Difference between revisions of "F8F-1"
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{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=f8f1 | |code=f8f1 | ||
− | | | + | |cockpit=369902/1262891 |
− | | | + | }} |
+ | {{About | ||
+ | |about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
+ | |usage=other uses | ||
+ | |link=F8F (Family) | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!-- ''In the description, the first part | + | <!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''--> |
− | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a | + | [[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]] |
+ | {{break}} | ||
+ | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.33]]. | ||
− | The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with | + | The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with its quad M2 Brownings (even more compared to its 1B counterpart), the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands. The plane was developed to achieve two things: the best possible climb rate and the ability to land on escort carriers. |
− | The in-game | + | In War Thunder, the F8F Bearcat is an Rank IV US Naval Fighter. In game there are two versions of this particular model available – the F8F-1, armed with 4 .50 caliber M2 machine guns and the F8F-1B, armed with 4 AN/M3 20 mm cannons. This is reflected in its AB battle rating, that is 1.7 lower than cannon version. The difference in armament has much smaller impact in RB and SB, and therefor -1 has only 0.3 lower BR, and is often skipped. The in-game Bearcat retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F ''Wild Cat'', and the F6F ''Hellcat''. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage. |
− | The | + | The elephant in the room when it comes to the Bearcat is its 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M2 Brownings]]. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 APIT rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has 8 x M2s which can chew through aircraft hulls by hurling twice as many bullets down range. Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed. And unlike other Browning armed airplanes, it has medicore ammo load of only 1250 rounds. |
Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of HVAR rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks. | Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of HVAR rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks. | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
− | === Flight | + | === Flight Performance === |
− | + | <!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''--> | |
− | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
− | + | |- | |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | ! colspan="8" | Characteristics |
− | ! | + | |- |
− | ! colspan="2" | Max | + | ! colspan="8" | ''Stock'' |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | + | |- |
+ | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,098 m) | ||
+ | ! 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 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | 666 || 646 || 10,900 || 20.8 || 21.4 || 19.4 || 19.3 || 220 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded'' |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,098 m) |
− | + | ! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters) | |
+ | ! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds) | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second) | ||
+ | ! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! AB |
− | | | + | ! RB |
+ | ! AB | ||
+ | ! RB | ||
+ | ! AB | ||
+ | ! RB | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |731||686|| 10,900 ||19.0||20.0||30.7||22.6|| 220 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | ==== Details ==== | + | ====Details==== |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Combat | + | ! Combat flap |
+ | ! Take-off flap | ||
+ | ! Landing flap | ||
+ | ! Air brakes | ||
+ | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || | + | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X ||X |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center | + | * Flaps don't extend above their rip speed |
+ | |||
+ | * | ||
+ | |||
+ | {| 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 flap<br> (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | ! + | |
+ | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 830 || 300 || 910 || ~12 || ~6 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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{| 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) | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | < | + | | < 540 || < 540 || < 500 || > 250 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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| 5,090 m ||1,852 hp||1,918 hp | | 5,090 m ||1,852 hp||1,918 hp | ||
|- | |- | ||
+ | <!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Optimal altitude | ||
+ | ! 100% Engine power | ||
+ | ! WEP Engine power | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? 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. 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 | ||
− | * 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine | + | * 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine armor plate |
* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate | * 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate | ||
* 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest | * 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest | ||
