Difference between revisions of "Firecrest"
Tomgun_BLYAT (talk | contribs) m (Added bombs + rockets loadout option) (Tag: Visual edit) |
(added play style description) (Tag: Visual edit) |
||
(46 intermediate revisions by 19 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=b_48_firecrest | |code=b_48_firecrest | ||
− | + | |cockpit=442884/1521696 | |
− | |cockpit= | ||
}} | }} | ||
== 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}}''' | + | [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] |
− | + | {{break}} | |
− | It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a squadron rank {{Specs|rank}} British fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
− | + | ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' | |
− | |||
− | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | |
− | + | |- | |
− | + | ! colspan="8" | Characteristics | |
− | + | |- | |
− | + | ! colspan="8" | ''Stock'' | |
− | + | |- | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
− | ! | ||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,791 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,791 m) | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters) |
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
− | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters) |
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! AB | ||
+ | ! RB | ||
+ | ! AB | ||
+ | ! RB | ||
+ | ! AB | ||
+ | ! RB | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | 587 || 568 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.1 || 25.0 || 15.4 || 15.4 || 300 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded'' | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,791 m) |
+ | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters) | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second) | ||
+ | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! AB |
− | + | ! RB | |
+ | ! AB | ||
+ | ! RB | ||
+ | ! AB | ||
+ | ! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | ??? || 608 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || 23.0 || ??.? || 19 || 300 | |
− | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Details ==== | ==== Details ==== | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Combat flaps | + | ! Combat flaps |
+ | ! Take-off flaps | ||
+ | ! Landing flaps | ||
+ | ! Air brakes | ||
+ | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> | ||
Line 53: | Line 69: | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="5" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h) |
− | ! | + | ! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! + | |
+ | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | {{Specs|destruction| | + | | {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 430 || ~10 || ~4 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 70: | Line 87: | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Ailerons | + | ! Ailerons<br>(km/h) |
+ | ! Rudder<br>(km/h) | ||
+ | ! Elevators<br>(km/h) | ||
+ | ! Radiator<br>(km/h) | ||
|- | |- | ||
| < 460 || < 450 || < 450 || > 330 | | < 460 || < 450 || < 450 || > 330 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | Setting 1 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Optimal altitude | ||
+ | ! 100% Engine power | ||
+ | ! WEP Engine power | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | 1,280 m || 2,580 hp || 2,895 hp | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! colspan="3" | Setting 2 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Optimal altitude | ||
+ | ! 100% Engine power | ||
+ | ! WEP Engine power | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | 4,980 m || 2,310 hp || 2,587 hp | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and armour === | ||
− | + | ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
== 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|M3 | + | {{main|Browning M3 (12.7 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
− | * 2 x 12.7 mm M3 | + | * 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M3 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 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.'' --> | ||
− | {{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|RP-3| | + | {{main|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)|RP-3|Mark XV}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
− | * 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total) | + | * 2 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total) |
− | * 1 x | + | * 1 x Mark XV torpedo |
* 8 x RP-3 rockets | * 8 x RP-3 rockets | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | + | The Firecrest is a sub-average torpedo bomber with decent survive-ability. It has minimal effectiveness in air battles and almost no place in tank battles, however it has a place in naval battles. Before you research any suspended armament, you will need to do some shameless farming of light CPU targets such as artillery and trucks. Once you research the armaments (mk. XV torpedo recommended) then it is ready to participate in naval battles. It's performance is similar to other torpedo bombers at tier and should be played similarly. It's only outstanding trait in it's high survive-ability will allow you to get one kill if you play your cards right. I recommend this to be used to take on a good destroyer or cruiser player that is really giving trouble to your friendly surface craft since it can survive CPU AA and the player can only maneuver. | |
