Difference between revisions of "F2A-1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=f2a-1}}
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{{About
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| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other versions
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| link = F2A (Family)
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}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=f2a-1
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
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|cockpit=cockpit_f2a-1.jpg
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}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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The Brewster F2A Buffalo was a revolutionary carrier-based monoplane designed to replace the outdated biplanes that were previously in service with the United States Navy. It was introduced as a much-needed upgrade to the fleet's aircraft, boasting impressive features such as a 950 horsepower engine and a total of four machine guns. The armament of the F2A-1 was distributed across different parts of the aircraft, with two machine guns of different calibers (a .50 cal or 12.7 mm and a .30 cal or 7.62 mm) situated in the nose, and two more machine guns on each wing, making it a formidable fighter.
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The Brewster F2A Buffalo was a popular aircraft not only in the United States but also in many other countries. In fact, the Finnish Air Force was highly successful with [[B-239 (Sweden)|theirs]], and they managed to take down numerous Soviet fighters using this aircraft. However, by the time World War II began and the Attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, the F2A-1 was outclassed by the Japanese [[A6M2]] and [[Ki-43-I|Ki-43s]], which were much more advanced and formidable opponents.
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In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, one of the Brewster F2A Buffalo's most significant advantages is its balance of speed and manoeuvrability. It is capable of outrunning biplanes and can out-turn most monoplanes. The F2A-1's armament of .50 calibre machine guns also allows it to pack a serious punch in combat. As a result, this plane is ideal for getting a pilot accustomed to the American style of playing using the "Boom & Zoom" tactic.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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=== Flight Performance ===
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=== Flight performance ===
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''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
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<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
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! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,600 m)
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! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
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! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
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! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
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|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
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! Stock
 +
| 482 || 468 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.1 || 19.8 || 7.8 || 7.8 || rowspan="2" | 250
 +
|-
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! Upgraded
 +
| 527 || 504 || 17.4 || 18.2 || 14.8 || 10.9
 +
|-
 +
|}
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 +
==== Details ====
 +
[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 001.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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|-
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! colspan="5" | Features
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|-
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
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| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
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|-
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|}
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 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
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|-
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! colspan="7" | Limits
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|-
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! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
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! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
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! colspan="2" | Max Static G
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|-
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
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| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~12 || ~4
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|-
 +
|}
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 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 405 || < 400 || < 380 || > 306
 +
|-
 +
|}
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 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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|-
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! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
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|-
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! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
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! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
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| 1,800 m || 860 hp || 963 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
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! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
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| 4,650 m || 760 hp || 851 hp
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
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''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
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 +
* No armour
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)
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 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
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== Weaponry ==
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== Armaments ==
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=== Offensive weaponry ===
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{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
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''Describe the offensive weaponry 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.''
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=== Offensive armament ===
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
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<!-- ''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|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
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=== Suspended weaponry ===
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
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''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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.''
 
  
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=== Defensive weaponry ===
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* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (250 rpg)
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''Defensive weaponry 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 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (450 rpg)
  
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== Usage in the battles ==
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== Usage in battles ==
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''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''
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<!-- ''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).'' -->
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[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 002.png|400px|thumb|right|An '''{{PAGENAME}}''' rolling with a Japanese A6M2.]]
 +
The best way to fly this aircraft would be as a Boom & Zoom or ''energy fighter''; it can outrun most aircraft it faces unless it is up-tiered and faces something like the [[Bf 109 F-1]]. In such a scenario the best way to destroy more advanced vehicles is through boom and zoom tactics.
 +
 
 +
In '''Arcade''', there is no need to worry about ammo count as much as in Realistic Battles (RB) and Simulator (SB) since the planes can reload in the air. The target-lead indicator, which shows approximately where their enemy plane will be when the bullets reach the target, also assists aiming. For Arcade, the ammo belts are really useful, it is suggested to use Omni-purpose ammo for the .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine gun and Stealth for the .30 cal (7.62 mm) machine gun. However, another option is to try going all stealth so the F2A can surprise the enemy with bullets they can't see. There are a variety of enemy planes that the F2A-1 faces, ranging from biplanes to low-rank monoplanes.
 +
 
