Difference between revisions of "P-39Q-5"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Suspended armament)
(Flight performance)
 
(32 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Specs-Card|code=p-39q_5}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = P-39 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-39q_5
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_p-39q_5.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--''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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor against low-energy aircraft. It lacks the high-altitude performance needed to engage strategic bombers. The 37 mm M4's dropping trajectory and slow rate of fire make it useless in head-on passes. Therefore, prioritise low altitude objectives, like escorting attackers & low alt bombers, or preying on the ones of the enemy.
{{break}}
+
 
The '''P-39Q-5 ''Airacobra''''' is a Rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB) and 3.3 (RB/SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
Compared to the P-39N-0, the Q-5 trades the four .30 calibre machine guns for another pair of .50 calibre machine guns in under-wing gun pods. Keep in mind that these underwing gun pods increase drag, wing loading, and decrease maximum speed in exchange for more firepower.
  
The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor against low energy aircraft. It lacks the high-altitude performance needed to engage strategic-bombers. The 37 mm M4's dropping trajectory and slow rate of fire make it useless in head-on passes. Therefore, prioritize low altitude objectives, like escorting attackers & low alt bombers, or prey on the ones of the enemy.
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== 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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
|-
+
 
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 570 || 556 || 9,700 || 19.4 || 19.9 || 8.1 || 10.2 || 280
+
! Stock
 +
| 573 || 554 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.2 || 20.1 || 10.3 || 10.3 || rowspan="2" | 280
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 636 || 602 || 16.8 || 18.0 || 20.3 || 14.4
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 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
 
|-
 
| 635 || 602 || 9,700 || 17.7 || 18.0 || 24.0 || 14.4 || 280
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 67: Line 52:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 886 || 322 || 450 || ~16 || ~12
+
| 886 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 426 || 396 || 241 || ~13 || ~9
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 85: 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<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 250
+
| < 360 || < 380 || < 450 || > 312
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
=== Survivability and armour ===
|-
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| 3,724 m || 1,125 hp || 1,556 hp
 
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 
 
* 15.87 mm Steel - Propeller hub
 
* 15.87 mm Steel - Propeller hub
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plate fore cockpit
+
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plate in front of the cockpit
* 7 mm Steel - Plate over instrument cluster
+
* 7 mm Steel - Plate over the instrument cluster
* 6 mm Steel - Upper pilot's seat and head rest encasement
+
* 6 mm Steel - Upper pilot's seat and headrest encasement
 
* 6 mm Steel - Rear tail
 
* 6 mm Steel - Rear tail
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
 
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat
 
* 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
{{main|M4 (37 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|M4 (37 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
 
* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
 
* 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, wing-mounted (150 rpg = 300 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning 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.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
{{main|M8|l1=M8 (rockets)}}
+
<!-- ''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|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|M8}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can outfit the following ordinance options:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 6 x 118 mm M8 Bazookas
+
* 6 x M8 rockets
<!--
+
* 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 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 ==
-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
Basic dogfighting skills apply. Use energy tactics and only fire the cannon under optimum conditions. It is advised to utilise separate keys for the main weapons.
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Otherwise, utilise the given machine guns at every opportunity. The centre/cowling mounted .50 cals provide great long-range accuracy & harassment.
<!--''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).''-->
 
Basic dog fighting skills apply. Use energy tactics and only fire the cannon only under optimum conditions. A separate key for the main gun is advised.
 
Otherwise utilize the given machine guns at every opportunity. The center/cowling mounted .50 cals provide great long range accuracy & harassment.
 
  
"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the credo of the Airacobra. Thus the basic tactic is to analyze your opponents weakness and then exploit it.
+
"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the credo of the Airacobra. Thus, the basic tactic is to analyse your opponent's weakness and then exploit it. The P-39 will always be able to find an area in which to surpass the foe, or at least is on par to let the skill decide.
The P-39 will always find an area, it is exceeding the foe. Or at least, is on par to let the skill decide.
 
Given the P-39s sleek and rather aerodynamic form, Boom & Zoom is the preferred form of combat. However Turn & Burn is an option as well.
 
Again, the P-39 provides all the options a pilot would want, a "Jack of all trades, master of none".
 