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield | * 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield | ||
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== 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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
− | * 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning | + | * 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning, wing-mounted (300 + 325 rpg each wing = 1,250 total) |
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=== 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|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}} |
− | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following | + | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance options: |
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* Without load | * Without load | ||
− | * 4 x HVAR rockets | + | * 2 x 297 mm Tiny Tim rockets (fired together unlike the hellcat) |
− | * | + | * 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets |
− | * 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs ( | + | * 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total) |
− | * 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total) | + | * 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (2,000 lb total) (2 drops, 500 lb first together) |
− | * 4 x 12.7 mm M2 | + | * 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total) (2 drops) |
− | + | * 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns (gun pods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total) | |
− | |||
− | |||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
− | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!--''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).''--> |
[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]] | [[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]] | ||
− | This aircraft is best when used as an energy fighter | + | This aircraft is best when used as an energy fighter, however unlike the other american planes it doesn't fullfil Boom and Zoom role very well, because of lacking arnament and rudder lock-up. |
− | + | Orriginally designed to achieve best possible climb rate, this aircraft sacrifises almost everything else, including arnament, supercharger, fuel load and radiator. However, as it was also made to be able to use escort carriers, it is also small and durable. | |
− | This aircraft has great climb rate in Air | + | This aircraft has great climb rate of 29 m/s in Air RB (spaded, min fuel), as well as great acceleration, and it should be accordingly. At the beggining of the match climb into the battlefield, and attack the opponents with the highest energy. If there is an enemy above you, disengage using your great acceleraton. Do not be afraid to attack lower enemies, as this plane's optimal altitude is below 1,000m. It is also quite fast in a straight line, especially on low altitudes. |
− | The bad low speed | + | The bad low speed manuverablity isnt't really an issue given the plane's acceleration. |
− | === Manual Engine Control === | + | This Bearcat doesn't suit BnZ tactic, because it lacks the punchy arnament, and rudder compression makes shoots above 720 km/h impossible. |
+ | |||
+ | ===Manual Engine Control=== | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="7" | MEC elements | ! colspan="7" | MEC elements | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Mixer | + | ! rowspan="2" |Mixer |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Pitch | + | ! rowspan="2" |Pitch |
− | ! colspan="3" | Radiator | + | ! colspan="3" |Radiator |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Supercharger | + | ! rowspan="2" |Supercharger |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | + | ! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger |
+ | |- | ||
+ | ! Oil | ||
+ | ! Water | ||
+ | ! Type | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | Controllable, no automatic control || rowspan="2" |Controllable, no automatic control|| rowspan="2" | Controllable, no automatic control || rowspan="2" | Controllable, automatic control || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | * Although the name "Ovencat" may not sound encouragingly, MEC lets pilot completly forget about the overheating problem. Set the prop pitch to 100%, Mixer to ~95%. Change supercharger gear @~1,100m. Manage radiators according to the temperatures. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Modules=== | ||
+ | {| class="wikitable" | ||
+ | ! colspan="1" | Tier | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Flight performance | ||
+ | ! colspan="1" | Survivability | ||
+ | ! colspan="2" | Weaponry | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | I | ||
+ | | Fuselage Repair | ||
+ | | Radiator | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Offensive 12 mm | ||
+ | | DPG-1 | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | | II | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | Compressor | ||
+ | | Airframe | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | FRC mk.2 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | III | |
+ | | Wings Repair | ||
+ | | Engine | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | New 12 mm MGs | ||
+ | | LFRC mk.12 | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | IV |
+ | | G-Suit | ||
+ | | Engine Injection | ||
+ | | Cover | ||
+ | | | ||
+ | | FLBC mk.1 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | * | + | * The "''holy trinity''" of flight performance upgrades: ''Compressor'', ''Engine'', and ''Engine injection''. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min). |