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In the common low-rank Arcade Battle, fur-balls at low altitude are very common, with planes trying to get on each other's tail, a perfect set up for a Boom & Zoomer like the Buffalo. First set the attack angle, which could be from directly above the enemy that is targeted, or from behind (it should be priority to target enemy planes that are chasing friendly planes or for a dangerous threat like [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3s]], [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3s]], [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricanes]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109s]] or other Buffaloes). Once the F2A has made a pass on the enemy plane, what happens next depends on the identity of the target. If the attack didn't destroy them on the first pass, and the enemy is a biplane, then keep up the speed and vacant the area, and set up another pass. If the enemy is a monoplane in the same situation, the F2A can choose to either clear the area, or turn onto their tail, but it is advisable to leave the area and check whether the enemy noticed the attacking F2A. If not, and he is chasing a friendly aircraft or going for ground targets, then latch on to his tail and shoot him down!
 +
 
 +
In '''Realistic Battles & Simulator Battles''', most of the tactics against fighters would be the same as in Arcade, only with a few restrictions.
 +
 
 +
# Do not dive too fast, the F2A won't be able to pull up or the plane's wings will break.
 +
# No Enemy-Lead indicator, pilot skill and intuition will be required to estimate where the enemy plane will be when the bullets reach the targets.
 +
# Very limited ammo, plus the armament isn't reliable outside of 400 m.
 +
 
 +
So how does one play this in RB with all these drawbacks? A few very simple things will help with those problems: at the beginning of the match in RB, climb at about a 15 degree angle until about 3,000 - 4,000 m in altitude. When an enemy is spotted, if a biplane the F2A will have to take up a Boom & Zoom tactic, do not attempt to turn fight. If the enemy is a monoplane, turn-fighting can be a valid tactic; unless they are the British [[Hurricane (Family)|Hurricane]] or Japanese [[A5M4|A5M]] (not to be confused with the [[A6M2|A6M]], which is much superior to the Buffalo) or [[Ki-43-I|Ki-43]], then do not turn fight these monoplanes. For the most part, Soviet monoplanes are safe to turn fight ([[I-16 (Family)|I-16s]], [[MiG-3 (Family)|MiG-3s]] and [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3s]]). When diving on an enemy, put the throttle to 0% so the F2A does not accelerate too fast. If a shot can't be gained on the enemy, pull out by putting throttle at 100% and point the nose up to gain altitude. Once on the tail of an enemy, no matter the plane, open fire only at close ranges, firing at 300 m or less will help conserve ammo and lessens the need to lead your aim, therefore making each shot more effective.
 +
[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 004.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
 +
Surprisingly, especially at its BR, the Buffalo can be effectively used as a CAS fighter in '''Ground RB'''. Using the armour piercing rounds for the M2, this plane can not only destroy soft targets such as open-top AA vehicles, but also damage a majority of its tanks in its BR from the top. For maximum efficiency, after spawning in the Buffalo, increase altitude to around 1,500 m to 2,000 m, scouting potential ground targets and/or incoming air threats (enemy dive bombers like the [[Ju 87 (Family)|Ju87]] with heavy bomb loads must be a priority target as it can cause a lot of damage to your allies). If the skies are clear, drop the throttle to 0%, dive down at an enemy (preferably in a vertical angle to minimise the enemy [[Armour#Armour_angling|armours' angling effect]]) and send your .50 calibre rounds right through the enemy's turret. With the Buffalo's superior firepower, you will most likely disable, or if you are lucky, knock out the enemy with a single pass. As you exit the pass, throttle your engine to WEP as you climb back to your original altitude. Rinse and repeat, you will be a formidable threat to your enemies.
 +
 
 +
This can apply to all three game-modes: When someone is on the F2A's tail and bullets fly past the plane, with the right altitude, make a short steep dive. With that little dive, it can dodge enemy bullets and it gives an opportunity to take a look back at the offending enemy. If the aircraft is a biplane, continue the dive and get out of range of their guns. If it is a monoplane, attempt to turn fight, but the F2A is still effective in diving away from even faster monoplanes, which will be effective against manoeuvrable monoplanes like the Hurricane and A5M4. Learning the gun sounds also helps, sometimes the sound will help identify the enemy plane so as to make a move more instinctively.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
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<!-- ''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Fairly fast
 +
* Manoeuvrable compared to most monoplanes it can face
 +
* Good diver
 +
* Good climber (ironic since it was considered overweight in real life)
 +
* Can land on a carrier
 +
* Powerful .50 cal machine guns
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Tail damage usually results in the rudder and elevators flying off
−
''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* No armour-plating or armour for the pilot
 +
* The telescopic sight is a bit of an annoyance in the first-person view (ex. simulator battles), as these have to be used when zoomed in
 +
* The majority of biplanes the plane faces have better turn times
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
{{main|F2A-1/History|l1=History of the F2A-1}}
 +
[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 003.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
 +
The Brewster F2A-1 buffalo was designed to replace the Grumman F3F biplane fighter. In a competition between the Grumman XF4F1 and the XF2A-1 (the P-35 lost early on), the XF2A-1 won as it was more advanced than the Grumman aircraft, so it went into production as F2A-1.
 +
 
