Difference between revisions of "F-82E"

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{{About
 
−
| about = American twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link = P-51 (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f-82e
 
|code=f-82e
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
|cockpit=cockpit_f-82e.jpg
 
|cockpit=cockpit_f-82e.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.39]].
+
To combat the issue of single-pilot fighters flying long combat missions, the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) proposed a two-seat, double-engine version of the Mustang. The idea was proposed in 1943 and one year later the USAAF ordered two XP-82s. The XP-82 was essentially two P-51H fuselages fused together. The first two prototypes had the standard Packard Merlin engine which produced 1,860 hp. However, concerns grew with Packard's ability to produce more Merlin engines and the Allison engine had developed into a decent powerplant. This was compounded by the fact that Rolls-Royce was significantly increasing the price of the Merlin engine. By this time, the Allison engines could perform sufficiently at high altitudes and could produce almost 2,000 horsepower at sea level thanks to the water-methanol injection system. Around 96 F-82Es were delivered with the Allison V-1710-143/145 engines.
  
−
The most distinctive feature about the F-82E "Twin Mustang" is that it literally is two P-51 Mustangs conjoined together into a single aircraft.  
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.39]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an iconic aircraft that lives up to expectations. It's extremely fast with a top speed of 742 km/h (463 mph) and a high structural limit of 854 km/h (531 mph). The F-82E was intended to escort the B-29 and thus was fitted with six M3 Browning machine guns mounted in the center of the airframe. An additional gunpod can be mounted in the center which provides an additional eight M2 Browning machine guns. The gunpod is quite draggy and for optimal performance shouldn't be used. For ground attacking though, the gunpod is an excellent option due to its ample ammunition pool. The F-82E can also carry bombs and rockets.
−
The F-82E excels as a high-altitude bomber-killer or bomber escort. The F-82E's main assets are its destructive firepower (with the gun pod) combined with massive ammo count, its good climbing speed and its amazing escape speed.  
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 21: Line 15:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
 
+
The F-82E is a relatively sleek aircraft powered by two Allison V-1710 engines. With water injection, the engines can produce a whopping 1,960 hp at sea level which can easily outrun many fighters at its BR. The F-82E also has a hydraulic boost system for the control surfaces which allows the F-82E to have an excellent roll rate. However, it's still a twin-engine aircraft and turning is quite lacklustre. The F-82E excels in boom and zoom tactics thanks to its favourable high-speed flight characteristics.
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 650 || 520 || 265 || ~11 || ~11
+
| 854 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 650 || 520 || 265 || ~11 || ~11
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| < 500 || < 700 || < 700 || > 450
 
| < 500 || < 700 || < 700 || > 450
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 5,000 m || 3,200 hp || 4,499 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 10 x HVAR rockets
+
* 25 x HVAR rockets
 
* 8 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, centre-mounted (gunpod) (400 rpg = 3,200 total)
 
* 8 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, centre-mounted (gunpod) (400 rpg = 3,200 total)
  
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
Start play by climbing above 5,000 m while always maintaining a speed above 290 km/h. If this brings you in range of enemy fighters before you have achieved a height advantage simply turn away and let them seek other targets. Once you have achieved 5,000 m altitude with airspeed above 300 km/h you are virtually invulnerable since you will always have the option of running away with or without diving. You can seek and destroy bombers. Any fighter foolish enough to go after you should be dealt with head-on starting from more than 1.2 km away to ensure time to adjust and kill with your machine guns. If this is not an option or if you are being engaged by a pair of fighters, or if your initial pass fails to kill, keep running. Very few planes have the ability to follow you and your frame is sturdy enough to withstand the occasional long-distance hit.
+
Start play by climbing above 5,000 m while always maintaining a speed above 290 km/h. If this brings you in range of enemy fighters before you have achieved a height advantage simply turn away and let them seek other targets. Once you have achieved 5,000 m altitude with airspeed above 300 km/h you are virtually invulnerable since you will always have the option of running away with or without diving. You can seek and destroy bombers. Any fighter foolish enough to go after you should be dealt with head-on starting from more than 1.2 km away to ensure time to adjust and kill with your machine guns. If this is not an option or if you are being engaged by a pair of fighters, or if your initial pass fails to kill, keep running. Very few planes can follow you and your frame is sturdy enough to withstand the occasional long-distance hit.
  
 
As a rule, never let your airspeed drop below 300 km/h; do not go near ground level if there is more than one enemy fighter in the vicinity unless your airspeed is above 500 km/h, and never engage in furballs.
 
