Difference between revisions of "F4U-4B"
Turk3YbAstEr (talk | contribs) (→Pros and cons) (Tag: Visual edit) |
YamashiroKai (talk | contribs) m (Redundant) (Tag: Visual edit) |
||
| (27 intermediate revisions by 12 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
{{About | {{About | ||
| about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| − | | usage = other | + | | usage = other variants |
| link = F4U (Family) | | link = F4U (Family) | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | {{Specs-Card | ||
| + | |code=f4u-4b | ||
| + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
| + | |cockpit=cockpit_f4u-4b.jpg | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
| − | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]]. | |
| − | |||
| − | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A"]]. | ||
| − | The F4U-4B is similar to the [[F4U-4]] which precedes it, mainly in handling, but the main difference and the reason why it sits at a higher BR is the vastly more powerful armament of 4 AN/M3 | + | The F4U-4B is similar to the [[F4U-4]] which precedes it, mainly in handling, but the main difference and the reason why it sits at a higher BR is the vastly more powerful armament of 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannons and an up-rated engine, giving it much more flexibility in its playstyle. |
| − | While it retains the standard Corsair traits of excellent performance in the horizontal, namely speed, energy retention, and instantaneous turn, its improved engine allows some fighting to be done in the vertical. This is to an extent of course and you don't want to try and out vertical a Griffon Spitfire or a Bf 109 K-4 unless you absolutely know what you're doing, but you can easily stall out planes like Fw 190 As which don't excel in the vertical. This is also aided by the flaps which are very good; the takeoff and landing flaps lower the stall speed immensely but rip easily above 250 | + | While it retains the standard Corsair traits of excellent performance in the horizontal, namely speed, energy retention, and instantaneous turn, its improved engine allows some fighting to be done in the vertical. This is to an extent of course and you don't want to try and out vertical a Griffon Spitfire or a Bf 109 K-4 unless you absolutely know what you're doing, but you can easily stall out planes like Fw 190 As which don't excel in the vertical. This is also aided by the flaps which are very good; the takeoff and landing flaps lower the stall speed immensely but rip easily above 250 km/h (155 mph) IAS, and the combat flaps boosting the turning significantly and can be used up to about 450 km/h (279 mph) IAS. Even without flaps, F4U-4B is an impressive turner despite its weight and can turn with many planes at high speeds (above ~500 km/h/~300 mph), at least enough to get a shot off. With flaps it can turn with a surprising number of planes at low speeds, although as before this is to an extent. Also, be wary of the rudder which rapidly loses effectiveness above 550 km/h (340 mph) and makes shots difficult against evading enemies, although this is alleviated a bit by the powerful armament and fairly good roll rate. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
| − | === Flight | + | === Flight performance === |
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Flight}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" |
| − | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | |
| − | + | ! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m) | |
| − | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) | |
| − | ! | ||
| − | |||
| − | ! colspan="2" | Max | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | ||
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
| − | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
| − | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB | |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! | + | ! Stock |
| + | | 662 || 634 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.1 || 21.9 || 13.8 || 13.8 || rowspan="2" | 200 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
| − | + | | 739 || 697 || 19.2 || 20.0 || 26.5 || 19.0 | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | ====Details==== | + | ==== Details ==== |
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Combat | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear |
| − | ! Take-off | ||
| − | ! Landing | ||
| − | ! Air brakes | ||
| − | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> | ||
| Line 78: | Line 52: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Gear | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
| − | ! | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! + | + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
| − | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | {{Specs| | + | | 885 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 388 || 300 || 252 || ~11 || ~4 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 96: | Line 69: | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h) |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Ailerons | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
| − | ! Rudder | ||
| − | ! Elevators | ||
| − | ! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
| < 450 || < 200 || < 500 || > 450 | | < 450 || < 200 || < 500 || > 450 | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
| + | {{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.'' --> | <!-- ''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.'' --> | ||
| Line 136: | Line 85: | ||
* 12.7 mm Steel - Pilot's seat headrest | * 12.7 mm Steel - Pilot's seat headrest | ||
