Difference between revisions of "F2A-1"

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{{About
 +
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = F2A (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=f2a-1
 
|code=f2a-1
−
|cockpit=333641/1107883
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
−
}}
+
|cockpit=cockpit_f2a-1.jpg
−
{{About
 
−
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| other
 
−
| usage-1 = the premium version
 
−
| link-1 = Thach's F2A-1
 
−
| usage-2 = the other version
 
−
| link-2 = F2A-3
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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]]
+
The Brewster F2A Buffalo was a revolutionary carrier-based monoplane designed to replace the outdated biplanes that were previously in service with the United States Navy.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.
−
{{break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
  
−
The Brewster F2A Buffalo was the first carrier-based monoplane of the US fleet, made to replace the outdated biplanes in service with the US Navy. It had a 950 horsepower engine and a total of four machine guns. The nose armament consists of two machine guns of different calibre, a 0.50 calibre (12.7 mm) and a 0.30 calibre (7.62 mm). Each wing is also equipped with a 0.50 calibre for two more machine guns. Many countries ordered the Buffalo, including the Finnish Air Force which was highly successful with theirs against Russian fighters. But by the time WW2 started, and the Attack on Pearl Harbor, the F2A was outclassed by the Japanese [[A6M2]] and [[Ki-43-I|Ki-43s]].
+
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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The F2A-1 is a competitive machine if using the proper tactics versus the proper enemy. The Buffalo can outrun biplanes and can out-turn most monoplanes. This plane will get a pilot used to the American style of playing using Boom & Zoom, and armaments of .50 calibre machine guns.
+
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 ==
 
=== 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"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,600 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,600 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| 484 || 468 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.1 || 19.7 || 7.8 || 7.8 || 250
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,600 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! 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
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 482 || 468 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.1 || 19.8 || 7.8 || 7.8 || rowspan="2" | 250
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 527 || 504 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 17.4 || 18.2 || 14.8 || 10.9 || 250
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 527 || 504 || 17.4 || 18.2 || 14.8 || 10.9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
[[File:F2A-1 an trn 26 001.png|400px|thumb|right|]]
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| 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)
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! 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}} || 460 || ~11 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 405 || < 400 || < 380 || > 306
 
| < 405 || < 400 || < 380 || > 306
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=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* No armour
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in each wing)
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
+
{{main|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg)
+
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (250 rpg)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
+
* 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)
 
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (450 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''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 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).'' -->
 +
[[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.
 
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.
  
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# Do not dive too fast, the F2A won't be able to pull up or the plane's wings will break.
 
# 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.
 
# 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 meters.
+
# 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, Russian 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 meters or less will help conserve ammo and lessens the need to lead your aim, therefore making each shot more effective.
 
  
 +
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.
 
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.
  
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! Type
 
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 12 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 12 mm MGs
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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* Good climber (ironic since it was considered overweight in real life)
 
* Good climber (ironic since it was considered overweight in real life)
 
* Can land on a carrier
 
* Can land on a carrier
−
* Powerful .50 calibre machine guns
+
* Powerful .50 cal machine guns
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 +
* Tail damage usually results in the rudder and elevators flying off
 
* No armour-plating or armour for the pilot
 
* 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 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
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== 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 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.
+
{{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 (along with the other planes) in the Battle of Midway, and showed that the F2A and F4F were no match to the A6M, and were soon replaced by more advanced F6Fs and F4U Corsairs.
+
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 Russians 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.-->
+
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.
  
−
The Brewster Buffalo - in all its variants - holds two very contradictory distinctions: by some it is considered to have been the ''worst fighter plane of World War II'', while at the very same time one singular airframe of its production holds the distinction of being the ''top scoring fighter aircraft of World War II''.
+
{{break}}
 +
{{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'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
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.
  
−
The Brewster F2A, or as it was most commonly known, the Brewster Buffalo first flew in December 1937 as a replacement for the US Navy's biplane fighters. It was the winning design of a competition, which saw three contenders: Grumman, which originally submitted the XF4F-1 biplane fighter but later replaced their entry with the redesigned XF4F-2 monoplane fighter; the Seversky XFNF-1 navalised version of the P-35; and the Brewster XF2A-1. Out of the three, the XF4F-2 was faster but the XF2A-1 was more manoeuvrable, leading the company to win a contract for 54 fighter aircraft.  When it entered service in 1939, the Brewster F2A-1 was the US Navy's first monoplane and was a highly promising design.  However, like many pre-war designs, reality soon overtook the design.
+
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.
  
