Difference between revisions of "Hornet Mk.III"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].
+
The DH.103 Hornet was a twin engine fighter developed by the de Havilland Company as a successor to the DH.98 Mosquito. The aircraft was introduced into the RAF at the end of World War II with the intention of being used in the Pacific Theatre against the Japanese Empire. It had notably long range, which was an excellent choice for covering large portions of land and sea in the colonies far from Europe. The aircraft was also used in strike missions during the Malayan Emergency, and it served from 1946-1956. The Hornet Mk.III was the most common variant of the Hornet with a total of 132 built.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]], the Hornet sits at a BR where it can face both jets and very high-performance piston engine fighters. Common threats for the Hornet are the P-51H, the Bf 109 K, and early jets such as the F-80C and F-2H Banshee. The Hornet starts with an air defence fighter spawn. This allows the Hornet to climb to very high altitudes from the beginning of the match and have a good position from which start diving into enemies. The Hornet lacks an airbrake, but also has a hard time gaining speed past 750 km/h, this is very helpful to avoid being pursued by other props, since you can stay in a dive much longer than them. The Hornet also has very good high speed handling and it will pull high G turns at those speeds without any problem. But it is still a very large aircraft and not very manoeuvrable compared to a single engine fighter, so staying fast and high is its best bet.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 805 || 756 || 23.9 || 25.0 || 34.2 || 25.2
+
| 833 || 787 || 23.9 || 24.0 || 44.1 || 30.3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 62: Line 64:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 370 || 356 || 287 || ~8 || ~4
+
| 826 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 370 || 356 || 287 || ~8 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
Your intended role of the Hornet decides which upgrades you go for first. When going for a ground attacker, focus the payload modules and cannon upgrades, with survivability modules coming next due to needing to lower the extra weight the payloads add.
+
Your intended role of the Hornet decides which upgrades you go for first. When going for a ground attacker, focus on the payload modules and cannon upgrades, with survivability modules coming next due to needing to lower the extra weight the payloads add.
  
−
When going for any other role, the belts and cannons should come first, followed by the performance upgrades, ultimately leading to Engine Injection, the Holy Grail of performance upgrades.
+
When going for any other role, the belts and cannons should come first, followed by the performance upgrades, ultimately leading to Engine Injection and 150 octane fuel, adding a whopping 245 and 288 horsepower respectively.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 107: Line 109:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|AP Mk I|AP Mk II|RP-3}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
 +
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Hornet_Mk.I.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|500 lb G.P. Mk.IV]] bombs
 +
| || || 1* || 1* || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I]] bombs
 +
| || || 1* || 1* || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AP Mk I]] rockets
 +
| 2 || 2* || || || 2* || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[AP Mk II]] rockets
 +
| 2 || 2* || || || 2* || 2
 +
|-
 +
! [[RP-3]] rockets
 +
| 2 || 2* || || || 2* || 2
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="8" | * Bombs on hardpoints 3/4 cannot be equipped in conjunction with rockets on adjacent hardpoints
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
−
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
 
* 8 x AP Mk I rockets
 
* 8 x AP Mk I rockets
 
* 8 x AP Mk II rockets
 
* 8 x AP Mk II rockets
 
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
 
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (1,000 lb total)
+
{{Navigation-End}}
−
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (2,000 lb total)
 
−
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (2,000 lb total)
 
−
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (2,000 lb total)
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
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Being a descendant of the legendary [[Mosquito FB Mk VI|Mosquito]], one should expect a similar playstyle with the Hornet. However, due to the vastly improved performance, the aircraft can perform amicably in most situations it is thrown in.
 
Being a descendant of the legendary [[Mosquito FB Mk VI|Mosquito]], one should expect a similar playstyle with the Hornet. However, due to the vastly improved performance, the aircraft can perform amicably in most situations it is thrown in.
  
