Difference between revisions of "B-239 (Sweden)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=b_239_finland
 
|code=b_239_finland
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]]. B-239 is denavalized version of F2A-1 Buffalo found in US tech tree.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a denavalized version of the F2A-1 Buffalo, ordered by Finland in 1939 as a means of acquiring a modern fighter plane. Unlike the US Navy F2A-1, the plane had better performance due to being stripped of arresting gear and all other equipment necessary for carrier landings, together with a more powerful Wright R-1820-G5 engine producing 10 hp more compared to the US Navy Buffalos. Another difference was mountings for four machine guns with two in the engine cowling and two in wings. The planes themselves arrived too late to participate in the Winter War, but were used extensively in the Continuation War all the way to late 1944 when they were withdrawn from service. Finnish pilots regarded the plane as very manoeuvrable, easy to fly, and also not requiring extensive maintenance. LeLV 24 had a score of 26:1 using B-239 as they claimed 477 Soviet planes shot down for a loss of just 19 B-239s.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Fire and Ice"]], the B-239 has big potential even in the hands of a not so skilled pilot. Its manoeuvrability and armament compared to contemporaries make it a very dangerous foe. The B-239 is best utilized in a role similar to the Bf 109 as a boom and zoom fighter, although the ability to turnfight not only at high speed is better when compared to the Messerschmitt.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->The B-239 is a relatively slow aircraft. With a top speed of only 460 km/h, many other fighters like the [[Bf 109 E-3]] and [[Yak-1]] will be able to outrun or catch the B-239. The B-239’s climb rate is quite average at a climb rate of 14.2 m/s, and with a 9-cylinder radial engine, it also suffers in vertical manoeuvres. Although the B-239 struggles in speed, it can turn extremely well and players will easily be able to outturn many contemporaries and stay competitive with nimble Japanese fighters. It is also very controllable at high speeds even up to its structural rip speed of 761 km/h (475.63 mph).
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 761 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 425 || 380 || 240 || ~__ || ~__
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| 761 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 425 || 380 || 240 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Economy}}
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{{Specs-Economy}}The first modification players should research should be ammunition belts. The default belt will struggle with quickly downing enemy fighters as it lacks any meaningful amount of incendiary rounds. Next, the radiator mod should be researched to reduce the common overheating with this plane. The new machine gun modification is not essential as .50 cals still have a sufficient amount of range and round dispersion is manageable while stock. Flight performance mods should be the utmost of importance at this point and players can choose between the airframe or engine mods. 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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* 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
 +
The B-239 has four .50 cals with two mounted in the nose and two mounted in the wings. The guns mounted in the wing have 400 rpg meanwhile the nose-mounted machine guns only have 250 rpg. With a fire rate of 1100 rounds per minute, the nose-mounted MGs will only have around 13.5 seconds of trigger time meanwhile the wing-mounted MGs will last for 21.8 seconds of trigger time. These guns have a much higher fire rate compared to other nations' .50 caliber machine guns so players must be wary of the ammo consumption.
 +
 +
Six different ammunition belts are available to players: default, universal, ground target, air target, tracer, and stealth. For air targets, the best belt, unsurprisingly, is the air target belt due to its belt composition of incendiary rounds with 75% incendiary rounds and 25% AP. The 2nd best belt will be the stealth belt with a composition of 50% incendiary, 50% AP and with the added benefit of enemies being unable to see incoming rounds. Although the B-239 isn’t well suited for ground attack, there are belts for attacking targets like light pillboxes. The ground target and tracer belt are functionally identical in terms of damage. Both belts are fully composed of AP rounds however the ground target belt is 50% AP-T (tracer) and 50% AP meanwhile the tracer belt is full AP-T. The default belt and universal belt are also functionally identical in terms of damage. The main difference between them is that the default belt has a composition of AP-T/AP/I meanwhile the universal belt is AP-T/AP-T/I.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
−
You are pretty manoeuvrable and can win a dogfight against most enemies, the exception being Spitfires and Japanese single engine fighters. Be wary of you poor energy retention though, this leads you to gain an advantage in the first couple of turns in your dogfight but you should try to avoid longer fights, by any means. You can use flaps to get the maximal turn rate possible. You can also climb at the beginning of a match, get to 3-4 km while climbing at 220 km/h IAS. Once you see enemy fighters, level out and stay above 280-300 km/h, this ensures you can at least follow one or two turns, to get a good shot in. If this fails, dive away and reposition.
+
The B-239 is best used as a fighter although it can be used for ground attacking. 
 +
 