+ | * Arnament upgrades are worth considering due to lacking arnament, bad stock belts and medicore ammo count | ||
+ | * G-suit is very useful, given the plane is most manuverable at medium to high speeds | ||
=== 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".''--> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * | + | * One of the best climb rates of all prop planes |
* Great acceleration | * Great acceleration | ||
* Good top speed, especially at low altitudes | * Good top speed, especially at low altitudes | ||
Line 218: | Line 265: | ||
* Can take a punch | * Can take a punch | ||
* Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can set everything on fire with only a couple of bullets | * Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can set everything on fire with only a couple of bullets | ||
− | * Has access to | + | * Has access to gun pod |
− | * Has carrier hook | + | * Minimum fuel load is 14 min |
− | * It doesn't see jets as often as | + | * Has carrier hook (pacific maps) |
+ | * It doesn't see jets as often as -1B | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
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* Sluggish low speed handling (roll rate) and turning | * Sluggish low speed handling (roll rate) and turning | ||
* Loses a lot of energy when turning | * Loses a lot of energy when turning | ||
− | * Bad high altitude performance | + | * Bad high altitude performance > 5,000m |
− | * Rudder compresses hardly | + | * Rudder compresses hardly > 720kph |
* Engine overheats on 100% when using auto controls | * Engine overheats on 100% when using auto controls | ||
− | * Limited supply of ADI (''' | + | * Limited supply of ADI ('''anti-detonant injection' ''mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance, WEP) |
− | * Extremely poor weapons when compared to Fw-190, | + | * Extremely poor weapons when compared to Fw-190, J6M, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others |
* Limited ammo count | * Limited ammo count | ||
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''--> |
− | The first idea for the creation of the Grumman F8F Bearcat was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an | + | The first idea for the creation of the Grumman F8F Bearcat was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an aircraft’s rate of climb. This of course meant that an increase in power was necessary. In 1943 the design work on the new aircraft began. The outline called for a fighter-interceptor, capable of operating even from small escort carriers. While the engine – the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial – was the same model used on the earlier [[F6F-5|F6F Hellcat]], the new fighter would be lighter which also meant an increase in speed and climb rate. The concession was limiting the range of the new aircraft. The F8F would also feature a bubble canopy for better all around visibility. The first prototype, the XF8F-1, first took to the skies on the 21st August 1944. Further tests proved the aircraft's reliability and ruggedness, and the F8F was accepted into mass production. The first serial models rolled off the assembly line in February 1945 and were delivered to VF-19 fighter squadron, which began operating flights with the Bearcats in May 1945. |
The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the [[F2H-2|F2H Banshee]] jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records. | The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the [[F2H-2|F2H Banshee]] jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records. | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
− | <!-- '' | + | <!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''--> |
+ | === Skins === | ||
− | + | *[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23F8F Skins and camouflages for the F8F from live.warthunder]. All F8F skins are interchangable and can be used on all versions via the following steps: | |
+ | *: 1) Duplicate the folder template_f8f1 in your UserSkins folder and rename to template_f8f1b | ||
+ | *: 2) Rename each file in the template_f8f1b folder from f8f1*.* to f8f1b*.* | ||
+ | *: 3) edit f8f1b.blk and replace all instances of f8f1 with f8f1b | ||
+ | **[http://live.warthunder.com/post/16585/ '''"F8F-1B Vietnam Air Force 1964, historical skin"''' by ''_TerremotO_''] | ||
+ | **[http://live.warthunder.com/post/18620/ ''''The Jolly Rogers' Based/influenced by the 1980 movie ' The Final countdown'.''' by ''H3LLRA1Z3R3''] | ||
+ | **[http://live.warthunder.com/post/40868/ '''"F8F 1B Bearcat VF-61"''' by ''gudkarma''] | ||
+ | **[http://live.warthunder.com/post/30878/ '''"F8F-1 'Pussy Cat'"''' by ''Starbuck44''] | ||
− | + | === Pictures & paintings === | |
+ | [http://live.warthunder.com/post/173370/en/ "Hunting made two cards": F8F vs. He 162] | ||
+ | [http://live.warthunder.com/post/171057/en/ "Never fly alone"] | ||
+ | [http://live.warthunder.com/post/134521/en/ "big brother"] | ||
== See also == | == 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 aircraft;'' |
− | + | * ''other literature.'' | |
− | |||
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}} | {{AirManufacturer Grumman}} | ||
{{USA fighters}} | {{USA fighters}} |
Revision as of 18:25, 20 March 2020
Contents
This page is about the aircraft F8F-1. For other uses, see F8F (Family). |
Description
The F8F-1 Bearcat is a Rank III American naval fighter
with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB), 5.0 (RB), and 6.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.