− | |||
− | The Firecrest is | ||
− | |||
− | ' | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
Line 157: | Line 157: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Oil | + | ! Oil |
+ | ! Water | ||
+ | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | Not controllable || Not controllable<br> | + | | Not controllable || Not controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | + | === Modules === | |
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | ! colspan="1" | Tier | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Flight performance | ||
+ | ! colspan="1" | Survivability | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Weaponry | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | I | ||
+ | | Fuselage repair | ||
+ | | Radiator | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | HMBC mk.2 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | II | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Compressor | ||
+ | | Airframe | ||
+ | | Offensive 12 mm | ||
+ | | FTC mk.IV | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | III | ||
+ | | Wings repair | ||
+ | | Engine | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | HRC mk.8 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | IV | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Engine injection | ||
+ | | Cover | ||
+ | | New 12 mm MGs | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
=== 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:''' | ||
− | * | + | * M3 .50 cals can do serious damage if used correctly, and have a high rate of fire |
− | * Good top speed overall | + | * Good top speed overall |
− | * Respectably durable | + | * Respectably durable |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * | + | * Not very maneuverable, especially at low speeds |
− | * Only | + | * Only two machine guns = limited damage output at the rank |
− | * Limited payload options | + | * Limited payload options |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
− | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> | + | <!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' --> |
The Blackburn Firecrest was a British Torpedo Strike Fighter, derived from the earlier [[Firebrand TF Mk IV|Blackburn Firebrand]] but designed from the outset as a torpedo strike fighter. Designed to the S.28/43 specification set by the Admiralty on February 26th 1943 for a 'Firebrand Torpedo Fighter with improved wing and improved pilot view', the Firecrest was designed with a number of issues of the Firebrand in mind. Specifically, effort was done to produce a type which had improved forward visibility to facilitate deck landings, and which had better lateral control at landing speeds. The design specification also called for the Firecrest to be powered by a Bristol Centaurus 77 engine powering a contra-rotating propeller. | The Blackburn Firecrest was a British Torpedo Strike Fighter, derived from the earlier [[Firebrand TF Mk IV|Blackburn Firebrand]] but designed from the outset as a torpedo strike fighter. Designed to the S.28/43 specification set by the Admiralty on February 26th 1943 for a 'Firebrand Torpedo Fighter with improved wing and improved pilot view', the Firecrest was designed with a number of issues of the Firebrand in mind. Specifically, effort was done to produce a type which had improved forward visibility to facilitate deck landings, and which had better lateral control at landing speeds. The design specification also called for the Firecrest to be powered by a Bristol Centaurus 77 engine powering a contra-rotating propeller. | ||
Line 197: | Line 224: | ||
Early on during its design, the Admiralty also ordered three prototypes which would have been driven by the Napier E.122 24-cylinder H-block engine, a 3500 hp development of the Napier Sabre used on the original Firebrand. However, it was soon found that in order to maintain an acceptable center of gravity, the heavy Napier engine would have to be installed behind the cockpit, which would require an extensive redesign and add considerable weight to the aircraft. As a result, the Napier E.122 powered variant was cancelled in October of 1945 before metal was cut on any of their prototypes. Just before completion of the design, the Centaurus 77 variant with its contra-rotating propeller was cancelled in January of 1946, and it was replaced by a 2,825 hp Centaurus 57 with a conventional five-bladed propeller. The first of three completed prototypes of the Firecrest flew on April 1st 1947. | Early on during its design, the Admiralty also ordered three prototypes which would have been driven by the Napier E.122 24-cylinder H-block engine, a 3500 hp development of the Napier Sabre used on the original Firebrand. However, it was soon found that in order to maintain an acceptable center of gravity, the heavy Napier engine would have to be installed behind the cockpit, which would require an extensive redesign and add considerable weight to the aircraft. As a result, the Napier E.122 powered variant was cancelled in October of 1945 before metal was cut on any of their prototypes. Just before completion of the design, the Centaurus 77 variant with its contra-rotating propeller was cancelled in January of 1946, and it was replaced by a 2,825 hp Centaurus 57 with a conventional five-bladed propeller. The first of three completed prototypes of the Firecrest flew on April 1st 1947. | ||