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
Given the P-39's sleek and rather an aerodynamic form, Boom & Zoom is the preferred form of combat. However, this aircraft is capable of turn-fighting as well. Again, the P-39 provides all the options a pilot would want, a "Jack of all trades, master of none".
 +
 
 +
=== 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 || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
| III
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
| Wings Repair
 
| Engine
 
|
 
| Offensive 37 mm 
 
| Rocket Launcher M10
 
 
|-
 
|-
| IV
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
|  
 
| Engine Injection
 
| Cover
 
| New 37 mm Cannons
 
|  
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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. Do not 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".''-->
+
<!-- ''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:'''
* Heavy Armament
+
 
* Great Dive Speed Acceleration/Pickup
+
* Heavy armament
 +
* Great dive speed and acceleration
 
* Good secondary armament of four HMG
 
* Good secondary armament of four HMG
* Reasonable Turn Time
+
* Reasonable turn time
* High top-end diving speed, can dive up to +800 kph
+
* High top-end diving speed, can dive up to +800 km/h
 
* Good climb rate
 
* Good climb rate
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* "Jack of all trades, but master of none"
 
* "Jack of all trades, but master of none"
 
* Different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult
 
* Different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult
 
* 37 mm projectiles have extremely low accuracy and muzzle velocity
 
* 37 mm projectiles have extremely low accuracy and muzzle velocity
* 37 mm projectiles are incapable of defeating tank armor, even at optimal angles with APT rounds
+
* 37 mm projectiles are incapable of defeating tank armour, even at optimal angles with AP-T rounds
 
* Long countdown for the 37 mm in both overheating and reload
 
* Long countdown for the 37 mm in both overheating and reload
 
* Easy to stall with full controls
 
* Easy to stall with full controls
 
* Low ammo count for the machine guns
 
* Low ammo count for the machine guns
 +
* More prone to overheating than the P-39N-0
 +
* About 50 km/h slower than the P-39N-0 at optimal altitude (2,800 metres)
 +
* .50 cal underwing gun pods increase drag and wing loading
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Q series became the most numerous and advanced of all the Airacobra family. It was a direct successor of the N series. The whole propeller-engine group remained unchanged: the Allison V-1710-85 engine, the reduction gear, the elongated shaft and the Aeroprop type propeller. Because of this, the flight characteristics remained virtually unchanged. However, a more efficient four-bladed propeller was fitted to the series from Q-21 to Q-25. As for the alterations, they mainly concerned the armament. The inefficient wing machine guns of rifle-calibre were removed and usually replaced by two 12.7 mm Brownings in pods under the wings. But these were not always fitted. Most of the aircraft sent for export to the USSR had no wing machine guns. The suspension tank of 87 gallons was replaced by the standard 120-gallon tank. A tank of 110 gallons (416 l) capacity was used in the Q-5 series.
 +
 
 +
The differences between the various Q series consisted mainly of the search for the optimum combination of armour protection and internal fuel tank capacity. Takeoff weight, range and load varied from version to version. Altogether, beginning with Q-1 and ending with Q-30, eight series of the fighter were built, to a total number of 4699 aircraft. Of these, 3291 were exported to the USSR. Furthermore, a few reconnaissance versions of this aircraft, fitted with photo-cameras, were built on the basis of the Q series.
 +
 
 +
This aircraft was not used at all in Great Britain, because the high-altitude speed characteristics of the Cobra were considered unsatisfactory. The US Army Air Corps used the aircraft mainly in the Pacific, in places in which it was impossible to use any aircraft other than the Cobra because of the condition of the airstrips, where the P-39, because of its tricycle landing gear, had no difficulties. Nevertheless, the American pilots feared and disliked the aircraft, calling it "Iron dog" because of its rear-mounted engine and rear centering. Cases were known of the aircraft being deliberately crashed to speed up re-equipment with the more popular P-38.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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=p-39q_5 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
 
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|lmPUhaXyq1o|'''Rough Edges! P-39Q-5 Aeracobra - USA''' - ''Jengar''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
== Read 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.''
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/86419-bell-p-39q-5/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}

Latest revision as of 18:52, 24 August 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the American fighter P-39Q-5. For other versions, see P-39 (Family).
P-39Q-5
p-39q_5.png
GarageImage P-39Q-5.jpg
ArtImage P-39Q-5.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/2/2d/Cockpit_p-39q_5.jpg
P-39Q-5
AB RB SB
3.7 2.7 3.3
Class:
Research:6 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:32 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The P-39Q-5 Airacobra is a rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB), 2.7 (RB), and 3.3 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The primary purpose of a P-39 is that of a low-level interceptor against low-energy aircraft. It lacks the high-altitude performance needed to engage strategic bombers. The 37 mm M4's dropping trajectory and slow rate of fire make it useless in head-on passes. Therefore, prioritise low altitude objectives, like escorting attackers & low alt bombers, or preying on the ones of the enemy.