 +
Although the F2A buffalo fought only a few battles with the US military, it fought important ones. In the Battle of Midway, it was one of the main fighter planes of the US fleet (the other being the F4F Wildcat), it played an important role, but its performance showed that it was no match to the A6M, and was soon replaced by more advanced F6Fs and F4U Corsairs.
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 +
Many nations acquired the F2A in their air forces, the most successful country with the type was Finland. From January to February 1940, the Finns received their F2A-1s (designated B239), receiving 44 in total. During the Continuation War, the Finnish Air Force was highly successful with the type, they developed tactics that the Soviets couldn't counter. One tactic they used was baiting, where 2 Buffaloes flew low and acted as bait, while 2 others dive on attacking enemy planes. In the Continuation War, Squadron 24 of Finland, some sources state, had a victory ratio of 26:1. Buffaloes of 24 Squadron claimed 477 confirmed kills to 15 Buffaloes destroyed.
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 +
{{break}}
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{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
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The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first monoplane carrier-based fighter that served in the American fleet. The aircraft had an all-metal construction, with the exception of the control surfaces, which were covered with cloth.
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In 1935, the U.S. Navy announced a competition to create a carrier-based fighter which was to replace the obsolete biplanes. The competition was won by the Brewster company and mass production of their F2A began in the summer of 1938. Of the 55 F2A-1s produced, only 11 entered service in the U.S. Finland, which was less demanding than other countries with regards to fighter specs, purchased the rest of the planes, which were then slightly altered for use on airfields.
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 +
The F2A-2 variant had a more powerful engine and a pitched Curtiss Electric propeller. The subsequent F2A-3 had a stronger chassis and larger fuel tank. This last modification increased the aircraft's weight significantly, and the engine did not provide sufficient power, making the F2A-3 inferior even to the F2A-2 in handling and speed.
 +
 
 +
The F2A was exported to a number of countries, including Finland and Great Britain.
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 +
Of the 509 Buffaloes built, 107 were F2A-3s and 20 were B-439s (an export model of the F2A-3 transferred to the Dutch West Indies).
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
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 +
;Notable pilots
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 +
[[File:Ilmari_Juutilainen_portrait.jpg|thumb|none|300px|link=User:U64962917#Juutilainen, Ilmari.|Finnish Air Force pilot [[User:U64962917#Juutilainen, Ilmari.|Ilmari Juutilainen]] commented that the Buffalo (US export Finnish B-239) was easy to fly, describing it as a "gentelman's touring plane", though when needed the aircraft performed and helped Juutilainen score 34 (of his 94) victories.]]
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f2a-1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|aBGRGu-o9us|'''The Shooting Range #3''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F2A.}}
  
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== Read 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.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[F2A (Family)]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303474-brewster-f2a-1-1939/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Brewster}}
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Latest revision as of 01:01, 1 September 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the American fighter F2A-1. For other versions, see F2A (Family).
F2A-1
f2a-1.png
GarageImage F2A-1.jpg
ArtImage F2A-1.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/3/3c/Cockpit_f2a-1.jpg
F2A-1
USA flag.png USA
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 2.0 2.0
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was a revolutionary carrier-based monoplane designed to replace the outdated biplanes that were previously in service with the United States Navy. It was introduced as a much-needed upgrade to the fleet's aircraft, boasting impressive features such as a 950 horsepower engine and a total of four machine guns. The armament of the F2A-1 was distributed across different parts of the aircraft, with two machine guns of different calibers (a .50 cal or 12.7 mm and a .30 cal or 7.62 mm) situated in the nose, and two more machine guns on each wing, making it a formidable fighter.

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was a popular aircraft not only in the United States but also in many other countries. In fact, the Finnish Air Force was highly successful with theirs, and they managed to take down numerous Soviet fighters using this aircraft. However, by the time World War II began and the Attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, the F2A-1 was outclassed by the Japanese A6M2 and Ki-43s, which were much more advanced and formidable opponents.