− | The Firecrest differed from the Firebrand in having a cockpit that was set higher and more forward than that of the Firebrand, which combined with a shortened nose did improve the forward visibility during deck landing. A redesigned inverted gull wing conceptually not unlike that of the Vought Corsair did much to improve the type's low speed handling and take off characteristics: even at full weight, take-off was possible in just under 430 ft with a 29 mph headwind; | + | The Firecrest differed from the Firebrand in having a cockpit that was set higher and more forward than that of the Firebrand, which combined with a shortened nose did improve the forward visibility during deck landing. A redesigned inverted gull wing conceptually not unlike that of the Vought Corsair did much to improve the type's low speed handling and take off characteristics: even at full weight, take-off was possible in just under 430 ft with a 29 mph headwind; it's landing run was an impressive 390 ft with a 5 mph headwind. With its conventional five-bladed propeller, the Firecrest's top speed lay at 380 mph, some 38 mph faster than the Firebrand despite weighing slightly more. Unlike the Firebrand which used hand-folded wings, the Firecrest had power-assisted folding wings with a double fold. |
However, it soon became apparent that the Firecrest was even more sluggish in handling than the Firebrand, that the design in itself did not give any distinct advantages over the Firebrand or the newly developed [[Wyvern_S4|Westland Wyvern]], and that it was less versatile than types such as the [[Firefly_FR_Mk_V|Fairey Firefly]] or [[Sea_Fury_FB_11|Hawker Sea Fury]]. As a result, all development work on the Firecrest ceased in September of 1947, with the second prototype only being used for structural testing, and the third prototype used to test the power-boosted ailerons which were eventually fitted to the Firebrand TF.5A. All three prototypes were bought back by Blackburn in 1950, and scrapped in 1952. | However, it soon became apparent that the Firecrest was even more sluggish in handling than the Firebrand, that the design in itself did not give any distinct advantages over the Firebrand or the newly developed [[Wyvern_S4|Westland Wyvern]], and that it was less versatile than types such as the [[Firefly_FR_Mk_V|Fairey Firefly]] or [[Sea_Fury_FB_11|Hawker Sea Fury]]. As a result, all development work on the Firecrest ceased in September of 1947, with the second prototype only being used for structural testing, and the third prototype used to test the power-boosted ailerons which were eventually fitted to the Firebrand TF.5A. All three prototypes were bought back by Blackburn in 1950, and scrapped in 1952. | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | + | ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' | |
− | + | == See also == | |
− | + | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | * ''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.'' |
− | + | == External links == | |
− | + | ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | '' | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | * ''other literature.'' | + | * ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;'' |
+ | * ''other literature.'' | ||
− | + | {{AirManufacturer Blackburn}} | |
− | + | {{Britain fighters}} | |
− | + | {{Britain squadron aircraft}} | |
− | + | [[Category:Squadron aircraft]] | |
− | |||
− |
Revision as of 18:15, 3 March 2020
Contents
Description
The Firecrest is a squadron rank II British fighter
with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB), 2.3 (RB), and 3.3 (SB). It was introduced during Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy".
General info
Flight performance
Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.
Characteristics | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock | |||||||
Max Speed (km/h at 5,791 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
587 | 568 | 10975 | 24.1 | 25.0 | 15.4 | 15.4 | 300 |
Upgraded | |||||||
Max Speed (km/h at 5,791 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
??? | 608 | 10975 | ??.? | 23.0 | ??.? | 19 | 300 |
Details
Features | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Limits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flaps (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
+ | - | |||
430 | ~10 | ~4 |
Optimal velocities | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
< 460 | < 450 | < 450 | > 330 |
Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
---|---|---|
Setting 1 | ||
Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
1,280 m | 2,580 hp | 2,895 hp |
Setting 2 | ||
Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
4,980 m | 2,310 hp | 2,587 hp |
Survivability and armour
Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.