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield | * 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield | ||
| + | |||
| + | === 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| | + | {{main|M3 (20 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
| − | * 4 x 20 mm | + | * 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (246 rpg = 984 total) |
| + | |||
| + | The 4 x 20 mm cannons are excellent at inflicting damage and their high muzzle velocity allows for long range snipes. Even very short bursts can be lethal against aircraft. Belts with AP-T shells are quite good against ground targets, even the Air Targets belts can make short work of medium tanks in air battles. | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
| − | <!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''--> | + | {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} |
| − | {{ | + | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> |
| + | |||
| + | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
| − | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%" | |
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10 | ||
| + | | rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F4U-4.png]]</div> | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! [[AN-M57 (250 lb)|250 lb AN-M57]] bombs | ||
| + | | || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 || | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs | ||
| + | | || || || || 1 || 1 || || || || | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs | ||
| + | | || || || || 1 || 1 || || || || | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | ! [[HVAR]] rockets | ||
| + | | 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | | colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,400 kg | ||
| + | |- | ||
| + | |} | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}} | ||
| + | {{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}} | ||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
| − | * | + | * 8 x HVAR rockets |
| + | * 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total) | ||
| + | * 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total) | ||
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total) | * 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total) | ||
| − | + | {{Navigation-End}} | |
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' --> |
The F4U-4B should be flown primarily at low altitude because its engine lacks power at higher altitudes. Here, it boasts an impressive climb rate (about 25 m/s when spaded), very good acceleration, and a high top speed. You should aim to be around 3-4km at the start of the battle and go after low enemies using boom and zoom tactics, then use your speed to outrun anyone who dives on you. You can then use your engine power and energy retention to gain an energy advantage over them and easily kill them. If you find yourself in a tough situation, don't be afraid to go a bit aggressive because this plane accelerates very well at low altitude and the extremely powerful guns makes it easy to secure kills quickly, but don't stall yourself out at the deck amidst a cloud of enemies since you'll be an easy kill. | The F4U-4B should be flown primarily at low altitude because its engine lacks power at higher altitudes. Here, it boasts an impressive climb rate (about 25 m/s when spaded), very good acceleration, and a high top speed. You should aim to be around 3-4km at the start of the battle and go after low enemies using boom and zoom tactics, then use your speed to outrun anyone who dives on you. You can then use your engine power and energy retention to gain an energy advantage over them and easily kill them. If you find yourself in a tough situation, don't be afraid to go a bit aggressive because this plane accelerates very well at low altitude and the extremely powerful guns makes it easy to secure kills quickly, but don't stall yourself out at the deck amidst a cloud of enemies since you'll be an easy kill. | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the right hands, the F4U-4B can also be a fearsome strike aircraft. In addition to a pair of 500 or 1,000 lb bombs that drop separately, the quadruple cannon armament is surprisingly potent against a variety of ground vehicles. Open-top vehicles and light tanks can be dispatched with ease, and at a steep enough angle (60-70 degrees) your M3 cannons can pierce through the roof armour of most late-war medium tanks. Heavier vehicles are tough to crack but can typically be immobilized and repeatedly set on fire by strafing the engine deck. The Corsair airframe's energy retention shines in this role, allowing you to dive and zoom climb several times before running low on altitude. Essentially, a determined and capable F4U-4B pilot can destroy nearly anything they see with cannons alone. The aircraft's large ammo reserve means you can hover over the map while picking out targets and disrupting the enemy for an extended period. Ground target belts will achieve maximum effect against ground vehicles, while still being more than adequate to menace hostile aircraft. | ||
====Specific enemies worth noting==== | ====Specific enemies worth noting==== | ||
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)--> | <!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)--> | ||