In the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27, one of the Brewster F2A Buffalo's most significant advantages is its balance of speed and manoeuvrability. It is capable of outrunning biplanes and can out-turn most monoplanes. The F2A-1's armament of .50 calibre machine guns also allows it to pack a serious punch in combat. As a result, this plane is ideal for getting a pilot accustomed to the American style of playing using the "Boom & Zoom" tactic.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 4 600 m504 km/h
Turn time18 s
Max altitude8 000 m
EngineWright Cyclone R-1820-34
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,600 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 482 468 8000 19.1 19.8 7.8 7.8 250
Upgraded 527 504 17.4 18.2 14.8 10.9

Details

F2A-1 an trn 26 001.png
Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
761 720 437 408 260 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 405 < 400 < 380 > 306
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,800 m 860 hp 963 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,650 m 760 hp 851 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural761 km/h
Gear720 km/h
  • No armour
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB156 → 212 Sl icon.png
RB333 → 452 Sl icon.png
SB414 → 563 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 440 Rp icon.png
2 680 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 30 / 60 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg30_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
360 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 13 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 050 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Weapon 27.62 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition450 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main articles: M2 Browning (12.7 mm), Browning (7.62 mm)

The F2A-1 is armed with:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (250 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (450 rpg)

Usage in battles

An F2A-1 rolling with a Japanese A6M2.

The best way to fly this aircraft would be as a Boom & Zoom or energy fighter; it can outrun most aircraft it faces unless it is up-tiered and faces something like the Bf 109 F-1. In such a scenario the best way to destroy more advanced vehicles is through boom and zoom tactics.

In Arcade, there is no need to worry about ammo count as much as in Realistic Battles (RB) and Simulator (SB) since the planes can reload in the air. The target-lead indicator, which shows approximately where their enemy plane will be when the bullets reach the target, also assists aiming. For Arcade, the ammo belts are really useful, it is suggested to use Omni-purpose ammo for the .50 calibre (12.7 mm) machine gun and Stealth for the .30 cal (7.62 mm) machine gun. However, another option is to try going all stealth so the F2A can surprise the enemy with bullets they can't see. There are a variety of enemy planes that the F2A-1 faces, ranging from biplanes to low-rank monoplanes.

In the common low-rank Arcade Battle, fur-balls at low altitude are very common, with planes trying to get on each other's tail, a perfect set up for a Boom & Zoomer like the Buffalo. First set the attack angle, which could be from directly above the enemy that is targeted, or from behind (it should be priority to target enemy planes that are chasing friendly planes or for a dangerous threat like MiG-3s, LaGG-3s, Hurricanes, Bf 109s or other Buffaloes). Once the F2A has made a pass on the enemy plane, what happens next depends on the identity of the target. If the attack didn't destroy them on the first pass, and the enemy is a biplane, then keep up the speed and vacant the area, and set up another pass. If the enemy is a monoplane in the same situation, the F2A can choose to either clear the area, or turn onto their tail, but it is advisable to leave the area and check whether the enemy noticed the attacking F2A. If not, and he is chasing a friendly aircraft or going for ground targets, then latch on to his tail and shoot him down!

In Realistic Battles & Simulator Battles, most of the tactics against fighters would be the same as in Arcade, only with a few restrictions.

  1. Do not dive too fast, the F2A won't be able to pull up or the plane's wings will break.
  2. No Enemy-Lead indicator, pilot skill and intuition will be required to estimate where the enemy plane will be when the bullets reach the targets.
  3. Very limited ammo, plus the armament isn't reliable outside of 400 m.

So how does one play this in RB with all these drawbacks? A few very simple things will help with those problems: at the beginning of the match in RB, climb at about a 15 degree angle until about 3,000 - 4,000 m in altitude. When an enemy is spotted, if a biplane the F2A will have to take up a Boom & Zoom tactic, do not attempt to turn fight. If the enemy is a monoplane, turn-fighting can be a valid tactic; unless they are the British Hurricane or Japanese A5M (not to be confused with the A6M, which is much superior to the Buffalo) or Ki-43, then do not turn fight these monoplanes. For the most part, Soviet monoplanes are safe to turn fight (I-16s, MiG-3s and LaGG-3s). When diving on an enemy, put the throttle to 0% so the F2A does not accelerate too fast. If a shot can't be gained on the enemy, pull out by putting throttle at 100% and point the nose up to gain altitude. Once on the tail of an enemy, no matter the plane, open fire only at close ranges, firing at 300 m or less will help conserve ammo and lessens the need to lead your aim, therefore making each shot more effective.