As a rule, never let your airspeed drop below 300 km/h; do not go near ground level if there is more than one enemy fighter in the vicinity unless your airspeed is above 500 km/h, and never engage in furballs.
  
−
When used as a heavy fighter, keep in mind the brutally low handling capability of the F-82. Always avoid "furballs" and stay above your opponents. The climb rate makes the F-82 a capable bomber-killer. As a bomber killer, the aiming problems that many pilots face against smaller, more agile fighters evaporate. It is recommended to utilize the 8 x M2 Gun pod, due to the extremely high damage output. However, more experienced players may do away with this option, as it does hamper the handling of the craft.
+
When used as a heavy fighter, keep in mind the brutally low handling capability of the F-82. Always avoid "furballs" and stay above your opponents. The climb rate makes the F-82 a capable bomber-killer. As a bomber killer, the aiming problems that many pilots face against smaller, more agile fighters evaporate. It is recommended to utilize the 8 x M2 gunpods, due to the extremely high damage output. However, more experienced players may do away with this option, as it does hamper the handling of the craft.
  
−
Due to its high speed, it is very dangerous when used in a boom and run strategy (energy retention and a very high top speed in level flight mean it can be literally untouchable for a lot of single-engine fighters). In this case, it's very important to watch one's speed and to throttle back in dives or it can lose its wings due to high speed. For achieving the maximum straight-line speed at sea level, one should have the engine mixture set to 72%.
+
Due to its high speed, it is very dangerous when used in a boom-and-run strategy (energy retention and a very high top speed in level flight mean it can be untouchable for a lot of single-engine fighters). In this case, it's very important to watch one's speed and to throttle back in dives or it can lose its wings due to high speed. For achieving the maximum straight-line speed at sea level, one should have the engine mixture set to 72%.
  
−
Remember, do not attempt to engage smaller and nimbler fighters, as most of the times you will overshoot and completely miss due to the poor handling.
+
Remember, do not attempt to engage smaller and nimbler fighters, as most of the time you will overshoot and completely miss due to poor handling.
  
 
Always use the tracer bullets with your six or fourteen 12.7 mm machine guns. Not only are the tracers very effective incendiaries, but they also give you the ability to see exactly where you are shooting up to 2 km away. This is invaluable in destroying bombers from far enough away to avoid their tail gunners, and in achieving incredible accuracy in head-ons well before your enemy gets a target indicator on you.
 
Always use the tracer bullets with your six or fourteen 12.7 mm machine guns. Not only are the tracers very effective incendiaries, but they also give you the ability to see exactly where you are shooting up to 2 km away. This is invaluable in destroying bombers from far enough away to avoid their tail gunners, and in achieving incredible accuracy in head-ons well before your enemy gets a target indicator on you.
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* Excellent in head-ons (which should rather be avoided due to large profile of F-82)
 
* Excellent in head-ons (which should rather be avoided due to large profile of F-82)
 
* M20 API-T ammunition option
 
* M20 API-T ammunition option
−
* When equipped with a gun pod the F-82 is a flying flamethrower
+
* When equipped with a gunpod the F-82 is a flying flamethrower
 
* Brutal acceleration in dive
 
* Brutal acceleration in dive
−
* Centre-mounted armament both primary and gun pod, allowing for devastating accuracy
+
* Centre-mounted armament both primary and gunpod, allowing for devastating accuracy
 
* Pilot and co-pilot seated offset from the centre of the aircraft, making them harder to reliably hit, especially in a head-on engagement
 
* Pilot and co-pilot seated offset from the centre of the aircraft, making them harder to reliably hit, especially in a head-on engagement
 
* Sturdy airframe
 
* Sturdy airframe
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* Poor handling
 
* Poor handling
 +
* Poor turn rate
 
* Difficult to aim (it gets a bit better with booster upgrade)
 
* Difficult to aim (it gets a bit better with booster upgrade)
 
* Elevator prone to failure when damaged
 
* Elevator prone to failure when damaged
−
* With the gun pod installed, the continuous fire will slow the plane down significantly
+
* With the gunpod installed, the continuous fire will slow the plane down significantly
 
* Prone to control stiffening in a dive
 
* Prone to control stiffening in a dive
  
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The F-82 started development in 1944, with significant deliveries done in early 1946. Although too late for the war, the fighter still saw extensive use by Air Defense Command as an escort fighter and a night fighter. 14 F-82's were converted to winterized interceptors for use over Alaska. It also saw significant use in the Korean War with Japanese based (US planes deployed from Japan) F-82s among the first aircraft to operate over Korea. In fact, the first three North Korean aircraft shot down by US forces were done so by the Twin Mustang.
 