| − | This plane can easily dogfight with Fw 190 Ds/152s, Tempest Mk Vs, Sea Furies, and similar planes, can dogfight with difficulty with Bf 109s and similar, and should avoid | + | This plane can easily dogfight with Fw 190 Ds/152s, Tempest Mk Vs, Sea Furies, and similar planes, can dogfight with difficulty with Bf 109s and similar, and should avoid dogfighting unless as an absolute last resort against Spitfires, Ki-84s, A7Ms, N1Ks, and similar. Fortunately, the F4U-4B is usually faster than most planes it can't dogfight. It's far faster than most Japanese and Italian props and all Spitfires up to the Mk 22 at low altitude. In an up-tier against superprops like Tempest IIs, Spitfire Mk 24s, and P-51Hs and F8Fs if you get a mixed battle, you have to rely on coming in with an advantage as with any other plane in an uptier, though this is made easier with the F4U-4B's excellent top speed. |
The F4U-4B is devastating in the right hands, and is one of the best planes the US tech tree has to offer. | The F4U-4B is devastating in the right hands, and is one of the best planes the US tech tree has to offer. | ||
| Line 169: | Line 153: | ||
====Counter-tactics==== | ====Counter-tactics==== | ||
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)--> | <!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)--> | ||
| − | You're best off engaging the F4U-4B at higher altitudes where its performance suffers. You can also try bleeding their energy in hard vertical | + | You're best off engaging the F4U-4B at higher altitudes where its performance suffers. You can also try bleeding their energy in hard vertical manoeuvres where it struggles, but be careful while doing this especially at low altitude since a potential opponent can still use the Corsair's stall characteristics combined with its engine power to get a shot off, which can be devastating no matter how short a burst. |
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
| Line 184: | Line 168: | ||
! Oil !! Water !! Type | ! Oil !! Water !! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br> | + | | Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>3 gears || Not controllable |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| − | <!-- '' | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
* Excellent guns with high damage and high muzzle velocity allowing long range snipes | * Excellent guns with high damage and high muzzle velocity allowing long range snipes | ||
| − | * Large ammo capacity | + | * Large ammo capacity |
* Very good performance at low altitude, acceleration and climb rate are much better than previous corsairs | * Very good performance at low altitude, acceleration and climb rate are much better than previous corsairs | ||
| − | * Increased engine power below | + | * Increased engine power below 2,000 m improves sustained turn performance; this plane can outmanoeuvre many German planes it faces, especially if manoeuvres begin at medium to high speed |
| − | * Extremely fast at low altitude, no | + | * Extremely fast at low altitude, no Axis prop can outrun it at sea level (only [[Do 335 B-2]] is as fast) |
* Good roll rate at all speeds | * Good roll rate at all speeds | ||
* Fantastic stall characteristics, especially with flaps | * Fantastic stall characteristics, especially with flaps | ||
* Very good instantaneous turn at high speeds | * Very good instantaneous turn at high speeds | ||
* Lenient stock grind | * Lenient stock grind | ||
| − | * Fully-featherable | + | * Fully-featherable propeller and low stall speed make this plane a competent glider in emergencies |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
* Does not turn well at lower speeds | * Does not turn well at lower speeds | ||
| − | * Rudder loses | + | * Rudder loses effectiveness at high speed, making it difficult to hit shots |
| − | * Rapidly loses performance at high altitude, should avoid engagements above | + | * Rapidly loses performance at high altitude, should avoid engagements above 6,000 m if possible |
| − | * Still fast at higher altitudes, but German planes that are slower at low altitudes can outrun it at high altitude | + | * Still fast at higher altitudes, but German planes (e.g. [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109s]], [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190 Ds]], [[Ta 152 C-3|Ta 152s]], and other similar aircraft) that are slower at low altitudes can outrun it at high altitude |
* Flaps deploy very quickly, which can lead to them breaking if not careful | * Flaps deploy very quickly, which can lead to them breaking if not careful | ||
* Stock guns are inaccurate and easily jam | * Stock guns are inaccurate and easily jam | ||
| − | * | + | * Fuselage can burst into flames quite easily |
| − | |||
== 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 | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
| + | {{main|F4U (Family)|l1=History of the F4U Corsair}} | ||
| − | + | The F4U-4B was a modification of the F4U-4. The F4U-4 was based on the F4U-1A Corsair. In order to improve and modernize the Corsair, so it would be able to fight the new Japanese planes in the Pacific, a number of changes were made. One of the major changes was the engine. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W engine was replaced by the more powerful R-2800-18W engine. This -18W engine boosted the speed of the Corsair by up to 46.3 km/h (25 kn, 28.76 mph). When injected with an alcohol/water mixture, the performance could be boosted even further. In order for the propeller to be able to handle the more powerful engine, the propeller had to be changed from 3 blades to 4 blades. Modifications to the fuselage were required, including the addition of a scoop to the lower engine cowling. In addition, the cockpit was completely redesigned. The F4U-4 was armed with six .50 in machine guns, up to 4,000 lbs of bombs and/or eight 5 in rockets. | |
| − | |||