−
Problems with the Brewster Buffalo started with the fact it had been built by the Brewster Aircraft Corporation, originally an aviation subcontractor with little experience in the construction of aircraft.  Having previously only designed the Brewster SBA scout bomber - a design which would enter service ''after'' the Buffalo and which would have a short and indistinct career - it proceeded on designing the XF2A prototype. While this was promising in the type trails, its design hid the fact that Brewster lacked the required know-how to build a naval fighter.  Unfamiliar with how to build a folding wing, Brewster circumvented the problem by giving the F2A a short span wing with integrated fuel tanks, which made the type a nimble fighter but ultimately impacted on its climb speed and future performance.  The integrated fuel tanks, in turn, made it difficult to repair combat damage: any leaks had to be repaired by taking the entire wing apart. Never having built a naval fighter before, Brewster did not anticipate the forces to which the landing gear would be subjected, and designed it too weak.  The decision to design the airframe around the Wright Cyclone engine ultimately meant that it could not be upgraded to more powerful engine designs such as the Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp series.  But ultimately, the biggest mistake Brewster made was not predicting future requirements for the type, and designing it without future modifications in mind.  Additionally, Brewster's production facilities - a former car factory with production taking place on multiple storeys, requiring sub-assemblies to be transported by lift - meant that the company could not build aircraft as fast as other companies.  Finally, problems with quality control would lead to serious issues in the type's service life.
+
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.
  
−
'''The XF2A, F2A-1 and B-239 Buffalo'''
+
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}}
  
−
As designed, the XF2A prototype had a nose-mounted twin-gun armament (one 0.3 and one 0.5 inch gun), but additional requirements saw the initial production model modified with a four-gun armament (one 0.3 and three 0.5 inch guns) and naval equipment.  Even these relatively minor modifications already had a considerable impact on the F2A-1 production model's performance, and when severe delays started hitting the delivery timetable with only 5 out of 54 aircraft delivered by November of 1939, the US Navy saw itself forced to reconsider the results of its contest, with an order being placed for Grumman's competing F4F-3 Wildcat.
+
;Notable pilots
  
−
The outbreak of World War II in Europe saw a number of countries making urgent orders for any available combat aircraft, and it is at this point of its history that Finland, at the eve of its Winter War with the Soviet Union (November 30th 1939 - March 13th 1940), placed an order for ''any'' type the US Government agreed to release.  44 F2A-1 aircraft were released for export to Finland as the de-navalised Brewster B-239 variant, with a slightly more powerful engine (950 hp compared to the F2A-1's 940 hp); but Finland's requirements meant the B-239 was almost 800 lb heavier than the US Navy's F2A-1 (5820 lb compared to the F2A-1's 5055 lb).  In return for the 44 F2A-1's released for export, 44 improved F2A-2's were ordered for the US Navy.  However, Brewster's slow production meant the first of these B-239s only reached Finland by the time the Winter War had ended.
+
[[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.]]
  
−
Events meant that Finland's Buffalos ended up entering combat service in the Continuation War which began in June of 1941, fighting against the Soviet Union on the Axis side.  Initially superior to anything they encountered, the Finnish Buffalos were also successful through the use of superior combat tactics that could not be countered by the Soviets.  Their success in combat started to wane from 1943 onwards when they started encountering new Soviet designs such as the Lavochkin La-5; additionally the lack of spares started to severely impact on their serviceability. By the end of the Second World War only 8 Finnish Buffalos remained airworthy; the last 5 flew on until 1948 when they were put into reserve, only to be scrapped unceremoniously in 1953. In Finnish service, the Brewster B-239 Buffalo scored 477 kills for just 15 losses - a victory ratio of 26 to 1; additionally Finnish Buffalo ''BW-364'' became the highest-scoring single fighter plane of World War II or any conflict with 42 1/2 confirmed kills.
+
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
 +
;Skins
  
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'''The F2A-2 and B-339 Buffalo'''
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f2a-1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
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The F2A-2 Buffalo saw the original 940 hp Wright Cyclone engine of the F2A-1 replaced by a 1200 hp variant, driven by a pitched Curtiss Electric propeller; additionally its armament and armour was upgraded. While the F2A-2, would never fire its guns in anger in US service, its export models ended up bearing the brunt of the action both in South-East Asia.
+
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|aBGRGu-o9us|'''The Shooting Range #3''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:06 discusses the F2A.}}
  
−
The first export customer for the F2A-2 was Belgium, which ordered 40 B-339B's; just as the first aircraft arrived, Belgium fell under German occupation, and the next six aircraft were diverted to French Martinique where they were stored out in the open and eventually scrapped.  The balance of 33 was diverted to the United Kingdom, who briefly used them on Crete and in Egypt where they proved to be inferior compared to Axis types, before relegating survivors to maintenance training units.
+
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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The United Kingdom also ordered 170 B-339E's for use in South-East Asia, having found the type unsuited for service in Europe but thinking it would be sufficient for use against 'inferior' Japanese types such as the [[A5M4|A5M 'Claude']] and [[Ki-27_otsu|Ki-27 'Nate']].  They were assigned to RAF, RAAF and RNZAF squadrons for the defence of Malaya and Singapore.
+
;Related development
  
−
At the same time, the Netherlands ordered 144 model B-339C and B-339D’s for use in the Netherlands East Indies, the former fitted with refurbished civilian 1000 hp engines, the latter with more powerful military 1200 hp engines.  As events turned out, only 24 B-339C’s and 47 B-339D’s ended up being delivered.
+
* [[F2A (Family)]]
−
 