 +
'''Fighter'''
 +
 
 +
The B-239 is a solid fighter for its BR. Although it lacks in some departments like speed, climb rate, and energy retention, it excels in its turning ability and many fighters will be unable to keep up in a turn fight. However, the unfortunate reality of many turn fighters is that faster and overall better-performing planes will be able to dictate the fight. They can choose whether or not they want to fight a B-239. B-239 pilots can try and bring enemy planes down to a lower altitude for teammates but it’s important to not do this with a lot of enemies nearby.
 +
 
 +
 If an enemy plane is bearing down, players must perform a reversal. The best way to conduct a reversal in the B-239 is to enter a shallow dive and throttle down as the enemy plane will gain speed and become less manoeuvrable. Once the enemy plane is within gun range, perform a sharp turn to either side and allow the enemy plane to overshoot. This will allow for a quick window to fire guns if the enemy plane climbs away. If the enemy plane decides to start turning, the fight will be over quickly as there are very few planes that will be able to outturn the B-239. B-239 pilots should also stray away from engaging in vertical fights as they will lose much of their energy and stall out. Horizontal or downward fights are where the B-239 will succeed in. 
 +
 
 +
Sideclimbing is also a valid strategy but it’s important to not overdo it. If done too aggressively, players will be too far from the battlefield to have a significant early-game impact. B-239 pilots can also try and bait enemies down for teammates as well but it will be difficult to score kills with this method. 
 +
 
 +
'''Countering the Bf 109 F-1'''
 +
 
 +
One common enemy for the B-239 is the German [[Bf 109 F-1]]. It shares the same battle rating and Sweden regularly faces Germany in Air Realistic Battles. The F-1 is much faster and has a better climb rate than the B-239 however it struggles with turning. B-239 pilots should avoid climbing up toward a 109 F-1. If a B-239 pilot decides to pitch up for an F-1, the F-1 pilot can easily go into a spiral climb and stall out the B-239. The F-1 will always dictate the fight and it’s important to not play its game. B-239 pilots must try and force a turn fight or reverse the F-1 to take it down. Head ons will be a risky option as the F-1 has all of its guns mounted in the nose but has less range compared to the .50 cals on the B-239. Head ons in general shouldn’t be taken so pilots should try and fire from .8 or 1 km (~.6 mi) and then dodge.
 +
 
 +
'''Attacker'''
 +
 
 +
Firstly, all of the belts will be sufficient in taking out light AA targets like AA or howitzers. If players wish to destroy light pillboxes then either the tracer or ground target belt will be needed. Otherwise, it will take a significant amount of rounds to destroy one light pillbox and the B-239 does not have a large ammo pool. The B-239 has no access to bombs or rockets so medium and heavy tanks are safe from the B-239 in Air Realistic Battles. In Ground Realistic Battles, however, the ground target/tracer belt will be decent in penetrating the engine decks or roofs of many vehicles. The AP rounds can penetrate up to 28 mm of armor which is more than enough for many light tanks and some medium tanks at this BR.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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=== 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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
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''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:'''
  
−
* Very manoeuvrable
+
* Very manoeuvrable even at high speeds
 
* Effective weaponry
 
* Effective weaponry
 
* Above average climb rate
 
* Above average climb rate
 +
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Quite slow
 