The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with its quad M2 Brownings (even more compared to its 1B counterpart), the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands. The plane was developed to achieve two things: the best possible climb rate and the ability to land on escort carriers.
In War Thunder, the F8F Bearcat is an Rank IV US Naval Fighter. In game there are two versions of this particular model available – the F8F-1, armed with 4 .50 caliber M2 machine guns and the F8F-1B, armed with 4 AN/M3 20 mm cannons. This is reflected in its AB battle rating, that is 1.7 lower than cannon version. The difference in armament has much smaller impact in RB and SB, and therefor -1 has only 0.3 lower BR, and is often skipped. The in-game Bearcat retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F Wild Cat, and the F6F Hellcat. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.
The elephant in the room when it comes to the Bearcat is its 4 x M2 Brownings. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 APIT rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has 8 x M2s which can chew through aircraft hulls by hurling twice as many bullets down range. Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed. And unlike other Browning armed airplanes, it has medicore ammo load of only 1250 rounds.
Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of HVAR rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.
General info
Flight Performance
Characteristics | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock | |||||||
Max Speed (km/h at 6,098 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
666 | 646 | 10,900 | 20.8 | 21.4 | 19.4 | 19.3 | 220 |
Upgraded | |||||||
Max Speed (km/h at 6,098 m) |
Max altitude (meters) | Turn time (seconds) | Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
731 | 686 | 10,900 | 19.0 | 20.0 | 30.7 | 22.6 | 220 |
Details
Features | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Combat flap | Take-off flap | Landing flap | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
- Flaps don't extend above their rip speed
Limits | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flap (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
+ | - | |||
830 | 300 | 910 | ~12 | ~6 |
Optimal velocities | |||
---|---|---|---|
Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
< 540 | < 540 | < 500 | > 250 |
Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
---|---|---|
Setting 1 | ||
Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
995 m | 2,299 hp | 2,384 hp |
Setting 2 | ||
Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
5,090 m | 1,852 hp | 1,918 hp |
Survivability and armour
- 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine armor plate
- 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
- 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest
- 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield
Armaments
Offensive armament
The F8F-1 is armed with:
- 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning, wing-mounted (300 + 325 rpg each wing = 1,250 total)
Suspended armament
The F8F-1 can be outfitted with the following ordinance options:
- Without load
- 2 x 297 mm Tiny Tim rockets (fired together unlike the hellcat)
- 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
- 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
- 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (2,000 lb total) (2 drops, 500 lb first together)
- 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total) (2 drops)
- 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns (gun pods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
Usage in battles
This aircraft is best when used as an energy fighter, however unlike the other american planes it doesn't fullfil Boom and Zoom role very well, because of lacking arnament and rudder lock-up.
Orriginally designed to achieve best possible climb rate, this aircraft sacrifises almost everything else, including arnament, supercharger, fuel load and radiator. However, as it was also made to be able to use escort carriers, it is also small and durable.
This aircraft has great climb rate of 29 m/s in Air RB (spaded, min fuel), as well as great acceleration, and it should be accordingly. At the beggining of the match climb into the battlefield, and attack the opponents with the highest energy. If there is an enemy above you, disengage using your great acceleraton. Do not be afraid to attack lower enemies, as this plane's optimal altitude is below 1,000m. It is also quite fast in a straight line, especially on low altitudes.
The bad low speed manuverablity isnt't really an issue given the plane's acceleration.
This Bearcat doesn't suit BnZ tactic, because it lacks the punchy arnament, and rudder compression makes shoots above 720 km/h impossible.
Manual Engine Control
MEC elements | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
Oil | Water | Type | ||||
Controllable, no automatic control | Controllable, no automatic control | Controllable, no automatic control | Controllable, automatic control | Separate | Controllable | Not controllable |
- Although the name "Ovencat" may not sound encouragingly, MEC lets pilot completly forget about the overheating problem. Set the prop pitch to 100%, Mixer to ~95%. Change supercharger gear @~1,100m. Manage radiators according to the temperatures.
