{Notice|Turrets are named sequentially, clockwise, starting at the bow.}}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
! colspan="8" | '''Anti-Aircraft Armament Guidance'''<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.1 Turret (starboard)<br />
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" | No.2 Turret (port)<br />
|-<br />
! Horizontal !! Vertical !! Horizontal !! Vertical<br />
|-<br />
| -99°/+180° || -8°/+67° || -180°/+99° || -8°/+67°<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
There are no ammunition options available for this gun on Flower class (K-218). No belt composition is stated in-game.<br />
<br />
=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.'' --><br />
{{main|Mk.VII depth charge|Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge}}<br />
<br />
Flower class (K-218) has four loadout options:<br />
<br />
# Without load<br />
# 20x Mk.VII depth charges<br />
# 4x Y-gun Mk.VII depth charges<br />
# 20x Mk.VII depth charges, 4x Y-gun depth charges<br />
<br />
The Mk.VII depth charges are carried on the aft of the boat and are split into two chutes, each with 10 depth charges. The depth charges are dropped one at a time starting with the starboard chute, then continuing on to the port chute after all 10 in the starboard chute have been dropped.<br />
<br />
The Y-gun Mk.VII depth charges are fired from four depth charge throwers mounted amidships, two on either side facing outwards. These depth charges are fired depending on the direction the player is currently looking. Although the two depth charges on each side are usually both fired together, at certain camera angles, they can be fired independently.<br />
<br />
Before spawning, the detonation time delay for both types of depth charges can be set anywhere between 3 seconds and 10 seconds.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="4" | '''Depth Charge Characteristics ([[Mk.VII depth charge]])'''<br />
|-<br />
! Mass (kg)<br />
! Explosive Type<br />
! Explosive Mass (kg)<br />
! TNT Equivalent (kg)<br />
|-<br />
| 196 || TNT || 130 || 130<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
! colspan="4" | '''Depth Charge Characteristics ([[Y-gun Mk.VII depth charge]])'''<br />
|-<br />
! Mass (kg)<br />
! Explosive Type<br />
! Explosive Mass (kg)<br />
! TNT Equivalent (kg)<br />
|-<br />
| 196 || TNT || 130 || 130<br />
|}<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --><br />
<br />
;Ammunition<br />
<br />
For the 102 mm BL Mark IX cannon, the best round for general use is the 4 inch HE round because, of the three rounds available, it has the highest explosive mass, making the most versatile round against the majority of opponents. With that in mind, be sure to still carry small amounts each of the 4 inch SAP and 102 mm shrapnel rounds for specialized use.<br />
<br />
The 4 inch SAP rounds should be reserved only for armoured boats that the HE round fails to penetrate. To trigger its fuze, the SAP round must penetrate at least 3 mm of armour, which the vast amount of enemies lack. Because of this, if the enemy lacks armour, the SAP round will not detonate, dealing very minimal damage as a result. Always identify the enemy first and only use the SAP round if the other rounds are ineffective.<br />
<br />
The 102 mm shrapnel should be used on large targets without armour such as large sub-chasers. Against these, the HE round will almost always fail to destroy the hull compartments in a single hit. In addition, because of their large size, internal components will rarely be damaged by the HE round. In contrast, the shrapnel round is able to consistently destroy, or at least heavily damage depending on the impact angle, the same compartments and produces spalling that travels further inside the hull. As a tradeoff though, the shrapnel round only has about 30% of the explosive mass as the HE round, and it will almost always be stopped by any kind of armour that it hits, making it a poor choice against smaller boats and armoured targets. The shrapnel round also has a timed fuze, though this isn't much more than a gimmick. The 102 mm BL Mark IX cannon's slow traverse and elevation rates, as well as its slow rate of fire, makes it an ineffective weapon against aircraft. Stick to targeting surface targets and leave anti-aircraft defence to the other weaponry.<br />
<br />
For the 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII cannon, the best belt is the 40 mm HE belt because it has the highest ratio of HE rounds to AP rounds, making it the most effective against both aircraft and surface targets. Some 40 mm AP belts should also be taken for use against armoured targets. Alternatively, take only the Universal belt if you dislike micromanaging ammunition or want to avoid the reload between belt switches. This comes at the cost of less damage efficiency though, so it's up to personal preference. If you do not plan on manually controlling the 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII cannon at all, then take only the 40 mm HE belt to guarantee that the AI gunners always use the most effective belt.<br />
<br />
;Depth Charges<br />
<br />
There is no practical reason to use depth charges on any naval vessel in the game. Although they usually result in a one-hit kill if landed properly, their usage is extremely situational, and they are actually a liability in most cases because, if they're not dropped, they act like exposed ammo racks.<br />
<br />
This is especially so in the case of Flower class (K-218), since the Mk.VII depth charges drop off of the stern. Because of Flower class (K-218)'s poor mobility, there will almost never be an opportunity to use them, since it relies completely on the enemy being the right spot at the right time rather than anything the player's own positioning. The Y-gun Mk.VII depth charges are even worse in this regard because they have a long flight time and land some distance away from Flower class (K-218), making them very difficult to use.<br />
<br />
The recommended loadout option is "Without load".<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Very high survivability<br />
* Cannot be hull-broken by any guns in the game<br />
* 102 mm BL Mark IX: excellent SAP round<br />
* 40 mm 2pdr QF Mk.VIII and 20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II: great damage output; amove-average magazine capacity<br />
* Stable firing platform<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Poor top speed and very bad manoeuvrability<br />
* Very susceptible to torpedoes, artillery, and aircraft attacks<br />
* Relatively weak armament<br />
* 102 mm BL Mark IX: poor traverse rates; poor accuracy; cannot hull-break<br />
* No access to artillery support<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->As the war started in 1939, the Royal Canadian Navy (R.C.N.) had little preparation for their duty on the sea. In addition, Canada needed ships to protect its shore and transportation with the British Isles, while these ships should be simple enough to produce in civil shipyards for meeting the large requirement. Initially, the R.C.N. sought to build ''Halcyon ''class sloops, an 850-ton minesweeper of the Royal Navy in the 1930s. However, ''Halcyon'' was designed under naval standards; shipbuilding in Canada, at that time, was unable to produce the material and turbine engines to naval standards <ref name="ZalogaLendLease_British">Halcyon Class Ships., Specifications Halcyon Minesweepers (halcyon-class.co.uk)</ref>. <br />
<br />
Thus, the R.C.N. turned to the 1939 Patrol Vessel of Whaler Type or the Flower class. Based on the civilian whaler ''Southern Pride'', its production did not require sophisticated techniques used on military designs. Consequently, it provided a timely solution for the expansion of R.C.N. Starting from 1940, Canada launched 121 ‘Flowers’ and modified ‘Flowers’ in total. The Canadian-built units followed the basic design of ''Flower'', with slight modifications in the position of firearms and boat carriage<ref name="ZalogaLendLease_M4Intro">Lambert, John; Brown, Les. Flower Class Corvettes (ShipCraft) (p. 33).</ref>. <br />
<br />
H.M.C.S. Brantford (K218) was launched in September 1941 and commissioned in May 1942. She was the last Canadian-built ''Flower'' following the original drawing. The subsequent ships received an increased sheer and flare to improve their performance in high sea conditions. <br />
<br />
When H.M.C.S. Brantford joined service, German U-boast campaign against the convoys was in full swing. Just three days before the commission of Brantford, two cargo ships were sunk north of Cap Magdalen. Brantford was immediately used in convey escorting from Quebec to Sydney until July 1942[[:File:///E:/HMCS Brantford History.docx# ftn3|[3]]].<br />
<br />
In July, H.M.C.S. Brantford became part of the Western Local Escort Force, of which R.C.N. units formed up the majority. This force provided anti-submarine escorts for North American port cities to the Western Ocean Meeting Point near St John’s. It handed the duty to the Mid-Ocean Escort Force and guarding the convey from east. From 1942 to 1944, Brantford served in two forces interchangeably and protected merchants as well as their precious cargoes from submarine attacks<ref name="TankArchivesHVSS">Brief History of the H.M.C.S. Brantford., <nowiki>http://forposterityssake.ca/RCN-DOCS/BriefHistoryofHMCSBrantford.pdf</nowiki></ref>. <br />
<br />
During her career, Brantford conducted two submarine attacks. The first engagement happened on 5 February 1943 when she accompanied convey ON-162 about 150 miles east of Sable Island. Shortly after noon, she made a faint asdic contact and dropped a pattern of five charges, but scoring no kill<ref name="TankArchivesHVSS" />. Then, on 7 May 1944, when the frigate HAMS Valleyfield was sunk in the south of Cape Race, Brantford and two sister ships were ordered to support the rescue of Valleyfield’s survivors. At local time 1624, these corvettes made an asdic contact and engaged with depth charges. Brantford dropped 19 depth charges in total. Minutes later, traces of oil came to the surface. However, the contact was never confirmed as submarine3. <br />
<br />
On 26 September 1944, H.M.C.S. Brantford finished her duty as convey escorting, and she was sailed to H.M.C.S. Cornwallis, where she was turned into a training ship for anti-submarine and escort tactics. In late 1945, she was disarmed and designated for disposal. But in 1950, George E. Irving of New Brunswick purchased her and sold her to Honduran company, where she was refitted as whaler Olympic Arrow<ref name="TankArchivesHVSS2">HMCS Brantford (K218)., <nowiki>https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/services/history/ships-histories/brantford.html</nowiki></ref>. Sold to Japanese, she was renamed Otori Maru No in 1956, and Kyo Maru No. 21 in 1961<ref name="TankArchivesHVSS3">H.M.C.S. Brantford (K218)., <nowiki>https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/859.html</nowiki></ref>. She last appeared in Lloyd’s Register for disposal between 1972-1973.<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/5830-fleet-development-flower-class-corvette-the-convoy-guardian-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
Just prior to WW2, it became apparent that German U-boats would present a serious threat to British transatlantic shipping in the event of an outbreak of hostilities. Realizing this, it became clear to the Royal Navy that they needed a large number of new small vessels that could cope with this threat, whilst being cheap, simple and quick to produce, without hindering the construction of larger warships.<br />
<br />
In response to the demand, the Smiths Dock Company proposed a modified version of one of their 700-ton whale catchers. The proposed ship virtually met all Royal Navy requirements and could even be built by smaller shipyards across the country, meaning that a large-scale production wouldn't affect the construction of larger warships. The proposed design was accepted and the first orders for Flower-class corvettes came in as early as July 1939.<br />
<br />
Although initially only intended to operate along the British coast line, the large range and robust seaworthiness of the Flower-class corvettes soon saw ships of this class escorting Atlantic convoys to and from Great Britain. Their primary role was to fend off submarines, which is why ships of this class were relatively lightly armed and often specialized in anti-submarine warfare.<br />
<br />
Apart from Great Britain, Flower-class corvettes were used extensively in various different roles by numerous other nations during WW2, including the United States, France, Canada, Greece, the Netherlands and many more. Ships of this class served right up until the end of WW2, even when more advanced designs began to replace them.<br />
<br />
Whilst Spitfires and Hurricanes kept the Luftwaffe out of British skies, the venerable Flower-class corvettes ensured that vital supplies reached Great Britain, by fighting off the German submarine wolf-packs throughout the war. With over 260 ships built, the Flower-class corvette remains one of Britain's most mass-produced wartime ship type, whose contribution to the war effort is highly obvious.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<div class="portale" align="center"><br />
{| class="catlist" frame="box" style="background: #efefef;" align="center"<br />
|<span style="white-space:nowrap;">[[File:GEN_LIVE_WT_1_HPL.jpg|510px|link=https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=britain&vehicleType=ship&vehicleClass=submarine_chaser&vehicle=uk_flower_class|]]</span> ||<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
;Images<br />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"><br />
File:Flower class (K-218) WTWallpaper 001.jpg<br />
File:Flower class (K-218) WTWallpaper 002.jpg<br />
File:Flower class (K-218) WTWallpaper 003.jpg<br />
File:Flower class (K-218) WTWallpaper 004.jpg<br />
File:Flower class (K-218) WTWallpaper 005.jpg<br />
File:Flower class (K-218) WTWallpaper 006.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
<br />
* {{Specs-Link|uk_isles_class_trawler}}<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
=== References: ===<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/5830-fleet-development-flower-class-corvette-the-convoy-guardian-en|[Devblog] Flower-class Corvette: The Convoy Guardian]]<br />
<br />
{{Britain sub-chasers}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_London&diff=103918HMS London2021-05-30T12:52:15Z<p>U35790733: History of HMS London, overhauled, text only</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_cruiser_london<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
{{main|8 inch/50 Mark VIII (203 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}<br />
{{main|2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|QF Mark VII (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mark V (20 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
{{main|Mk.IX (533 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Very effective anti-air defences<br />
* 8 inch guns are useful for sinking cruisers and destroyers<br />
* Ammunition is stored under the water line and is well protected<br />
* Carries torpedoes which are useful in close range encounters<br />
* Decent speed for a heavy cruiser<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Guns lack AP shells to deal with battlecruisers and battleships<br />
* No bridge protection, losing control is very common in this ship<br />
* Lacks deck armour against plunging shells<br />
* Armour is weak against battleship-calibre guns<br />
* Outgunned by battleships, battlecruisers, and some American heavy cruisers<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
=== '''The Treaty Cruiser''' ===<br />
The County class, named after regional areas of Great Britain, was the largest and most heavy cruiser of the Royal Navy. Under the 1924 Washington treaty limits, they had a standard load under 10,000 tons and four twin-turret with eight pieces of 8 inches (203mm) guns in total. Limited by the regulation, the County class has little protection on the main belt with only 1-inch (25mm) but a completed armor box (1-4inch) covering the magazine parts. The 8" gun was new to the Royal Navy; it had a high muzzle velocity of 3150 ft/sec (960 m/s) and a range of 20 miles (32 km). It was a very accurate gun and was the smallest gun in the RN to require mechanical handling of the shell and charge - the shell weighed 256 lbs. (116 kg). The guns could elevate to 65° and under director control could sustain a firing rate of 4 rounds per minute (Brown, 2012). <br />
<br />
Considering the operating environment in remote stations and the duty of being a quick reaction force in hot zones, they had significant autonomy and a large hull for overseas consistency and stability in bad weathers, as well as comfort equipment like air conditioning for tropical areas.<br />
<br />
Ordered in 1925, the HMS London laid down in 22<sup>nd</sup> February 1926, launched 14<sup>th</sup> September the year after and completed 5<sup>th</sup> February 1929 in Portsmouth, was the first of the second-group County Class Heavy Cruisers of. Installed engines made by Fairfield Shipbuilders, she was built by the engineers from Newcastle-upon-Tyne. <br />
<br />
Compared to the first block, the Kent class, London class removed a protective bulge on the waterline, which forced a modified hull design that increased length by two feet eight inches and incorporated internal bulges for torpedo protection. Besides, the command superstructure was moved further back and lengthened funnels to prevent interference from smoke. <br />
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=== The '''1930s''' ===<br />
Entered the service in early 1929, HMS London was sent to the Mediterranean, where she became the flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron and activated until March 1939. Her first noticeable task is to quell the uprising on Cyprus in 1931. British had administered the island since 1878, and gave the status of a crown colony in 1925. However, that status irritated the Greek Cypriots who seek for an eventual union with Greece (Klapsis, 2009).<br />
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In 1931, the local administration decided to rise tax for covering a local budget deficit, which triggered a severe reaction among Greek Cypriots. On 21 October, more than 5000 Greek Cypriots rallied on the island. They stripped the British flag, besieged Government House and burned it.<br />
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The Royal Navy was asked to aid the civil powers. HMS London and her sister ship HMS Shropshire with two destroyers, were sent to suppress the uprising. On 24 October, London landed groups of Royal Marines and armed sailors to protect government offices. The protestors hurled verbal abuse at London's marines and matelots, waving the Greek flag in their faces and throwing stones at Englishmen; to make the marines and sailors lose their cool and open fire in hoping Greece might intervene militarily. But the British held fire. On 25 October, with the arrest of revolt leaders, the protester gradually steams out in the following days, marking a successful end of London's first mission. <br />
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On 18 July 1936, the Fascist General Franco led an uprising by twelve military garrisons on mainland Spain, and five in Spanish Morocco ignited the Spanish Civil War. The Royal Navy was involved from the beginning of the conflict. Soon after the war had started, HMS London with her sister ship Devonshire was on station at Gibraltar. On 22 July, London was tasked to evacuate British civilians in Barcelona, where had been a core of conflicts as the ship received reports from ashore saying the city was now quiet after savage fighting. '…one regiment of Fascists was annihilated in a square, being mown down by concealed rifle fire' (Ballantyne. 2002).<br />
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London stayed at Barcelona until 22 August when HMS Shropshire replace her role for evacuation. During the period, more than 1800 civilians were evacuated via HMS London. After that, London received a refit in Portsmouth in November, during which four extra high-angle 4-cinh guns were applied on her. At the end of 1936, HMS London was tasked with hunting down gunrunners in Western Mediterranean. Although her aircraft found a suspicious-looking vessel that might be a gunrunner, the cruiser failed to caught it. In 1937, London was called back to Britain in celebration for the coronation of King George VI.<br />
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=== '''1939-1941: Reconstruction, Hunt for Bismarck, and all the troubles.''' ===<br />
With war clouds gathering fast in the late 1930s and naval construction restrictions being discarded equally rapidly, the Admiralty decided to reconstruct the County Class cruisers for better preparations in future combat. HMS London was the first and only one of the County class to rebuild and modernize completely. She entered Chatham in March 1939, and the rebuild proved complex and lasted until February 1941. <br />
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Significant modifications were added during the reconstruction. A new 4-inch (102mm) armor belt was added to the waterline to cover the machinery spaces. A series of radars, including Type 279 for air warning and Type 284/285 for fire control. Most notably, a brand-new enlarged superstructure with aircraft hangars replaced the original command tower to provide more space and comfort for operations in bad weather. The newly added superstructure also changed the arrangement of funnels from three to only two. Besides, two twin high-angle 4-inch guns and additional 2-pounder AA guns were added to the ship. The significant increase in displacement after modernization resulted in increased structural stresses in a hull. During subsequent service, these stresses, together with the harsh serving environment in the Arctic, were most likely to have been the cause of the leakages in fuel and feed water systems during later service. <br />
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During the reconstruction, German bombers targeted Chatham frequently, and air raids often interrupted the work, delaying London's progress. The cruiser was finally commissioned for service with the Home Fleet on 7 February 1941.<br />
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On 5 March, HMS London left Chatham, heading north to join the Home Fleet in Scapa. After arriving at Scapa, London participated in fleet exercises for practicing main guns/sub guns, air defense tanning, and testing new radar equipment. London also played a role as a simulated cruiser target for battleships of Home Fleet.<br />
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On 2 April, the London left Scapa with the carrier HMS Argus, which was being used to transport fighter planes to the Mediterranean. The cruiser escorted Argus to a position near Gibraltar, where she handed the duty to HMS Sheffield from Force H.<br />
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Returned to Scapa, HMS London spent some time with the battleship King George V keeping watch on Brest to prevent the breakout from German battlecruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau. The two German ships had stayed in French since February 1941 and would be there for another year. London's next mission was escorting slow convoys out of Sierra Leone, during which she had to conduct circle movements around the six-knot merchant ship to adapt to their slow speed. <br />
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On 12 May, London carried 600 Army soldiers from England to Gibraltar. The consistent high-speed and enough space making the cruiser an ideal ship for transportation, which would conduct more in the rest of the War. After offloading her passengers at Gibraltar, London stayed in port for a few days, as she was due to return to Britain carrying soldiers going home on leave. Together with the cruiser HMS Edinburgh, she provided escort for a UK-bound convoy, carrying evacuees from Gibraltar. During her time in Gibraltar, Italian aircraft tried to bomb the port but missed. London's AA guns went to engagement, but the planes were too far away to shoot down. Sailing north from Gibraltar on 23 May, London encountered a Vichy French ship that she stopped and searched.<br />
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Shortly before 5 P.M., on 24 May, London received an immediate order to take over shadowing duties, searching the German battleship Bismarck, which was cornered and destroyed on 27 May, leaving HMS London re-ordered to search German supply ships in the central and southern Atlantic. <br />
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On 31 May, HMS London called in at Bathurst, Gambia, to land some of the troops embarked at Gibraltar. HMS London sailed again that afternoon, heading for hunting on German supply ships. On 4 June at 07° 35' N – 31° 29' W, London found the German supply ship Esso Hamburg, the 17,000 tons replenishment oiler, which had refueled the Prinz Eugen morning of 28 May. On 5 June, HMS London found another supply ship, Egerland, flying the Panamanian flag. To prevent her from scuttling herself, London opened fire on her at a very long range set the German ship on fire. The German vessel's crew set scuttling charges and abandoned ship, with several more boatloads of Germans taken aboard the already crowded London. <br />
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After receiving enough POWs through the way, HMS London headed to Sierra Leone to offload her passengers, and for part of the way, she helped escort a convoy heading in the same direction. London left the convoy on 7 June and went ahead. <br />
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On 6 July, HMS London left Sierra Leone and four days later came across another Vichy French merchant ship that was boarded and searched. On 24 July, London was suddenly called back to England from Gibraltar for searching for a new German raider in North Atlantic. Soon, London was deployed to Iceland for further operation. <br />
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The high seas raider alert proved to be a false alarm and, after loitering off Iceland for a short while, London came down to Scapa Flow, arriving on 23 July. In the following two months, London was assigned to multiple convoys escorting missions near Home waters until 22 September, when London was selected for VIP transport. Her mission was to carry a group of American & British government officials, military persons, and business tycoons to Archangel in the far north of Russia for discussing the Lend-Lease agreement and other cooperation in the War.<br />
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Covered by the bad weather in the Arctic region, London maintained a high speed on her way to Russia to prevent reconnaissance or attacks from German U-boats and Luftwaffe. HMS London deposited her precious cargo at Archangel on 27 September. To hide from being bombed, London left Archangel on 28 September and waiting for diplomats to back. During this time, she escorted a UK-bound convoy, which was the first Arctic convoy journey of the war. On 2 October, London returned to Archangel for picking up VIPs.<br />
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=== '''The Strain in the North, The Disaster of PQ17, and the rest of 1942''' ===<br />
HMS London backed to England for another refit from November 1941 to January 1942 to fix the creaks in the upper deck and leaking around the machinery spaces caused by the overweight from the reconstruction.<br />
