Difference between revisions of "F4F-4"

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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating|4}}.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating|4}}. It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
 +
 
 +
The Wildcat is a sort of middle child between the F2A Buffalo and the F6F Hellcat in the naval tree. While being slightly slower, climbing slower and turning worse than the previous F2A-3 Buffalo you unlocked, the Wildcat has two extra Browning M2's which ups the firepower by a decent amount. The Wildcat is also better at altitude than the Buffalo, meaning it's a better dogfighter at a high alt. Given its traits, it is recommended to use the Wildcat as a high altitude dogfighter, although its mediocre climb rate makes it difficult to out-climb the opponents you face.
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
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! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || X || X || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||420|| ~8 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 320 || < 390 || < 300 || > 200
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 3,157 m || 800 hp || 864 hp  
 
|-
 
|-
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 5,220 m || 950 hp || 1,026 hp  
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
+
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
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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. Describe the armour, if there is any, 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
−
 
+
* 6.35 mm steel- behind pilot's body
−
* No armour plating
+
* 8 mm steel - behind pilot's head
−
* No armour glazing
+
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
−
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
+
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls).
−
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
<!--''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|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
+
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 4 x 7.5 mm [[MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)|MAC 1934]] machine guns (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
+
* 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 1,440 total)
−
-->
+
 
−
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
+
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
−
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''-->
+
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
−
<!--
+
 
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
−
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
+
 
−
-->
+
* 2 x 100 lbs AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
 +
 
 +
<!--=== Defensive armament ===
 +
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
 
== 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 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 an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 +
==== Vehicle characteristics ====
 +
If you liked the F4F-3 Wildcat but was disappointed by its poor armament, you will welcome the upgrade in firepower from the F4F-4. The 2 extra M2 brownings increase the firepower from the Buffalo and F4F-3 by an entire kilogram, reaching a respectable one second burst mass of 3.30 kg/s compared to the previously mentioned Buffalo and F4F-3's 2.20 kg/s.
 +
 +
The clipped wings and light weight of the F4F-4 allows for a very solid roll rate while having little effect on its turning capabilities, as it will still be able to outturn most enemies.
 +
 +
However, both Wildcats have two large and easy to hit fuel tanks that are placed in the centre of the fuselage, and a big oil cooling system in the cowling. This means that any pilot who knows where to aim will be able to seriously cripple you and send you limping back to the airfield if they don't kill you outright.
 +
 +
==== Tactics ====
 +
As with any American fighter, you should break into a climb at the start of a match, attempting to reach an altitude of 3,000-4,000 meters where the Pratt and Whitney R-1830-86 radial starts increasing performance. If you encounter an enemy you know you can outturn, turn fight them and make good use of the rudder.
 +
 +
As you climb, you will encounter enemies that outclass you in many ways such as BF 109 E-3/4's and F-1's, C.202EC's and C.205's, Zeroes and the Dreaded J2M2. '''Do not engage with any of these targets!''' All of the previously mentioned planes will rip you to shreds and almost completely outclass you.
 +
 +
==== Specific enemies worth noting ====
 +
BF 109's. The legendary Messerschmitts out climb you, out run you and in some cases, outturn you. E-4's and F-1's are the most common versions you will come across, but you can face the F-4 which is entirely superior. You can outturn the E-4, but be weary of its twin MG FF/M carrying the volatile minengeschoß round. However, do not engage with the F-1, as it turns better and is faster than you while still mounting a single MG FF/M which only needs to land a few shots before downing you and the same goes for the F-4 which mounts the more powerful MG 151.
 +
 +
A6M2's. Zeroes are an interesting opponent to fight, but are easily countered. Zeroes turn better than almost every plane in the game but are painfully slow, so abuse their low speed to Boom-N-Zoom them, but be careful about their two 20mm cannons which can still down you as you fly away.
 +
 +
J2M2's. The Raiden is the ultimate counter to the Wildcat. It is better at altitude, climbs almost twice as well, is faster, and mounts two powerful 20mm Type 99 Mk2 cannons which can rip you to shreds, and as such, you should avoid them at all costs. However, if you are forced to fight one, use your better turn time to try to get on its tail, but it is the best course of action to fly towards teammates so they can help get rid of it.
 +
 +
==== Counter-tactics ====
 +
A smart Wildcat pilot will assess the situation it is in and plan accordingly. If you are in a plane that turns worse, do not take its bait to make you turn fight them, so try to Boom-N-Zoom it and vice-versa for a plane that turns better but is slower.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
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! Type  
 
! Type  
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" |ombined|| rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|  
 
|  
 
|Offensive 12 mm
 
|Offensive 12 mm
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
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|  
 
|  
 
|New 12 mm MGs
 
|New 12 mm MGs
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
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| Cover
 
| Cover
 
|  
 
|  
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- Summarize 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 - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective". -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Decent maneuverability.
 +
* Decent roll rate.
 +
* Carried an extra pair of guns.
 +
* Can carry bombs.
 +
* Can take some damage.
 +
* Improved pilot protection from already good protection from previous model.
 +
* Good dive speed and characteristic.
 +
* Can fly with a red engine(AB).
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* Commonly faces difficult foes.
 +
* Mediocre rate of climb and top speed.
 +
* Low ammo count of only 1440 rounds despite added guns.
 +
* Bad cockpit rear visibility(SB).
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Revision as of 13:31, 7 April 2019

