Difference between revisions of "Vampire FB 52A"

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{{Specs-Card|code=vampire_fb52a_italy}}
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{{About
 +
| about = Italian jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Vampire (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=vampire_fb52a_italy
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_vampire_fb52a_italy.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
<!-- [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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In 1946, the Kingdom of Italy became a democracy (the Italian Republic); meanwhile, between the 1950s and 1960s, a big step in aviation took place due to the simple fact that jet aircraft began to enter service in several nations, replacing some propeller-driven aircraft. In Italy, the first aircraft to be acquired was the Vampire F.3, and then later the Vampire FB.5. and eventually 51 Vampire FB.52As were purchased from Great Britain. The FB.52A variants in particular had a new Goblin 3 engine that offered more thrust than the FB.5's Goblin 2. After the delivery of the 51 Vampire FB.52As, Italy began to produce them locally by FIAT and Macchi building 195 units. In 1960, they were decommissioned and replaced by the [[F-84G-21-RE (Italy)|F-84G Thunderjet]].
−
{{break}} -->
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]], the Vampire FB.52A is a good fighter for turn fighting thanks to its manoeuvrability at low speed, giving it the advantage over most enemy jets. Even if it has a more powerful engine, it struggles to accelerate. The four Hispano Mk.V cannons can severely damage enemy aircraft, it can also be used in ground RB to destroy armoured vehicles with the light suspended armaments.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{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.'' -->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
The Vampire cannot reach the speeds a [[MiG-9 (l)]] or an [[F2H-2]] can, it cannot accelerate as well as many of its counterparts, and it is appalling in a dive against most of its opponents. However, the Vampire has one impressive advantage against its jet-powered opponents: it can turn incredibly well. In fact, a good analogy to flying the Vampire is fighting jets in propeller aircraft.
−
|-
+
 
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ??? || ??? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || 650
+
! Stock
 +
| 842 || 816 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.8 || 25.6 || 16.6 || 15.5 || rowspan="2" | 650
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|-
+
| 917 || 882 || 23.8 || 24.0 || 26.0 || 21.0
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| ??? || ??? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || 650
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Features
+
! colspan="6" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! + !! -
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~10 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 496 || 464 || 300 || ~10 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 550 || < 600 || < 600 || N/A
 
| < 550 || < 600 || < 600 || N/A
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|}
 
|}
  
 +
==== Engine performance ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
! colspan="3" | Engine
 +
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 +
! 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)
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="2" | de Havilland Goblin 3 || 1
 +
| colspan="2" | 3,502 kg || colspan="3" | 195 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 +
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
+
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 +
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Optimal altitude
+
| 705 kg || colspan="2" | Centrifugal-flow turbojet
−
! 100% Engine power
+
| 3,866 kg || 4,179 kg || 4,517 kg || 4,715 kg || 5,606 kg
−
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 0 m || 1,410 kgf || N/A
+
! 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.}}
 +
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 +
|-
 +
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 +
! 10m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 35m fuel || MTOW
 +
|-
 +
| ''Stationary'' || 1,410 kgf || N/A
 +
| 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.31 || 0.30 || 0.25
 +
|-
 +
| ''Optimal'' || 1,410 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || N/A
 +
| 0.36 || 0.34 || 0.31 || 0.30 || 0.25
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Armour Plates
 +
 
 +
*38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
 +
*12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot's head.
 +
*3 mm Steel plate below the engine.
 +
 
 +
The Vampire provides adequate protection to the pilot, as well as some armour under the engine. As with most jets, damage to the wings or fuselage greatly hampers flight performance, decreasing top speed and manoeuvrability. There are quite a few fuel tanks located in this plane's wings, so fuel fires may be common, especially when taking a high fuel loadout.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
* Without load
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 8 x RP-3 rockets (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The Vampire is well-known for its ability to turn on a dime, but its incredible manoeuvrability also means that it has poor manoeuvring energy retention. Climbing is important for this plane, as is careful airspeed maintenance. When in a battle situation, it is advisable to always stay above 400 km/h; any slower, and the Vampire will greatly struggle to evade enemy fire.
 +
 
 +
If the Vampire is able to keep its energy, it becomes one of the best dogfighters at this rank. It can outturn nearly every other jet of its tier, and has a powerful engine to boot. Thanks to its great manoeuvrability, it is often quite easy to line up a shot against the enemy. One common tactic is to try luring the enemy into a turnfight. The Vampire will almost always come out on top. However, never commit to a dogfight if there are multiple enemies nearby. Turning will cause the Vampire's airspeed to fall dramatically, at which point enemies can easily swoop in and destroy it.
 +
 