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In early February, London completed her refit, and she sailed for Iceland, from where she would conduct multiple “Patrol White,” which refers to a series of patrols for preventing German raiders in the northern area, typically the Denmark Strait and the Norwegian Sea. For London, it would mean many months in the Arctic. The combination of endlessly severe wind, gale-whipped waves, and extremely low temperature created a difficult environment in the Arctic and pushed London and her crews to their limits. Even with her high freeboard, the icing on the upper deck and superstructure is still a usual sight in the Patrol White.<br />
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In mid-February, HMS London became the flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron, including her sister ship HMS Norfolk, the only two available heavy cruisers remained in Home Fleet. The expanded scale of war meant the Royal Navy had to dispatch the already depleted fleet to the Far East while the new ships were still under construction. Luckily. At that time, the US Navy Task Force 39.1, including battleship USS Washington, two heavy cruisers, and a flotilla of destroyers, joined the escort for arctic convey to relieve the British. At that moment, Anglo-American naval operations were frequently mounted to sink the German battleship, Tirpitz. <br />
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On 7 March, London returned to Iceland from a Patrol White for refueling but immediately put to sea under urgent orders of the Admiralty, traveling all night at high speed on action station as German Battleship Tirpitz left Trondheim and headed north early that day for finding convoy PQ12. In the following day, London joined the strike force with the aircraft carrier HMS Victorious, which launched a wave of torpedo bombers to Tirpitz. Unfortunately, none of the torpedoes caused damage to the German battleship. Tirpitz was able to seek refuge in the Vestfjord unharmed. London kept patrolling in the Norwegian Sea until early April when she returned Scapa for supply and fueling. <br />
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On 28<sup>th</sup> April, HMS made a sortie from Scapa to cover the convoy PQ15 and QP11, together with HMS KGV, HMS Nigeria, HMS Victorious, USS Washington, USS Wichita and USS Tuscaloosa alongside some destroyers. The Home Fleet Task Force sail along the convoy between Norway and Iceland: London and three other cruisers closely around the merchant ships, while the battleships guard in the distance for Germany warships. <br />
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On April 29, the pocket battleship Admiral Scheer was reported to be at sea, but she turned around without attacking the convoy. On the following day, the Luftwaffe's bombers attacked the convey. London provided air defense with both her main gun and secondary. Luftwaffe continued the attack on May 1, and the cruisers provide essential air defense for the convey. London, in particular with her radar guiding high angle 4-inch guns, claimed shooting down six Ju88s. <br />
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HMS London was back at Scapa Flow by May 5 and nothing much happened for the following nine days until May 14, when London left Scapa with battleship Duke of York, aircraft carrier Victorious, and a flotilla of destroyers in an attempt to rescue cruiser HMS Trinidad, which was badly damaged by the German bomber on her way to Russia. After emergency repairs in Murmansk, Trinidad headed for the Scapa on May 13, accompanied by four destroyers. However, German aircraft spotted Trinidad late in the evening of May 14 and demobilize Trinidad in the following strike. The ship was abandoned and sunk by escorting destroyers on May 15. <br />
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On June 27, HMS London, alongside HMS Norfolk, USS Tuscaloosa, and USS Wichita, participated in the escort of the PQ17 convoy from Iceland. Similar to the PQ15, the cruisers provided close-range escorts for the convey. The cruisers were five miles in front, zig-zagging to reduce the risk of being hit by torpedoes. By July 1, although London and other cruisers sent their aircraft for anti-submarine patrol, the convoy was spotted by a U-boat. The Germans were planning a combined offensive involving U-boats, bombers, and surface units. On July 3, battleship Tirpitz and heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper sortied from Altenfjord, pocket battleship Scheer and Lützow sortied in the far north of Norway.<br />
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Meanwhile, PQ17 was under attack from bombers and U-boats. In the early hours of July 4, a single plane shot out of a fog bank and dropped its fish, hitting a cargo vessel and damaging her so badly she had to be scuttled. Later the same day, a group of torpedo-bombers attacked and sank another merchant ship. Just under an hour later, more than thirty German aircraft attacked the convey again. Several were shot down, but two more ships were damaged. London contributed to the air defense with her AA guns, helping to disrupt torpedo bombers. <br />
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By the evening of July 4, the Admiralty was confident that Tirpitz was in the Altenfjord. The increasing volume of German signals traffic seemed to indicate that something was about to happen. In the early hours of July 4, the Admiralty had advised the London, the flagship of cruisers, that stay with the convoy until it was level with North Cape (25° East).<br />
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At the Admiralty in London, the latest deciphered German signals revealed the German had mistaken HMS London for a King George V Class battleship, sailing in company with three escorting destroyers. Because of her rebuild superstructure and the relatively huge hull, London's silhouette was different from any other British cruisers. The foggy weather also made it hard for the scout plane to correctly identify HMS London. The presence of British battleships or aircraft carriers certainly created cautions to Germans. As in the example of PQ12, the airstrike from HMS Victorious halted the engagement of Tirpitz. However, In the Admiralty’s view, if the convoy continued on its way, it would be harassed by enemy U-boats and aircraft. Any enemy heavy ships would most likely be encountered east of North Cape, where beyond the effective range of Home Fleet. The enemy would need no more than ten hours to reach the convoy, and could return to safety in less than that time. Hence, the decision was made to scatter the convoy, with the intention of minimizing the greater losses anticipated from a surface attack compared with those inflicted by U-boats and aircraft (Vego, 2016). <br />
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In the evening of July 4, the Admiralty sent orders to Admiral Hamilton, who was in charge of First Cruiser Squadron on HMS London. <br />
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At 9:11 p.m. on the cruiser's bridge, the first signal arrived. Marked 'MOST IMMEDIATE', it said: <br />
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{{Quote/Documentation}} <br />
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Twelve minutes later, another equally alarming signal hit the HMS London: <br />
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{{Quote/Documentation}}<br />
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This was followed, at 9.36 p.m., by the signal that has gone down as one of the most notorious in naval history: <br />
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{{Quote/Documentation}} <br />
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On the night of 4 July, HMS London and the other warships sped away from the dismissing convoy. The destroyers and cruisers continued a nightmare dash at high speed through the fog and a sea scattered with icebergs. As the cruisers and destroyers sped on, the communicators in London read with mounting horror the signals from PQ17 merchant ships as they were ripped apart by aircraft and U-boats. Captain of HMS London offered to go back, but Rear Admiral Hamilton reminded him that his ships were low on oil and had lost their fuel ship somewhere in the scattered convoy. (Ballantyne. 2002, p.182-203).<br />
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The rest is an absolute disaster for the convey. On 5 July, 14 of 34 merchant ships were sunk or demobilized by air strikes and U-boats. In the following week, nine more merchantmen were sunk or abandoned. Ultimately only eleven merchant ships reached their intended destination – two British, seven American, and the two Russians. The destruction of PQ17 triggered a series of consequences in all aspects. For the Royal Navy, the arctic convoy was held until September when a new tactic was planned for escorting convey.<br />
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HMS London returned to Scapa on 8 July and stayed there until September 1942 when the arctic conveys was restarted, then she moved to Hvafjord. The London had departed Hvalfjord on 14 September in company with Norfolk, Sussex, Cumberland, and Sheffield, together with destroyers to escort the convoy PQ18. The British cruiser force patrolled between Bear Island and Spitzbergen, coming to within 700 miles of the North Pole. <br />
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PQ18 suffered ten out of forty merchant vessels sunk while QP14, coming the other way, lost three out of fifteen supply ships. Two British warships were also lost. At the same time, the Germans paid a high price, losing forty aircraft and three U-boats. After that, HMS London provided covers for QP15, a convey returning to UK.<br />
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=== '''1943''' ===<br />
HMS London kept on her station in the arctic area until November 17th, when she returned Scapa and was nominated for refit in Tyne shipyard. She sailed up the Tyne to Middle Dock at North Shields for another refit. The refit lasted five months and involved considerable strengthening for cracks and repairing leaks of oil tanks. A new surface warning radar, Type 273, and fire control radar, Type 282, for 40mms were added. The cruiser's aircraft launch gear was removed, and seven additional 20-mm cannons (eight single 20-mm cannons had been fitted during the previous refit, in place of her machine guns). By May 4th, 1943, HMS London was back at Scapa Flow and on sea trials before resuming convoy escort work and patrols in the Denmark Strait.<br />
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The London spent some time in Scapa for training. In early July, she was deployed with HMS Belfast and HMS Kent with destroyers in diversionary moves around Norway to distract attention away from the Allied landings in Sicily by reinforcing Hitler's fear about an invasion of Norway. Around the same time, London took part in Operation Holder, conveying supplies, personnel, and mail to Royal Navy bases in north Russia. On July 9th, London returned to Scapa and resumed interception duties to prevent the breakout of German warships for attacks on Atlantic convey in the following months. <br />
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In October 1943, HMS London was sent on a special mission to waters around the island of Spitzbergen, far to the north of Iceland, where it was suspected the Germans were maintaining a secret radio intercept station. The cruiser sailed around the island but failed to find any such station. <br />
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Late in the same month, the cruiser helped escort a convey of five US-built minesweepers and six metal hulled motor launches to Murmansk. For London, service in the Arctic was coming to a close as she was about to receive orders for another diplomatic mission, this time carrying members of the Prime Minister's staff to Egypt. In early November, she was tasked to Plymouth to pick up the mission members, ending London's memory in the Arctic.<br />
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Arriving at Plymouth on 10 November, HMS London carried members of the Prime Minister's staff, while Churchill himself sailed to Egypt for the Cairo conference in the battlecruiser HMS Renown. London also loaded the 'Stalingrad Sword,' a gift from King George VI to the people of Stalingrad that celebrated the great victory over the Germans. It had been carried from Plymouth to Egypt by HMS London before being put on the plane with the British delegation. <br />
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The London stayed at Alexandria during the Cairo conference, and in early December, set out on the journey home carrying VIP passengers. Arriving at Gibraltar on 13 December, London left for the UK four days later for troop transportation. On 21 December, she arrived in the Clyde, disembarked her passengers, and two days later sailed for Rosyth to undergo another refit, during which four twin 20mm guns were fitted to reinforce the AA defense.<br />
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=== '''Way to the East, 1944''' ===<br />
In early February 1944, HMS London was back on the Clyde for mail and new drafts of sailors. By then, the Admiralty had decided to deploy her for service in Eastern Fleet. On March 13th, London arrived at Colombo, one of the two major British naval bases in Ceylon, and, four days later, transferred to the other, Trincomalee.<br />
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On March 21th, as a member of the British fleet, London participated in Operation Diplomat, which was a naval training operation between Royal Navy and US Navy. The operations aimed to practice operational procedures and tactics that the British Pacific fleet would use. On March 27th, London met the US Task Group 58.5. In the following month, London was assigned to Task Force 70 for Air Rescue duty for aircraft carriers. On April 19th, the task force attacked the island of Sabang with no serious opposition from the Japanese. London provided close covers to carriers during attacks on Sabang. On April 24th, the Task Force returned to Trincomalee for resupply. <br />
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On April 30th, HMS London was assigned to Task Force 67 with her sister ship HMS Suffolk. The fleet sailed to Exmouth Bay, Western Australia, for Operation Transom, an air raid marking the return of the British fleet in the Pacific. London was reassigned to Task Force 66 on May 15th to provide escorts for aircraft carriers during the airstrike on the Japanese-held Surabaya. She accompanied British aircraft carriers for the rest of May until they returned Trincomalee.<br />
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On September 12th, after a period of fleet exercises, London arrived at Bombay, where she entered dry dock for bottom cleaning and essential maintenance. Thirteen days later, London left Bombay, carried out some gunnery practice, and headed for Ceylon. She was to join Task Group 63.2 to escort aircraft carrier for a bombardment mission in mid-October against Car Nicobar in the Nicobar Islands, north of Sumatra. London contributed to air defense on October 19th, when the fleet shot down seven Japanese torpedo bombers in total.<br />
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=== '''1945''' ===<br />
In early 1945, HMS London provided convey escorts in the Indian ocean. On April 8th, 1945, London joined the British East Indies Fleet's Task Force 63 for another bombardment mission. The warships were left in two groups, with London in Group One alongside HMS Queen Elizabeth, the French battleship Richelieu and destroyers. Group Two included the escort carriers Khedive and Emperor, the cruiser Cumberland and the destroyers Virago and Venus.<br />
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On April 11th, London and battleships carried out a bombardment on coastal artillery at Sabang. In the following week, London provided close escorts for carrier operations until TF63 returned to Trincomalee on April 18th.<br />
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On May 13th, the London set sail for Simonstown naval base in South Africa where she was dry-docked for a refit, in which a barrage fire control radar (Type283) and new surface warning radar (Type277) were added on the ship. HMS London returned to her duty in early August of 1945, preparing for an amphibious assault in southern Malaya. But the operation was canceled on August 15th, just at the same time when Japan surrendered. After Japan surrendered, on August 28th, HMS London arrived in Sabang to disarm the local Japanese garrison and received charts of the Japanese minefields off Malaya and Singapore from the Japanese delegation.<br />
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On 14 October, at Colombo, London embarked around 400 passengers and 200 bags of mail and the following morning set sail for home, arriving at Sheerness three weeks later. By 9 November, HMS London returned her home at Chatham marking the end of her story in WWII.<br />
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The London might have come through the Second World War unscathed and unnoticed, but ahead lay her sternest test under fire and it would make headlines around the world.<br />
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=== After the war ===<br />
Prior to joining the Royal Navy Reserve, the HMS London was used as Troop Transport from UK to Colombo (26 Nov 1945), Sydney (19 Jan 1946) and after a brief refit in Devonport, to Singapore (May 1946). She returned to Plymouth in late June that year. <br />
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But by the end of 1946, London was refitted for further service in the Far East as she was the only modernized 8-inch gun cruiser in Royal Navy. The refit was completed in 1947. After working up, the cruiser joined the 5th Cruiser Squadron at Royal Navy China Station in Hong Kong to protect British interests and civilians in the Eastern waters.<br />
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During her final deployment, the most notable event was the attempt to rescue HM Sloop Amethyst, or Yangtze Incident, from 20 April to 21 April 1949.<br />
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After World War Two, a Chinese civil war broke out between the nationalists led by Chiang Kai Shek were bitter enemies of the Communists led by Mao Tse Tung. By mid-April 1948, the Communists were a short distance from Nanking, which was the capital of the Nationalist Government, and were building up forces to cross the Yangtze River. To demonstrate protection for British subjects in Chinese waters, the Royal Navy was asked to maintain at least one large ship (cruiser size) with two smaller ships in Shanghai and one small ship at Nanking.<br />
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In 1949 17th, London sailed from Hong Kong to Shanghai. At that time, frigates Amethyst and Black Swan were stationed at Shanghai and destroyer Consort at Nanking. The Naval Attaché at Nanking advised the Communist army to cross the Yangtze River on 21 April, and British ships should avoid any involvement. On 20 April, Amethyst came to relieve Consort at Nanking, and at 9:30 a.m., Amethyst was under artillery fire from the north bank. The frigate’s bridge and machinery room were hit by shells, causing the frigate to lose control and beached on Rose Island (Hughes, 1979). <br />
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On 20 April, HMS London, flying the flag of Vice-Admiral Madden, was approaching the mouth of the Yangtze River bound for Shanghai on a flag-showing visit. During the forenoon, London was receiving information from Amethyst that she was attacked by unexpected fire and demobilized. The Admiral ordered the frigate, Black Swan, to join London and decided to weigh on 21 April and proceed upriver with Black Swan to rescue Amethyst.<br />
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In the early morning of the following day, London and Black Swan weighed to move upriver. The British ships anchored off at 8:00 a.m., as Amethyst managed to move out of Rose Island. Admiral Madden called Amethyst to rejoin the fleet. But, due to the death of the navigator and damage to charts, Amethyst was unable to set the correct heading. In this case, London and Black Swan weighed again at 10:26 a.m. and moved up the river. In less than a few minutes, the Communist opened fire at London and Black Swan with large-caliber howitzers and small-caliber cannons. London counterattacked with her main guns and secondary armaments. The large-caliber batteries were easy to spot and destroy, while smaller caliber weapons were well concealed and difficult to hit. At some time before 11:00 a.m., a howitzer shell hit the bridge, injuring the Captain. At that time, considering the low possibility of escorting Amethyst under heavy fire and increasing damage on the ship, Admiral Madden decided to withdraw at 11:04 a.m. London and Black Swan turned back and arrived in Shanghai later that day.<br />
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London had been under fire for 48 minutes in an overall period of 3 hours (Dalrymple, 2011). In that period, London fired 155 rounds of 8-inch, 449 rounds of 4-inch, and more than 2600 small caliber AA guns. Among London’s crew, 13 people are dead and 59 people wounded, of whom two died later. Amethyst would make her escape in three months.<br />
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After some temporary repairs in Shanghai, HMS London departed on 14 June, heading south to Singapore, where she spent a few weeks. On 18 June, London left Singapore and on her way to the UK. She arrived in Chatham on 8 September. By the end of 1949, she received an inspection to determine if she could serve further after an overall refit. However, London's aging machinery and construction meant it would be too expensive to keep in service. She was placed on the Disposal List and laid up at Falmouth before sale to BISCO for demolition by T W Ward on 3 January 1950. The ship went to Barrow-in-Furness under tow and arrived at the breaker’s yard on 22 January, Work on demolition was completed later that year.<br />
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=== [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
The County-class cruisers, also known as the A-Type cruisers, were the first British cruiser vessels to be developed in the interwar period of the 1920s. Their design being heavily influenced by the restrictions imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty, meant that British shipbuilders had to find compromises during development in order to comply with the treaty as well as to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy for a ship capable of trade route protection.<br />
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This resulted in the creation of a ship design with good cruising range and adequate firepower, but very light armour protection in order to stay within treaty restrictions. The orders for the first ships were placed in the mid 1920’s and construction began in 1924.<br />
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HMS London (C69) was laid down in February 1926 and commissioned into service in January 1929 as the lead ship of the second batch of County-class cruisers to be built, known as the London subclass. During the 1930’s, HMS London took part in a goodwill visit to Venice and assisted in the evacuation of civilians from Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, before being sent to drydock for refit in 1939.<br />
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In 1941, HMS London took part in the hunt for the battleship Bismarck, after which the ship was once again dry-docked for repairs. The following year, HMS London assisted in escorting several convoys in the Atlantic, after which she was assigned to South African waters in 1943, before joining the Eastern Fleet. HMS London continued serving in the postwar years, during which the ship got involved in an incident in Chinese waters in 1949 which left it heavily damaged. Being deemed uneconomical for repairs, HMS London was sold for scrap in January 1950.<br />
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== Media ==<br />
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== See also ==<br />
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
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* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
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== External links ==<br />
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;'''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
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* [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|[Devblog] HMS London: Anticipated Calibre]]<br />
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=== References ===<br />
<references />Anderson, P. (2019). British Government Maritime Evacuations in the Spanish Civil War, 1936–1939. ''War in History'', ''26''(1), 65-85.<br />
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Ballantyne, I. (2002). ''HMS London: Warships of the Royal Navy''. Casemate Publishers.<br />
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Beesly, P. (1990). Convoy PQ 17: A study of intelligence and decision‐making. ''Intelligence and National Security'', ''5''(2), 292-322.<br />
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Churchill, W. (1951). ''The Second World War-Volume 4: The Hinge of Fate''. Rosetta Book LLC.<br />
<br />
Brown, D. K. (2012). ''Nelson to Vanguard: Warship Design and Development 1923 1945''. Seaforth Publishing.<br />
<br />
Colledge, J. J., & Warlow, B. (2010). ''Ships of the Royal Navy: The complete record of all fighting ships of the Royal Navy from the 15th century to the present''. Casemate/Greenhill.<br />
<br />
Dalrymple, Gordon. & Stewart, Neil. (2011). ''HMS London in the River Yangtze 20 & 21 April 1949.'' Monograph No.170.<br />
<br />
Irving, D. J. C. (1968). ''The Destruction of Convoy PQ. 17''. Cassell.<br />
<br />
Klapsis, A. (2009). Between the Hammer and the Anvil. The Cyprus Question and Greek Foreign Policy from the Treaty of Lausanne to the 1931 Revolt.<br />
<br />
Hughes, W.R.N..(1979). HMS Amethyst - the Yangtse Incident 1948. Naval Historical Review. <br />
<br />
Vego, M. (2016). The Destruction of Convoy PQ17: 27 June–10 July 1942. ''Naval War College Review'', ''69''(3), 83-142.<br />
<br />
=== Works Cited ===<br />
<br />
* Chen, C. (2007, May). Heavy Cruiser London. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from <nowiki>https://ww2db.com/ship_spec.php?ship_id=326</nowiki><br />
* Helgason, G. (1995). HMS London (69). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from <nowiki>https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/1178.html</nowiki><br />
<br />
{{Britain heavy cruisers}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Mirage_IIIE&diff=103894Mirage IIIE2021-05-29T18:37:48Z<p>U35790733: Add general history of Mirage and extend the history of E variant</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=mirage_3e<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Ixwa Strike"]]. Contrary to its older sibling, the Mirage IIIC, the Mirage IIIE represents a (successful) attempt to integrate air-to-ground capabilities into the Mirage III line of aircraft. These capabilities are achieved by the addition of a ballistic computer to aid in the destruction of ground assets with guns, bombs, and rockets. The aircraft also receives numerous improvements, such as a new version of the Atar 9 engine, which is not only slightly more powerful, but also much more responsive. An RWR system and a countermeasure dispenser is also installed.<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