Compared to the P-39N-0, the Q-5 trades the four .30 calibre machine guns for another pair of .50 calibre machine guns in under-wing gun pods. Keep in mind that these underwing gun pods increase drag, wing loading, and decrease maximum speed in exchange for more firepower.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 048 m602 km/h
Turn time18 s
Max altitude9 700 m
EngineAllison V-1710-85
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,048 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 573 554 9700 19.2 20.1 10.3 10.3 280
Upgraded 636 602 16.8 18.0 20.3 14.4

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
886 322 426 396 241 ~13 ~9
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 380 < 450 > 312

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear322 km/h
  • 15.87 mm Steel - Propeller hub
  • 15.87 mm Steel - Plate in front of the cockpit
  • 7 mm Steel - Plate over the instrument cluster
  • 6 mm Steel - Upper pilot's seat and headrest encasement
  • 6 mm Steel - Rear tail
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
  • 64 mm Bulletproof glass - Headrest of pilot's seat

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB764 → 986 Sl icon.png
RB1 527 → 1 971 Sl icon.png
SB2 358 → 3 044 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications13 740 Rp icon.png
20 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost860 Ge icon.png
Crew training9 200 Sl icon.png
Experts32 000 Sl icon.png
Aces320 Ge icon.png
Research Aces250 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 120 / 230 % Sl icon.png
130 / 130 / 130 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 400 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 400 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Rocket Launcher M10
Research:
690 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
1 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 400 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
m4_belt_pack
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 300 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
m4_new_gun
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition30 rounds
Fire rate150 shots/min
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min

The P-39Q-5 is armed with:

  • 1 x 37 mm M4 cannon, nose-mounted (30 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 600 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 16 x M8 rocket
Setup 21 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Main articles: AN-M64A1 (500 lb), M8

The P-39Q-5 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x M8 rockets
  • 1 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (500 lb total)

Usage in battles

Basic dogfighting skills apply. Use energy tactics and only fire the cannon under optimum conditions. It is advised to utilise separate keys for the main weapons.

Otherwise, utilise the given machine guns at every opportunity. The centre/cowling mounted .50 cals provide great long-range accuracy & harassment.

"Jack of all trades, master of none" is the credo of the Airacobra. Thus, the basic tactic is to analyse your opponent's weakness and then exploit it. The P-39 will always be able to find an area in which to surpass the foe, or at least is on par to let the skill decide.

Given the P-39's sleek and rather an aerodynamic form, Boom & Zoom is the preferred form of combat. However, this aircraft is capable of turn-fighting as well. Again, the P-39 provides all the options a pilot would want, a "Jack of all trades, master of none".

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Not auto controlled
Separate Not controllable
1 gear
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Heavy armament
  • Great dive speed and acceleration
  • Good secondary armament of four HMG
  • Reasonable turn time
  • High top-end diving speed, can dive up to +800 km/h
  • Good climb rate

Cons:

  • "Jack of all trades, but master of none"
  • Different weapon trajectories make aiming difficult
  • 37 mm projectiles have extremely low accuracy and muzzle velocity
  • 37 mm projectiles are incapable of defeating tank armour, even at optimal angles with AP-T rounds
  • Long countdown for the 37 mm in both overheating and reload
  • Easy to stall with full controls
  • Low ammo count for the machine guns
  • More prone to overheating than the P-39N-0
  • About 50 km/h slower than the P-39N-0 at optimal altitude (2,800 metres)
  • .50 cal underwing gun pods increase drag and wing loading

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Q series became the most numerous and advanced of all the Airacobra family. It was a direct successor of the N series. The whole propeller-engine group remained unchanged: the Allison V-1710-85 engine, the reduction gear, the elongated shaft and the Aeroprop type propeller. Because of this, the flight characteristics remained virtually unchanged. However, a more efficient four-bladed propeller was fitted to the series from Q-21 to Q-25. As for the alterations, they mainly concerned the armament. The inefficient wing machine guns of rifle-calibre were removed and usually replaced by two 12.7 mm Brownings in pods under the wings. But these were not always fitted. Most of the aircraft sent for export to the USSR had no wing machine guns. The suspension tank of 87 gallons was replaced by the standard 120-gallon tank. A tank of 110 gallons (416 l) capacity was used in the Q-5 series.

The differences between the various Q series consisted mainly of the search for the optimum combination of armour protection and internal fuel tank capacity. Takeoff weight, range and load varied from version to version. Altogether, beginning with Q-1 and ending with Q-30, eight series of the fighter were built, to a total number of 4699 aircraft. Of these, 3291 were exported to the USSR. Furthermore, a few reconnaissance versions of this aircraft, fitted with photo-cameras, were built on the basis of the Q series.

This aircraft was not used at all in Great Britain, because the high-altitude speed characteristics of the Cobra were considered unsatisfactory. The US Army Air Corps used the aircraft mainly in the Pacific, in places in which it was impossible to use any aircraft other than the Cobra because of the condition of the airstrips, where the P-39, because of its tricycle landing gear, had no difficulties. Nevertheless, the American pilots feared and disliked the aircraft, calling it "Iron dog" because of its rear-mounted engine and rear centering. Cases were known of the aircraft being deliberately crashed to speed up re-equipment with the more popular P-38.


Media

Skins
Videos

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


Bell Aircraft Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
  P-400
  P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Jet Fighters  P-59A
Export  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25
  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W
  OH-58D
Utility  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30
Export/Licensed  ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D
  Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W
  ␗OH-58D
See Also  Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta

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