 +
It is valuable to note that the Vampire has a low top speed for a jet, at only ~880 km/h. It also tends to compress as higher speeds. The Vampire may have difficulty in chasing down a faster enemy. Also note that firing the main cannon armament causes a downward recoil.
 +
 
 +
For attacking ground targets, the Vampire can be equipped with either bombs or rockets.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''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".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Powerful armament
 +
* Great manoeuvrability
 +
* Decent payload options
 +
* Good cockpit visibility
 +
* Good at gliding without engine power
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Low top speed and acceleration
 +
* Weapon create significant recoil
 +
* Poor dive rate
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''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).''
+
<!-- ''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 de Havilland Vampire was an early British jet fighter. Its development began in 1941 and the design boasted several novel features. It was powered by a single turbojet engine in contrast to the twin engined [[Meteor (Family)|Gloster Meteor]] due to the availability of more powerful engines; most production Vampires were powered by the Goblin engine, also manufactured by the de Havilland company. The twin-boom tail design allowed the fuselage to be kept short, reducing the length of the jet pipe and maximizing the amount of effective thrust by minimizing energy losses from friction. The air intakes were also located in the wing roots as opposed to directly in front of the engine. The fuselage was largely constructed of balsa wood as on the [[Mosquito (Family)|de Havilland Mosquito]]. While the Vampire first flew only months after the Meteor in 1943, it arrived too late to see combat in World War II. In Royal Air Force service, the initial Vampire F.1 variant replaced propeller fighters. Later fighter-bomber versions under the "FB" designation were capable of serving ground attack roles, leaving air defence to the better suited Meteor. While the Vampire was not an impressive jet aircraft in terms of speed, climb rate, or range, it was agile and easy to handle. It would ultimately equip 33 air forces over more than 30 years of service. The RAF retired the Vampire from combat roles in 1954 but retained the trainer variants until 1971. The design was developed further into the [[Venom FB.4|de Havilland Venom]], which had a new engine and wing.
 +
 
 +
The Vampire FB.52 was an export version of the Vampire FB.6, which itself was sold to and license produced by Switzerland. Compared to the preceding [[Vampire FB 5|FB.5]], the FB.6 had a new Goblin 3 engine offering about 1.1 kN/112 kgf of extra thrust over the Goblin 2. The basic FB.52 was exported to Norway, New Zealand, and other operators. The '''Vampire FB.52A''' was a subvariant for Italy with minor differences. According to one source, the Italian Air Force received 51 FB.52As from Britain in 1950, and 195 subsequent aircraft were manufactured locally by Fiat and Macchi. Other sources differ on the production numbers. A considerable number of FB.52As were delivered by Italy to Egypt and possibly Syria from 1955-56.
 +
 
 +
The Vampire's service in Italian hands was uneventful. They were retired by 1960, being replaced by the [[F-84G-21-RE (Italy)|F-84 Thunderjet]] and other aircraft. The Egyptian Air Force used its Vampires, largely consisting of FB.52s and FB.52As, in conflicts with Israel. Several were lost to Israeli Meteors and many were destroyed during the invasion of the Suez Canal in 1956. Afterwards, the Vampires were retired and replaced with Soviet aircraft.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=vampire_fb52a_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|x0hdzQKCiFE|'''The Shooting Range #266''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|zn2uhgI2PPg|'''Best twin-boom aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 05:18 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|KdwQodKUuQM|'''This is One Fun Jet!''' - ''WhooptieDo''|LVeioHQqecU|'''When Italians get their hands on [sic] British jet''' - ''HowToPlay1337''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [[Vampire FB 5]]: An equivalent in the British tech tree
 +
* [[J28B]]: An equivalent in the Swedish tech tree
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/de-havilland-vampire BAE Systems: de Havilland Vampire]
 +
* [[wikipedia:De_Havilland_Vampire|[Wikipedia] de Havilland Vampire]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/367126-fiat-fb52a-vampire/ Official forums: suggestion page]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer deHavilland}}
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}
 
{{Italy jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 12:32, 16 March 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the Italian jet fighter Vampire FB 52A. For other versions, see Vampire (Family).
Vampire FB 52A
vampire_fb52a_italy.png
GarageImage Vampire FB 52A.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/1/13/Cockpit_vampire_fb52a_italy.jpg
Vampire FB 52A
Italy flag.png Italy
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.7 8.0 7.7
Class:
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