−
'''Fighter''': The Hornet does very well in a dogfighting situation for a heavy fighter. It can use its powerful quad [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]]'s to shred any fighter which falls within its gun sights. However, one should take note that most single-engined fighters will turn circles around the Hornet, so turn-fighting should be avoided where possible. Naturally, there are some exceptions to this rule such as the [[P-47N-15]], which you cannot match the Hornet's turn time.
+
'''Fighter''': The Hornet does very well in a dogfighting situation for a heavy fighter. It can use its powerful quad [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.Vs]] to shred any fighter which falls within its gun sights. The incredible top speed and acceleration/climb rate allow it to gain and maintain energy advantages over most of its competition. From there the Hornet can pick and choose when to attack. Since you cannot fall back on manoeuvrability to shake enemy fighters from your six, playing the Hornet requires good situational awareness and a general understanding of the enemies' top speed, climb rate, and energy, as you must prevent enemy fighters from catching you if you want to stay alive. Never assume you can outmanoeuvre an enemy plane, so always rely on speed and altitude to stay alive. While flying the Hornet can often require periods of extending/increasing your energy advantage before re-engaging, it is important to stay aggressive. Support your teammates whenever you can (clearing enemies from their six, dragging enemies away so they can focus on a single enemy, etc.) or you may soon find yourself alone versus multiple enemy fighters, a situation even the powerful Hornet can struggle in. The Hornet's ability to swoop in, make a high-speed guns pass, then extend away safely vs everything with a propeller can make it a valuable addition to any team. Even if it can't get guns on target, the enemy has to dodge the Hornet and this provides opportunities for more nimble allies to secure easy kills.
 +
 
 +
However, one should take note that most single-engined fighters (and even some medium bombers) will turn circles around the Hornet, so turn-fighting should be avoided whenever possible. Use the Hornet's high speed, climb rate, and energy retention to stay safe from enemy guns until opportunities to attack present themselves, because the Hornet will not be winning many turnfights. Pretty much any plane with forward-facing guns can cut inside the Hornet's turning radius at most speeds, so never enter 1-circle turnfights. The Hornet can however, win prolonged rate fights vs other poor turners with significantly less engine power (such as Do 335s), as the massive amount of power it generates allows it to maintain speed throughout turns even with the combat/takeoff flaps deployed. This is generally not the best way to fly the hornet, even when the rare opportunity to turnfight presents itself, as a low and slow Hornet is extremely vulnerable to anything that finds it.
  
 
High speed and great climb rate coupled with its amazing armament make the Hornet an extremely potent user of the Boom & Zoom fighting doctrine. Always attempt to maintain an energy and altitude advantage versus the enemy aircraft and avoid tunnel vision which means, be aware of the aircraft around you. Tunnel vision prevents you from seeing an enemy aircraft get the drop on you until its too late and either tracer fire is whizzing past or the Hornet's engine is on fire.
 
High speed and great climb rate coupled with its amazing armament make the Hornet an extremely potent user of the Boom & Zoom fighting doctrine. Always attempt to maintain an energy and altitude advantage versus the enemy aircraft and avoid tunnel vision which means, be aware of the aircraft around you. Tunnel vision prevents you from seeing an enemy aircraft get the drop on you until its too late and either tracer fire is whizzing past or the Hornet's engine is on fire.
  
−
'''Ground Attacker:''' When aced, the Hornet can load 4 AP or RP-3 rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs. This, combined with the performance of the Hornet and power of the Hispano's allow it to be an amazing ground attacker that can shred any ground target in sight. The AP rockets are your best bet when it comes to ground attack, as they are more accurate than the RP-3's, fly faster and due to the higher speed, impact harder and penetrate more armour. However, when destroying light targets, the RP-3's are better due to the increased explosive yield.
+
'''Ground Attacker:''' When upgraded, the Hornet can load 4 AP or RP-3 rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs. This, combined with the performance of the Hornet and power of the Hispanos allow it to be an amazing ground attacker that can shred any ground target in sight. The AP rockets are your best bet when it comes to ground attack, as they are more accurate than the RP-3s, fly faster, impact harder and penetrate more armour. However, when destroying light targets, the RP-3s are better due to the increased explosive filler.
  