 
−
In service, both the Dutch and English Buffalos ended up being routed by the Japanese during their assault on Malaya, Singapore and the Netherlands East Indies.  While they were capable to combat the Ki-27 ‘Nate’ on relatively even terms if them managed to get airborne in time, they were outperformed by the newer [[Ki-43-I|Ki-43 ‘Oscar’]].  The main issue with both the Dutch and English Buffalos was not as much their performance, but the fact that they lacked any early warning systems, meaning their fighter aircraft often had little warning of incoming raids and thus started combat at a distinct disadvantage.  The known construction issues such as the weak landing gear and difficult repairs to fuel tanks meant attrition was high and aircraft often became unavailable when they sustained combat damage that was easier to repair on other types.  As a result of this, nearly all of the Dutch and English Buffalos were lost in three months of combat, with just 6 (out of 170) English and 4 (out of 71) Dutch Buffalos remaining airworthy by the beginning of March 1942.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''The F2A-3 and B-339-23/B-439 Buffalo'''
 
−
 
 
−
New sets of US Navy requirements saw the F2A-2 design modified into the [[F2A-3]], with the integral wing fuel tanks improved so they were self-sealing; additionally, a new fuel tank was added in the nose, which saw the fuselage lengthened in front of the wing.  This increased the type’s range, but the addition of more fuel, protective armour and the possibility to carry underwing armament severely impacted on the type’s performance, which was still fitted with the same engine as the F2A-2.  Worse, the increased weight did not do the failure-prone landing gear any good, and soon the US Navy came to the conclusion that the F2A-3 Buffalo had reached its development limits.  The 108 aircraft built were soon relegated either to training purposes or handed down to the US Marines.  These aircraft would be the only Brewster Buffalos to see combat wearing US colours, first being bloodied in the interception of a [[H6K4|H6K ‘Emily’]] near Midway on March 10th 1942.  But they would go on to become infamous for their role during the Battle of Midway, where 13 out of 19 Buffalos were shot down in an unequal dogfight.  Following this rout, surviving aircraft were relegated to stateside training units, remaining in service until 1944.
 
−
 
 
−
A de-navalised version of the F2A-3 was built for the Netherlands East Indies Air Force, known as the Brewster B-339-23 or B-439, however it arrived too late to see any service in the Netherlands East Indies.  Instead, these aircraft were diverted to Australia where they were initially used as reconnaissance aircraft by the RAAF, before some were re-appropriated by the USAAF for use as base hacks and liaison aircraft.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
'''Evaluating the Brewster Buffalo'''
 
−
 
 
−
So why did the Brewster Buffalo prove to be a success in Finnish hands, yet a disaster when used by nearly anybody else?
 
−
 
 
−
First it is important to consider the difference between all of the types.  The US F2A-1 and its equivalent Finnish B-239 were the earliest variants available of the type, before numerous modifications added considerable weight to the design.  Even so, the power-to-weight ratio remained around 0.16 hp/lb throughout its career.  However, the increase of weight meant that the wing loading gradually increased over the various variants, from 24 lb/ft² on the F2A-1 variant to 34 lb/ft²  on the F2A-3, making the later variants far less agile.
 
−
 
 
−
The main difference, however, was in the combat use of these aircraft.  The Finnish Air Force was the only air force to consistently use the Brewster Buffalo under conditions where it enjoyed a distinct advantage.  For the first two years of their use, the Finnish Buffalos were confronted by aircraft of which performance matched theirs, but whose pilots did not enjoy the same quality of training or use of tactics.  Generally, Finnish pilots were able to maintain the advantage in their encounters with their Soviet opponents, through the use of better early warning systems, and by entering combat with a height advantage.  It was only when Soviet pilots with improved training and superior aircraft started entering service in 1943 that the Brewster Buffalos started to lose their advantage  in combat.
 
−
 
 
−
This was not the case the Buffalos used by the British, Dutch and Americans.  In their service against the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, the B-339 and F2A-3 not only had to combat enemy aircraft that were both technically superior and present in superior numbers, but also aircraft which almost always encountered them with a distinct advantage.  The lack of advanced warning robbed the defending Brewsters in South East Asia and the Pacific of any combat advantage; additionally these Japanese fighters were usually manned by combat veterans, while the Brewsters’ pilots were relative novices.  For example, the infamous encounter over Midway saw combat-hardened veterans of the Imperial Japanese Army battle US Marines pilots of which over half had just been transferred straight out of flight school; the F2A-3s involved flew alongside [[F4F-3]] Wildcats which performed just as badly under the same circumstances.  Combat experience in Malaya showed the British that reducing the amount of ammunition and fuel carried significantly improved the Brewsters’ performance against their Japanese opponents, but these lessons came too late to make any difference to the outcome of their use in combat.
 
−
 
 
−
Overall, it can be considered that the Brewster Buffalo was a fighter type which, while modern at the time of its conception, had been caught out both by shortcomings in its design and manufacture, as well as by the rapid developments in aviation in the late 1930s.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
=== 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).
 
−
 
 
−
== Media ==
 
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 
−
 
 
−
== See also ==
 
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
−
 
 
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
  
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303474-brewster-f2a-1-1939/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Brewster}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}

Latest revision as of 01:01, 1 September 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C 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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