Overall, the Mirage IIIE is flown like the Mirage IIIC. The key feature of the Mirage airframe is its delta wing. Delta winged aircraft present tremendous manoeuvrability, at the cost of energy bleeding. The Mirage is no exception. While capable of supersonic flight, even at low altitude, and loaded with its air-to-air armament, high-G manoeuvres provokes as much deceleration as using a giant airbrake. This is, in fact, what a delta wing becomes, under high incidence angle, due to its very high vortex lift.<br />
<br />
In general, the Mirage IIIE is nimble and fast, but it lacks the engine power of its contemporaries, such as the [[MiG-21bis]] or the [[F-104 (Family)|F-104]] series. Getting up to speed, or regaining it will be a bit longer. A trade-off for the Mirage IIIE's manoeuvrability.<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 12,000 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 2,092 || 2,053 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.8 || 30.5 || 111.6 || 100.4 || rowspan="2" | 750<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| X || X || X || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~11 || ~4<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 920 || < 750 || < 650 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
Being a very light aircraft, the Mirage IIIE does not bear any sort of armour. It is to be noted that it has a very fragile rudder, which is mandatory to fly. Even as little as losing its moving actuator is enough to make the Mirage IIIE uncontrollable. The wings, being built upon titanium longerons, are quite sturdy and can sometimes survive hits.<br />
<br />
The lack of armour on the Mirage can be compensated by the very small size of the aircraft.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
The entirety of the AA missile armament of the Mirage IIIE is stacked in a single line. The AIM-9B missile will be of moderate help. The Matra 530 will be of better efficiency.<br />
<br />
The Mirage IIIE being the end of the Dassault line-up, each components are pricey in research points, costing up to 32,000 RP for the 4th tier.<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]<br />
|-<br />
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)<br />
|-<br />
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
The Mirage IIIE comes with a pair of DEFA 552A canons, with 125 round per gun, for 250 rounds total. These guns output a moderate shell velocity (but high rate of fire), but the DEFA shells are extremely destructive, and can blow a wing off of even the sturdiest aircrafts, such as the [[F-4E Phantom II]]. The Air targets belt composes only of HE, incendiary, tracers. Overall, the best pick of shells one could want for air-to-air combat. The Ground targets belt can pierce moderate armour, and are nothing to write home about. They will shred APCs and IFVs, but not MBTs.<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)|SNEB type 23|DEFA 552A (30 mm)}}<br />
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AS-30 Nord|Matra R530|Matra R530E|Matra R550 Magic 1}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons (125 rpg = 250 total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
<br />
As with most aircraft of this level, the Mirage is as good as the missiles it carries. The AIM-9B is an IR seeker missile of the very first type. It pulls few Gs, cannot orientate its seeker head and is very easily distracted by flares. Still, some kills can be expected on unsuspecting enemies, or enemies engaged with another aircraft in a turnfight, and low on energy.<br />
<br />
The Matra R530 is a radar guided, medium range missile. Only one can be carried, but it is one of best SARH missiles in the game. As a counterpart, the Cyrano radar of the Mirage IIIE is quite small, with range rarely exceeding 20 km. Inside this range, the missile has good range and manoeuvrability during the entire flight time. A good addition to the Mirage IIIE's arsenal. The SARH capability of the missile can be traded for the IR seeker of the Matra R530E, making it the biggest IR seeker of the game. This version does not require radar lock, but cannot be fired in front aspect, and can be distracted by flares, where the Cyrano radar guiding the R530 can only be disturbed by chaff, which is used much more rarely.<br />
<br />
As a tier 4 modification, the Mirage IIIE receives the dreaded Matra 550 Magic. This IR seeking missile of second generation is an excellent weapon, being both extremely manoeuvrable (pulling 30Gs, sometimes more), very light and reactive, and quite resilient to flares. Under two kilometres, and launched in appropriate conditions at subsonic speeds, this missile is virtually inescapable. It is to be noted that this missile, thanks to its canted launch rail, can be launched under significant G-load. Its only two drawbacks are its short range, and the limited number of units carried under the Mirage wings, with only two of the type. Comparatively, the F-4 Phantom series can carry 4 IR missiles, and 4 to 6 for the MiG-21 series, J35 Draken, and F-104 series.<br />
<br />
As for ground attack, the Mirage III E carries the usual load of post-war French ordnance, in the form of 250/400 kg SAMP bombs, SNEB HEAT rockets, and the AS-30 missile. The deployment of these weapons can be aided by the ballistic computer.<br />
<br />
The AS-30 Nord missile is a MCLOS, AS-20 derived, heavy warhead HE missile. Only one can be carried, and it is quite hard to use, but the damage output on ground targets in mixed battles is enormous. It is not uncommon to score two kills with one missile.<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
The Mirage IIIE is an improvement over the Mirage IIIC in nearly every aspect. Its delta wing permits high-G, speed bleeding manoeuvres, and should be sued to force an opponent to overshoot, and give it chase with missiles or guns.<br />
<br />
The missile load of the Mirage III E is quite light, with only 3 missiles, but the missiles are excellent, and should rarely miss. The addition of the flare dispenser is also of excellent help against the very dangerous IR seeking R-60 missile, which does not perform well with the saturation of its target with flares. Note that flares are mostly inefficient when afterburner is on, and turning it off for mere seconds can be the difference between life and death.<br />
<br />
Overall, sticking close to the ground, at high speed, and making missile passes on opponents is a good way to reach victory. Dogfights should be engaged only if the target position is advantageous, and the Mirage IIIE cannot just bleed out of energy and re-accelerate away.<br />
<br />
The Mirage IIIE can be equipped with the SEPR 941 booster rocket if the guns are dismounted. This strategy is considered as to be avoided, the loadouts permitting the removal of the guns are very restrictive. The booster gives an output of 1.5 extra ton of thrust, and can burnt for 105 seconds before running dry.<br />
<br />
For ground attack, the Mirage IIIE is of moderate use. While it can still carry bombs, it is a fighter by essence. It is to be noted that the Mirage IIIE can carry its entire AA armament, plus two air-to-ground weapons, on two extra hardpoints.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Excellent missile armament<br />
* Slim airframe<br />
* Powerfull canons<br />
* Added multirole capability over the Mirage IIIC<br />
* Flare/chaff dispenser, for 60 slots<br />
* RWR equipped<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Low missile count<br />
* Moderate power engine<br />
* Considered a priority target by enemies<br />
* Much heavier than its predecessor while being given negligible thrust increase which results in a more sluggish aircraft<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' -->=== Post-war French aviation===<br />
Back in the 1940s, after the Second World War, although France was still in ruins at this time, the French aviation design team had never stopped their research work. The first design built by France after the Second World War was the famous VB.10 fighter, which completed its first flight mission in 1947, though the original design work was started in 1940 and interrupted by the German invasion. Even though the French designers are full of enthusiasm for serving their motherland, the government still couldn't provide enough money and resources to help them achieve their design dream, so the French Air Force was still equipped with American F-84 Thunderjets and British Vampires at the beginning of the Cold War. The SNCASE company also chose to buy the production license for de Havilland Vampire fighters, naming it "Mistral".<br />
<br />
Those early American and British designs helped the French designers learn about jet fighters, so they were able to launch a series of successful works such as the SO.4050 Vautour, MD.452 Mystère II, MD.454 Mystère IVA, and Super Mystère B.2 in the 1950s. But on the other hand, when the American F-100 Super Sabre and Soviet MiG-19 fighter entered into service in 1954 and 1955, the French Air Force only has subsonic designs, even the latest Super Mystère B.2 could only break the speed of sound in a dive, so they had to buy North American F-100D fighters in the 1950s, while the US Air Force received their first F-104A Starfighter.<br />
<br />
But the French designers wouldn't be beaten a second time. Marcel Ferdinand Bloch, designer of the famous MB.152 piston fighter, had been captured by Germans during the Second World War because of his Jewish identity, but was saved by the US Third Army in 1945. After that, since his brother had participated with the French guerrillas during World War II and changed his name to Char D'Assaut, to commemorate his brother's achievements, Bloch also changed his name to Dassault. In 1947, Dassault company received their first order from French Air Force to build three prototype planes, and the first of them successfully flew in 1949. The duration of the entire development work was only 18 months, it was named MD.450 Ouragan fighter which was introduced into service in 1952.<br />
<br />
Their second product, MD.452 Mystère II was based on their previous fighter design and used swept-wing to improve the flight performance. MD.454 Mystère IVA was one of the most famous products made by Dassault company during the 1950s, which was used by the Israel Air Force during the Suez Canal War in 1956 and successfully beaten the Egyptian MiG-15 fighters.<br />
=== The tale of "Mirage"===<br />
In response to the challenge of the Soviet Union's new Mach 2 fighter called MiG-21 which would enter into service in 1960, Dassault's answer was the MD.550 Mystère-Delta program which was usually misunderstood by the public as a design born on the basis of the Super Mystère B.2 fighter, but in fact it was born based on an improved version of the Mystère IV fighter, and there was no direct relationship between it and the Super Mystère B.2. Initially competing with Dassault's MD.550 project were Nord 1500 Griffon, SE-212 Durandal, and SO.9050 Trident II projects, unsurprisingly, the Mystère-Delta stood out and soon received an order from the French Air Force to manufacture two prototypes.<br />
<br />
In 1956, after the first design changes, the Mystère-Delta prototype was renamed as Mirage I fighter, it only had one air-to-air missile as its primary weapon, and only achieved Mach 1.6 during the flight test even after it opened the rocket motor. To achieve the goal of reaching Mach 2 speed in level flight, Dassault changed the main design again, including a change in fixed air intake design to the variable air intake design and introduced area rule design on the Mirage I fighter. The Mirage I design was abandoned at last, and the Mirage II fighter was a design that used Turboméca Gabizo afterburning turbojets along with a pair of the SEPR rocket motors, but it was cancelled and never built.<br />
<br />
The final design which truly entered into service in 1961 was called Mirage III, and the first truly mass production version was called Mirage IIIC because the A version of the Mirage III family was only used for research propose, and Mirage IIIB was the training version of Mirage IIIC fighter. The basic weapon used on the Mirage IIIC fighter was two DEFA 552 30 mm cannons which could carry 250 rounds in total, also Dassault company introduced the Matra R.530 radar or infrared-guided medium-range air-to-air missile into their product, which had a maximum firing range of 18 km and maximum manoeuvring overload of 12G. The Mirage IIIC fighter could also carry two AIM-9B Sidewinder infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile for WVR combat in the 1960s too. In 1975, the famous Matra R.550 Magic 1 infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missile with maximum manoeuvring overload of 35G successfully entered into service, both the Mirage III fighter and the Mirage F.1 fighter were upgraded to have Magic missile launch capabilities during this period.<br />
<br />
=== The Mirage IIIE variant ===<br />
In 1965, Mirage IIIE fighter successfully entered in to service and soon become the most produced Mirage variant. It is a multi-purpose role version of Mirage III fighter family, which is updated with CSF Marconi Navigation computer used on the Mirage IV nuclear bomber, the new version of Cyrano II fire control radar added some new air-to-ground modes like ground-mapping of air-to-ground ranging, also the most obvious change in external characteristics is the pod under the nose which contain the CSF Marconi Doppler Navigation radar, besides, A Thomson BU radar warning receiver was fitted in the tail-fin which can provide warning information for the pilots, also the Head-Up-Display unit has been changed from CSF95 to the new CSF97 which added the air-to-ground capacity too. Thanks to the new structural strength design into the airframe, the Mirage IIIE fighter could carry 4000 kg payload in total. The Mirage IIIE was the most popular version of Mirage III family, with 523 being built and delivered to both France and customers around the world, also the Swiss and Pakistani versions can equip Chaff/Flare dispenser in to the bottom of the fuselage too.<br />
<br />
The Mirage IIIE was the most common Mirage III type in service with the French air force, with a total of 183 aircraft delivered, compared to 95 Mirage IIIC and 70 Mirage IIIR aircraft. The last Mirage III would not retire from the French air force until 1994, at which point it was replaced by the Mirage 2000 and later the Dassault Rafale. The Mirage III would see extensive service in numerous wars for several air forces; notably, the Israeli air force used Mirages during the Six-day war and Yom Kippur War, while Argentina employed its Mirage IIIEAs against British forces during the Falklands war.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200"><br />
File:Mirage IIIE hangar.png|A Mirage IIIE, equipped with its full anti-air armament, of two Magics and one Matra R530<br />
File:Mirage IIIE front.png|Closeup view of the Mirage IIIE AA armament. Note the canted Magic launch rails, allowing fire under G stress<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''other literature.''<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer Bloch}}{{France jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Mirage_IIIC&diff=103735Mirage IIIC2021-05-26T11:50:06Z<p>U35790733: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=mirage_3c<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
|cockpit=cockpit_mirage_3c.jpg<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Starfighters"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 12,000 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 2,087 || 2,045 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.5 || 30.1 || 109.3 || 97.7 || rowspan="2" | 750<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 2,238 || 2,160 || 26.7 || 28.0 || 173.1 || 140.0<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="6" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute<br />
|-<br />
| X || X || X || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~12 || ~5<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 920 || < 750 || < 650 || N/A<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Engine performance ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine<br />
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number<br />
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic Mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel, no booster)<br />
|-<br />
| colspan="2" | SNECMA Atar 9B || 1<br />
| colspan="2" | 6,340 kg || colspan="3" | 258 kg/m<sup>2</sup><br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics<br />
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no booster) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight<br />
|-<br />
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type<br />
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel<br />
|-<br />
| 1,450 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet<br />
| 6,891 kg || 7,188 kg || 7,612 kg || 8,206 kg || 10,950 kg<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}<br />
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP, no booster)<br />
|-<br />
! Condition || 100% || WEP<br />
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MTOW<br />
|-<br />
| ''Stationary'' || 4,230 kgf || 6,090 kgf<br />
| 0.88 || 0.85 || 0.80 || 0.74 || 0.56<br />
|-<br />
| ''Optimal'' || 5,118 kgf<br />(1,200 km/h) || 8,105 kgf<br />(1,200 km/h)<br />
| 1.18 || 1.13 || 1.06 || 0.99 || 0.74<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The Mirage IIIC has no armour and is very susceptible to damage. Hits that do not outright destroy the aircraft will severely hamper manoeuvrability and performance. A damaged engine will require immediate landing, since the aircraft loses a lot of energy while turning, the loss of power will be very noticeable. Wing or tail/rudder damage will result in flatspins if the aircraft is taken to low speeds or if too many G's are pulled.<br />
<br />
Overall, if damaged, a pilot should seek to land as soon as possible while attempting to make as few manoeuvres as possible.<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)|SNEB type 23|DEFA 552A (30 mm)}}<br />
{{main|AIM-9B Sidewinder|AS-30 Nord|Matra R530|Matra R530E|Matra R550 Magic 1}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons (125 rpg = 250 total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x Matra R530 missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 1 x AS-30 Nord missile + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets (500 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 552A cannons + 2 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets (800 kg total)<br />
* 2 x AIM-9B Sidewinder missiles<br />
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
The Mirage IIIC is a multirole strike fighter which can be used in a wide variety of roles from air-to-air and a really limited role in air-to-ground.<br />
<br />
'''When in air battles:'''<br />
<br />
The Mirage IIIC is one of the most feared planes in the sky, not only because of its speed but because of its powerful air-to-air missiles. The Mirage has a wide range of AAMs featuring both IR seeker and radar-guided missiles: the AIM-9B, Matra R550 Magic 1, Matra R530E and the Matra R530. Each of the missiles has its pros and cons which will be explained. It should be noted that the Mirage '''should not be used as a bomber in Air Realistic battles''' due to its mediocre bomb payload.<br />
<br />
''AIM-9B:''<br />
<br />
This is one of the most universal and basic IR AAM which is available in many nations. Although they are one of the easiest missiles to evade, their speed and range make them deadly against unaware enemies.<br />
<br />
''Matra R550 Magic 1:''<br />
<br />
This is a unique French IR AAM which is hard to evade without the use of flares due to its high speed, G-limit and firing range. They are similar to the [[SRAAM]] missiles in terms of use due to its G-limit. The main difference is that the R550 does not have a thrust vectoring system, meaning it has to gain speed when launched in order to make turns which differs from SRAAM which can turn while gaining speed in super short distances (less than 1 km but greater than 200 m) due to the vectoring thrust.<br />
<br />
''Matra R530E:''<br />
<br />
This IR AAM has a tremendous explosive power, speed, and firing range. Despite not being the most agile AAM in the game, they are the best IR long range AAM. This comes with a cost, the Mirage only has access to 1 carried on the belly pylon. This missile should only be used when chasing enemy planes in a run, not while turning. The main downside is fighting against planes with Infrared Countermeasures (IRCM) and Missile Alert Warning (MAW) which will automatically dump flares upon detecting the missile.<br />
<br />
''Matra R530:''<br />
<br />
This is the biggest radar-guided AAM in the game, exactly the same as the R530E but with radar guidance and without a maximum lock-on range in rear aspect, meaning it can be fired at any target locked by the radar no matter the aspect (rear, front, side, etc). The main downsides of this missile are the same as the R530E but this time it loses its "stealth" factor as many planes carry Radar Warning Receivers (RWR). MAW, IRCM and flares will not affect the performance of the missile as the only way to evade a radar lock-on missile is to escape from the radar range and azimuth or by causing interference using the ground (refer to [[Airborne radars#Clutter]]).<br />
<br />
Take the required payload upon discretion.<br />
<br />
'''When in ground battles:'''<br />
<br />
The Mirage has a decent payload when in GRB. Although limited, the Mirage can do competitive CAS runs with the SNEB rocket pods, bombs, and Nord AGMs. With the help of the ballistic computer, the Mirage is capable of enhancing the accuracy of this armament in addition to its 30 mm gun pods. It should be noted that the amount of ordnance is really small (only 36 x SNEB rockets, 2 x 400 kg bombs, 2 x 250 kg bombs, or 1 x AS-30 Nord AGM) but can be deadly in a good pilot's hands.<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Magic missiles have very high probability of kill<br />
* Long range Matra R530E missile allows you to catch pilots by surprise<br />
* 30 mm cannons are nose-mounted, so there is little need for convergence<br />
* Very manoeuvrable<br />
* Variety of suspended armament is vast<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Bleeds energy at high angles of attack<br />
* Relatively low thrust to weight ratio compared to its peers<br />
* No armour<br />
* Oldest/weakest engine of all current top-rank planes<br />
* Can't accelerate from dogfight in time<br />
* No flares<br />
* No RWR<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
=== Rise from the ruins, the early days of post-war French aviation ===<br />
Back in the 1940s, after the second world war, although France was still in ruins at this time, the French aviation design team had never stopped their research work. The first design built by France after the second world war was the famous VB.10 fighter, which finished its first flight mission in 1947, though the original design work was started in 1940 and interrupted by the German invasion. Even though the French designers are full of enthusiasm for serving their motherland, the government still couldn’t provide enough money and resources to help them achieve their design dream, so the French Air Force was still equipped with American F-84 ThunderJet and British Vampire at the beginning of the cold war, also the SNCASE company chosen to bought the production license for De Havilland Vampire fighter and called it Mistral.<br />
<br />
Those early American and British designs help the French designers learned the knowledge of jet fighter, so they were able to launch a series of successful works such as SO.4050 Vautour, MD.452 Mystery II, MD.454 Mystery IVA, Super Mystery B.2 in the 1950s. But on the other hand, when the American F-100 Super Saber and Soviet MiG-19 fighter entered into service in 1954 and 1955, French Air Force only has subsonic designs, even the latest Super Mystery B.2 can only break the speed of sound in a dive, so they had to buy North American F-100D fighters in the 1950, which is the time that U.S Air Force received their first F-104A Starfighter. <br />
<br />
But the French designer wouldn't be beaten the second time, Marcel Ferdinand Bloch, who was the designer of the famous MB.152 piston fighter, was be captured by German during the second world war because his Jewish identity, then he was saved by the U.S. Third Army in 1945. After that, since his brother had participated in the French guerrillas during World War II and changed his name to Char D’Assaut, to commemorate his brother’s achievements, Bloch also changed his name to Dassault. In 1947, Dassault company received their first order from French Air Force to build three prototype planes, and the first of them successfully flew in 1949. The duration of the entire development work was only 18 months, it was named MD.450 Ouragan fighter which was introduced into service in 1952.<br />
<br />
Their second product, MD.452 Mystery II was based on their previous fighter design and used swept-wing to improve the flight performance. MD.454 Mystery IVA was one of the most famous products made by Dassault company during the 1950s, which was used by the Israel Air Force during the Suez Canal War in 1956 and successfully beaten the Egyptian MiG-15 fighters.<br />
<br />
=== The tale of "Mirage" ===<br />
In response to the challenge of the Soviet Union's new Mach two fighter called MiG-21 which would enter into service in 1960, Dassault’s answer was the MD.500 Delta Mystery program which was usually misunderstood by the public as a design born on the basis of the Super Mystery B.2 fighter, but in fact it was born based on an improved version of the Mystery IV fighter, and there was no direct relationship between it and the Super Mystery B.2. Initially competing with Dassault’s MD.500 project were Nord 1500 Griffon, SE-212 Durandal and SO.9050 Trident II projects, unsurprisingly, the Delta Mystery stood out and soon received an order from the French Air Force to manufacture two prototypes.<br />
<br />
In 1956, after the first design changes, the Delta Mystery prototype was renamed as Mirage I fighter, it only had one air-to-air missile as its primary weapon, but only achieved Mach 1.6 during the flight test even after it opened the rocket motor. To achieve the goal of reaching Mach 2 speed in level flight, Dassault change the main design again, including the change of fixed air intake design to the variable air intake design and introduce area rule design on the Mirage I fighter. The Mirage I design was abandoned at last, and the Mirage II fighter was a design that used Turboméca Gabizo after-burning turbojets along with a pair of the SEPR rocket motors, but it was canceled and never built.<br />
<br />