The F-82 started development in 1944, with significant deliveries done in early 1946. Although too late for the war, the fighter still saw extensive use by Air Defense Command as an escort fighter and a night fighter. 14 F-82's were converted to winterized interceptors for use over Alaska. It also saw significant use in the Korean War with Japanese based (US planes deployed from Japan) F-82s among the first aircraft to operate over Korea. In fact, the first three North Korean aircraft shot down by US forces were done so by the Twin Mustang.
−
 
−
=== In-game description ===
 
−
In late 1943, North American aviation designers proposed a design project: a new long-range fighter designated the P-82 (NA-120). One two-seat machine was to be created from two P-51D aircraft. The fuselage, one wing (left or right) and the vertical empennage were taken from the production fighter. The fuselages were connected with a new central wing section and a rectangular tailplane. The result was a strong and rigid frame without a central nacelle.
 
−
 
−
The aircraft was launched into full-scale production in 1944. Several variants were based on it, including the P-82G (NA-150) night interceptor fighter, which started full-scale production in 1946.
 
−
 
−
The power unit of the P-82G consisted of two Allison V-1710-143 and V-1710-145 (to the left and to the right, respectively) twelve-cylinder, V-type, liquid-cooled engines producing a maximum power of 1,930 hp. The engines were equipped with flame arresters in their exhaust pipes.
 
−
 
−
An SCR-720C radar was housed in a large container fastened under the center wing section. The radar antenna was installed in a radar-transparent nosecone which protruded ahead of the propeller arc.
 
−
 
−
The plane's armament consisted of six 12.7 mm Colt-Browning M2.5 machine guns, with 400 rounds each, housed in the center wing section. It was possible to suspend two fuel tanks, two 1,000 lb (454 kg) bombs, or four guide rails for unguided HVAR missiles under the wing panels.
 
−
 
−
The left cockpit was occupied by the pilot, and the right one by the radar operator. The operator did not have a second control system, so an automatic pilot was installed on the aircraft to reduce the in-flight load on the pilot.
 
−
 
−
The night interceptor was fitted with extra radio electronic equipment: a blind instrument landing system, a radio altimeter, an AN/APS-13 rear attack warning radar, and an AN/APN-19 identification friend or foe transponder.
 
−
 
−
In June 1948, the US military aircraft designation system was changed. Accordingly, the P-82G was now designated the F-82G. 14 F-82G fighters were converted to a special F-82H Arctic version, to be operated in Alaska.
 
−
 
−
Production of the F-82G was discontinued in 1949, with 59 aircraft built in total. They became the last piston-engined fighters built in the USA.
 
−
 
−
F-82G night fighters participated in the Korean War. On 27 June 1950, the crew of an F-82G from the 68th Fighter Squadron (68 FS) shot down a North Korean plane. It was the first air victory in the Korean War and the first victory of the newly formed USAF.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 237: Line 197:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
 +
;Related development
 +
* [[P-51 (Family)]]
 +
** [[P-51H-5-NA]]
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  
Line 243: Line 206:
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/226962-north-american-f-82e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/226962-north-american-f-82e/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

Latest revision as of 18:05, 21 December 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
F-82E
f-82e.png
GarageImage F-82E.jpg
ArtImage F-82E.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/f/fb/Cockpit_f-82e.jpg
F-82E
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.3 5.0
Class:
Research:71 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

To combat the issue of single-pilot fighters flying long combat missions, the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) proposed a two-seat, double-engine version of the Mustang. The idea was proposed in 1943 and one year later the USAAF ordered two XP-82s. The XP-82 was essentially two P-51H fuselages fused together. The first two prototypes had the standard Packard Merlin engine which produced 1,860 hp. However, concerns grew with Packard's ability to produce more Merlin engines and the Allison engine had developed into a decent powerplant. This was compounded by the fact that Rolls-Royce was significantly increasing the price of the Merlin engine. By this time, the Allison engines could perform sufficiently at high altitudes and could produce almost 2,000 horsepower at sea level thanks to the water-methanol injection system. Around 96 F-82Es were delivered with the Allison V-1710-143/145 engines.