In 1946, the Kingdom of Italy became a democracy (the Italian Republic); meanwhile, between the 1950s and 1960s, a big step in aviation took place due to the simple fact that jet aircraft began to enter service in several nations, replacing some propeller-driven aircraft. In Italy, the first aircraft to be acquired was the Vampire F.3, and then later the Vampire FB.5. and eventually 51 Vampire FB.52As were purchased from Great Britain. The FB.52A variants in particular had a new Goblin 3 engine that offered more thrust than the FB.5's Goblin 2. After the delivery of the 51 Vampire FB.52As, Italy began to produce them locally by FIAT and Macchi building 195 units. In 1960, they were decommissioned and replaced by the F-84G Thunderjet.

Introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision", the Vampire FB.52A is a good fighter for turn fighting thanks to its manoeuvrability at low speed, giving it the advantage over most enemy jets. Even if it has a more powerful engine, it struggles to accelerate. The four Hispano Mk.V cannons can severely damage enemy aircraft, it can also be used in ground RB to destroy armoured vehicles with the light suspended armaments.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 4 572 m882 km/h
Turn time24 s
Max altitude10 668 m
Enginede Havilland Goblin 3
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight6 t

The Vampire cannot reach the speeds a MiG-9 (l) or an F2H-2 can, it cannot accelerate as well as many of its counterparts, and it is appalling in a dive against most of its opponents. However, the Vampire has one impressive advantage against its jet-powered opponents: it can turn incredibly well. In fact, a good analogy to flying the Vampire is fighting jets in propeller aircraft.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,572 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 842 816 10668 24.8 25.6 16.6 15.5 650
Upgraded 917 882 23.8 24.0 26.0 21.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
888 330 496 464 300 ~10 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 550 < 600 < 600 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
de Havilland Goblin 3 1 3,502 kg 195 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 10m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 35m fuel
705 kg Centrifugal-flow turbojet 3,866 kg 4,179 kg 4,517 kg 4,715 kg 5,606 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 10m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 35m fuel MTOW
Stationary 1,410 kgf N/A 0.36 0.34 0.31 0.30 0.25
Optimal 1,410 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.36 0.34 0.31 0.30 0.25

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural888 km/h
Gear330 km/h
Armour Plates
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot's head.
  • 3 mm Steel plate below the engine.

The Vampire provides adequate protection to the pilot, as well as some armour under the engine. As with most jets, damage to the wings or fuselage greatly hampers flight performance, decreasing top speed and manoeuvrability. There are quite a few fuel tanks located in this plane's wings, so fuel fires may be common, especially when taking a high fuel loadout.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 236 → 4 608 Sl icon.png
RB8 907 → 12 683 Sl icon.png
SB11 966 → 17 039 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications80 000 Rp icon.png
129 300 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
120 / 350 / 600 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 700 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 700 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
8 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
8 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500 LB
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GLBC mk.3
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 700 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk5_new_gun
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
GRC mk.8
Research:
8 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon
Ammunition600 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Vampire FB 52A is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (150 rpg = 600 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (6)
Setup 12 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 22 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
4 x RP-3 rockets
4 x RP-3 rockets
Setup 32 x 1000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bomb
Setup 44 x RP-3 rockets
4 x RP-3 rockets
Setup 52 x M.C. 500 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 62 x M.C. 500 lb Mk.I bomb
4 x RP-3 rockets
4 x RP-3 rockets
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), H.E. M.C. Mk.13 (1,000 lb), RP-3

The Vampire FB 52A can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 8 x RP-3 rockets (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets

Usage in battles

The Vampire is well-known for its ability to turn on a dime, but its incredible manoeuvrability also means that it has poor manoeuvring energy retention. Climbing is important for this plane, as is careful airspeed maintenance. When in a battle situation, it is advisable to always stay above 400 km/h; any slower, and the Vampire will greatly struggle to evade enemy fire.

If the Vampire is able to keep its energy, it becomes one of the best dogfighters at this rank. It can outturn nearly every other jet of its tier, and has a powerful engine to boot. Thanks to its great manoeuvrability, it is often quite easy to line up a shot against the enemy. One common tactic is to try luring the enemy into a turnfight. The Vampire will almost always come out on top. However, never commit to a dogfight if there are multiple enemies nearby. Turning will cause the Vampire's airspeed to fall dramatically, at which point enemies can easily swoop in and destroy it.