The final design which truly entered into service in 1961 was called Mirage III, and the first truly mass production version was called Mirage IIIC because the A version of the Mirage III family was only used for research propose, and Mirage IIIB was the training version of Mirage IIIC fighter. The basic weapon used on the Mirage IIIC fighter was two DEFA 552 30mm cannons which had the capability to carry 250 rounds in total, also Dassault company introduced the Matra R.530 radar or infrared guided medium-range air to air missile into their product, which had the maximum firing range of 18 km and the maximum maneuvering overload is 12G, and Mirage IIIC fighter could carry two AIM-9B Sidewinder infrared guided short-range air to air missile for WVR combat in the 1960s too. In 1975, the famous Matra R.550 Magic 1 infrared guided short-range air to air missile which has the maximum maneuvering overload of 35G successfully entered into service, both the Mirage III fighter and the Mirage F.1 fighter have upgraded their Magic missile launch capabilities during this period.<br />
<br />
For the ground attack role, the Mirage IIIC fighter can use unguided bombs and SNEB 68mm rocket, also the Nord AS.20 and AS.30 radio-guided air to ground missile is a good choice for the pilot too through their fighter can only equip one of them under the fuselage.<br />
<br />
As for the avionics, Mirage IIIC fighter was equipped with Cyrano I bis search and fire-control radar in the beginning, later it was upgraded to Cyrano IIA radar which improved performance. Since it entered into service in 1961, Cyrano radar suffered many technical problems, which led to the fact that the first 25 Mirage IIIC didn’t receive their original fire-control radar when they entered into service, and this problem was solved later. Apart from that, the Cyrano I bis and Cyrano IIA radar only have the air-to-air capacity, the air-to-ground capability like the ground-mapping mode was added into Cyrano IIB radar which was installed into Australian Mirage IIIO fighter and latter version, besides, Mirage IIIC fighter was also one of the first western military aircraft design used Head-Up-Display in the beginning,called CSF95 which only had air-to-air capacity too, the other two is Blackburn Buccaneer and North American A-5 Vigilante attacker, and it was also one of the first European design which equipped Crouzet 20 Central Air Data Computer in the beginning too because the BAC Lightning only received its own Central Air Data Computer since the F.2A version.<br />
<br />
The power plant of Mirage IIIC fighter was SNECMA Atar 9B turbojet engine, also the pilot can choose to equip the SEPR 841 auxiliary rocket motor to improve the flight performance in high altitude, though they need to remove the two DEFA 552 30mm cannons first.<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/6728-development-mirage-iiic-an-illusive-figure-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
In 1952, the French government issued a specification for a lightweight, all-weather jet fighter capable of reaching supersonic speeds. Three French aircraft manufacturers responded to the call, designing new aircraft to meet the given specifications. Among them was Dassault Aviation which came up with the MD.550 Delta - a single engine delta wing design with a large vertical stabilizer and provisions for an additional propulsion system in the form of a rocket engine.<br />
<br />
The MD.550 Delta prototype first took to the skies in June 1954. After having its flight data evaluated, the design underwent some changes and received the official name Mirage I. Subsequent test flights of the redesigned prototype showed improvements in flight performance, but Dassault quickly came to the conclusion that the aircraft was too small and light to meet the required ordnance-carrying capabilities and as such the prototype was eventually scrapped.<br />
<br />
However, Dassault didn’t want to give up on the design. Instead, the company continued developing the aircraft, quickly coming up with an enlarged and more powerful version called Mirage II. With the advent of more powerful versions of the SNECMA Atar engines in the late 1950s, the Mirage II concept was abandoned before it even left the drawing board and Dassault immediately began working on an even larger version of the aircraft around the new engines. The result of this undertaking was the creation of the Mirage III.<br />
<br />
By this time, the aircraft had also caught the attention of the French Air Force, which motivated Dassault to proceed with further development. In November 1956, the Mirage III first took to the skies, and after a number of subsequent test flights, an order for 10 pre-production machines, designated Mirage IIIA, was issued by the French Air Force.<br />
<br />
Following positive experiences with the pre-production machines, the military placed a further order for 95 machines of the first production version, designated Mirage IIIC. This version of the Mirage first flew in October 1960 and entered official service in 1961, remaining in service with French units until the late 1980s.<br />
<br />
Apart from French service, the Mirage IIIC also saw extensive use with the Israeli Air Force during the Six Day War as well as the Yom Kippur War of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some of the Israeli Mirages were later on sold to Argentina, which in turn used its Mirages in the Falklands War of the 1980s.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<br />
;Skins<br />
<br />
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=mirage_3c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]<br />
<br />
'''Images'''<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"><br />
File:Mirage IIIC WTWallpaper 01.jpg|<br />
File:Mirage IIIC WTWallpaper 02.jpg|<br />
File:Mirage IIIC WTWallpaper 03.jpg|<br />
File:Mirage IIIC WTWallpaper 04.jpg|<br />
File:Mirage IIIC WTWallpaper 05.jpg|<br />
File:Mirage IIIC WTWallpaper 06.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
;Videos<br />
{{Youtube-gallery|QAA4S31Hbhw|'''The Shooting Range #202''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:40 discusses the Mirage III.|rpp-GqXiaKg|'''The Shooting Range #214''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:27 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}<br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --><br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/6728-development-mirage-iiic-an-illusive-figure-en|[Devblog] Mirage IIIC: An Illusive Figure]]<br />
<br />
{{AirManufacturer Bloch}}<br />
{{France jet aircraft}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_London&diff=103329HMS London2021-05-20T11:09:56Z<p>U35790733: History, text only</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_cruiser_london<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
{{main|8 inch/50 Mark VIII (203 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}<br />
{{main|2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|QF Mark VII (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mark V (20 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
{{main|Mk.IX (533 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Very effective anti-air defences<br />
* 8 inch guns are useful for sinking cruisers and destroyers<br />
* Ammunition is stored under the water line and is well protected<br />
* Carries torpedoes which are useful in close range encounters<br />
* Decent speed for a heavy cruiser<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Guns lack AP shells to deal with battlecruisers and battleships<br />
* No bridge protection, losing control is very common in this ship<br />
* Lacks deck armour against plunging shells<br />
* Armour is weak against battleship-calibre guns<br />
* Outgunned by battleships, battlecruisers, and some American heavy cruisers<br />
<br />
== History ==<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
<br />
=== '''The Treaty Cruiser''' ===<br />
The 1921 Washington Treaty conference aimed to prevent war between the major naval powers by restricting warship construction. It decided that cruiser displacement should be limited to a maximum of 10,000 tons per ship. Britain had set the pace by constructing the Hawkins Class – the most modern and capable cruisers of their time – which displaced close to 10,000 tons. It was known that the USA and Japan would soon match, and probably exceed, them, building 10,000-ton cruisers with 8-inch guns (the Hawkins Class ships carried 7.5-inch main guns). The British answer was heavy cruisers of the County Class, constructed in three batches that were to be armed with 8-inch guns and would be fast with long-range. At the end of 1923, the British administration gave the building of eight County Class cruisers known as Kent class (''Kent, Suffolk, Cumberland, Berwick,'' and ''Cornwall'') with two extras (''Australia'' and ''Canberra'') for the Royal Australian Navy. They were laid down between July 1924 and September 1925 and completed between July 1927 and July 1928. Next came the London Class (''London'', ''Devonshire, Shropshire,'' and ''Sussex''), laid down between March 1926 and February 1927 and completed between January and September 1929.<br />
<br />
The most obvious difference between the London Class and the ''Kent'' was removing a protective bulge on the waterline, which forced a modified hull design that increased length by two feet eight inches and incorporated internal bulges. Their high freeboard meant they were, in most weather, dry ships and could keep up a good rate of knots even in heavy seas. The beam of the ''Kent'' was two feet five inches wider than the ''London''. HMS ''London''<nowiki/>'s displacement was 9,850 tons (standard) and 13,315 tons (full load). She was 632 feet 8 inches in length, with a sixty-six-foot beam and a draught of twenty feet nine inches. Propulsion was provided by Parsons geared turbines and eight Admiralty three-drum boilers. HMS ''London'' could carry 3,190 tons of oil and achieve more than thirty-two knots. In addition to eight 8-inch main guns and four 4-inch-high angles, secondary London had four 2-pounder guns and eight 21-inch torpedo tubes. The bridge and the foremast of the London Class cruisers were set further aft to allow B turret to fire 'abaft the beam without blasting the bridge.<br />
<br />
=== '''HMS ''London'' in the 1930s''' ===<br />
For her first overseas deployment, HMS ''London'' was sent to the Mediterranean, where she became the flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron and activated in the following years. Trouble was brewing on the island of Cyprus in the early 1930s and soon boiled over into insurrection. It had been granted Crown Colony status in 1925, after being taken from the Turks and occupied by British forces in the First World War. Its position in the eastern Mediterranean made it an ideal base from which to provide additional security for British interests in the Middle East, such as the Suez Canal and Palestine. A strategically vital oil pipeline terminated at Haifa, and the island was also an important staging post for travelers heading to Britain's empire in Asia. Having cast off the hated Turks, Greek Cypriots were angry and frustrated at being prevented by British rule from uniting with their ethnic homeland of Greece. A decision by the Crown Colony administrators to raise taxes stoked the fires of resentment. On 21 October 1931, a mob gathered and marched on the Governor's residence. They burned it to the ground and then went on the rampage when the police belatedly intervened.<br />
<br />
The Royal Navy was asked to aid the civil powers, with HMS ''London'' and her sister ship HMS ''Shropshire'' sent to suppress the uprising in company with the destroyers HMS ''Acasta'' and HMS ''Achates''. At Larnaca, HMS ''London'' landed armed shore parties of Royal Marines and sailors to protect government offices. They found the local population still defiant and capable of violence. The protestors hurled verbal abuse at London's marines and matelots, waving the Greek flag in their faces. Stones rained down on the helmets of the British, but they held firm. The rioters were trying to make the marines and sailors lose their cool and open fire in the hope that Greece might protest and even intervene militarily. In the early hours of 25 October, the revolt leaders were arrested by troops and police. They were taken by boat to ''London'' and ''Shropshire'', where they were held in the cruisers' wardrooms' convivial surroundings. The detainees were given every hospitality, including good food and drink. A few stiff whiskies helped steady the nerves of those still a little shocked at being hauled from their beds in the wee small hours. The seizing of the leaders took the steam out of the revolt, and the British warships were soon able to quit the island's harbors, leaving a job well done behind them.<br />
<br />
On 18 July 1936, the Fascist General Franco led an uprising by twelve military garrisons on mainland Spain and five in Spanish Morocco. Most of southern Spain fell to the Fascists, and outside forces intervened to stoke the fires of conflict – the Germans and Italians on the Fascist side and Russia on the Republican government side. Thousands of British passport holders were at the mercy of various warring factions, and the UK government responded by sending warships, including HMS London, to evacuate them from danger, using Barcelona and Valencia as points of embarkation. The ship stopped at Malta for supplies and then went on to Barcelona in company with the Devonshire. On 22 July, the cruiser was secured by her stern to the Mole in Barcelona harbor and the ship received reports from ashore saying the city was now quiet after savage fighting. <br />
<br />
{{Quote/Documentation}}<br />
<br />
As ''London'' waited for the evacuees to start arriving, the situation grew more volatile. On 23 July, a bomb from an aircraft landed near a British warship patrolling the Straits of Gibraltar. HMS ''London'' was informed that Barcelona's British Colony of 1,000 people, including many nuns, was to be evacuated. By midnight on 23 July, only 200 people had turned up, with forty of them being immediately sent to Marseilles aboard the destroyer HMS ''Douglas'', which had come alongside London to take them off.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of August, the Italian and Swiss governments ordered all their nationals out of Spain. ''London'' was flooded with desperate people, and Commander Wright gave up his cabin to a refugee family, ending up sleeping on the upper deck by X-turret. ''London'' was told on 7 August that she would stay another fifteen days in Barcelona. After returning to Gibraltar, she was to head back to Portsmouth for a refit that was due to commence in November, during which she was to receive four more high-angle 4-inch guns. By mid-August, it was apparent to Captain Wright that an increasing number of the 'British' refugees were bogus:<br />
<br />
{{Quote/Documentation}}<br />
<br />
On 22 August, HMS ''London'' was pleased to note that HMS ''Shropshire'' had arrived in Barcelona to relieve herself. Between 23 July and 29 July, 839 refugees were evacuated via HMS ''London'', and a further 1,000 were sent to safety between 30 July and 21 August.<br />
<br />
At the end of 1936, HMS ''London'' was tasked with hunting down gunrunners in Western Mediterranean. Her aircrafts located a suspicious-looking vessel that could well have been a gunrunner, but the cruiser caught up after five hours of hard steaming, only to discover that it was not the suitable quarry at all. In 1937 HMS ''London'' was called back to Britain for celebrating the coronation of King George VI and another major refit.<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
The County-class cruisers, also known as the A-Type cruisers, were the first British cruiser vessels to be developed in the interwar period of the 1920s. Their design being heavily influenced by the restrictions imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty, meant that British shipbuilders had to find compromises during development in order to comply with the treaty as well as to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy for a ship capable of trade route protection.<br />
<br />
This resulted in the creation of a ship design with good cruising range and adequate firepower, but very light armour protection in order to stay within treaty restrictions. The orders for the first ships were placed in the mid 1920’s and construction began in 1924.<br />
<br />
HMS London (C69) was laid down in February 1926 and commissioned into service in January 1929 as the lead ship of the second batch of County-class cruisers to be built, known as the London subclass. During the 1930’s, HMS London took part in a goodwill visit to Venice and assisted in the evacuation of civilians from Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, before being sent to drydock for refit in 1939.<br />
<br />
In 1941, HMS London took part in the hunt for the battleship Bismarck, after which the ship was once again dry-docked for repairs. The following year, HMS London assisted in escorting several convoys in the Atlantic, after which she was assigned to South African waters in 1943, before joining the Eastern Fleet. HMS London continued serving in the postwar years, during which the ship got involved in an incident in Chinese waters in 1949 which left it heavily damaged. Being deemed uneconomical for repairs, HMS London was sold for scrap in January 1950.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
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File:HMS London WTWallpaper 03.jpg|<br />
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File:HMS London WTWallpaper 05.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;'''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|[Devblog] HMS London: Anticipated Calibre]]<br />
<br />
=== References ===<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
=== Works Cited ===<br />
<br />
* Ballantyne, I. (2002). ''HMS London: Warships of the Royal Navy''. Casemate Publishers.<br />
* Beesly, P. (1990). Convoy PQ 17: A study of intelligence and decision‐making. ''Intelligence and National Security'', ''5''(2), 292-322.<br />
* Brown, D. K. (2012). ''Nelson to Vanguard: Warship Design and Development 1923 1945''. Seaforth Publishing.<br />
* Colledge, J. J., & Warlow, B. (2010). ''Ships of the Royal Navy: The complete record of all fighting ships of the Royal Navy from the 15th century to the present''. Casemate/Greenhill.<br />
* Irving, D. J. C. (1968). ''The Destruction of Convoy PQ. 17''. Cassell<br />
<br />
{{Britain heavy cruisers}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_London&diff=103287HMS London2021-05-19T22:57:12Z<p>U35790733: /* The Strain in the North, The Disaster of PQ17, and the rest of 1942 */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=uk_cruiser_london<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
<br />
=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
<br />
{{NavalMobility}}<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
{{main|8 inch/50 Mark VIII (203 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''<br />
<br />
=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Anti-aircraft armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}<br />
{{main|2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|QF Mark VII (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mark V (20 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
{{main|Mk.IX (533 mm)}}<br />
<br />
''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''<br />
<br />
=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
<br />
'''Pros:'''<br />
<br />
* Very effective anti-air defences<br />
* 8 inch guns are useful for sinking cruisers and destroyers<br />
* Ammunition is stored under the water line and is well protected<br />
* Carries torpedoes which are useful in close range encounters<br />
* Decent speed for a heavy cruiser<br />
<br />
'''Cons:'''<br />
<br />
* Guns lack AP shells to deal with battlecruisers and battleships<br />
* No bridge protection, losing control is very common in this ship<br />
* Lacks deck armour against plunging shells<br />
* Armour is weak against battleship-calibre guns<br />
* Outgunned by battleships, battlecruisers, and some American heavy cruisers<br />
<br />
== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
=== The Treaty Cruiser ===<br />
The 1921 Washington Treaty conference aimed to prevent war between the major naval powers by restricting warship construction. It decided that cruiser displacement should be limited to a maximum of 10,000 tons per ship. Britain had set the pace by constructing the ''Hawkins'' class – the most modern and capable cruisers of their time – which displaced close to 10,000 tons. It was known that the USA and Japan would soon match, and probably exceed, them, building 10,000-ton cruisers with 8-inch guns (the ''Hawkins''-class ships carried 7.5-inch main guns). The British answer was heavy cruisers of the County class, constructed in three batches that were to be armed with 8-inch guns and would be fast with long range. At the end of 1923, the British administration gave the building of eight County-class cruisers known as ''Kent'' class (''Kent'', ''Suffolk,'' ''Cumberland,'' ''Berwick,'' and ''Cornwall''), with two extras (''Australia'' and ''Canberra'') for the Royal Australian Navy. They were laid down between July 1924 and September 1925 and completed between July 1927 and July 1928. Next came the ''London'' class (''London,'' ''Devonshire,'' ''Shropshire,'' and ''Sussex''), laid down between March 1926 and February 1927 and completed between January and September 1929.<br />
[[File:Cruiser London being launched at Portsmouth.png|thumb|362x362px|Cruiser London being launched at Portsmouth in September 1927.]]<br />
The most obvious difference between the ''London'' and ''Kent'' classes was the removal of a protective bulge on the waterline, which forced a modified hull design that increased length by 2 feet 8 inches and incorporated internal bulges. Their high freeboard meant they were, in most weather, dry ships and could keep up a good rate of knots even in heavy seas. The beam of the ''Kent'' was 2 feet 5 inches wider than the ''London''. HMS ''London''<nowiki/>'s displacement was 9,850 tons (standard) and 13,315 tons (full load). She was 632 feet 8 inches in length, with a 66-foot beam and a draught of 20 feet 9 inches. Propulsion was provided by Parsons geared turbines and eight Admiralty three-drum boilers. HMS ''London'' could carry 3,190 tons of oil and achieve more than thirty-two knots. In addition to eight 8-inch main guns and four 4-inch high-angles, ''London'' also had four 2-pounder guns and eight 21-inch torpedo tubes. The bridge and the foremast of the ''London''-class cruisers were set further aft to allow B turret to fire abaft the beam without blasting the bridge.<br />
<br />
=== HMS London in the 1930s ===<br />
For her first overseas deployment, HMS ''London'' was sent to the Mediterranean, where she became the flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron and activated in the following years. Trouble was brewing on the island of Cyprus in the early 1930s and soon boiled over into insurrection. It had been granted Crown Colony status in 1925, after being taken from the Turks and occupied by British forces in the First World War. Its position in the eastern Mediterranean made it an ideal base from which to provide additional security for British interests in the Middle East, such as the Suez Canal and Palestine. A strategically vital oil pipeline terminated at Haifa, and the island was also an important staging post for travelers heading to Britain's empire in Asia. Having cast off the hated Turks, Greek Cypriots were angry and frustrated at being prevented by British rule from uniting with their ethnic homeland of Greece. A decision by the Crown Colony administrators to raise taxes stoked the fires of resentment. On 21 October 1931, a mob gathered and marched on the Governor's residence. They burned it to the ground and then went on the rampage when the police belatedly intervened.<br />
<br />
The Royal Navy was asked to aid the civil powers, with HMS ''London'' and her sister ship HMS ''Shropshire'' sent to suppress the uprising in company with the destroyers HMS ''Acasta'' and ''Achates''. At Larnaca, HMS ''London'' landed armed shore parties of Royal Marines and sailors to protect government offices. They found the local population still defiant and capable of violence. The protestors hurled verbal abuse at ''London''<nowiki/>'s marines and sailors, waving the Greek flag in their faces. Stones rained down on the helmets of the British, but they held firm. The rioters were trying to make the marines and sailors lose their cool and open fire in the hope that Greece might protest and even intervene militarily. In the early hours of 25 October, the revolt leaders were arrested by troops and police. They were taken by boat to ''London'' and ''Shropshire'', where they were held in the cruisers' wardrooms' convivial surroundings. The detainees were given every hospitality, including good food and drink. A few stiff whiskies helped steady the nerves of those still a little shocked at being hauled from their beds in the wee small hours. The seizing of the leaders took the steam out of the revolt, and the British warships were soon able to depart the island's harbours, leaving a job well done behind them.<br />
<br />
On 18 July 1936, the Fascist General Franco led an uprising by twelve military garrisons on mainland Spain and five in Spanish Morocco. Most of southern Spain fell to the Fascists, and outside forces intervened to stoke the fires of conflict – the Germans and Italians on the Fascist side and Russia on the Republican government side. Thousands of British passport holders were at the mercy of various warring factions, and the UK government responded by sending warships, including HMS ''London'', to evacuate them from danger, using Barcelona and Valencia as points of embarkation. The ship stopped at Malta for supplies and then went on to Barcelona in company with the Devonshire. On 22 July, the cruiser was secured by her stern to the Mole in Barcelona harbor and the ship received reports from ashore saying the city was now quiet after savage fighting.<br />
{{Quote|…one regiment of Fascists was annihilated in a square, being mown down by concealed rifle fire.}}<br />
<br />
As ''London'' waited for the evacuees to start arriving, the situation grew more volatile. On 23 July, a bomb from an aircraft landed near a British warship patrolling the Straits of Gibraltar. HMS ''London'' was informed that Barcelona's British Colony of 1,000 people, including many nuns, was to be evacuated. By midnight on 23 July, only 200 people had turned up, with forty of them being immediately sent to Marseilles aboard the destroyer HMS ''Douglas'', which had come alongside ''London'' to take them off.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of August, the Italian and Swiss governments ordered all their nationals out of Spain. ''London'' was flooded with desperate people, and Commander Wright gave up his cabin to a refugee family, ending up sleeping on the upper deck by X-turret. ''London'' was told on 7 August that she would stay another fifteen days in Barcelona. After returning to Gibraltar, she was to head back to Portsmouth for a refit that was due to commence in November, during which she was to receive four more high-angle 4-inch guns. By mid-August, it was apparent to Captain Wright that an increasing number of the 'British' refugees were bogus:<br />
{{Quote|13 August…. The 'British' folk leaving Spain nowadays are not good speakers of English!}}<br />
<br />
On 22 August, HMS ''London'' was pleased to note that HMS ''Shropshire'' had arrived in Barcelona to relieve herself. Between 23 July and 29 July, 839 refugees were evacuated via HMS ''London'', and a further 1,000 were sent to safety between 30 July and 21 August.<br />
<br />