| − | The F4U-4B was a modification of the F4U-4. The F4U-4 was based on the F4U-1A Corsair. In order to improve and modernize the Corsair, so it would be able to fight the new Japanese planes in the Pacific, a number of changes were made. One of the major changes was the engine. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W engine was replaced by the more powerful R-2800-18W engine. This -18W engine boosted the speed of the Corsair by up to 46.3 | ||
A variant was to be created for the British Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was called the F4U-4C, but none were delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, for whatever reason. The F4U-4C was then redesignated the F4U-4B. The only major difference between the F4U-4 and the F4U-4B was a change of primary armament. The -4B replaced the six .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. The F4U-4B was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. Notably, they were used by VMF-214 (Marine Fighter Squadron 214) of the Marine Corps, nicknamed "Blacksheep". VMF-214 flew F4U-4B strikes off USS ''Sicily'' (CVE-118) between August and November 1950 during the Korean War. | A variant was to be created for the British Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was called the F4U-4C, but none were delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, for whatever reason. The F4U-4C was then redesignated the F4U-4B. The only major difference between the F4U-4 and the F4U-4B was a change of primary armament. The -4B replaced the six .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. The F4U-4B was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. Notably, they were used by VMF-214 (Marine Fighter Squadron 214) of the Marine Corps, nicknamed "Blacksheep". VMF-214 flew F4U-4B strikes off USS ''Sicily'' (CVE-118) between August and November 1950 during the Korean War. | ||
== 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=f4u-4b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Videos | ||
{{Youtube-gallery|LW_BVvR7CIg|'''The Shooting Range #122''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:50 discusses the fate of the F4U Corsair after WW2.}} | {{Youtube-gallery|LW_BVvR7CIg|'''The Shooting Range #122''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:50 discusses the fate of the F4U Corsair after WW2.}} | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | <!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | ||
* [[F4U (Family)|F4U Family]] | * [[F4U (Family)|F4U Family]] | ||
| − | * [[F4U | + | ** [[F4U-1A]] |
| − | * [[F4U-4]] | + | ** [[F4U-4]] |
| − | * [[F4U-4B VMF-214 | + | ** [[F4U-4B VMF-214]] |
| − | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| − | * [ | + | * [[wt:en/news/4960-development-f4u-corsair-sky-pirates-are-back-en|[Devblog] F4U Corsair: Sky pirates are back!]] |
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/378370-f4u-4b/ [Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Vought F4U-4B Corsair - Aircraft Data Sheets] | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/378370-f4u-4b/ [Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Vought F4U-4B Corsair - Aircraft Data Sheets] | ||
| + | |||
| + | === References === | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Bibliography | ||
| + | |||
| + | * "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/f4u-4b-vought-corsair F4U-4B Vought Corsair]", ''F4U Corsair - The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020. | ||
| + | * "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/type-of-plane-f4u Types of Plane F4U - Variants]", ''F4U Corsair- The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020. | ||
{{AirManufacturer Vought}} | {{AirManufacturer Vought}} | ||
{{USA fighters}} | {{USA fighters}} | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
Latest revision as of 09:27, 20 November 2024
| This page is about the American naval fighter F4U-4B. For other variants, see F4U (Family). |
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/f/f2/Cockpit_f4u-4b.jpg
Contents
Description
The F4U-4B Corsair is a rank IV American naval fighter with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.".
The F4U-4B is similar to the F4U-4 which precedes it, mainly in handling, but the main difference and the reason why it sits at a higher BR is the vastly more powerful armament of 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannons and an up-rated engine, giving it much more flexibility in its playstyle.
While it retains the standard Corsair traits of excellent performance in the horizontal, namely speed, energy retention, and instantaneous turn, its improved engine allows some fighting to be done in the vertical. This is to an extent of course and you don't want to try and out vertical a Griffon Spitfire or a Bf 109 K-4 unless you absolutely know what you're doing, but you can easily stall out planes like Fw 190 As which don't excel in the vertical. This is also aided by the flaps which are very good; the takeoff and landing flaps lower the stall speed immensely but rip easily above 250 km/h (155 mph) IAS, and the combat flaps boosting the turning significantly and can be used up to about 450 km/h (279 mph) IAS. Even without flaps, F4U-4B is an impressive turner despite its weight and can turn with many planes at high speeds (above ~500 km/h/~300 mph), at least enough to get a shot off. With flaps it can turn with a surprising number of planes at low speeds, although as before this is to an extent. Also, be wary of the rudder which rapidly loses effectiveness above 550 km/h (340 mph) and makes shots difficult against evading enemies, although this is alleviated a bit by the powerful armament and fairly good roll rate.