Modules
Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
I | Fuselage Repair | Radiator | Offensive 12 mm | DPG-1 | |
II | Compressor | Airframe | FRC mk.2 | ||
III | Wings Repair | Engine | New 12 mm MGs | LFRC mk.12 | |
IV | G-Suit | Engine Injection | Cover | FLBC mk.1 |
- The "holy trinity" of flight performance upgrades: Compressor, Engine, and Engine injection. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min).
- Arnament upgrades are worth considering due to lacking arnament, bad stock belts and medicore ammo count
- G-suit is very useful, given the plane is most manuverable at medium to high speeds
Pros and cons
Pros:
- One of the best climb rates of all prop planes
- Great acceleration
- Good top speed, especially at low altitudes
- Great turn rate at medium to high speeds
- Good roll rate at higher speeds
- G-suit modification
- Fast weapon reload (AB)
- Great energy retention in the vertical
- Can take a punch
- Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can set everything on fire with only a couple of bullets
- Has access to gun pod
- Minimum fuel load is 14 min
- Has carrier hook (pacific maps)
- It doesn't see jets as often as -1B
Cons:
- Sluggish low speed handling (roll rate) and turning
- Loses a lot of energy when turning
- Bad high altitude performance > 5,000m
- Rudder compresses hardly > 720kph
- Engine overheats on 100% when using auto controls
- Limited supply of ADI ('anti-detonant injection' mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance, WEP)
- Extremely poor weapons when compared to Fw-190, J6M, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others
- Limited ammo count
History
The first idea for the creation of the Grumman F8F Bearcat was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an aircraft’s rate of climb. This of course meant that an increase in power was necessary. In 1943 the design work on the new aircraft began. The outline called for a fighter-interceptor, capable of operating even from small escort carriers. While the engine – the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial – was the same model used on the earlier F6F Hellcat, the new fighter would be lighter which also meant an increase in speed and climb rate. The concession was limiting the range of the new aircraft. The F8F would also feature a bubble canopy for better all around visibility. The first prototype, the XF8F-1, first took to the skies on the 21st August 1944. Further tests proved the aircraft's reliability and ruggedness, and the F8F was accepted into mass production. The first serial models rolled off the assembly line in February 1945 and were delivered to VF-19 fighter squadron, which began operating flights with the Bearcats in May 1945.
The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the F2H Banshee jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records.
Media
Skins
- Skins and camouflages for the F8F from live.warthunder. All F8F skins are interchangable and can be used on all versions via the following steps:
- 1) Duplicate the folder template_f8f1 in your UserSkins folder and rename to template_f8f1b
- 2) Rename each file in the template_f8f1b folder from f8f1*.* to f8f1b*.*
- 3) edit f8f1b.blk and replace all instances of f8f1 with f8f1b
Pictures & paintings
"Hunting made two cards": F8F vs. He 162 "Never fly alone" "big brother"
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.
Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation | |
---|---|
Aircraft | |
Fighters | |
F3F | F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2 |
F4F Wildcat | F4F-3 · F4F-4 |
XF5F Skyrocket | XF5F · XP-50 |
F6F Hellcat | F6F-5 · F6F-5N |
F7F Tigercat | F7F-1 · F7F-3 |
F8F Bearcat | F8F-1 · F8F-1B |
Jet Fighters | |
F9F Panther/Cougar | F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8 |
F-11 Tiger | F11F-1 |
F-14 Tomcat | F-14A Early · F-14B |
Jet Strike Aircraft | |
A-6 Intruder | A-6E TRAM |
Bombers | TBF-1C |
Export | ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · ▄F8F-1B · ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II |
Naval Vehicles | |
Patrol Gunboat Hydrofoil (PGH) | USS Flagstaff |
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 |