At the end of 1936, HMS ''London'' was tasked with hunting down gunrunners in Western Mediterranean. Her aircrafts located a suspicious-looking vessel that could well have been a gunrunner, but the cruiser caught up after five hours of hard steaming, only to discover that it was not the suitable quarry at all. In 1937 HMS ''London'' was called back to Britain for celebrating the coronation of King George VI and another major refit.<br />
<br />
=== The Reconstruction ===<br />
With war clouds gathering fast in the late 1930s and naval construction restrictions being discarded equally rapidly, the decision was taken to reconstruct the County-class cruisers to make them more capable ships. HMS ''London'' was the first, paying off into refit at Chatham in March 1939. Her ambitious rebuild proved complex and lasted until February 1941. Among the significant modifications were a new waterline armour belt and bridge superstructure, additional 4-inch guns, new hangars and aircraft catapult (the original had been fitted in 1932), and new engines. Her top speed was to remain more than thirty-two knots, and she would be able to do twenty-four knots using just half her boilers. Having started her life with a displacement of 9,850 tons (standard) and 13,315 tons (deep load), by the end of the refit, HMS ''London''<nowiki/>'s tonnage was 11,015 tons (standard) and 14,578 tons (deep load). The severe changes in ''London''<nowiki/>'s silhouette included removing one of her funnels, with the new catapult occupying space between the remaining two. Grouped around the aft funnel were the new 4-inch guns, in twin mountings, with pom-pom anti-aircraft weapons (sixteen 2-pounders) on the hangar roofs and machine guns fitted on top of X and B turrets. Post refit, HMS ''London'' carried eight 21-inch torpedoes in quadruple mountings on the upper deck and had depth charges. The onset of hostilities between Britain and Germany in September 1939 meant the remaining County-class cruisers were too busy to be rebuilt along the same lines as ''London''. And, as we will see later, it was just as well, for ''London''<nowiki/>'s rebuild would not stand up to the strain of war service.<br />
[[File:HMS London after rebuild.png|thumb|356x356px|The ''London''<nowiki/>'s lines were altered dramatically by her major rebuild.]]<br />
During the reconstruction, German bombers targeted Chatham frequently and air raids often interrupted the work, delaying ''London''<nowiki/>'s progress. The cruiser was finally commissioned for service with the Home Fleet on 7 February 1941.<br />
<br />
On 5 March HMS ''London'' left Chatham. Waiting for her in the familiar waters of the Channel were magnetic mines sown by the Germans and E-boats keen to pounce on her. The cruiser indulged in some simple deception to ensure she got away from Chatham safely, heading for Tilbury instead of going straight out to sea to avoid German spies and scout planes. Leaving the Thames on 6 March, on her way north, HMS ''London'' passed a couple of sinking ships which had been unlucky, falling victim to mines or E-boats.<br />
<br />
After arriving at Scapa Flow, ''London'' embarked on an energetic program of work up exercises. These included sub-calibre and full calibre shoots with her main guns at targets and also throw off shoots. The latter entailed her guns having their controls set to throw off shells by a cable's length (200 yards) astern, even though the weapons were aimed right at the target ship. ''London'' was soon on the receiving end of this all too realistic gunnery exercise technique, when she acted as a target for the battleship Rodney's 16-inch guns. Among other battlewagons the ''London'' provided a target for, were ''King George V'', ''Hood'' and ''Prince of Wales''.<br />
<br />
On 2 April, the ''London'' left Scapa to rendezvous with the carrier HMS Argus, which was being used to ferry fighter planes to the Mediterranean. The cruiser escorted Argus to a point 300 miles west of Lisbon where she was turned over to the care of HMS Sheffield.<br />
[[File:Slow convoy to Sierra Leone.png|thumb|351x351px|Slow convoy to Sierra Leone, as pictured from HMS ''London''.]]<br />
HMS ''London'' spent some time with the battleship ''King George V'' keeping watch on Brest to ensure the German battlecruisers ''Scharnhorst'' and ''Gneisenau'' remained bottled up. The two German heavy ships had taken refuge at the French naval port in February 1941 and would be there for another year. Relieved of this duty, ''London''<nowiki/>'s next mission was escorting slow convoys out of Sierra Leone. This was difficult for the ship to deal with, as the merchant vessels could do little more than six knots and she tended to wallow at such a slow speed. To relieve the tedium, and provide a means of boosting the confidence of the merchant ships, HMS ''London'' ran up and down the convoy lines at twenty-two knots, then took a circuitous route, before going back to the center.<br />
<br />
On 12 May, at a UK port, ''London'' embarked soldiers who were being taken south to Gibraltar. The generous internal proportions of the County-class cruisers made them ideal troop carriers. After offloading her 600 Army passengers at Gibraltar, ''London'' stayed in port for a few days, as she was due to return to Britain carrying soldiers going home on leave. Together with the cruiser HMS Edinburgh, she was also to provide escort for a UK-bound convoy that included the liner SS ''Arundel Castle'', carrying evacuees from Gibraltar. Shortly before the cruiser left, Italian aircraft tried to bomb the Rock, but hit a nearby Spanish town by mistake, killing a number of people. ''London''<nowiki/>'s AA guns went to action stations but the planes were too far away to shoot down. Sailing north from Gibraltar, on 23 May, ''London'' encountered a Vichy French ship that she stopped and searched.<br />
<br />
=== Hunt for Bismarck, and all the troubles ===<br />
Shortly before 5 P.M., on 24 May, ''London'' received a order to take over shadowing duties, searching for the German battleship ''Bismarck'', which was cornered and destroyed on 27 May, leaving HMS ''London'' re-ordered to search for German supply ships in the central and southern Atlantic.<br />
<br />
On 31 May, HMS ''London'' called in at Bathurst, Gambia, to land some of the troops embarked at Gibraltar. They were grateful to escape the confines of the cruiser, but not exactly pleased at being further away from Britain than when they had started. Their chances of spending their leave with their families looked rather slim. HMS ''London'' sailed again that afternoon, heading for a rendezvous on 3 June with the destroyer HMS ''Brilliant'', which would be her hunting partner. The following day at 07° 35' N – 31° 29' W, the two British warships found their first German supply ship, the 17,000 tons ''Esso Hamburg'', which had, in fact, refueled the ''Prinz Eugen'' on the morning of 28 May. The oil transfer had been curtailed when the German cruiser's lookouts spotted smoke on the horizon.<br />
[[File:Smoke rises from the sinking Esso Hamburg.png|thumb|Smoke rose from the sinking German supply vessel ''Esso Hamburg''.]]<br />
The British ships soon set the German supply ship on fire and picked up surviving German sailors. But the ''Esso Hamburg'' was being very stubborn, so HMS ''Brilliant'' fired a torpedo into the supply ship, which failed to go off. Next, she poured fire from her 4.7-inch guns into the German vessel, which caught fire and sank. Unfortunately, the huge pillar of smoke from burning oil curling up into the sky was a perfect warning sign for any other German vessels lurking in that stretch of ocean.<br />
<br />
On 5 June HMS ''London'' found the supply ship, ''Egerland'', which was flying the Panamanian flag. In an effort to prevent her from scuttling herself ''London'' opened fire on her at a very long range and the shot went through her bridge and set her on fire. The German vessel's crew set scuttling charges and abandoned ship, with several more boatloads of Germans taken aboard the already crowded ''London''. Many of the new POWs were U-boat crews who had been waiting for submarines to turn up.<br />
[[File:Sailors taken POW from the German vessel Egerland.png|thumb|Prisoners from the ''Egerland'' on ''London''<nowiki/>'s quarterdeck.|left]]<br />
Blessed with enough able-bodied sailors to keep her underway, HMS ''London'' headed to Freetown in Sierra Leone to offload her passengers and for part of the way she helped escort a convoy heading in the same direction. ''London'' left the convoy on 7 June and went ahead.<br />
<br />
During a brief stay in port, the ''London'' offloaded the remainder of her British troops onto HMS ''Norfolk'', which was heading back to the UK, while the Germans were sent to prison camps. Back at sea, HMS ''London'' resumed her search for German supply vessels. On 12 June the ''Friedrich Breme'' had been sunk by the cruiser HMS ''Sheffield'' while, on 15 June, the Lothringen had been located and destroyed by planes from the carrier ''Eagle'' assisted by the cruiser ''Dunedin''. Six days later, close to the equator, HMS ''London'' found the Babitonga, another German supply ship. As it appeared the small German merchant ship posed no threat, ''London''<nowiki/>'s off watch sailors were allowed to come up onto the upper deck to watch her being sunk.<br />
[[File:The Babitonga's scuttling charges explode..png|thumb|The ''Babitonga''<nowiki/>'s scuttling charges explode.]]<br />
No more German supply ships were located and so London returned to Freetown to offload her prisoners. By this time some of London's sailors had gone down with malaria and venereal disease, the latter contracted from consorting with prostitutes in Sierra Leone.<br />
<br />
On 6 July, HMS ''London'' left Freetown and four days later came across another Vichy French merchant ship that was boarded and searched. Two weeks later, during a visit to Gibraltar, ''London'' was suddenly called back to home waters. Steaming at top speed for several days, the cruiser was needed to help contain another German surface raider believed to be readying herself for a breakout into the Atlantic.<br />
<br />
The high seas raider alert proved to be a false alarm and, after loitering off Iceland for a short while, ''London'' came down to Scapa Flow, arriving on 23 July. The cruiser only spent a week in the Orkneys before sailing for Greenock, in the mouth of the Clyde on Scotland's west coast, where her crew were awarded some much-needed shore leave. Following this, ''London'' was assigned as escort to a convoy that contained a number of large troop ships bound for North Africa via the Cape. On 10 August, just south of the Azores, ''London'' was relieved of escort duty by another cruiser and headed back to the UK, arriving at Scapa Flow eight days later. After another visit to Greenock, ''London'' was ordered north again to Iceland, arriving at the Hvalfjord on 2 August.<br />
<br />
In late September 1941, HMS ''London'', now back at Scapa, went on a journey that would add a new dimension to war in the North Atlantic. She received orders to embark on an Anglo-US diplomatic mission that was to be taken to Archangel in the far north of Russia. The final destination of this important group was the Kremlin in Moscow, to draw up an agreement with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin for cooperation against Germany.<br />
[[File:HMS London ploughs through heavy seas in the Denmark Strait..png|thumb|452x452px|HMS ''London'' ploughs through heavy seas in the Denmark Strait.]]<br />
The Anglo-American mission to Moscow left Scapa Flow aboard HMS ''London'' on 22 September. The cruiser carried Lord Beaverbrook, the Canadian newspaper tycoon who Churchill had made his supply minister, as Britain's chief negotiator, with two British Army generals, Air Ministry officials and secretaries making up the rest of the UK party. The Americans were led by business tycoon and diplomat Averell Harriman, who had been sent to Britain by President Roosevelt to oversee administration of the Lend-Lease agreement. The weather during the voyage turned out to be calm and the Germans failed to find the London, which had sailed without escorts. She deposited her precious cargo at Archangel on 27 September, having sailed through the White Sea and thirty miles up the broad River Dvina. From Archangel airport the delegation flew directly to Moscow.<br />
<br />
On 28 September, ''London'' left Archangel, which was not a good place to hang around as it was being bombed regularly. To kill time, until the diplomats were ready to be picked up for the journey home, the cruiser accompanied a UK-bound convoy of half a dozen ships. A month earlier they had made the first Arctic convoy journey of the war – codenamed Operation Dervish. Now they were carrying timber back to the UK. German aircraft flying from airfields in Finland could be heard hunting for the convoy throughout the time ''London'' was with it. Handing over convoy escort duties to HMS ''Shropshire'' on 2 October, the London turned around and headed back to Archangel for picking up VIPs.<br />
<br />
=== '''The Strain in the North, The Disaster of PQ17, and the rest of 1942''' ===<br />
HMS ''London'' returned to Palmers on the Tyne, where she received a refit from November 1941 until January 1942. It was the major reconstruction that made ''London'' brittle and prone to cracking. The armor belt and other additions had added so much weight and were so inflexible that reports were received of leaking rivets and cracks in the upper deck, particularly around the boiler room uptakes.<br />
<br />
On leaving refit the ''London'' duly headed back to Scapa. After working up in early February, she sailed for Iceland and straight out on a dreaded Patrol White, which stands for a series of patrols for preventing German raiders in northern area.<br />
<br />
For ''London'' it would mean many months in the Arctic, with the cruiser pushed to the limits of her construction and her sailors to the edge of human endurance. The Denmark Strait, between Iceland and Greenland, was a key patrol area where cruisers based in Iceland, including HMS ''London'', would loiter, waiting for attempts by German capital ships to break out into the Atlantic. As happened with the ''Bismarck'' and ''Prinz Eugen'', the cruisers would be expected to tail the enemy, fixing their position for air strikes by carrier planes and subsequent destruction by Royal Navy battleships. In terms of weather, Patrol White was possibly the worst duty of the entire war for British cruisers<br />
<br />
The next few months were a living hell of Patrol White with the occasional respite of convoy escort work. The fury of the Arctic winter in those turbulent waters between Iceland and Greenland almost defies the imagination. Even with her high freeboard, the big cruiser was still powerless in the face of the savage forces of nature. It was more than a full gale at sea, it was nearer to a great roaring battlefield, with ships blowing across it like scraps of newspaper.<br />
[[File:Ice coats HMS London's forecastle..png|thumb|382x382px|Ice coats HMS ''London''<nowiki/>'s forecastle.]]<br />
In mid-February, HMS ''London'' became flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron. The big worry, above all others, was the ''Tirpitz'' and in early March 1942, when the depleted Home Fleet – sapped of strength by the need to replace ships lost in the Mediterranean and maintaining a presence in the Indian Ocean to counter the Japanese – was only able to field the battleship King George V, battlecruiser ''Renown'', aircraft carrier HMS ''Victorious'', several cruisers (including ''London'') and a mixed bag of destroyers against the German Battleship. <br />
<br />
On 1 March, convoy PQ12, consisting of sixteen merchant ships, had set sail from Iceland, with QP8, made up of fifteen supply vessels, coming in the opposite direction from the Kola Inlet. They were given the initials PQ (for Russian bound) and QP (for UK bound) in honor of a naval officer who helped organize them in the Admiralty, Commander P.Q. Roberts. A Luftwaffe scout plane sighted PQ12 on 5 March, when it was less than 100 miles south of Jan Mayen Island and the Germans decided to mount a foray by the ''Tirpitz''. Hitler, who was keeping his heavy ships on a tight leash following the loss of ''Graf Spee'' and ''Bismarck'' and the damage to the ''Prinz Eugen'', reluctantly gave permission. So, ''Tirpitz'', with a trio of destroyers as her screen, left Trondheim and headed north. HMS ''London'' had returned to Hvalfjord from a Patrol White on 7 March and was taking on fuel, and immediately put to sea under urgent orders of the Admiralty, travelling all night at high speed. <br />
[[File:London's distinctive one-off lines.png|left|thumb|379x379px|''London''<nowiki/>'s distinctive one-off lines.]]<br />
Shortly after 10 a.m. the following day, The British submarine that spotted Tirpitz was the Seawolf, loitering off Trondheim and her sighting report allowed Admiral John Tovey, the Home Fleet Commander-in-Chief, to steam hard for an interception somewhere south of PQ12's position. Most important of all were the Albacore torpedo-bombers of ''Victorious''. But progress was slow, as the weather was dreadful. It was so bad that British scout planes could not find the ''Tirpitz'' to fix her for a strike and the Germans failed to find PQ12. Giving up, Tovey sailed his force south to a position parallel with Trondheim, hoping ''Victorious'' would be able to launch a strike as the ''Tirpitz'' returned to her lair. At dawn on 9 March, the carrier launched two of her aircraft on an air search, with the scouting aircraft discovering the German battleship sixty miles off the Norwegian coast, heading for the Vestfjord. At around 9 a.m. a British strike force of more than a dozen Albacores arrived and scored two hits on ''Tirpitz'', for the loss of two aircraft. Unfortunately, the torpedoes were defective and, with the Home Fleet's battleships still too far away to intervene, the ''Tirpitz'' was able to seek refuge in the Vestfjord unharmed. While the Home Fleet failed in its attack on the ''Tirpitz'', at least both PQ12 and QP8 got through with light casualties and Hitler was so alarmed by such a close call that he barred any further sorties by ''Tirpitz'', unless the British carrier had been located and destroyed. HMS ''London'', together with her upset crews, had to continue their daily patrol again.<br />
<br />
HMS ''London'' was again beginning to buckle under the strain. As a result of all the modifications she leaked like a sieve; water was always coming through into the oil tanks, contaminating the oil tanks. <br />
<br />
The German Kriegsmarine had its own problems with oil. On top of Hitler's restrictions on battleship and heavy cruiser movements, there was a shortage of fuel. The Germans therefore restricted themselves to launching eight U-boats, three destroyers and Ju88 bombers against PQ13 in late March. <br />
<br />
On 28 April HMS London left Scapa in company with ''King George V'', the USS ''Washington'', USS ''Wichita'', USS ''Tuscaloosa'' and HMS ''Nigeria'' together with HMS ''Victorious'' and a brace of destroyers. This Home Fleet task force patrolled between Norway and Iceland to cover PQ15 and QP11. The latter left the Kola Inlet on 28 April, with a close escort led by the cruiser HMS ''Edinburgh''.<br />
<br />
On 29 April the pocket battleship ''Admiral Scheer'' was reported to be at sea but she turned around without attacking the convoy or giving the Home Fleet enough time to find and sink her. The heavy escort force linked up with PQ15 on 30 April and the following day the Germans made a determined attack on the cruiser squadron. Because the cruisers’ job was to hover just over the horizon, waiting for a surface warship threat rather than providing close anti-aircraft cover, the Luftwaffe's bombers ignored them, choosing to concentrate on the merchant ships. But on 1 May, the cruisers, and London in particular, came in for some special attention. Action stations were called at 10 a.m. and the London's sailors dutifully went to their allocated positions throughout the ship for air defense, in which the escort team claim shooting down six Ju88s.<br />
[[File:USS Washington, reinforced the Royal Navy's Home Fleet.png|thumb|420x420px|The American battleship USS ''Washington'', reinforced the Royal Navy's Home Fleet in the Spring of 1942.]]<br />
At the same time, it was a chaos for the Royal Navy, the ''King George V'' rammed one of her escorting destroyers, and was damaged by the smaller warship's depth charges going off as she was crushed. Meanwhile, Edinburgh had been torpedoed on 30 April but survived and turned back for Murmansk, but on 2 May her luck ran out when three German destroyers attacked, one of them putting another torpedo into her. British destroyers came to the cruiser's aid but she was so badly damaged by now that she had to be abandoned and scuttled. The German destroyer ''Hermann Schoemann'' was also scuttled, having suffered fatal damage during the fight with Edinburgh. In the meantime, QP11 linked up with London and the other Home Fleet ships, managing to get through to Iceland with the loss of only one of thirteen merchant ships. Three of PQ15's merchant ships were lost, with the other twenty-two reaching Murmansk.<br />
<br />
HMS ''London'' was back at Scapa Flow by 5 May and nothing much happened for nine days until May 14, when London left with ''Duke of York'', ''Victorious'' and flotilla of destroyers in an attempt to HMS ''Trinidad'', which was badly damaged in the battle before, limping home from Russia.<br />
<br />
However, their mission was already in vain. After temporary repairs in Murmansk, Trinidad set out for the UK on 13 May, with a close escort provided by four destroyers, and four other cruisers providing more distant support. But German aircraft caught Trinidad late in the evening of 14 May. Following at least two bomb hits which caused an uncontrollable fire, Trinidad was abandoned, with one of the escorting destroyers sending her to the bottom with a torpedo in the early hours of 15 May.<br />
<br />
The loss of ''Edinburgh'' and ''Trinidad'', together with the growing numbers of torpedo bombers and undiminished German surface threat, persuaded the Admiralty that convoys should be suspended during the perpetual daylight of the Arctic summer. But Russia was still under the most serious pressure from the Wehrmacht, which was preparing to mount a big thrust into the Caucasus towards Stalingrad. Also, more and more American merchant ships packed with essential war supplies were queuing up to come across to Iceland on the way to Russia, with President Roosevelt telling Winston Churchill there could be no delays.<br />
<br />
On 27 June, HMS ''London'', as the flagship of First Cruiser Squadron, alongside HMS ''Norfolk'', USS ''Tuscaloosa'', and USS ''Wichita'', participated the escort of PQ17 convoy from Iceland. By 1 July the convoy was past Jan Mayen Island, with the first U-boats sighted on the same day and attacked by escorting destroyers. The cruiser force was keeping just over the horizon where it was enthusiastically engaged in depth-charging submarine contacts. The cruisers’ aircraft, including London's Walrus seaplanes, were sent up on Anti-Submarine Warfare patrols to provide more air cover. The weather was calm, with fine blue skies, but there were the usual patches of fog, caused by the warm Gulf Stream hitting the cold polar water and random ice.<br />
<br />
German spies had been able to pass on considerable detail about PQ17's composition and a pack of eleven U-boats had been assembled to attack it. In fact, the Germans were planning something special – a concerted offensive involving U-boats and bombers backed up by a heavy ship sortie. Codenamed Rosselsprung, or Knight's Move, it had been outlined for Hitler on 1 June, when he was told it would involve ''Tirpitz, Lützow, Hipper'' and ''Scheer'' attacking PQ17 once it reached the Barents Sea around 5 July.<br />
<br />
The German Naval Staff was confident of evading the Home Fleet and anticipated great success, but Hitler reminded his admirals that HMS ''Victorious'' had to be found and destroyed before the battle group could leave harbour. But if the big ships remained where they were the plan would be totally unfeasible – they would never catch up with the convoy. So, the Kriegsmarine persuaded the Führer to allow ''Tirpitz'' and ''Hipper'' to move up to the Vestfjord, and ''Scheer'' and ''Lützow'' to the Altenfjord, in the far north of Norway, prior to the green light being given. The admirals also persuaded Hitler the operation could proceed in safety if the ''Victorious'' and Allied battleships had been confirmed as too far away to intervene before the convoy was destroyed. However, during the move north on 3 July the ''Lützow'' ran aground, as did three destroyers escorting ''Tirpitz''. Robbed of a pocket battleship and left with a reduced escort force, the Germans decided to concentrate their battle group in the Altenfjord.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile PQ17 was passing just to the north of Bear Island, U-boat contacts were coming in thick and fast and air attacks were growing in intensity. At 3 p.m. a wave of two dozen German bombers came over but, because of a layer of low cloud, the attackers were forced to drop theirdeadly payloads through it and all the bombs missed. A U-boat fired three torpedoes at the Tuscaloosa, but they all went wide.<br />
<br />
In the early hours of 4 July, a single plane shot out of a fog bank…and dropped its fish hitting a cargo vessel and damaging her so badly she had to be scuttled. At 5.15 p.m. a gaggle of torpedo-bombers came winging over smooth seas and sank another merchant ship. Just under an hour later more than thirty German aircraft were greeted with a storm of fire from the escorting warships and merchantmen. Several were shot down but two more ships were mortally wounded. London contributed to the air defence with her 8-inch guns, helping to disrupt an attack by Heinkel torpedo bombers, but on the whole the cruisers had to content themselves with being spectators.<br />
<br />
By the evening of 4 July, the Admiralty was confident that ''Tirpitz'' was in the Altenfjord and it also knew about the imminent foray, thanks to intelligence sources in Sweden. The increasing volume of German signals traffic seemed to indicate that something was about to happen and in the early hours of 4 July the Admiralty had advised Rear Admiral Hamilton, aboard ''London'', that he should stay with the convoy until it was level with North Cape (25° East).<br />
<br />
However, the Admiralty's final orders for PQ17 had ultimately incorporated both the scatter option and the possibility of it being turned back to lead the German surface ships within striking distance of the Home Fleet. On the afternoon of 4 July, Admiral Tovey, now with the Home Fleet somewhere between Iceland and Bear Island, advised the First Cruiser Squadron that it could leave PQ17 before reaching 25° East, indicating that the threat from major German surface units was receding. Hamilton replied that he would leave the convoy late on the evening of 4 July after refueling his destroyers. Shortly before 7 p.m., ''London'' received a signal from the Admiralty instructing the First Cruiser Squadron to stay with the convoy. <br />
<br />