General info
Flight performance
Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 5 000 m697 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EnginePratt & Whitney R-2800-42w
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t
| Characteristics | Max speed (km/h at 5,000 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 662 | 634 | 11500 | 21.1 | 21.9 | 13.8 | 13.8 | 200 |
| Upgraded | 739 | 697 | 19.2 | 20.0 | 26.5 | 19.0 | ||
Details
| 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 | + | - | ||
| 885 | 730 | 388 | 300 | 252 | ~11 | ~4 |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < 450 | < 200 | < 500 | > 450 |
Survivability and armour
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear730 km/h
- 3 mm Steel - Upper cowling engine protection plates x 2
- 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back protection plate
- 12.7 mm Steel - Pilot's seat headrest
- 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 435 → 3 214 
RB5 678 → 7 494
SB8 365 → 11 041
Total cost of modifications47 000 
85 600
Talisman cost1 500 
Crew training52 000
Experts185 000
Aces940
Research Aces480 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 210 / 440 %
166 / 166 / 166 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
The F4U-4B is armed with:
- 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (246 rpg = 984 total)
The 4 x 20 mm cannons are excellent at inflicting damage and their high muzzle velocity allows for long range snipes. Even very short bursts can be lethal against aircraft. Belts with AP-T shells are quite good against ground targets, even the Air Targets belts can make short work of medium tanks in air battles.
Suspended armament
The F4U-4B can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 lb AN-M57 bombs | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
| 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs | 1 | 1 | |||||||||
| HVAR rockets | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||
| Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,400 kg | |||||||||||
| Default weapon presets | |
|---|---|
| |
Usage in battles
The F4U-4B should be flown primarily at low altitude because its engine lacks power at higher altitudes. Here, it boasts an impressive climb rate (about 25 m/s when spaded), very good acceleration, and a high top speed. You should aim to be around 3-4km at the start of the battle and go after low enemies using boom and zoom tactics, then use your speed to outrun anyone who dives on you. You can then use your engine power and energy retention to gain an energy advantage over them and easily kill them. If you find yourself in a tough situation, don't be afraid to go a bit aggressive because this plane accelerates very well at low altitude and the extremely powerful guns makes it easy to secure kills quickly, but don't stall yourself out at the deck amidst a cloud of enemies since you'll be an easy kill.
In the right hands, the F4U-4B can also be a fearsome strike aircraft. In addition to a pair of 500 or 1,000 lb bombs that drop separately, the quadruple cannon armament is surprisingly potent against a variety of ground vehicles. Open-top vehicles and light tanks can be dispatched with ease, and at a steep enough angle (60-70 degrees) your M3 cannons can pierce through the roof armour of most late-war medium tanks. Heavier vehicles are tough to crack but can typically be immobilized and repeatedly set on fire by strafing the engine deck. The Corsair airframe's energy retention shines in this role, allowing you to dive and zoom climb several times before running low on altitude. Essentially, a determined and capable F4U-4B pilot can destroy nearly anything they see with cannons alone. The aircraft's large ammo reserve means you can hover over the map while picking out targets and disrupting the enemy for an extended period. Ground target belts will achieve maximum effect against ground vehicles, while still being more than adequate to menace hostile aircraft.
Specific enemies worth noting
This plane can easily dogfight with Fw 190 Ds/152s, Tempest Mk Vs, Sea Furies, and similar planes, can dogfight with difficulty with Bf 109s and similar, and should avoid dogfighting unless as an absolute last resort against Spitfires, Ki-84s, A7Ms, N1Ks, and similar. Fortunately, the F4U-4B is usually faster than most planes it can't dogfight. It's far faster than most Japanese and Italian props and all Spitfires up to the Mk 22 at low altitude. In an up-tier against superprops like Tempest IIs, Spitfire Mk 24s, and P-51Hs and F8Fs if you get a mixed battle, you have to rely on coming in with an advantage as with any other plane in an uptier, though this is made easier with the F4U-4B's excellent top speed.