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
F4F-4
f4f-4.png
F4F-4
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:5 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
Msg-info.png This page is about the aircraft F4F-4. For other uses, see F4F (Disambiguation)

Description

GarageImage F4F-4.jpg


The F4F-4 Wildcat is a Rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

The Wildcat is a sort of middle child between the F2A Buffalo and the F6F Hellcat in the naval tree. While being slightly slower, climbing slower and turning worse than the previous F2A-3 Buffalo you unlocked, the Wildcat has two extra Browning M2's which ups the firepower by a decent amount. The Wildcat is also better at altitude than the Buffalo, meaning it's a better dogfighter at a high alt. Given its traits, it is recommended to use the Wildcat as a high altitude dogfighter, although its mediocre climb rate makes it difficult to out-climb the opponents you face.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,600 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
494 481 8500 21.3 21.8 11.6 11.6 258
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,600 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
539 517 8500 18.6 19.9 19.3 14 258

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
0 320 420 ~8 ~5
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 320 < 390 < 300 > 200
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,157 m 800 hp 864 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,220 m 950 hp 1,026 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 6.35 mm steel- behind pilot's body
  • 8 mm steel - behind pilot's head
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
  • Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls).

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The F4F-4 is armed with:

  • 6 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (240 rpg = 1,440 total)

Suspended armament

Main article: AN-M30A1 (100 lb)

The F4F-4 can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

  • 2 x 100 lbs AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)

Usage in battles

Vehicle characteristics

If you liked the F4F-3 Wildcat but was disappointed by its poor armament, you will welcome the upgrade in firepower from the F4F-4. The 2 extra M2 brownings increase the firepower from the Buffalo and F4F-3 by an entire kilogram, reaching a respectable one second burst mass of 3.30 kg/s compared to the previously mentioned Buffalo and F4F-3's 2.20 kg/s.

The clipped wings and light weight of the F4F-4 allows for a very solid roll rate while having little effect on its turning capabilities, as it will still be able to outturn most enemies.

However, both Wildcats have two large and easy to hit fuel tanks that are placed in the centre of the fuselage, and a big oil cooling system in the cowling. This means that any pilot who knows where to aim will be able to seriously cripple you and send you limping back to the airfield if they don't kill you outright.

Tactics

As with any American fighter, you should break into a climb at the start of a match, attempting to reach an altitude of 3,000-4,000 meters where the Pratt and Whitney R-1830-86 radial starts increasing performance. If you encounter an enemy you know you can outturn, turn fight them and make good use of the rudder.

As you climb, you will encounter enemies that outclass you in many ways such as BF 109 E-3/4's and F-1's, C.202EC's and C.205's, Zeroes and the Dreaded J2M2. Do not engage with any of these targets! All of the previously mentioned planes will rip you to shreds and almost completely outclass you.

Specific enemies worth noting

BF 109's. The legendary Messerschmitts out climb you, out run you and in some cases, outturn you. E-4's and F-1's are the most common versions you will come across, but you can face the F-4 which is entirely superior. You can outturn the E-4, but be weary of its twin MG FF/M carrying the volatile minengeschoß round. However, do not engage with the F-1, as it turns better and is faster than you while still mounting a single MG FF/M which only needs to land a few shots before downing you and the same goes for the F-4 which mounts the more powerful MG 151.

A6M2's. Zeroes are an interesting opponent to fight, but are easily countered. Zeroes turn better than almost every plane in the game but are painfully slow, so abuse their low speed to Boom-N-Zoom them, but be careful about their two 20mm cannons which can still down you as you fly away.

J2M2's. The Raiden is the ultimate counter to the Wildcat. It is better at altitude, climbs almost twice as well, is faster, and mounts two powerful 20mm Type 99 Mk2 cannons which can rip you to shreds, and as such, you should avoid them at all costs. However, if you are forced to fight one, use your better turn time to try to get on its tail, but it is the best course of action to fly towards teammates so they can help get rid of it.

Counter-tactics

A smart Wildcat pilot will assess the situation it is in and plan accordingly. If you are in a plane that turns worse, do not take its bait to make you turn fight them, so try to Boom-N-Zoom it and vice-versa for a plane that turns better but is slower.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable Not controllable Controllable ombined Controllable Not controllable

Modules

For firepower modules, outside of upgrades for the machine guns, the unlock of the module Mk.41 will allow the F4F-4 to mount two 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs.

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe MK.41
III Wings Repair Engine New 12 mm MGs
IV Engine Injection Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent maneuverability.
  • Decent roll rate.
  • Carried an extra pair of guns.
  • Can carry bombs.
  • Can take some damage.
  • Improved pilot protection from already good protection from previous model.
  • Good dive speed and characteristic.
  • Can fly with a red engine(AB).

Cons:

  • Commonly faces difficult foes.
  • Mediocre rate of climb and top speed.
  • Low ammo count of only 1440 rounds despite added guns.
  • Bad cockpit rear visibility(SB).

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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on aircraft;
  • other literature.


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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