Rear Admiral Hamilton was not impressed by the contradictory attitudes of his two masters, but he knew that, even though Tovey was the man on the spot with excellent operational instinct, the Admiralty was tapping in to a steady flow of intelligence. He felt that the best course of action would be for his squadron to stay with the convoy until the exact disposition of the German surface ships was known. Despite instructions not to attack major German surface ships, Hamilton had decided that he would have a go if a heavy cruiser or pocket battleship came over the horizon. If his squadron encountered either ''Scheer'', ''Hipper'' or even ''Lützow'' on their own, he would split his force and attack from four directions – a tactic similar to that employed by the cruisers Exeter, Achilles and Ajax against the ''Graf Spee'' in 1939. If there were two German heavy ships then ''London'' and ''Norfolk'' would attack one, while the Americans would attack the other. If ''Tirpitz'' appeared then ''London'' and the other cruisers would, as instructed, hang back and try and lead her towards the Home Fleet. As Hamilton pondered these options in his cabin aboard London, the convoy was coming under sustained attack from German aircraft. That evening a British and an American merchant ship were sunk and a Russian tanker damaged, with three German aircraft shot down. <br />
<br />
The cruisers were five miles in front, zig-zagging to reduce the risk of being hit by torpedoes, but as the enemy aircraft were concentrating as usual on the merchant ships, the London relaxed her state of alert.<br />
<br />
At the Admiralty in London the latest deciphered German signals revealed the enemy had mistaken HMS ''London'' for a King George V Class battleship, sailing in company with three escorting destroyers. Because of her one-off rebuild, the ''London''<nowiki/>'s silhouette was like no other cruiser's and, unless scout plane crews were warned of her presence with the convoy, it was an easy mistake to make. The First Sea Lord was briefed by a member of his staff about the likely implications of this mistaken sighting and other factors that might create caution in the Kriegsmarine's high command. It was pointed out that the PQ12 experience would have made the Germans very wary of risking ''Tirpitz'' at sea without knowing for certain where ''Victorious'' was. In fact, unknown to the British, floatplanes from the American cruisers had been mistaken for Albacores from the British carrier. However, the person who briefed the First Sea Lord did know that Royal Navy and Russian submarines staking out the Altenfjord had not seen the Tirpitz emerge. But when Admiral Pound asked for a cast iron assurance that the Tirpitz was still in the Altenfjord it could not be provided. <br />
<br />
On the bridge of HMS ''London'', Rear Admiral Hamilton was suggesting that the break in enemy attacks provided an opportunity for a quick bite to eat.<br />
<br />
Within seconds of the food arriving on the cruiser's bridge the first signal arrived. Marked ‘MOST IMMEDIATE’ it said: <br />
<br />
{{Quote|The time was 9.11 p.m. and twelve minutes later another equally alarming signal hit the HMS London: IMMEDIATE… OWING TO THREAT FROM SURFACE SHIPS, CONVOY IS TO DISPERSE AND PROCEED TO RUSSIAN PORTS. <br />
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This was followed, at 9.36 p.m., by the signal that has gone down as one of the most notorious in naval history:<br />
<br />
MOST IMMEDIATE. CONVOY IS TO SCATTER. }}<br />
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=== [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
The County-class cruisers, also known as the A-Type cruisers, were the first British cruiser vessels to be developed in the interwar period of the 1920s. Their design being heavily influenced by the restrictions imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty, meant that British shipbuilders had to find compromises during development in order to comply with the treaty as well as to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy for a ship capable of trade route protection.<br />
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This resulted in the creation of a ship design with good cruising range and adequate firepower, but very light armour protection in order to stay within treaty restrictions. The orders for the first ships were placed in the mid 1920's and construction began in 1924.<br />
<br />
HMS London (C69) was laid down in February 1926 and commissioned into service in January 1929 as the lead ship of the second batch of County-class cruisers to be built, known as the London subclass. During the 1930's, HMS London took part in a goodwill visit to Venice and assisted in the evacuation of civilians from Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, before being sent to drydock for refit in 1939.<br />
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In 1941, HMS London took part in the hunt for the battleship Bismarck, after which the ship was once again dry-docked for repairs. The following year, HMS London assisted in escorting several convoys in the Atlantic, after which she was assigned to South African waters in 1943, before joining the Eastern Fleet. HMS London continued serving in the postwar years, during which the ship got involved in an incident in Chinese waters in 1949 which left it heavily damaged. Being deemed uneconomical for repairs, HMS London was sold for scrap in January 1950.<br />
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== Media ==<br />
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== See also ==<br />
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
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* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
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== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;'''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
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* [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|[Devblog] HMS London: Anticipated Calibre]]<br />
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=== References ===<br />
<references /><br />
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=== Works Cited ===<br />
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* Chen, C. (2007, May). Heavy Cruiser London. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from <nowiki>https://ww2db.com/ship_spec.php?ship_id=326</nowiki><br />
* Helgason, G. (1995). HMS London (69). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from <nowiki>https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/1178.html</nowiki><br />
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{{Britain heavy cruisers}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=HMS_London&diff=103286HMS London2021-05-19T22:56:00Z<p>U35790733: additional history content, this part is still WIP</p>
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<div>{{Specs-Card<br />
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== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''In the first part of the description, cover the history of the ship's creation and military application. In the second part, tell the reader about using this ship in the game. Add a screenshot: if a beginner player has a hard time remembering vehicles by name, a picture will help them identify the ship in question.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.97 "Viking Fury"]].<br />
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== General info ==<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}<br />
''Talk about the vehicle's armour. Note the most well-defended and most vulnerable zones, e.g. the ammo magazine. Evaluate the composition of components and assemblies responsible for movement and manoeuvrability. Evaluate the survivability of the primary and secondary armaments separately. Don't forget to mention the size of the crew, which plays an important role in fleet mechanics. Save tips on preserving survivability for the "Usage in battles" section. If necessary, use a graphical template to show the most well-protected or most vulnerable points in the armour.''<br />
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=== Mobility ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}<br />
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''<br />
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{{NavalMobility}}<br />
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=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
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== Armament ==<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}<br />
=== Primary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}<br />
{{main|8 inch/50 Mark VIII (203 mm)}}<br />
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''Provide information about the characteristics of the primary armament. Evaluate their efficacy in battle based on their reload speed, ballistics and the capacity of their shells. Add a link to the main article about the weapon: <code><nowiki>{{main|Weapon name (calibre)}}</nowiki></code>. Broadly describe the ammunition available for the primary armament, and provide recommendations on how to use it and which ammunition to choose.''<br />
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=== Secondary armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}<br />
{{main|4 inch/45 Mark XVI (102 mm)}}<br />
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''Some ships are fitted with weapons of various calibres. Secondary armaments are defined as weapons chosen with the control <code>Select secondary weapon</code>. Evaluate the secondary armaments and give advice on how to use them. Describe the ammunition available for the secondary armament. Provide recommendations on how to use them and which ammunition to choose. Remember that any anti-air armament, even heavy calibre weapons, belong in the next section. If there is no secondary armament, remove this section.''<br />
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=== Anti-aircraft armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}<br />
{{main|2pdr QF Mk.VIII (40 mm)|QF Mark VII (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mark V (20 mm)}}<br />
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''An important part of the ship's armament responsible for air defence. Anti-aircraft armament is defined by the weapon chosen with the control <code>Select anti-aircraft weapons</code>. Talk about the ship's anti-air cannons and machine guns, the number of guns and their positions, their effective range, and about their overall effectiveness – including against surface targets. If there are no anti-aircraft armaments, remove this section.''<br />
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=== Additional armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}<br />
{{main|Mk.IX (533 mm)}}<br />
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''Describe the available additional armaments of the ship: depth charges, mines, torpedoes. Talk about their positions, available ammunition and launch features such as dead zones of torpedoes. If there is no additional armament, remove this section.''<br />
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== Usage in battles ==<br />
''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''<br />
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=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
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'''Pros:'''<br />
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* Very effective anti-air defences<br />
* 8 inch guns are useful for sinking cruisers and destroyers<br />
* Ammunition is stored under the water line and is well protected<br />
* Carries torpedoes which are useful in close range encounters<br />
* Decent speed for a heavy cruiser<br />
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'''Cons:'''<br />
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* Guns lack AP shells to deal with battlecruisers and battleships<br />
* No bridge protection, losing control is very common in this ship<br />
* Lacks deck armour against plunging shells<br />
* Armour is weak against battleship-calibre guns<br />
* Outgunned by battleships, battlecruisers, and some American heavy cruisers<br />
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== History ==<br />
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the ship 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 ship and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Ship-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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the ship's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --><br />
=== The Treaty Cruiser ===<br />
The 1921 Washington Treaty conference aimed to prevent war between the major naval powers by restricting warship construction. It decided that cruiser displacement should be limited to a maximum of 10,000 tons per ship. Britain had set the pace by constructing the ''Hawkins'' class – the most modern and capable cruisers of their time – which displaced close to 10,000 tons. It was known that the USA and Japan would soon match, and probably exceed, them, building 10,000-ton cruisers with 8-inch guns (the ''Hawkins''-class ships carried 7.5-inch main guns). The British answer was heavy cruisers of the County class, constructed in three batches that were to be armed with 8-inch guns and would be fast with long range. At the end of 1923, the British administration gave the building of eight County-class cruisers known as ''Kent'' class (''Kent'', ''Suffolk,'' ''Cumberland,'' ''Berwick,'' and ''Cornwall''), with two extras (''Australia'' and ''Canberra'') for the Royal Australian Navy. They were laid down between July 1924 and September 1925 and completed between July 1927 and July 1928. Next came the ''London'' class (''London,'' ''Devonshire,'' ''Shropshire,'' and ''Sussex''), laid down between March 1926 and February 1927 and completed between January and September 1929.<br />
[[File:Cruiser London being launched at Portsmouth.png|thumb|362x362px|Cruiser London being launched at Portsmouth in September 1927.]]<br />
The most obvious difference between the ''London'' and ''Kent'' classes was the removal of a protective bulge on the waterline, which forced a modified hull design that increased length by 2 feet 8 inches and incorporated internal bulges. Their high freeboard meant they were, in most weather, dry ships and could keep up a good rate of knots even in heavy seas. The beam of the ''Kent'' was 2 feet 5 inches wider than the ''London''. HMS ''London''<nowiki/>'s displacement was 9,850 tons (standard) and 13,315 tons (full load). She was 632 feet 8 inches in length, with a 66-foot beam and a draught of 20 feet 9 inches. Propulsion was provided by Parsons geared turbines and eight Admiralty three-drum boilers. HMS ''London'' could carry 3,190 tons of oil and achieve more than thirty-two knots. In addition to eight 8-inch main guns and four 4-inch high-angles, ''London'' also had four 2-pounder guns and eight 21-inch torpedo tubes. The bridge and the foremast of the ''London''-class cruisers were set further aft to allow B turret to fire abaft the beam without blasting the bridge.<br />
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=== HMS London in the 1930s ===<br />
For her first overseas deployment, HMS ''London'' was sent to the Mediterranean, where she became the flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron and activated in the following years. Trouble was brewing on the island of Cyprus in the early 1930s and soon boiled over into insurrection. It had been granted Crown Colony status in 1925, after being taken from the Turks and occupied by British forces in the First World War. Its position in the eastern Mediterranean made it an ideal base from which to provide additional security for British interests in the Middle East, such as the Suez Canal and Palestine. A strategically vital oil pipeline terminated at Haifa, and the island was also an important staging post for travelers heading to Britain's empire in Asia. Having cast off the hated Turks, Greek Cypriots were angry and frustrated at being prevented by British rule from uniting with their ethnic homeland of Greece. A decision by the Crown Colony administrators to raise taxes stoked the fires of resentment. On 21 October 1931, a mob gathered and marched on the Governor's residence. They burned it to the ground and then went on the rampage when the police belatedly intervened.<br />
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The Royal Navy was asked to aid the civil powers, with HMS ''London'' and her sister ship HMS ''Shropshire'' sent to suppress the uprising in company with the destroyers HMS ''Acasta'' and ''Achates''. At Larnaca, HMS ''London'' landed armed shore parties of Royal Marines and sailors to protect government offices. They found the local population still defiant and capable of violence. The protestors hurled verbal abuse at ''London''<nowiki/>'s marines and sailors, waving the Greek flag in their faces. Stones rained down on the helmets of the British, but they held firm. The rioters were trying to make the marines and sailors lose their cool and open fire in the hope that Greece might protest and even intervene militarily. In the early hours of 25 October, the revolt leaders were arrested by troops and police. They were taken by boat to ''London'' and ''Shropshire'', where they were held in the cruisers' wardrooms' convivial surroundings. The detainees were given every hospitality, including good food and drink. A few stiff whiskies helped steady the nerves of those still a little shocked at being hauled from their beds in the wee small hours. The seizing of the leaders took the steam out of the revolt, and the British warships were soon able to depart the island's harbours, leaving a job well done behind them.<br />
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On 18 July 1936, the Fascist General Franco led an uprising by twelve military garrisons on mainland Spain and five in Spanish Morocco. Most of southern Spain fell to the Fascists, and outside forces intervened to stoke the fires of conflict – the Germans and Italians on the Fascist side and Russia on the Republican government side. Thousands of British passport holders were at the mercy of various warring factions, and the UK government responded by sending warships, including HMS ''London'', to evacuate them from danger, using Barcelona and Valencia as points of embarkation. The ship stopped at Malta for supplies and then went on to Barcelona in company with the Devonshire. On 22 July, the cruiser was secured by her stern to the Mole in Barcelona harbor and the ship received reports from ashore saying the city was now quiet after savage fighting.<br />
{{Quote|…one regiment of Fascists was annihilated in a square, being mown down by concealed rifle fire.}}<br />
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As ''London'' waited for the evacuees to start arriving, the situation grew more volatile. On 23 July, a bomb from an aircraft landed near a British warship patrolling the Straits of Gibraltar. HMS ''London'' was informed that Barcelona's British Colony of 1,000 people, including many nuns, was to be evacuated. By midnight on 23 July, only 200 people had turned up, with forty of them being immediately sent to Marseilles aboard the destroyer HMS ''Douglas'', which had come alongside ''London'' to take them off.<br />
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At the beginning of August, the Italian and Swiss governments ordered all their nationals out of Spain. ''London'' was flooded with desperate people, and Commander Wright gave up his cabin to a refugee family, ending up sleeping on the upper deck by X-turret. ''London'' was told on 7 August that she would stay another fifteen days in Barcelona. After returning to Gibraltar, she was to head back to Portsmouth for a refit that was due to commence in November, during which she was to receive four more high-angle 4-inch guns. By mid-August, it was apparent to Captain Wright that an increasing number of the 'British' refugees were bogus:<br />
{{Quote|13 August…. The 'British' folk leaving Spain nowadays are not good speakers of English!}}<br />
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On 22 August, HMS ''London'' was pleased to note that HMS ''Shropshire'' had arrived in Barcelona to relieve herself. Between 23 July and 29 July, 839 refugees were evacuated via HMS ''London'', and a further 1,000 were sent to safety between 30 July and 21 August.<br />
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At the end of 1936, HMS ''London'' was tasked with hunting down gunrunners in Western Mediterranean. Her aircrafts located a suspicious-looking vessel that could well have been a gunrunner, but the cruiser caught up after five hours of hard steaming, only to discover that it was not the suitable quarry at all. In 1937 HMS ''London'' was called back to Britain for celebrating the coronation of King George VI and another major refit.<br />
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=== The Reconstruction ===<br />
With war clouds gathering fast in the late 1930s and naval construction restrictions being discarded equally rapidly, the decision was taken to reconstruct the County-class cruisers to make them more capable ships. HMS ''London'' was the first, paying off into refit at Chatham in March 1939. Her ambitious rebuild proved complex and lasted until February 1941. Among the significant modifications were a new waterline armour belt and bridge superstructure, additional 4-inch guns, new hangars and aircraft catapult (the original had been fitted in 1932), and new engines. Her top speed was to remain more than thirty-two knots, and she would be able to do twenty-four knots using just half her boilers. Having started her life with a displacement of 9,850 tons (standard) and 13,315 tons (deep load), by the end of the refit, HMS ''London''<nowiki/>'s tonnage was 11,015 tons (standard) and 14,578 tons (deep load). The severe changes in ''London''<nowiki/>'s silhouette included removing one of her funnels, with the new catapult occupying space between the remaining two. Grouped around the aft funnel were the new 4-inch guns, in twin mountings, with pom-pom anti-aircraft weapons (sixteen 2-pounders) on the hangar roofs and machine guns fitted on top of X and B turrets. Post refit, HMS ''London'' carried eight 21-inch torpedoes in quadruple mountings on the upper deck and had depth charges. The onset of hostilities between Britain and Germany in September 1939 meant the remaining County-class cruisers were too busy to be rebuilt along the same lines as ''London''. And, as we will see later, it was just as well, for ''London''<nowiki/>'s rebuild would not stand up to the strain of war service.<br />
[[File:HMS London after rebuild.png|thumb|356x356px|The ''London''<nowiki/>'s lines were altered dramatically by her major rebuild.]]<br />
During the reconstruction, German bombers targeted Chatham frequently and air raids often interrupted the work, delaying ''London''<nowiki/>'s progress. The cruiser was finally commissioned for service with the Home Fleet on 7 February 1941.<br />
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On 5 March HMS ''London'' left Chatham. Waiting for her in the familiar waters of the Channel were magnetic mines sown by the Germans and E-boats keen to pounce on her. The cruiser indulged in some simple deception to ensure she got away from Chatham safely, heading for Tilbury instead of going straight out to sea to avoid German spies and scout planes. Leaving the Thames on 6 March, on her way north, HMS ''London'' passed a couple of sinking ships which had been unlucky, falling victim to mines or E-boats.<br />
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After arriving at Scapa Flow, ''London'' embarked on an energetic program of work up exercises. These included sub-calibre and full calibre shoots with her main guns at targets and also throw off shoots. The latter entailed her guns having their controls set to throw off shells by a cable's length (200 yards) astern, even though the weapons were aimed right at the target ship. ''London'' was soon on the receiving end of this all too realistic gunnery exercise technique, when she acted as a target for the battleship Rodney's 16-inch guns. Among other battlewagons the ''London'' provided a target for, were ''King George V'', ''Hood'' and ''Prince of Wales''.<br />
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On 2 April, the ''London'' left Scapa to rendezvous with the carrier HMS Argus, which was being used to ferry fighter planes to the Mediterranean. The cruiser escorted Argus to a point 300 miles west of Lisbon where she was turned over to the care of HMS Sheffield.<br />
[[File:Slow convoy to Sierra Leone.png|thumb|351x351px|Slow convoy to Sierra Leone, as pictured from HMS ''London''.]]<br />
HMS ''London'' spent some time with the battleship ''King George V'' keeping watch on Brest to ensure the German battlecruisers ''Scharnhorst'' and ''Gneisenau'' remained bottled up. The two German heavy ships had taken refuge at the French naval port in February 1941 and would be there for another year. Relieved of this duty, ''London''<nowiki/>'s next mission was escorting slow convoys out of Sierra Leone. This was difficult for the ship to deal with, as the merchant vessels could do little more than six knots and she tended to wallow at such a slow speed. To relieve the tedium, and provide a means of boosting the confidence of the merchant ships, HMS ''London'' ran up and down the convoy lines at twenty-two knots, then took a circuitous route, before going back to the center.<br />
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On 12 May, at a UK port, ''London'' embarked soldiers who were being taken south to Gibraltar. The generous internal proportions of the County-class cruisers made them ideal troop carriers. After offloading her 600 Army passengers at Gibraltar, ''London'' stayed in port for a few days, as she was due to return to Britain carrying soldiers going home on leave. Together with the cruiser HMS Edinburgh, she was also to provide escort for a UK-bound convoy that included the liner SS ''Arundel Castle'', carrying evacuees from Gibraltar. Shortly before the cruiser left, Italian aircraft tried to bomb the Rock, but hit a nearby Spanish town by mistake, killing a number of people. ''London''<nowiki/>'s AA guns went to action stations but the planes were too far away to shoot down. Sailing north from Gibraltar, on 23 May, ''London'' encountered a Vichy French ship that she stopped and searched.<br />
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=== Hunt for Bismarck, and all the troubles ===<br />
Shortly before 5 P.M., on 24 May, ''London'' received a order to take over shadowing duties, searching for the German battleship ''Bismarck'', which was cornered and destroyed on 27 May, leaving HMS ''London'' re-ordered to search for German supply ships in the central and southern Atlantic.<br />
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On 31 May, HMS ''London'' called in at Bathurst, Gambia, to land some of the troops embarked at Gibraltar. They were grateful to escape the confines of the cruiser, but not exactly pleased at being further away from Britain than when they had started. Their chances of spending their leave with their families looked rather slim. HMS ''London'' sailed again that afternoon, heading for a rendezvous on 3 June with the destroyer HMS ''Brilliant'', which would be her hunting partner. The following day at 07° 35' N – 31° 29' W, the two British warships found their first German supply ship, the 17,000 tons ''Esso Hamburg'', which had, in fact, refueled the ''Prinz Eugen'' on the morning of 28 May. The oil transfer had been curtailed when the German cruiser's lookouts spotted smoke on the horizon.<br />
[[File:Smoke rises from the sinking Esso Hamburg.png|thumb|Smoke rose from the sinking German supply vessel ''Esso Hamburg''.]]<br />