The F4U-4B is devastating in the right hands, and is one of the best planes the US tech tree has to offer.
Counter-tactics
You're best off engaging the F4U-4B at higher altitudes where its performance suffers. You can also try bleeding their energy in hard vertical manoeuvres where it struggles, but be careful while doing this especially at low altitude since a potential opponent can still use the Corsair's stall characteristics combined with its engine power to get a shot off, which can be devastating no matter how short a burst.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Not controllable | Controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Separate | Controllable 3 gears |
Not controllable |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Excellent guns with high damage and high muzzle velocity allowing long range snipes
- Large ammo capacity
- Very good performance at low altitude, acceleration and climb rate are much better than previous corsairs
- Increased engine power below 2,000 m improves sustained turn performance; this plane can outmanoeuvre many German planes it faces, especially if manoeuvres begin at medium to high speed
- Extremely fast at low altitude, no Axis prop can outrun it at sea level (only Do 335 B-2 is as fast)
- Good roll rate at all speeds
- Fantastic stall characteristics, especially with flaps
- Very good instantaneous turn at high speeds
- Lenient stock grind
- Fully-featherable propeller and low stall speed make this plane a competent glider in emergencies
Cons:
- Does not turn well at lower speeds
- Rudder loses effectiveness at high speed, making it difficult to hit shots
- Rapidly loses performance at high altitude, should avoid engagements above 6,000 m if possible
- Still fast at higher altitudes, but German planes (e.g. Bf 109s, Fw 190 Ds, Ta 152s, and other similar aircraft) that are slower at low altitudes can outrun it at high altitude
- Flaps deploy very quickly, which can lead to them breaking if not careful
- Stock guns are inaccurate and easily jam
- Fuselage can burst into flames quite easily
History
The F4U-4B was a modification of the F4U-4. The F4U-4 was based on the F4U-1A Corsair. In order to improve and modernize the Corsair, so it would be able to fight the new Japanese planes in the Pacific, a number of changes were made. One of the major changes was the engine. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W engine was replaced by the more powerful R-2800-18W engine. This -18W engine boosted the speed of the Corsair by up to 46.3 km/h (25 kn, 28.76 mph). When injected with an alcohol/water mixture, the performance could be boosted even further. In order for the propeller to be able to handle the more powerful engine, the propeller had to be changed from 3 blades to 4 blades. Modifications to the fuselage were required, including the addition of a scoop to the lower engine cowling. In addition, the cockpit was completely redesigned. The F4U-4 was armed with six .50 in machine guns, up to 4,000 lbs of bombs and/or eight 5 in rockets.
A variant was to be created for the British Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was called the F4U-4C, but none were delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, for whatever reason. The F4U-4C was then redesignated the F4U-4B. The only major difference between the F4U-4 and the F4U-4B was a change of primary armament. The -4B replaced the six .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. The F4U-4B was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps. Notably, they were used by VMF-214 (Marine Fighter Squadron 214) of the Marine Corps, nicknamed "Blacksheep". VMF-214 flew F4U-4B strikes off USS Sicily (CVE-118) between August and November 1950 during the Korean War.
Media
- Skins
- Videos
The Shooting Range #122 - Pages of History section at 03:50 discusses the fate of the F4U Corsair after WW2.
See also
External links
References
- Bibliography
- "F4U-4B Vought Corsair", F4U Corsair - The Bent Wing Bird plane site, Retrieved on 28 March 2020.
- "Types of Plane F4U - Variants", F4U Corsair- The Bent Wing Bird plane site, Retrieved on 28 March 2020.
| Chance Vought Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Fighters | |
| Corsair | F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1C · F4U-1D · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 |
| Float planes | O3U-1 · OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 |
| Attackers | AU-1 |
| Bombers | SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 |
| Jet aircraft | |
| Corsair II | A-7D · A-7E · A-7K |
| Crusader | F8U-2 · F-8E |
| Export | V-156-B1 · V-156-F · ▄Corsair F Mk II · F4U-7 · ▄F-8E(FN) |
| Captured | ▅F4U-1A |
| 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 |