−
'''Bomber Hunter''': Due to its amazing performance, powerful armament and air defence fighter spawn point, the Hornet can make for a powerful interceptor when played carefully. Climb to bomber altitudes (4,000 metres and up) and begin prowling for a target. When attacking bombers, the worst angle of attack is from the rear, typically most bombers have their heaviest armament here, not to mention bullet impact is harder (especially from .50 calibre machine guns and 20 mm cannons) as the aircraft is flying towards a speeding bullet, increasing the damage it will do and the likelihood of being hit. Notable examples you can encounter at this rank are the [[B-29A-BN]], [[B-17G-60-VE]], [[PB4Y-2]], [[He 177 A-5]], [[G8N1]] and the premium [[Be-6]]. Remember, the body of the aircraft can soak up a lot of damage, instead dive from above or climb from below and aim for the wings, without engines or a wing, the bomber will fall like a rock. Attacking from oblique angles makes it difficult for the bomber gunners to acquire a target solution and causes them to traverse and fire which spreads out their bullet patterns making it more difficult to hit a speeding target.
+
'''Bomber Hunter''': Due to its amazing performance, powerful armament and air defence fighter spawn point, the Hornet can make for a powerful interceptor when played carefully. Climb to bomber altitudes (4,000 metres and up) and begin prowling for a target. When attacking bombers, the worst angle of attack is from the rear, typically most bombers have their heaviest armament here, not to mention bullet impact is harder (especially from .50 calibre machine guns and 20 mm cannons) as the aircraft is flying towards a speeding bullet, increasing the damage it will do and the likelihood of being hit. Notable examples you can encounter at this rank are the [[B-29A-BN]], [[B-17G-60-VE]], [[PB4Y-2]], [[He 177 A-5]], [[G8N1]] and the premium [[Be-6]]. Remember, the body of the aircraft can soak up a lot of damage, instead dive from above or climb from below and aim for the wings, without engines or a wing, the bomber will fall like a rock. Attacking from oblique angles makes it difficult for the bomber gunners to acquire a target solution and causes them to traverse and fire which spreads out their bullet patterns making it more difficult to hit a speeding target.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Excellent armament, the Hispano Mk. V has a high rate of fire and causes a lot of fragmentation damage
+
* Excellent armament, the Hispano Mk.V has a high rate of fire and causes a lot of fragmentation damage
 
* Extremely quick, can compete with some of the best single-engined fighters
 
* Extremely quick, can compete with some of the best single-engined fighters
 
* Has excellent payload options, several varieties of rockets and up to 2,000 lb in bombs
 
* Has excellent payload options, several varieties of rockets and up to 2,000 lb in bombs
 
* Good amount of ammo for the cannons
 
* Good amount of ammo for the cannons
−
* Quite manoeuvrable for a twin-engined fighter, as to be expected of the descendant of the Mosquito
+
* One of the fastest props at all altitudes
−
* Fantastic climb rate, especially when spaded
+
* Fantastic climb rate, especially when spaded, can beat the Do 335s to altitude
 +
* Air defense fighter spawn means the Hornet will spawn higher than all planes except bombers.
 
* Thin body for a twin-engined fighter
 
* Thin body for a twin-engined fighter
 
* Experience with the Mosquito transitions between the planes
 
* Experience with the Mosquito transitions between the planes
−
* Lenient stock grind
+
* Control surfaces remain effective even at redline speeds (which is good because speed is necessary to staying alive)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Not great at killing heavy bombers like the He 177, susceptible to engine damage or a knocked out pilot
+
* Not great at destroying heavy bombers like the He 177, susceptible to engine damage or a knocked out pilot
−
* Matchmaking will pit you against some serious foes
+
* Poor roll rate and turn rate
 +
* Poor engine performance at high altitude
 +
* Terrible nose authority due to rudder performance
 
* Despite the durable construction, the Hornet is made out of wood, meaning you cannot take much damage and remain in the fight
 
* Despite the durable construction, the Hornet is made out of wood, meaning you cannot take much damage and remain in the fight
−
* Fires deal serious damage to a wooden plane
+
* Fires deal serious damage to the wooden airframe
 
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks
 
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks
 
* Despite the thin body, it is still a large target
 
* Despite the thin body, it is still a large target
Line 184: Line 212:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hornet_mk3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|SKeFUWKudoY|'''The Shooting Range #63''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:39 discusses the Hornet.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|SKeFUWKudoY|'''The Shooting Range #63''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:39 discusses the Hornet.}}
  
Line 191: Line 225:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
*[[Mosquito FB Mk VI]]
+
* [[Mosquito FB Mk VI]]
−
*[[Ki-83]]
+
* [[Ki-83]]
−
*[[He 219 A-7]]
+
* [[He 219 A-7]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 11:18, 16 October 2024

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the British twin-engine fighter Hornet Mk.III. For the premium version, see Hornet Mk.I.
Hornet Mk.III
hornet_mk3.png
GarageImage Hornet Mk.III.jpg
Hornet Mk.III
Britain flag.png Britain
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 6.0 5.7
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The DH.103 Hornet was a twin engine fighter developed by the de Havilland Company as a successor to the DH.98 Mosquito. The aircraft was introduced into the RAF at the end of World War II with the intention of being used in the Pacific Theatre against the Japanese Empire. It had notably long range, which was an excellent choice for covering large portions of land and sea in the colonies far from Europe. The aircraft was also used in strike missions during the Malayan Emergency, and it served from 1946-1956. The Hornet Mk.III was the most common variant of the Hornet with a total of 132 built.

Introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.", the Hornet sits at a BR where it can face both jets and very high-performance piston engine fighters. Common threats for the Hornet are the P-51H, the Bf 109 K, and early jets such as the F-80C and F-2H Banshee. The Hornet starts with an air defence fighter spawn. This allows the Hornet to climb to very high altitudes from the beginning of the match and have a good position from which start diving into enemies. The Hornet lacks an airbrake, but also has a hard time gaining speed past 750 km/h, this is very helpful to avoid being pursued by other props, since you can stay in a dive much longer than them. The Hornet also has very good high speed handling and it will pull high G turns at those speeds without any problem. But it is still a very large aircraft and not very manoeuvrable compared to a single engine fighter, so staying fast and high is its best bet.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 791 m756 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EngineRolls-Royce Merlin 131
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight9 t

For pilots who loved the Mosquito, the Hornet is a dream come true.

As a descendant of the Mosquito FB Mk VI, it maintains many similarities to its older brother, namely an all-wooden construction and the iconic de Havilland tail design. However, the Hornet somehow managed to improve on the already excellent Mosquito platform, increasing speed, manoeuvrability and armament while reducing overall aircraft proportions. From takeoff and into its flight, the Hornet is an overall smooth operator with brutal speed, insane climb rate, and excellent manoeuvrability, especially for a twin-engined fighter. However, it's still a twin-engined fighter which means it can still be outmanoeuvred by most single-engined opponents which it faces, namely Bf 109s and most Italian fighter aircraft.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,791 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 716 698 11500 26.8 27.5 19.2 19.2 500
Upgraded 833 787 23.9 24.0 44.1 30.3

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
826 324 370 356 287 ~8 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 420 < 390 < 450 > 324

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear324 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
  • Two 3 mm Steel boxes behind the pilot in the fuselage
  • Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • Lots of fuel tanks in the wings

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 921 → 2 641 Sl icon.png
RB4 637 → 6 375 Sl icon.png
SB6 690 → 9 198 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 200 Rp icon.png
77 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 200 / 410 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods oil.png
150 octane fuel
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HMBC mk.2
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk5_new_gun
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
GRC mk.8
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HLBC mk.2
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
HRC mk.9
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
HRC mk.8
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png

Your intended role of the Hornet decides which upgrades you go for first. When going for a ground attacker, focus on the payload modules and cannon upgrades, with survivability modules coming next due to needing to lower the extra weight the payloads add.

When going for any other role, the belts and cannons should come first, followed by the performance upgrades, ultimately leading to Engine Injection and 150 octane fuel, adding a whopping 245 and 288 horsepower respectively.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Hornet Mk.III is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)

Suspended armament

The Hornet Mk.III can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6
Hardpoints Hornet Mk.I.png
500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs 1* 1*
1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs 1* 1*
AP Mk I rockets 2 2* 2* 2
AP Mk II rockets 2 2* 2* 2
RP-3 rockets 2 2* 2* 2
* Bombs on hardpoints 3/4 cannot be equipped in conjunction with rockets on adjacent hardpoints
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 8 x AP Mk I rockets
  • 8 x AP Mk II rockets
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

Being a descendant of the legendary Mosquito, one should expect a similar playstyle with the Hornet. However, due to the vastly improved performance, the aircraft can perform amicably in most situations it is thrown in.

Fighter: The Hornet does very well in a dogfighting situation for a heavy fighter. It can use its powerful quad Hispano Mk.Vs to shred any fighter which falls within its gun sights. The incredible top speed and acceleration/climb rate allow it to gain and maintain energy advantages over most of its competition. From there the Hornet can pick and choose when to attack. Since you cannot fall back on manoeuvrability to shake enemy fighters from your six, playing the Hornet requires good situational awareness and a general understanding of the enemies' top speed, climb rate, and energy, as you must prevent enemy fighters from catching you if you want to stay alive. Never assume you can outmanoeuvre an enemy plane, so always rely on speed and altitude to stay alive. While flying the Hornet can often require periods of extending/increasing your energy advantage before re-engaging, it is important to stay aggressive. Support your teammates whenever you can (clearing enemies from their six, dragging enemies away so they can focus on a single enemy, etc.) or you may soon find yourself alone versus multiple enemy fighters, a situation even the powerful Hornet can struggle in. The Hornet's ability to swoop in, make a high-speed guns pass, then extend away safely vs everything with a propeller can make it a valuable addition to any team. Even if it can't get guns on target, the enemy has to dodge the Hornet and this provides opportunities for more nimble allies to secure easy kills.