The British ships soon set the German supply ship on fire and picked up surviving German sailors. But the ''Esso Hamburg'' was being very stubborn, so HMS ''Brilliant'' fired a torpedo into the supply ship, which failed to go off. Next, she poured fire from her 4.7-inch guns into the German vessel, which caught fire and sank. Unfortunately, the huge pillar of smoke from burning oil curling up into the sky was a perfect warning sign for any other German vessels lurking in that stretch of ocean.<br />
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On 5 June HMS ''London'' found the supply ship, ''Egerland'', which was flying the Panamanian flag. In an effort to prevent her from scuttling herself ''London'' opened fire on her at a very long range and the shot went through her bridge and set her on fire. The German vessel's crew set scuttling charges and abandoned ship, with several more boatloads of Germans taken aboard the already crowded ''London''. Many of the new POWs were U-boat crews who had been waiting for submarines to turn up.<br />
[[File:Sailors taken POW from the German vessel Egerland.png|thumb|Prisoners from the ''Egerland'' on ''London''<nowiki/>'s quarterdeck.|left]]<br />
Blessed with enough able-bodied sailors to keep her underway, HMS ''London'' headed to Freetown in Sierra Leone to offload her passengers and for part of the way she helped escort a convoy heading in the same direction. ''London'' left the convoy on 7 June and went ahead.<br />
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During a brief stay in port, the ''London'' offloaded the remainder of her British troops onto HMS ''Norfolk'', which was heading back to the UK, while the Germans were sent to prison camps. Back at sea, HMS ''London'' resumed her search for German supply vessels. On 12 June the ''Friedrich Breme'' had been sunk by the cruiser HMS ''Sheffield'' while, on 15 June, the Lothringen had been located and destroyed by planes from the carrier ''Eagle'' assisted by the cruiser ''Dunedin''. Six days later, close to the equator, HMS ''London'' found the Babitonga, another German supply ship. As it appeared the small German merchant ship posed no threat, ''London''<nowiki/>'s off watch sailors were allowed to come up onto the upper deck to watch her being sunk.<br />
[[File:The Babitonga's scuttling charges explode..png|thumb|The ''Babitonga''<nowiki/>'s scuttling charges explode.]]<br />
No more German supply ships were located and so London returned to Freetown to offload her prisoners. By this time some of London's sailors had gone down with malaria and venereal disease, the latter contracted from consorting with prostitutes in Sierra Leone.<br />
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On 6 July, HMS ''London'' left Freetown and four days later came across another Vichy French merchant ship that was boarded and searched. Two weeks later, during a visit to Gibraltar, ''London'' was suddenly called back to home waters. Steaming at top speed for several days, the cruiser was needed to help contain another German surface raider believed to be readying herself for a breakout into the Atlantic.<br />
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The high seas raider alert proved to be a false alarm and, after loitering off Iceland for a short while, ''London'' came down to Scapa Flow, arriving on 23 July. The cruiser only spent a week in the Orkneys before sailing for Greenock, in the mouth of the Clyde on Scotland's west coast, where her crew were awarded some much-needed shore leave. Following this, ''London'' was assigned as escort to a convoy that contained a number of large troop ships bound for North Africa via the Cape. On 10 August, just south of the Azores, ''London'' was relieved of escort duty by another cruiser and headed back to the UK, arriving at Scapa Flow eight days later. After another visit to Greenock, ''London'' was ordered north again to Iceland, arriving at the Hvalfjord on 2 August.<br />
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In late September 1941, HMS ''London'', now back at Scapa, went on a journey that would add a new dimension to war in the North Atlantic. She received orders to embark on an Anglo-US diplomatic mission that was to be taken to Archangel in the far north of Russia. The final destination of this important group was the Kremlin in Moscow, to draw up an agreement with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin for cooperation against Germany.<br />
[[File:HMS London ploughs through heavy seas in the Denmark Strait..png|thumb|452x452px|HMS ''London'' ploughs through heavy seas in the Denmark Strait.]]<br />
The Anglo-American mission to Moscow left Scapa Flow aboard HMS ''London'' on 22 September. The cruiser carried Lord Beaverbrook, the Canadian newspaper tycoon who Churchill had made his supply minister, as Britain's chief negotiator, with two British Army generals, Air Ministry officials and secretaries making up the rest of the UK party. The Americans were led by business tycoon and diplomat Averell Harriman, who had been sent to Britain by President Roosevelt to oversee administration of the Lend-Lease agreement. The weather during the voyage turned out to be calm and the Germans failed to find the London, which had sailed without escorts. She deposited her precious cargo at Archangel on 27 September, having sailed through the White Sea and thirty miles up the broad River Dvina. From Archangel airport the delegation flew directly to Moscow.<br />
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On 28 September, ''London'' left Archangel, which was not a good place to hang around as it was being bombed regularly. To kill time, until the diplomats were ready to be picked up for the journey home, the cruiser accompanied a UK-bound convoy of half a dozen ships. A month earlier they had made the first Arctic convoy journey of the war – codenamed Operation Dervish. Now they were carrying timber back to the UK. German aircraft flying from airfields in Finland could be heard hunting for the convoy throughout the time ''London'' was with it. Handing over convoy escort duties to HMS ''Shropshire'' on 2 October, the London turned around and headed back to Archangel for picking up VIPs.<br />
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=== '''The Strain in the North, The Disaster of PQ17, and the rest of 1942''' ===<br />
HMS ''London'' returned to Palmers on the Tyne, where she received a refit from November 1941 until January 1942. It was the major reconstruction that made ''London'' brittle and prone to cracking. The armor belt and other additions had added so much weight and were so inflexible that reports were received of leaking rivets and cracks in the upper deck, particularly around the boiler room uptakes.<br />
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On leaving refit the ''London'' duly headed back to Scapa. After working up in early February, she sailed for Iceland and straight out on a dreaded Patrol White, which stands for a series of patrols for preventing German raiders in northern area.<br />
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For ''London'' it would mean many months in the Arctic, with the cruiser pushed to the limits of her construction and her sailors to the edge of human endurance. The Denmark Strait, between Iceland and Greenland, was a key patrol area where cruisers based in Iceland, including HMS ''London'', would loiter, waiting for attempts by German capital ships to break out into the Atlantic. As happened with the ''Bismarck'' and ''Prinz Eugen'', the cruisers would be expected to tail the enemy, fixing their position for air strikes by carrier planes and subsequent destruction by Royal Navy battleships. In terms of weather, Patrol White was possibly the worst duty of the entire war for British cruisers<br />
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The next few months were a living hell of Patrol White with the occasional respite of convoy escort work. The fury of the Arctic winter in those turbulent waters between Iceland and Greenland almost defies the imagination. Even with her high freeboard, the big cruiser was still powerless in the face of the savage forces of nature. It was more than a full gale at sea, it was nearer to a great roaring battlefield, with ships blowing across it like scraps of newspaper.<br />
[[File:Ice coats HMS London's forecastle..png|thumb|382x382px|Ice coats HMS ''London''<nowiki/>'s forecastle.]]<br />
In mid-February, HMS ''London'' became flagship of the First Cruiser Squadron. The big worry, above all others, was the ''Tirpitz'' and in early March 1942, when the depleted Home Fleet – sapped of strength by the need to replace ships lost in the Mediterranean and maintaining a presence in the Indian Ocean to counter the Japanese – was only able to field the battleship King George V, battlecruiser ''Renown'', aircraft carrier HMS ''Victorious'', several cruisers (including ''London'') and a mixed bag of destroyers against the German Battleship. <br />
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On 1 March, convoy PQ12, consisting of sixteen merchant ships, had set sail from Iceland, with QP8, made up of fifteen supply vessels, coming in the opposite direction from the Kola Inlet. They were given the initials PQ (for Russian bound) and QP (for UK bound) in honor of a naval officer who helped organize them in the Admiralty, Commander P.Q. Roberts. A Luftwaffe scout plane sighted PQ12 on 5 March, when it was less than 100 miles south of Jan Mayen Island and the Germans decided to mount a foray by the ''Tirpitz''. Hitler, who was keeping his heavy ships on a tight leash following the loss of ''Graf Spee'' and ''Bismarck'' and the damage to the ''Prinz Eugen'', reluctantly gave permission. So, ''Tirpitz'', with a trio of destroyers as her screen, left Trondheim and headed north. HMS ''London'' had returned to Hvalfjord from a Patrol White on 7 March and was taking on fuel, and immediately put to sea under urgent orders of the Admiralty, travelling all night at high speed. <br />
[[File:London's distinctive one-off lines.png|left|thumb|379x379px|''London''<nowiki/>'s distinctive one-off lines.]]<br />
Shortly after 10 a.m. the following day, The British submarine that spotted Tirpitz was the Seawolf, loitering off Trondheim and her sighting report allowed Admiral John Tovey, the Home Fleet Commander-in-Chief, to steam hard for an interception somewhere south of PQ12's position. Most important of all were the Albacore torpedo-bombers of ''Victorious''. But progress was slow, as the weather was dreadful. It was so bad that British scout planes could not find the ''Tirpitz'' to fix her for a strike and the Germans failed to find PQ12. Giving up, Tovey sailed his force south to a position parallel with Trondheim, hoping ''Victorious'' would be able to launch a strike as the ''Tirpitz'' returned to her lair. At dawn on 9 March, the carrier launched two of her aircraft on an air search, with the scouting aircraft discovering the German battleship sixty miles off the Norwegian coast, heading for the Vestfjord. At around 9 a.m. a British strike force of more than a dozen Albacores arrived and scored two hits on ''Tirpitz'', for the loss of two aircraft. Unfortunately, the torpedoes were defective and, with the Home Fleet's battleships still too far away to intervene, the ''Tirpitz'' was able to seek refuge in the Vestfjord unharmed. While the Home Fleet failed in its attack on the ''Tirpitz'', at least both PQ12 and QP8 got through with light casualties and Hitler was so alarmed by such a close call that he barred any further sorties by ''Tirpitz'', unless the British carrier had been located and destroyed. HMS ''London'', together with her upset crews, had to continue their daily patrol again.<br />
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HMS ''London'' was again beginning to buckle under the strain. As a result of all the modifications she leaked like a sieve; water was always coming through into the oil tanks, contaminating the oil tanks. <br />
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The German Kriegsmarine had its own problems with oil. On top of Hitler's restrictions on battleship and heavy cruiser movements, there was a shortage of fuel. The Germans therefore restricted themselves to launching eight U-boats, three destroyers and Ju88 bombers against PQ13 in late March. <br />
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On 28 April HMS London left Scapa in company with ''King George V'', the USS ''Washington'', USS ''Wichita'', USS ''Tuscaloosa'' and HMS ''Nigeria'' together with HMS ''Victorious'' and a brace of destroyers. This Home Fleet task force patrolled between Norway and Iceland to cover PQ15 and QP11. The latter left the Kola Inlet on 28 April, with a close escort led by the cruiser HMS ''Edinburgh''.<br />
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On 29 April the pocket battleship ''Admiral Scheer'' was reported to be at sea but she turned around without attacking the convoy or giving the Home Fleet enough time to find and sink her. The heavy escort force linked up with PQ15 on 30 April and the following day the Germans made a determined attack on the cruiser squadron. Because the cruisers’ job was to hover just over the horizon, waiting for a surface warship threat rather than providing close anti-aircraft cover, the Luftwaffe's bombers ignored them, choosing to concentrate on the merchant ships. But on 1 May, the cruisers, and London in particular, came in for some special attention. Action stations were called at 10 a.m. and the London's sailors dutifully went to their allocated positions throughout the ship for air defense, in which the escort team claim shooting down six Ju88s.<br />
[[File:USS Washington, reinforced the Royal Navy's Home Fleet.png|thumb|420x420px|The American battleship USS ''Washington'', reinforced the Royal Navy's Home Fleet in the Spring of 1942.]]<br />
At the same time, it was a chaos for the Royal Navy, the ''King George V'' rammed one of her escorting destroyers, and was damaged by the smaller warship's depth charges going off as she was crushed. Meanwhile, Edinburgh had been torpedoed on 30 April but survived and turned back for Murmansk, but on 2 May her luck ran out when three German destroyers attacked, one of them putting another torpedo into her. British destroyers came to the cruiser's aid but she was so badly damaged by now that she had to be abandoned and scuttled. The German destroyer ''Hermann Schoemann'' was also scuttled, having suffered fatal damage during the fight with Edinburgh. In the meantime, QP11 linked up with London and the other Home Fleet ships, managing to get through to Iceland with the loss of only one of thirteen merchant ships. Three of PQ15's merchant ships were lost, with the other twenty-two reaching Murmansk.<br />
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HMS ''London'' was back at Scapa Flow by 5 May and nothing much happened for nine days until May 14, when London left with ''Duke of York'', ''Victorious'' and flotilla of destroyers in an attempt to HMS ''Trinidad'', which was badly damaged in the battle before, limping home from Russia.<br />
<br />
However, their mission was already in vain. After temporary repairs in Murmansk, Trinidad set out for the UK on 13 May, with a close escort provided by four destroyers, and four other cruisers providing more distant support. But German aircraft caught Trinidad late in the evening of 14 May. Following at least two bomb hits which caused an uncontrollable fire, Trinidad was abandoned, with one of the escorting destroyers sending her to the bottom with a torpedo in the early hours of 15 May.<br />
<br />
The loss of ''Edinburgh'' and ''Trinidad'', together with the growing numbers of torpedo bombers and undiminished German surface threat, persuaded the Admiralty that convoys should be suspended during the perpetual daylight of the Arctic summer. But Russia was still under the most serious pressure from the Wehrmacht, which was preparing to mount a big thrust into the Caucasus towards Stalingrad. Also, more and more American merchant ships packed with essential war supplies were queuing up to come across to Iceland on the way to Russia, with President Roosevelt telling Winston Churchill there could be no delays.<br />
<br />
On 27 June, HMS ''London'', as the flagship of First Cruiser Squadron, alongside HMS ''Norfolk'', USS ''Tuscaloosa'', and USS ''Wichita'', participated the escort of PQ17 convoy from Iceland. By 1 July the convoy was past Jan Mayen Island, with the first U-boats sighted on the same day and attacked by escorting destroyers. The cruiser force was keeping just over the horizon where it was enthusiastically engaged in depth-charging submarine contacts. The cruisers’ aircraft, including London's Walrus seaplanes, were sent up on Anti-Submarine Warfare patrols to provide more air cover. The weather was calm, with fine blue skies, but there were the usual patches of fog, caused by the warm Gulf Stream hitting the cold polar water and random ice.<br />
<br />
German spies had been able to pass on considerable detail about PQ17's composition and a pack of eleven U-boats had been assembled to attack it. In fact, the Germans were planning something special – a concerted offensive involving U-boats and bombers backed up by a heavy ship sortie. Codenamed Rosselsprung, or Knight's Move, it had been outlined for Hitler on 1 June, when he was told it would involve ''Tirpitz, Lützow, Hipper'' and ''Scheer'' attacking PQ17 once it reached the Barents Sea around 5 July.<br />
<br />
The German Naval Staff was confident of evading the Home Fleet and anticipated great success, but Hitler reminded his admirals that HMS ''Victorious'' had to be found and destroyed before the battle group could leave harbour. But if the big ships remained where they were the plan would be totally unfeasible – they would never catch up with the convoy. So, the Kriegsmarine persuaded the Führer to allow ''Tirpitz'' and ''Hipper'' to move up to the Vestfjord, and ''Scheer'' and ''Lützow'' to the Altenfjord, in the far north of Norway, prior to the green light being given. The admirals also persuaded Hitler the operation could proceed in safety if the ''Victorious'' and Allied battleships had been confirmed as too far away to intervene before the convoy was destroyed. However, during the move north on 3 July the ''Lützow'' ran aground, as did three destroyers escorting ''Tirpitz''. Robbed of a pocket battleship and left with a reduced escort force, the Germans decided to concentrate their battle group in the Altenfjord.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile PQ17 was passing just to the north of Bear Island, U-boat contacts were coming in thick and fast and air attacks were growing in intensity. At 3 p.m. a wave of two dozen German bombers came over but, because of a layer of low cloud, the attackers were forced to drop theirdeadly payloads through it and all the bombs missed. A U-boat fired three torpedoes at the Tuscaloosa, but they all went wide.<br />
<br />
In the early hours of 4 July, a single plane shot out of a fog bank…and dropped its fish hitting a cargo vessel and damaging her so badly she had to be scuttled. At 5.15 p.m. a gaggle of torpedo-bombers came winging over smooth seas and sank another merchant ship. Just under an hour later more than thirty German aircraft were greeted with a storm of fire from the escorting warships and merchantmen. Several were shot down but two more ships were mortally wounded. London contributed to the air defence with her 8-inch guns, helping to disrupt an attack by Heinkel torpedo bombers, but on the whole the cruisers had to content themselves with being spectators.<br />
<br />
By the evening of 4 July, the Admiralty was confident that ''Tirpitz'' was in the Altenfjord and it also knew about the imminent foray, thanks to intelligence sources in Sweden. The increasing volume of German signals traffic seemed to indicate that something was about to happen and in the early hours of 4 July the Admiralty had advised Rear Admiral Hamilton, aboard ''London'', that he should stay with the convoy until it was level with North Cape (25° East).<br />
<br />
However, the Admiralty's final orders for PQ17 had ultimately incorporated both the scatter option and the possibility of it being turned back to lead the German surface ships within striking distance of the Home Fleet. On the afternoon of 4 July, Admiral Tovey, now with the Home Fleet somewhere between Iceland and Bear Island, advised the First Cruiser Squadron that it could leave PQ17 before reaching 25° East, indicating that the threat from major German surface units was receding. Hamilton replied that he would leave the convoy late on the evening of 4 July after refueling his destroyers. Shortly before 7 p.m., ''London'' received a signal from the Admiralty instructing the First Cruiser Squadron to stay with the convoy. <br />
<br />
Rear Admiral Hamilton was not impressed by the contradictory attitudes of his two masters, but he knew that, even though Tovey was the man on the spot with excellent operational instinct, the Admiralty was tapping in to a steady flow of intelligence. He felt that the best course of action would be for his squadron to stay with the convoy until the exact disposition of the German surface ships was known. Despite instructions not to attack major German surface ships, Hamilton had decided that he would have a go if a heavy cruiser or pocket battleship came over the horizon. If his squadron encountered either ''Scheer'', ''Hipper'' or even ''Lützow'' on their own, he would split his force and attack from four directions – a tactic similar to that employed by the cruisers Exeter, Achilles and Ajax against the ''Graf Spee'' in 1939. If there were two German heavy ships then ''London'' and ''Norfolk'' would attack one, while the Americans would attack the other. If ''Tirpitz'' appeared then ''London'' and the other cruisers would, as instructed, hang back and try and lead her towards the Home Fleet. As Hamilton pondered these options in his cabin aboard London, the convoy was coming under sustained attack from German aircraft. That evening a British and an American merchant ship were sunk and a Russian tanker damaged, with three German aircraft shot down. <br />
<br />
The cruisers were five miles in front, zig-zagging to reduce the risk of being hit by torpedoes, but as the enemy aircraft were concentrating as usual on the merchant ships, the London relaxed her state of alert.<br />
<br />
At the Admiralty in London the latest deciphered German signals revealed the enemy had mistaken HMS ''London'' for a King George V Class battleship, sailing in company with three escorting destroyers. Because of her one-off rebuild, the ''London''<nowiki/>'s silhouette was like no other cruiser's and, unless scout plane crews were warned of her presence with the convoy, it was an easy mistake to make. The First Sea Lord was briefed by a member of his staff about the likely implications of this mistaken sighting and other factors that might create caution in the Kriegsmarine's high command. It was pointed out that the PQ12 experience would have made the Germans very wary of risking ''Tirpitz'' at sea without knowing for certain where ''Victorious'' was. In fact, unknown to the British, floatplanes from the American cruisers had been mistaken for Albacores from the British carrier. However, the person who briefed the First Sea Lord did know that Royal Navy and Russian submarines staking out the Altenfjord had not seen the Tirpitz emerge. But when Admiral Pound asked for a cast iron assurance that the Tirpitz was still in the Altenfjord it could not be provided. <br />
<br />
On the bridge of HMS ''London'', Rear Admiral Hamilton was suggesting that the break in enemy attacks provided an opportunity for a quick bite to eat.<br />
<br />
Within seconds of the food arriving on the cruiser's bridge the first signal arrived. Marked ‘MOST IMMEDIATE’ it said: <br />
<br />
{{Quote|…one regiment of Fascists was annihilated in a square, being mown down by concealed rifle fire.}}<br />
<br />
The time was 9.11 p.m. and twelve minutes later another equally alarming signal hit the HMS London: IMMEDIATE… OWING TO THREAT FROM SURFACE SHIPS, CONVOY IS TO DISPERSE AND PROCEED TO RUSSIAN PORTS. <br />
<br />
This was followed, at 9.36 p.m., by the signal that has gone down as one of the most notorious in naval history: <br />
<br />
MOST IMMEDIATE. CONVOY IS TO SCATTER. <br />
<br />
{{Quote|13 August…. The 'British' folk leaving Spain nowadays are not good speakers of English!}}<br />
<br />
=== [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|Devblog]] ===<br />
The County-class cruisers, also known as the A-Type cruisers, were the first British cruiser vessels to be developed in the interwar period of the 1920s. Their design being heavily influenced by the restrictions imposed by the Washington Naval Treaty, meant that British shipbuilders had to find compromises during development in order to comply with the treaty as well as to meet the requirements of the Royal Navy for a ship capable of trade route protection.<br />
<br />
This resulted in the creation of a ship design with good cruising range and adequate firepower, but very light armour protection in order to stay within treaty restrictions. The orders for the first ships were placed in the mid 1920's and construction began in 1924.<br />
<br />
HMS London (C69) was laid down in February 1926 and commissioned into service in January 1929 as the lead ship of the second batch of County-class cruisers to be built, known as the London subclass. During the 1930's, HMS London took part in a goodwill visit to Venice and assisted in the evacuation of civilians from Barcelona during the Spanish Civil War, before being sent to drydock for refit in 1939.<br />
<br />
In 1941, HMS London took part in the hunt for the battleship Bismarck, after which the ship was once again dry-docked for repairs. The following year, HMS London assisted in escorting several convoys in the Atlantic, after which she was assigned to South African waters in 1943, before joining the Eastern Fleet. HMS London continued serving in the postwar years, during which the ship got involved in an incident in Chinese waters in 1949 which left it heavily damaged. Being deemed uneconomical for repairs, HMS London was sold for scrap in January 1950.<br />
<br />
== Media ==<br />
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --><br />
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150"><br />
File:HMS London WTWallpaper 01.jpg|<br />
File:HMS London WTWallpaper 02.jpg|<br />
File:HMS London WTWallpaper 03.jpg|<br />
File:HMS London WTWallpaper 04.jpg|<br />
File:HMS London WTWallpaper 05.jpg|<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
== See also ==<br />
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
<br />
* ''reference to the series of the ship;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the ship;'''<br />
* ''other literature.'' --><br />
<br />
* [[wt:en/news/6626-development-hms-london-anticipated-calibre-en|[Devblog] HMS London: Anticipated Calibre]]<br />
<br />
=== References ===<br />
<references /><br />
<br />
=== Works Cited ===<br />
<br />
* Chen, C. (2007, May). Heavy Cruiser London. Retrieved November 17, 2020, from <nowiki>https://ww2db.com/ship_spec.php?ship_id=326</nowiki><br />
* Helgason, G. (1995). HMS London (69). Retrieved November 17, 2020, from <nowiki>https://uboat.net/allies/warships/ship/1178.html</nowiki><br />
<br />
{{Britain heavy cruisers}}</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=File:USS_Washington,_reinforced_the_Royal_Navy%27s_Home_Fleet.png&diff=103285File:USS Washington, reinforced the Royal Navy's Home Fleet.png2021-05-19T22:51:58Z<p>U35790733: </p>
<hr />