Armaments
Offensive armament
The Firecrest is armed with:
- 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M3 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)
Suspended armament
The Firecrest can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 2 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
- 1 x Mark XV torpedo
- 8 x RP-3 rockets
Usage in battles
The Firecrest is a sub-average torpedo bomber with decent survive-ability. It has minimal effectiveness in air battles and almost no place in tank battles, however it has a place in naval battles. Before you research any suspended armament, you will need to do some shameless farming of light CPU targets such as artillery and trucks. Once you research the armaments (mk. XV torpedo recommended) then it is ready to participate in naval battles. It's performance is similar to other torpedo bombers at tier and should be played similarly. It's only outstanding trait in it's high survive-ability will allow you to get one kill if you play your cards right. I recommend this to be used to take on a good destroyer or cruiser player that is really giving trouble to your friendly surface craft since it can survive CPU AA and the player can only maneuver.
Manual Engine Control
MEC elements | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
Oil | Water | Type | ||||
Not controllable | Not controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Auto control available |
Separate | Controllable 2 gears |
Not controllable |
Modules
Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Fuselage repair | Radiator | HMBC mk.2 | ||
II | Compressor | Airframe | Offensive 12 mm | FTC mk.IV | |
III | Wings repair | Engine | HRC mk.8 | ||
IV | Engine injection | Cover | New 12 mm MGs |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- M3 .50 cals can do serious damage if used correctly, and have a high rate of fire
- Good top speed overall
- Respectably durable
Cons:
- Not very maneuverable, especially at low speeds
- Only two machine guns = limited damage output at the rank
- Limited payload options
History
The Blackburn Firecrest was a British Torpedo Strike Fighter, derived from the earlier Blackburn Firebrand but designed from the outset as a torpedo strike fighter. Designed to the S.28/43 specification set by the Admiralty on February 26th 1943 for a 'Firebrand Torpedo Fighter with improved wing and improved pilot view', the Firecrest was designed with a number of issues of the Firebrand in mind. Specifically, effort was done to produce a type which had improved forward visibility to facilitate deck landings, and which had better lateral control at landing speeds. The design specification also called for the Firecrest to be powered by a Bristol Centaurus 77 engine powering a contra-rotating propeller.
Early on during its design, the Admiralty also ordered three prototypes which would have been driven by the Napier E.122 24-cylinder H-block engine, a 3500 hp development of the Napier Sabre used on the original Firebrand. However, it was soon found that in order to maintain an acceptable center of gravity, the heavy Napier engine would have to be installed behind the cockpit, which would require an extensive redesign and add considerable weight to the aircraft. As a result, the Napier E.122 powered variant was cancelled in October of 1945 before metal was cut on any of their prototypes. Just before completion of the design, the Centaurus 77 variant with its contra-rotating propeller was cancelled in January of 1946, and it was replaced by a 2,825 hp Centaurus 57 with a conventional five-bladed propeller. The first of three completed prototypes of the Firecrest flew on April 1st 1947.
The Firecrest differed from the Firebrand in having a cockpit that was set higher and more forward than that of the Firebrand, which combined with a shortened nose did improve the forward visibility during deck landing. A redesigned inverted gull wing conceptually not unlike that of the Vought Corsair did much to improve the type's low speed handling and take off characteristics: even at full weight, take-off was possible in just under 430 ft with a 29 mph headwind; it's landing run was an impressive 390 ft with a 5 mph headwind. With its conventional five-bladed propeller, the Firecrest's top speed lay at 380 mph, some 38 mph faster than the Firebrand despite weighing slightly more. Unlike the Firebrand which used hand-folded wings, the Firecrest had power-assisted folding wings with a double fold.
However, it soon became apparent that the Firecrest was even more sluggish in handling than the Firebrand, that the design in itself did not give any distinct advantages over the Firebrand or the newly developed Westland Wyvern, and that it was less versatile than types such as the Fairey Firefly or Hawker Sea Fury. As a result, all development work on the Firecrest ceased in September of 1947, with the second prototype only being used for structural testing, and the third prototype used to test the power-boosted ailerons which were eventually fitted to the Firebrand TF.5A. All three prototypes were bought back by Blackburn in 1950, and scrapped in 1952.
Media
Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.
See also
Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
- reference to the series of the aircraft;
- links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.
External links
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
- other literature.
Blackburn Aircraft Ltd. | |
---|---|
Fighters | Firebrand TF Mk IV · Firecrest |
Strike aircraft | Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B |
Britain squadron aircraft | |
---|---|