It is valuable to note that the Vampire has a low top speed for a jet, at only ~880 km/h. It also tends to compress as higher speeds. The Vampire may have difficulty in chasing down a faster enemy. Also note that firing the main cannon armament causes a downward recoil.

For attacking ground targets, the Vampire can be equipped with either bombs or rockets.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful armament
  • Great manoeuvrability
  • Decent payload options
  • Good cockpit visibility
  • Good at gliding without engine power

Cons:

  • Low top speed and acceleration
  • Weapon create significant recoil
  • Poor dive rate

History

The de Havilland Vampire was an early British jet fighter. Its development began in 1941 and the design boasted several novel features. It was powered by a single turbojet engine in contrast to the twin engined Gloster Meteor due to the availability of more powerful engines; most production Vampires were powered by the Goblin engine, also manufactured by the de Havilland company. The twin-boom tail design allowed the fuselage to be kept short, reducing the length of the jet pipe and maximizing the amount of effective thrust by minimizing energy losses from friction. The air intakes were also located in the wing roots as opposed to directly in front of the engine. The fuselage was largely constructed of balsa wood as on the de Havilland Mosquito. While the Vampire first flew only months after the Meteor in 1943, it arrived too late to see combat in World War II. In Royal Air Force service, the initial Vampire F.1 variant replaced propeller fighters. Later fighter-bomber versions under the "FB" designation were capable of serving ground attack roles, leaving air defence to the better suited Meteor. While the Vampire was not an impressive jet aircraft in terms of speed, climb rate, or range, it was agile and easy to handle. It would ultimately equip 33 air forces over more than 30 years of service. The RAF retired the Vampire from combat roles in 1954 but retained the trainer variants until 1971. The design was developed further into the de Havilland Venom, which had a new engine and wing.

The Vampire FB.52 was an export version of the Vampire FB.6, which itself was sold to and license produced by Switzerland. Compared to the preceding FB.5, the FB.6 had a new Goblin 3 engine offering about 1.1 kN/112 kgf of extra thrust over the Goblin 2. The basic FB.52 was exported to Norway, New Zealand, and other operators. The Vampire FB.52A was a subvariant for Italy with minor differences. According to one source, the Italian Air Force received 51 FB.52As from Britain in 1950, and 195 subsequent aircraft were manufactured locally by Fiat and Macchi. Other sources differ on the production numbers. A considerable number of FB.52As were delivered by Italy to Egypt and possibly Syria from 1955-56.

The Vampire's service in Italian hands was uneventful. They were retired by 1960, being replaced by the F-84 Thunderjet and other aircraft. The Egyptian Air Force used its Vampires, largely consisting of FB.52s and FB.52As, in conflicts with Israel. Several were lost to Israeli Meteors and many were destroyed during the invasion of the Suez Canal in 1956. Afterwards, the Vampires were retired and replaced with Soviet aircraft.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #266 - Metal Beasts section at 00:26 discusses the Vampire FB 52A.
Best twin-boom aircraft discusses the Vampire FB 52A at 05:18 - War Thunder Official Channel
This is One Fun Jet! - WhooptieDo
When Italians get their hands on [sic] British jet - HowToPlay1337

See also

  • Vampire FB 5: An equivalent in the British tech tree
  • J28B: An equivalent in the Swedish tech tree

External links


De Havilland Aircraft Company Limited
Fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Mosquito FB Mk VI · Mosquito FB Mk XVIII
Jet fighters  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Export  ␗Mosquito FB.Mk.26 · ▄Vampire FB 52A(Italy) · ▄Vampire FB 52A(Finland) · A28B

Italy jet aircraft
Aerfer  Sagittario 2 · Ariete
Fiat  G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 R/4 (Portugal) · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
AMX International  AMX · AMX A-1A (Brazil)
Panavia  Tornado ADV · ▄Tornado IDS · ▄Tornado IDS (1995)
  Foreign:
Vampire  Vampire FB 52A
F-84  ▄F-84F · ▄F-84G-21-RE
F-86  CL-13 Mk.4 · ▄F-86K
F-104  ▄F-104G · F-104S · ▄F-104S TAF (Turkey) · F-104S.ASA
F-16  ▄F-16A ADF
AV-8  ▄AV-8B Plus
Hungary 
Mikoyan-Gurevich  ◔MiG-15bis · ◔MiG-17PF · ◔MiG-21MF · ◔MiG-21bis-SAU · ◔MiG-23MF · ◔MiG-29
Ilyushin  ◔IL-28
Sukhoi  ◔Su-22M3
Saab  ◔JAS39EBS HU C

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