Introduced in Update 1.39, the F-82E Twin Mustang is an iconic aircraft that lives up to expectations. It's extremely fast with a top speed of 742 km/h (463 mph) and a high structural limit of 854 km/h (531 mph). The F-82E was intended to escort the B-29 and thus was fitted with six M3 Browning machine guns mounted in the center of the airframe. An additional gunpod can be mounted in the center which provides an additional eight M2 Browning machine guns. The gunpod is quite draggy and for optimal performance shouldn't be used. For ground attacking though, the gunpod is an excellent option due to its ample ammunition pool. The F-82E can also carry bombs and rockets.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 126 m742 km/h
Turn time27 s
Max altitude11 600 m
EngineAllison V-1710-143
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight11 t

The F-82E is a relatively sleek aircraft powered by two Allison V-1710 engines. With water injection, the engines can produce a whopping 1,960 hp at sea level which can easily outrun many fighters at its BR. The F-82E also has a hydraulic boost system for the control surfaces which allows the F-82E to have an excellent roll rate. However, it's still a twin-engine aircraft and turning is quite lacklustre. The F-82E excels in boom and zoom tactics thanks to its favourable high-speed flight characteristics.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,126 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 713 696 11600 28.3 28.7 15.3 15.3 450
Upgraded 770 742 25.8 27.0 26.4 18.7

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
854 314 650 520 265 ~11 ~11
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 500 < 700 < 700 > 450

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear314 km/h

The Twin Mustang has nearly two of everything: two fuselages, two engines, two tails, and two pilots. The last of which makes the Twin Mustang more survivable than most other fighter aircraft as each can work independently if the other is incapacitated.

Built with the intended purpose as a long-range escort for B-29 Superfortress heavy bombers, the fuel capacity in the Twin Mustang is much higher than its contemporaries. This means you will almost never run out of fuel, but you may also burn longer if the fuel tanks are ignited by enemy fire.

  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield
  • 6.35 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate, pilot and co-pilot
  • 8 mm Steel - Armour plate, pilot and co-pilot's seats
  • 11 mm Steel - Armour plate headrests, pilot and co-pilot
  • 19.05 mm Steel - Engine protective plate

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 671 → 3 918 Sl icon.png
RB6 328 → 9 283 Sl icon.png
SB8 821 → 12 940 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 900 Rp icon.png
103 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 240 / 490 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
NAGP Mk.I
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.3
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
FRC mk.5
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 Browning (12.7 mm)

The F-82E is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, centre-mounted (400 rpg = 2,400 total)

Unlike the preceding American aircraft, the Twin Mustang no longer features outer wing-mounted armament but instead are now centre-mounted between the fuselages, so gun convergence is not a huge issue. When using tracer bullets and shooting continuously, it is possible to adjust aim effectively from more than 1.5 km away. In head-ons, this means your opponent will usually be destroyed or crippled well before he gets his own target indicator. With bombers, it means one serious burst from 0.7-1.0 km will deliver a critical, and a full-second burst from less than 0.7 km should cut any bomber into several pieces.

Suspended armament

Main articles: AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb), HVAR, M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The F-82E can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 25 x HVAR rockets
  • 8 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, centre-mounted (gunpod) (400 rpg = 3,200 total)

While its respectable payload of bombs, machine guns, and rockets make it an effective ground attacker, it is very vulnerable in that role unless all the enemy's fighters have all been neutralized.

Usage in battles

Start play by climbing above 5,000 m while always maintaining a speed above 290 km/h. If this brings you in range of enemy fighters before you have achieved a height advantage simply turn away and let them seek other targets. Once you have achieved 5,000 m altitude with airspeed above 300 km/h you are virtually invulnerable since you will always have the option of running away with or without diving. You can seek and destroy bombers. Any fighter foolish enough to go after you should be dealt with head-on starting from more than 1.2 km away to ensure time to adjust and kill with your machine guns. If this is not an option or if you are being engaged by a pair of fighters, or if your initial pass fails to kill, keep running. Very few planes can follow you and your frame is sturdy enough to withstand the occasional long-distance hit.

As a rule, never let your airspeed drop below 300 km/h; do not go near ground level if there is more than one enemy fighter in the vicinity unless your airspeed is above 500 km/h, and never engage in furballs.

When used as a heavy fighter, keep in mind the brutally low handling capability of the F-82. Always avoid "furballs" and stay above your opponents. The climb rate makes the F-82 a capable bomber-killer. As a bomber killer, the aiming problems that many pilots face against smaller, more agile fighters evaporate. It is recommended to utilize the 8 x M2 gunpods, due to the extremely high damage output. However, more experienced players may do away with this option, as it does hamper the handling of the craft.