<div>The American battleship USS Washington, reinforced the Royal Navy's Home Fleet in the Spring of 1942. US Naval Historical Center. https://www.history.navy.mil/research/archives.html</div>U35790733https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=I-16_type_17_(China)&diff=103278I-16 type 17 (China)2021-05-19T18:59:17Z<p>U35790733: add history specific to I-16 type 17, the original content is in a general term.</p>
<hr />
<div>{{About<br />
| about = Chinese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''<br />
| usage = other uses<br />
| link = I-16 (Family)<br />
}}<br />
{{Specs-Card<br />
|code=i-16_type17_china<br />
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}<br />
}}<br />
<br />
== Description ==<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].<br />
<br />
== General info ==<br />
=== Flight performance ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}<br />
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''--><br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"<br />
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,400 m)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)<br />
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)<br />
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)<br />
|-<br />
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB<br />
|-<br />
! Stock<br />
| 444 || 423 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.6 || 18.6 || 14.8 || 14.8 || rowspan="2" | 210<br />
|-<br />
! Upgraded<br />
| 480 || 461 || 15.5 || 16.5 || 23.1 || 18.5<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
==== Details ====<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="5" | Features<br />
|-<br />
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear<br />
|-<br />
| X || X || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --><br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | Limits<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)<br />
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)<br />
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)<br />
! colspan="2" | Max Static G<br />
|-<br />
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -<br />
|-<br />
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 260 || ~16 || ~8<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)<br />
|-<br />
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator<br />
|-<br />
| < 300 || < 240 || < 280 || > 190<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! Compressor<br />
! Optimal altitude<br />
! 100% Engine power<br />
! WEP Engine power<br />
|-<br />
! Setting 1<br />
| 2,900 m || 700 hp || 830 hp<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Survivability and armour ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
<br />
* 6 mm steel behind pilot<br />
<br />
=== Modifications and economy ===<br />
{{Specs-Economy}}<br />
<br />
== Armaments ==<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}<br />
=== Offensive armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|ShVAK (20 mm)|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:<br />
<br />
* 2 x 20 mm ShVAK cannons, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)<br />
* 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, nose-mounted (650 rpg = 1,300 total)<br />
<br />
=== Suspended armament ===<br />
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}<br />
<!-- ''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.'' --><br />
{{main|FAB-50 (50 kg)|FAB-100 (100 kg)|RS-82|RBS-82}}<br />
<br />
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:<br />
<br />
* Without load<br />
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (200 kg total)<br />
* 2 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (100 kg total)<br />
* 6 x RS-82 rockets<br />
* 6 x RBS-82 rockets<br />
<br />
== Usage in battles ==<br />
<!-- ''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).'' --><br />
<br />
The I-16 type 17 shares a similar playstyle as its predecessors, which is turnfighting. Start off the match by climbing between 10-17 degrees to gain altitude. Although this is not a real BnZ fighter, getting some altitude will still grant you many opportunities.<br />
<br />
Your biggest threat when flying the I-16 Type 17 comes from pretty much any fighter aircraft at this BR, since they all have a significant top speed/climb rate advantage (such as Ki-43 and Bf 109 F). A common scenario you will encounter is, you will see those planes higher than you before an engagement due to your inferior climb rate. They will always try to BnZ you, while your only effective tactic is to evade their dives and bleed their energy. Bank towards your teammates and keep climbing with WEP. As the enemy starts diving on you, wait until the distance closes to ~0.9 km, then use your great roll rate and turn rate, suddenly roll to one side and dodge under the attacker. This will usually force them to either shoot at an awkward position and miss (usually), or they will straight-up relinquish the pass and pull up. Some enemies might lose patience after a few successful dodges and chase you rather than zooming away to try and destroy you. Now again utilise your agility to perform horizontal manoeuvres such as scissors, in a combination of short vertical movements such as Immelmanns and chandelles, to force an overshoot or to get on their tail. With careful aiming, the pair of ShVAK cannons will quickly destroy a fighter.<br />
<br />
Do not try to out-dive any monoplane as the I-16's light weight means that it is relatively slow at building up speed in a dive and also causes it to have lacklustre energy retention. However some short dives will gather you speed for more manoeuvres, or drag enemy BnZ planes to the deck. Once they are low, it is rather easy to out-manoeuvre them.<br />
<br />
When confronting slower but more manoeuvrable planes such as Ki-27, energy tactics like BnZ are to be favoured over turning and burning. When you do not have altitude advantage over the Ki-27, the use of rolls is the most desired if not a nigh obligatory form of evasion. There is minimal chance to turn out or outrun the Ki-27, but you can out-roll it, particularly at high speeds. On the other hand, zoom climbs are a bit of a mixed bag. While the I-16 sometimes can get away with it through its superior power-to-weight ratio, the Ki-27 has a much lower stall speed which sometimes allows it to stay all the way through the zoom climb with I-16.<br />
<br />
The I-16 Type 17 is not a very effective interceptor, not being much faster than most monoplane bombers in its rank while having both a rather weak armament and protection.<br />
<br />
'''Simulator:'''<br />
<br />
The I-16 can be used in turnfighting, bomber intercepting and ground pounding. However in this mode, its characteristics appear to be quite conflicting. It is excellent in turning tightly and continuously, yet when manoeuvring it easily gets into uncontrollable spins which isn't beginner friendly. Also the rather big nose blocks the visibility a lot, offering very poor over-the-nose visibility which is a disadvantage in a turn fight, because when leading a shot the enemy will always get obstructed by the engine, making the player guess the shot. More ever, there is no trim control available in a sim battle and the I-16 always pitch up and down. Although not a lot, it is still annoying when trying to get a precise aim.<br />
<br />
It is recommended to set the convergence within 300m, with vertical convergence on, because the majority of turnfights happen at that range or closer.<br />
<br />
Sim is different from realistic, so discard the habit of bringing the least fuel. Bring at least 30 minutes of fuel, although it decreases the plane's performance a bit, it prevents constant refuelling which saves time for patrolling and fighting.<br />
<br />
As your I-16 roars down the runway, you will notice that it shifts severely to the side, and the nose will tip down. If you don't correct it it will eventually strike the ground, causing a failed takeoff. Thus you must put rudder input as opposed to the side it's shifting towards, and apply positive pitch to keep the propeller off the ground. You do not want to use flaps anywhere except takeoff and landing, since they are very weak and will rip at more than 260 km/h, while the average speed during a battle tends to be around 300 km/h. Once one or both flaps are gone it creates an imbalance in the roll axis, making spins more common. It also makes landing harder.<br />
<br />
Before engaging a fight, it is better to have an altitude advantage first. When approaching the fight try to figure out which is your teammate and which is the enemy, to avoid going for a second pass, as the energy retention of the I-16 is rather slow. Also pick your target carefully. For easier aiming, you want to go for those unmanoeuvrable twin engine aircraft like [[Ju 88 (Family)|Ju 88]] or [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]], or bombers if there are any. Given the bad forward visibility of the I-16, these are the best options as they are quite slow and sluggish, and are a bigger target to hit. When dealing with fighters, it is way harder to aim. The elevator control of the I-16 is extremely sensitive, giving it good manoeuvrability, but at the same time, bad handling. The I-16 will respond in a very fast turn upon moving your stick/mouse by a little bit, which makes tracking nimble planes quite hard. But once you get used to it, try to lure every enemy into a turnfight, as that is where the I-16 shines. Several hits with the ShVAK cannon will effectively damage the enemy. If you find an enemy at your 6, utilise your great roll rate to do defensive manoeuvres like scissors to make them overshoot. Or you can simply do tight turns, most monoplanes won't be able to cut inside your turn and they might disengage. Important note: DO NOT put too much rolling and pitching input at once, as aforementioned the I-16 tend to enter spins easily.<br />
<br />
If you are not very experienced in sim, you can also go for even bigger targets (bombers) for easier aiming. However you want to be more careful when hunting bombers, since with the Sim control (whether it be mouse joystick or a real stick) the plane will manoeuvre much more gently, making itself a great target for the bomber's gunners. DO NOT follow behind a bomber's 6 unless you are sure that its tail gunners are unconscious. Chasing behind a bomber makes yourself stationary for the tail gunners, and you will be showered with bullets. Your big radial engine will usually get damaged. Instead, before attacking, get an altitude advantage over the bomber by flying around 2 km above it. The bomber should only fill up about 1/6 of your gunsight. The best position for an attack is at the bomber's high 6 so you can adjust the lead much easier. Dive at the bomber, but not directly at it, try to predict where you two will crash by imagining yourself as a missile, that's where you should aim at (deflection shooting). To maximise the damage it is better to aim for their wings and engines, as the fuselage usually soaks up quite some bullets. Only fire when the bomber passes in front of your guns. This short window might seem inadequate to do anything, but with a accurate burst on the engine the twin ShVAK can deal quite a bit of damage. Without an engine most bombers cannot go far.<br />
<br />
Although ground pounding ability is limited, there are still bombs and rockets to choose from. The 2 bombs can effectively destroy pillboxes or tanks while the rockets, with accurate aiming, can destroy 3 targets. Once the suspended armaments are gone, use the 2 MG for soft targets like trucks, artillery and AA cars. Save the ammo for the ShVAK in case of an unwanted dogfight.<br />
<br />
Just like the SB 2M, the I-16 can still fly when it's extremely slow, causing it to bounce up during landing which can lead to a fatal crash. The trick is similar: slow it down more than other aircraft. Make sure you are around 1 km from the start of the runway and is no more than 300m high. When the runway fills up your gunsight, drop speed to around 210 kph and deploy landing flaps. The good thing is, the I-16 will not pitch up drastically upon using its flaps so you don't need to counter the extra lift. Make sure that you extend landing gears early as they move very slow (takes around 15 seconds to deploy). When you are about to touch down you should be flying at around 140 kph. You must control your rate of descent (I-16's gears are fragile) and make sure that you are slightly pitching upwards with the nose obstructing the horizon. This way the I-16 should land gently without having to brake for too long. Once you are sliding on the ground, fully deflect your elevators upwards to counter the momentum that can push the nose into the ground. You must release brakes once every 4 seconds, because if you only release them as the nose dips down, it's too late.<br />
<br />
==== Against the I-16 ====<br />
'''Turn fighter''': if you are in a biplane (eg. He 51, CR.32), you can simply choose to lure the I-16 into a turn fight with purely flat turns. But before doing so it might dive at you, perform the classical evading manoeuvre by dodging under its negative G area. The I-16 is indeed good at turning, but its monoplane configuration, small wings and weak engine leads to poor energy retention and high wing loading, causing it to bleed speed in continuous turns. Biplanes will last longer in a prolonged turn fight and will eventually end up at the I-16's tail. Monoplane turn fighters like the Spitfire and A6M2 all have superior level speed, climb rate and dive speed, although their turn rate might be slightly worse. Now with better energy retention you can choose a combination of turn fighting and BnZ fighting.<br />
<br />
'''Jack-of-all-trades fighter''': this type of aircraft (eg. Ki-43, Bf 109 E) can find it quite easy to deal with an I-16, since they all have significantly better climb rate, acceleration, level and dive speed, despite having slower turn rate. With this superior performance, players have every advantage possible and should perform BnZ attacks on the I-16. It will most certainly dodge your dives like described above, but do not lose patience. Keep either speed or altitude advantage and never get lured down to the same height as an I-16. An experienced I-16 pilot will utilise its amazing turn rate and roll rate to force overshoots or even an ultimate reversal should you somehow bleed all your energy/speed. In Simulator, this kind of jack-of-all-trades fighter usually has much better stability and smoother handling than an I-16, and maybe better visibility too, so you can choose a combination of manoeuvres to play with it. The I-16 has very limited over-the-nose visibility, and absurdly bad stableness that it usually ends up in flatspins if its pilot is not gentle with the stick.<br />
<br />
'''High speed BnZ fighter''': with fast fighters, the tactic is straightforward: keep up your speed at all times, even if it means trading altitude for it. Approach the I-16 fast, perform a quick and precise deflection shooting and zoom climb/shallow climb away, leaving the I-16 far behind. Its slow speed means that it will never catch up to a high speed aircraft like the He 100, P-40, Ki-61, etc. Note, as you approach a veteran I-16 pilot might dance around to mess up your shots. if you do miss, do not try and follow up for more shots, immediately zoom away. This is a very vicious trap: the slower "prey" presents its tail to an attacker to disguise as an easy target, lure it closer and closer until the BnZ becomes a face to face dogfight, then before the attacker may realise the reversal comes.<br />
<br />
'''Attacker/bomber''': many attackers are faster than the I-16, like the B18, Hs 129, even bombers like the SBD and He 111. For the former, if an I-16 tries to get on your tail, enter a steep dive, gradually level out and gain some separation. It connot catch up to you. The best scenario is to force a head-on with it, as it has rather weak armaments. For planes with defensive guns, keep your plane steady as the I-16 dives/approaches, then aim carefully at its huge radial engine. It will not be fast even in a dive, and with its engine damaged it will be even slower, making itself an easier target for your gunners.<br />
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'''Enemies worth noting:'''<br />
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[[Ki-27 otsu|Ki-27]], [[N1K1]], [[He 51 (Family)|He 51]], [[Gladiator (Family)|Gladiator]], etc;<br />
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Those commonly seen planes are equally good at turnfights and will be a hard target to down since they are very small and agile. To deal with them you need to practice leading and deflection shots, plus manoeuvres like barrel rolls and scissors. They are easily damaged by your ShVAK.<br />
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[[He 111 H-6]]:<br />
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This bomber is not only quite durable, but also pretty fast. In level flight it can outrun the I-16 rather easily. Avoid being on its 6 as it will have at least 2x 7.92mm MG facing its tail, and their rapid firerate and good penetration is a big threat. Either go for a head-on or use deflection shooting and aim for its engines. If you cannot keep up with it, disengage. If it flies way higher than you, change your target.<br />
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[[Sunderland Mk IIIa|Sunderland]]:<br />
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This flying boat is like a low-tier [[Be-6]]. Its huge fuselage is very spacious and can absorb lots of bullets and shells. It also has lethal defensive firepower: two 7.7 mm in the nose, four forward-facing, two on the top and four at the tail, so attacking from behind, in front or above aren't the best options. Dive under it and suddenly pull up to shoot its defenceless underside. Aim at the large wings and engines, avoid shooting the fuselage.<br />
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[[He 100 D-1|He 100]], [[Bf 109 E-1|Bf 109 E]]/F, [[A6M2]]:<br />
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These planes might not be able to out-turn the I-16, but they can easily outrun it as the I-16 is very slow. These fighters will usually BnZ you, so you must constantly look above and behind you. If they are diving on you, do what you do in realistic: use your roll rate and dodge under their negative G areas. Most players will try to follow up, if not immediately losing track of you. Several dodges might make them impatient and if they really start to turn with you, they are already dead.<br />
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=== Manual Engine Control ===<br />
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"<br />
|-<br />
! colspan="7" | MEC elements<br />
|-<br />
! rowspan="2" | Mixer<br />
! rowspan="2" | Pitch<br />
! colspan="3" | Radiator<br />
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger<br />
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger<br />
|-<br />
! Oil !! Water !! Type<br />
|-<br />
| Controllable || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
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=== Pros and cons ===<br />
<!-- ''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".'' --><br />
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'''Pros:'''<br />
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* Excellent turning ability- with combat flaps deployed it can out-turn any Bf 109, Fw 190 A and even turn-fighters like the [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]]<br />
* Extreme roll rate allows it to do offensive/defensive scissors easily, which is an advantage over Bf 109 and [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]] as their roll rates aren't as good.<br />
* Powerful twin ShVAK cannons with good fire rate, adequate velocity and accuracy, while 150 RPG capacity allows for reasonably long engagements<br />
* Is at rank III but with a 2.7 BR, meaning it can research rank IV planes while playing at low BR matches which can be more enjoyable<br />
* Suspended armament provides rockets and bombs, which, to an extent, allows some ground attack ability<br />
* Is a very short and small plane, offering the enemy a harder target to hit<br />
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'''Cons:'''<br />
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* Extremely poor level speed, climb rate, dive acceleration and energy retention- will get outran, out-climbed and out-dived easily by Bf 109 E/F, Fw 190 A or [[A6M2]].<br />
* Engine tends to overheat when diving at more than 500 km/h<br />
* Control surfaces are unresponsive over 450 km/h<br />
* Flaps are very weak and will break over 250 km/h, severely limiting its sharp-turning potential at higher speeds<br />
* No manual trim controls in Simulator which makes it hard to handle<br />
* Although manoeuvrable, it can still get out-turned by the Japanese turn-fighters<br />
* Hard to fly in SB -- very unstable in pitch, poor over-the-nose visibility and is prone to enter flat spins<br />
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== History ==<br />
<!-- ''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></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. 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).'' --><br />
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=== From Russia with military aid ===<br />
On the 7th July 1937, fighting broke out between Chinese and Japanese forces, starting the Second Sino-Japanese War. When the war began, the Chinese air force was using many obsolete aircraft such as the [[Hawk III]], which were no match for the Japanese A5M fighters.<ref name="PolikarpovAces">Maslov and Postlethwaite 2013</ref> China rapidly signed the Sino-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact with the USSR, and as part of the agreement the Soviets began Operation Zet to secretly supply China with aircraft and pilots.<br />
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Between October 1937 and September 1939 the USSR delivered 885 aircraft (rising to 1,250 by 1941), including 216 Polikarpov I-16s, predominately Type 5s and Type 10s. At first the Soviet pilots would have to fly the aircraft over 1,500 miles across China to get them to their destination of Lanzhou, however this was a risky journey and so future batches of aircraft would be disassembled and transported to Hami (closer to Lanzhou), before final assembly and delivery to Lanzhou.<ref name="PolikarpovAces" /> The first I-16s were delivered in November 1937, however rushed training of the Chinese pilots meant many were lost to crashes. In Chinese service the I-16 became known as the "Lastochka" or "Swallow".<ref name="PolikarpovAces" /> In the early years of the war the I-16 was a capable fighter, however from 1939 onwards its performance was deemed to be lacking in comparison to newer fighters.<br />
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A number Chinese aces flew the I-16; among them Lo Ying-Teh who in 1938 shot down Japanese unit leader Lt Ryohei Ushioda's A5M2 in his I-16 Type 5. Another ace to fly the I-16 was Liu Chi-Sheng who achieved 3 of his 10 kills while flying the I-16 Type 5, along with another shared kill.<ref name="ChinaAces">Cheung and Davey 2015</ref><br />
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=== Type 17 , the "cannon bird" ===<br />
I-16 Type 17 is an enhanced version of I-16 Type 10 with firepower improvement. Two Shvak 20mm auto-cannons replace Shkas machine guns mounted underwing while other two Shaks machine gun mounted on nose remain unchanged. Additional armor is implemented to improve the protection and overall survivability of the aircraft. The racks under both wings can carry two 100kg FAB-100 bombs or six RS-82 series rockets.<br />
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Unlike later type of I-16 with M-62 engine, the Type 17 still use the M-25V engine and weights 145kg heavier than the Type 10. The additional weight makes the plane about 10kph slower, which consider as acceptable. But the worse maneuverability is annoying.<br />
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The Republic of China purchased a total of 75 I-16 Type 17 fighters from the Soviet Union in early 1941, just before the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact was ever signed. Those were the last military planes the USSR sold to Republic of China. The 32<sup>nd</sup> Squadon,3<sup>rd</sup> Fighter Group received 15 of these aircraft, and 5 of them were crashed on May 2<sup>nd</sup>,1941 due to disorientation. The 4<sup>th</sup> Fighter Group received 35 of them. The 17<sup>th</sup> squadron and the 26<sup>th</sup> squadron of the 5<sup>th</sup> Fighter Group were equipped with 14 I-16 Type 17 fighters.<br />
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Those I-16 Type17 had rather short service life in ROC Air Force due to multiple reasons. Although I-16 fighter is reluctantly capable of fighting against Nakajima Ki-27 fighters mainly equipped by Imperial Japanese Army Air Corps and A5M fighter equipped by Imperial Navy in late 1930s, there were a huge performance gap between the outdated Russian design and the latest A6M fighter which made its first debut in 1940. Apart from lack of performance, the I-16s in China suffer from lack of logistic supply because the Soviet Union refused to offer further support in order to comply the non-aggression treaty sealed with Japan. Later after the outbreak of the Pacific War, those I-16 Type-17s, along with other I-16 and I-15 fighters, were replaced by American made P-40 and P-43 fighter.<br />
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== Media ==<br />
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''<br />
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== See also ==<br />
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''<br />
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''<br />
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''<br />
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== External links ==<br />
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''<br />
<br />
* ''topic on the official game forum;''<br />
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''<br />
* ''other literature.''--><br />
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/520554-i-16-type-10-17/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]<br />
* [[Wikipedia:Polikarpov_I-16|[Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Polikarpov I-16]]<br />
* [http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/china_ying-teh.htm Biplane fighter aces China - General Lo Ying-Teh]<br />
* [http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/china_chi-sheng.htm Biplane fighter aces China - Major General Liu Chi-Sheng]<br />
* [http://www.century-of-flight.freeola.com/Aviation%20history/WW2/aces/Liu%20Chi-Sheng.htm Aviation during World War 2 - Major General Liu Chi-Sheng]<br />
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===Citations===<br />
<references /><br />
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===Bibliography===<br />
Cheung, R., & Davey, C. (2015). Aces of the Republic of China Air Force. United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Publishing.<br />
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Maslov, M., & Postlethwaite, M. (2013). Polikarpov I-15, I-16 and I-153 Aces. United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Publishing.<br />
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{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}<br />
{{China fighters}}</div>U35790733