However, one should take note that most single-engined fighters (and even some medium bombers) will turn circles around the Hornet, so turn-fighting should be avoided whenever possible. Use the Hornet's high speed, climb rate, and energy retention to stay safe from enemy guns until opportunities to attack present themselves, because the Hornet will not be winning many turnfights. Pretty much any plane with forward-facing guns can cut inside the Hornet's turning radius at most speeds, so never enter 1-circle turnfights. The Hornet can however, win prolonged rate fights vs other poor turners with significantly less engine power (such as Do 335s), as the massive amount of power it generates allows it to maintain speed throughout turns even with the combat/takeoff flaps deployed. This is generally not the best way to fly the hornet, even when the rare opportunity to turnfight presents itself, as a low and slow Hornet is extremely vulnerable to anything that finds it.

High speed and great climb rate coupled with its amazing armament make the Hornet an extremely potent user of the Boom & Zoom fighting doctrine. Always attempt to maintain an energy and altitude advantage versus the enemy aircraft and avoid tunnel vision which means, be aware of the aircraft around you. Tunnel vision prevents you from seeing an enemy aircraft get the drop on you until its too late and either tracer fire is whizzing past or the Hornet's engine is on fire.

Ground Attacker: When upgraded, the Hornet can load 4 AP or RP-3 rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs. This, combined with the performance of the Hornet and power of the Hispanos allow it to be an amazing ground attacker that can shred any ground target in sight. The AP rockets are your best bet when it comes to ground attack, as they are more accurate than the RP-3s, fly faster, impact harder and penetrate more armour. However, when destroying light targets, the RP-3s are better due to the increased explosive filler.

Bomber Hunter: Due to its amazing performance, powerful armament and air defence fighter spawn point, the Hornet can make for a powerful interceptor when played carefully. Climb to bomber altitudes (4,000 metres and up) and begin prowling for a target. When attacking bombers, the worst angle of attack is from the rear, typically most bombers have their heaviest armament here, not to mention bullet impact is harder (especially from .50 calibre machine guns and 20 mm cannons) as the aircraft is flying towards a speeding bullet, increasing the damage it will do and the likelihood of being hit. Notable examples you can encounter at this rank are the B-29A-BN, B-17G-60-VE, PB4Y-2, He 177 A-5, G8N1 and the premium Be-6. Remember, the body of the aircraft can soak up a lot of damage, instead dive from above or climb from below and aim for the wings, without engines or a wing, the bomber will fall like a rock. Attacking from oblique angles makes it difficult for the bomber gunners to acquire a target solution and causes them to traverse and fire which spreads out their bullet patterns making it more difficult to hit a speeding target.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent armament, the Hispano Mk.V has a high rate of fire and causes a lot of fragmentation damage
  • Extremely quick, can compete with some of the best single-engined fighters
  • Has excellent payload options, several varieties of rockets and up to 2,000 lb in bombs
  • Good amount of ammo for the cannons
  • One of the fastest props at all altitudes
  • Fantastic climb rate, especially when spaded, can beat the Do 335s to altitude
  • Air defense fighter spawn means the Hornet will spawn higher than all planes except bombers.
  • Thin body for a twin-engined fighter
  • Experience with the Mosquito transitions between the planes
  • Control surfaces remain effective even at redline speeds (which is good because speed is necessary to staying alive)

Cons:

  • Not great at destroying heavy bombers like the He 177, susceptible to engine damage or a knocked out pilot
  • Poor roll rate and turn rate
  • Poor engine performance at high altitude
  • Terrible nose authority due to rudder performance
  • Despite the durable construction, the Hornet is made out of wood, meaning you cannot take much damage and remain in the fight
  • Fires deal serious damage to the wooden airframe
  • Wings are littered with fuel tanks
  • Despite the thin body, it is still a large target
  • Carrying the max payload has a significant effect on flight performance

History

The de Havilland Hornet first started out as a private venture by the de Havilland company. Having built the extremely successful Mosquito multi-role fighter, the company wants to improve on the design to make a faster and longer ranged heavy fighter. The project was soon developed to meet the Air Ministry specification F.12/43, which called for a fast, long-range fighter that operated in the Far East, in fact, the design was drawn around the Hornet. The first prototype was a more streamlined, smaller Mosquito with more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. The wings were designed for adaptation for naval uses and could fold. Pilot comfort and stability had a very high priority. According to accounts by test pilots, the Hornet is easily capable of taking on single engine fighters. It entered Squadron service in mid-1946. However, it was rarely used as World War Two was drawing to a close. Instead, the plane saw combat operations during the Malayan Emergency and continued to serve the RAF until 1956.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #63 - Pages of History section at 07:39 discusses the Hornet.

See also

External links


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

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA

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