F2A-1 an trn 26 004.png

Surprisingly, especially at its BR, the Buffalo can be effectively used as a CAS fighter in Ground RB. Using the armour piercing rounds for the M2, this plane can not only destroy soft targets such as open-top AA vehicles, but also damage a majority of its tanks in its BR from the top. For maximum efficiency, after spawning in the Buffalo, increase altitude to around 1,500 m to 2,000 m, scouting potential ground targets and/or incoming air threats (enemy dive bombers like the Ju87 with heavy bomb loads must be a priority target as it can cause a lot of damage to your allies). If the skies are clear, drop the throttle to 0%, dive down at an enemy (preferably in a vertical angle to minimise the enemy armours' angling effect) and send your .50 calibre rounds right through the enemy's turret. With the Buffalo's superior firepower, you will most likely disable, or if you are lucky, knock out the enemy with a single pass. As you exit the pass, throttle your engine to WEP as you climb back to your original altitude. Rinse and repeat, you will be a formidable threat to your enemies.

This can apply to all three game-modes: When someone is on the F2A's tail and bullets fly past the plane, with the right altitude, make a short steep dive. With that little dive, it can dodge enemy bullets and it gives an opportunity to take a look back at the offending enemy. If the aircraft is a biplane, continue the dive and get out of range of their guns. If it is a monoplane, attempt to turn fight, but the F2A is still effective in diving away from even faster monoplanes, which will be effective against manoeuvrable monoplanes like the Hurricane and A5M4. Learning the gun sounds also helps, sometimes the sound will help identify the enemy plane so as to make a move more instinctively.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fairly fast
  • Manoeuvrable compared to most monoplanes it can face
  • Good diver
  • Good climber (ironic since it was considered overweight in real life)
  • Can land on a carrier
  • Powerful .50 cal machine guns

Cons:

  • Tail damage usually results in the rudder and elevators flying off
  • No armour-plating or armour for the pilot
  • The telescopic sight is a bit of an annoyance in the first-person view (ex. simulator battles), as these have to be used when zoomed in
  • The majority of biplanes the plane faces have better turn times

History

Main article: History of the F2A-1
F2A-1 an trn 26 003.png

The Brewster F2A-1 buffalo was designed to replace the Grumman F3F biplane fighter. In a competition between the Grumman XF4F1 and the XF2A-1 (the P-35 lost early on), the XF2A-1 won as it was more advanced than the Grumman aircraft, so it went into production as F2A-1.

Although the F2A buffalo fought only a few battles with the US military, it fought important ones. In the Battle of Midway, it was one of the main fighter planes of the US fleet (the other being the F4F Wildcat), it played an important role, but its performance showed that it was no match to the A6M, and was soon replaced by more advanced F6Fs and F4U Corsairs.

Many nations acquired the F2A in their air forces, the most successful country with the type was Finland. From January to February 1940, the Finns received their F2A-1s (designated B239), receiving 44 in total. During the Continuation War, the Finnish Air Force was highly successful with the type, they developed tactics that the Soviets couldn't counter. One tactic they used was baiting, where 2 Buffaloes flew low and acted as bait, while 2 others dive on attacking enemy planes. In the Continuation War, Squadron 24 of Finland, some sources state, had a victory ratio of 26:1. Buffaloes of 24 Squadron claimed 477 confirmed kills to 15 Buffaloes destroyed.


Archive of the in-game description

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first monoplane carrier-based fighter that served in the American fleet. The aircraft had an all-metal construction, with the exception of the control surfaces, which were covered with cloth.

In 1935, the U.S. Navy announced a competition to create a carrier-based fighter which was to replace the obsolete biplanes. The competition was won by the Brewster company and mass production of their F2A began in the summer of 1938. Of the 55 F2A-1s produced, only 11 entered service in the U.S. Finland, which was less demanding than other countries with regards to fighter specs, purchased the rest of the planes, which were then slightly altered for use on airfields.

The F2A-2 variant had a more powerful engine and a pitched Curtiss Electric propeller. The subsequent F2A-3 had a stronger chassis and larger fuel tank. This last modification increased the aircraft's weight significantly, and the engine did not provide sufficient power, making the F2A-3 inferior even to the F2A-2 in handling and speed.

The F2A was exported to a number of countries, including Finland and Great Britain.

Of the 509 Buffaloes built, 107 were F2A-3s and 20 were B-439s (an export model of the F2A-3 transferred to the Dutch West Indies).


Notable pilots
Finnish Air Force pilot Ilmari Juutilainen commented that the Buffalo (US export Finnish B-239) was easy to fly, describing it as a "gentelman's touring plane", though when needed the aircraft performed and helped Juutilainen score 34 (of his 94) victories.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #3 - Pages of History section at 04:06 discusses the F2A.

See also

Related development

External links


Brewster Aeronautical Corporation
Fighters  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
Export  ▄B-239

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

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