Due to its high speed, it is very dangerous when used in a boom-and-run strategy (energy retention and a very high top speed in level flight mean it can be untouchable for a lot of single-engine fighters). In this case, it's very important to watch one's speed and to throttle back in dives or it can lose its wings due to high speed. For achieving the maximum straight-line speed at sea level, one should have the engine mixture set to 72%.

Remember, do not attempt to engage smaller and nimbler fighters, as most of the time you will overshoot and completely miss due to poor handling.

Always use the tracer bullets with your six or fourteen 12.7 mm machine guns. Not only are the tracers very effective incendiaries, but they also give you the ability to see exactly where you are shooting up to 2 km away. This is invaluable in destroying bombers from far enough away to avoid their tail gunners, and in achieving incredible accuracy in head-ons well before your enemy gets a target indicator on you.

Boom and Zoom is not an ideal strategy with the F-82. At about 650 km/h you will experience extreme control stiffening. The F-82 excels in the destruction of bombers and other aircraft in head-ons.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Variety of payload options
  • Good fast-firing armament (M3 Browning MGs) with a high ammo capacity
  • Above average climb rate
  • Fast once upgraded (can outrun pretty much every fighter in level flight)
  • Excellent in head-ons (which should rather be avoided due to large profile of F-82)
  • M20 API-T ammunition option
  • When equipped with a gunpod the F-82 is a flying flamethrower
  • Brutal acceleration in dive
  • Centre-mounted armament both primary and gunpod, allowing for devastating accuracy
  • Pilot and co-pilot seated offset from the centre of the aircraft, making them harder to reliably hit, especially in a head-on engagement
  • Sturdy airframe

Cons:

  • Poor handling
  • Poor turn rate
  • Difficult to aim (it gets a bit better with booster upgrade)
  • Elevator prone to failure when damaged
  • With the gunpod installed, the continuous fire will slow the plane down significantly
  • Prone to control stiffening in a dive

History

Designed to provide the US forces with long-range escort capabilities over the Pacific, the F-82 bore the appearance of desperate measures taken to use surplus P-51 parts. In reality, the F-82 was purposely designed as such in order to provide a fighter plane that had fresh pilots ready to engage, despite the tedious nature of long distance flights. Each fuselage carried a pilot and a co-pilot/navigator which reduced individual fatigue over long missions.

The F-82 started development in 1944, with significant deliveries done in early 1946. Although too late for the war, the fighter still saw extensive use by Air Defense Command as an escort fighter and a night fighter. 14 F-82's were converted to winterized interceptors for use over Alaska. It also saw significant use in the Korean War with Japanese based (US planes deployed from Japan) F-82s among the first aircraft to operate over Korea. In fact, the first three North Korean aircraft shot down by US forces were done so by the Twin Mustang.

Media

Skins
Videos
Most unusual aircraft discusses the F-82E at 1:26 - War Thunder Official Channel
Avoid them in frontal attack! discusses the F-82E at 0:38 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


North American Aviation
Fighters 
P-51A  P-51 · P-51A
P-51C  P-51C-10
P-51D  P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30
P-51H  P-51H-5-NA
Twin-engine fighters  F-82E
Jet fighters  F-86A-5 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-35 · F-100D
Strike aircraft  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
Bombers  B-25J-1 · B-25J-20
Export/Licence  ▂B-25J-30 · ␗B-25J-30
  ▄Mustang Mk IA · F-6C-10-NA · ␗P-51C-11-NT · ␗P-51D-20 · J26 David · J26 · P-51D-20-NA · ␗P-51K
  F-86F-30 ▅ · ␗F-86F-30 · F-86F-40 ▅ · F-86F-40 JASDF▅ · ␗F-86F-40
  ◄F-86K · ▄F-86K (Italy) · ▄F-86K (France)
  ␗F-100A · ▄F-100D · ␗F-100F
Captured  ▅P-51C-11-NT
  Canadair Limited license-built the F-86 as the CL-13 for use in Canada and export to Europe.
  Fiat license-built the F-86K for the Italian Air Force though another 120 NAA built F-86Ks were also sold to the Italians.
See Also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Canadair Limited · Fiat Aviation

USA twin-engine fighters
P-38  XP-38G · P-38E · P-38G-1 · P-38J-15 · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38L-5-LO · P-38K · YP-38
P-61  P-61A-11 · P-61C-1
F7F  F7F-1 · F7F-3
Other  XF5F · XP-50 · F-82E

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