* Quite slow
 
* Vital components not protected by armour
 
* Vital components not protected by armour
 +
* Loses a lot of energy in vertical manoeuvres
 +
* Runs out of ammo quickly
 +
* Weak acceleration
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
44 F2A-1 Buffallos (B-239 in Finnish service) were delivered in 1940 and they achieved great success in combat with Soviet aircraft. Ilmari Juutilainen scored 34 kills flying it.
+
At the beginning of 1939, Finland was looking to purchase modern fighter aircraft. They contacted the USA with the only demand being that the plane was already in service and had the ability to use 87-octane fuel. 44 F2A-1 Buffalo fighters intended originally for the US Navy were sold to Finland after the USN agreed to wait for the F2A-2 variant instead. Model B-239E was built with a more powerful Wright R-1820-G5 engine producing 950 hp as opposed to the 940 hp Wright R-1820-34 engine used in USN planes and featured mountings allowing installation of four machine guns instead of two on the American counterpart. The planes were also de-navalised, which meant they weighed less while having better performance.
 +
 
 +
The planes were delivered in January and February 1940 to Bergen, Norway, then sent by railway to Sweden where they were assembled in SAAB factory at Trollhättan. There, they were equipped with armoured backrests, metric flight instruments, a domestic Väisälä T.h.m.40 gunsight, and four 12.7 mm machine guns. Unimpressed with the plane at first, the Finnish view on it changed drastically after a Brewster company test pilot demonstrated that the B-239E was able to out-turn the Fiat G.50 Freccia fighter, although it was slower in level flight than the G.50. None of the B-239s saw combat during the Winter War.
 +
 
 +
Finnish pilots regarded the B-239 as an easy to fly plane, while its relatively long range and easy maintenance allowed to keep them operational without much effort. It earned a reputation as one of the best Finnish fighters alongside the Fiat G.50 which had a kill-loss ratio of 33:1, while Lentolaivue 24 (Fighter Squadron 24) managed to score 26:1 ratio with 477 Soviet planes claimed destroyed with loss of only 19 B-239s. Finnish B-239s were in service from 1940 all the way to 1948 with the last eight remaining since the end of war in Lapland. The last victory of a B-239 over Soviet aircraft was claimed on 17th June 1944 near the Karelian Isthmus, while the last victory of a B-239 in WWII was achieved on 3rd October 1944 when HLeLV 26 intercepted German Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers and claimed two shot down.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
 +
File:ArtImage B-239 (Sweden).png
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b_239_finland Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[F2A (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 03:44, 27 June 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
▄B-239
b_239_finland.png
GarageImage B-239 (Sweden).jpg
ArtImage2 B-239 (Sweden).png
▄B-239
Sweden flag.png Sweden
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 2.3
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ▄Brewster Model 239 is a denavalized version of the F2A-1 Buffalo, ordered by Finland in 1939 as a means of acquiring a modern fighter plane. Unlike the US Navy F2A-1, the plane had better performance due to being stripped of arresting gear and all other equipment necessary for carrier landings, together with a more powerful Wright R-1820-G5 engine producing 10 hp more compared to the US Navy Buffalos. Another difference was mountings for four machine guns with two in the engine cowling and two in wings. The planes themselves arrived too late to participate in the Winter War, but were used extensively in the Continuation War all the way to late 1944 when they were withdrawn from service. Finnish pilots regarded the plane as very manoeuvrable, easy to fly, and also not requiring extensive maintenance. LeLV 24 had a score of 26:1 using B-239 as they claimed 477 Soviet planes shot down for a loss of just 19 B-239s.

Introduced in Update "Fire and Ice", the B-239 has big potential even in the hands of a not so skilled pilot. Its manoeuvrability and armament compared to contemporaries make it a very dangerous foe. The B-239 is best utilized in a role similar to the Bf 109 as a boom and zoom fighter, although the ability to turnfight not only at high speed is better when compared to the Messerschmitt.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 400 m460 km/h
Turn time16 s
Max altitude9 900 m
EngineWright R-1820-G5
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t

The B-239 is a relatively slow aircraft. With a top speed of only 460 km/h, many other fighters like the Bf 109 E-3 and Yak-1 will be able to outrun or catch the B-239. The B-239’s climb rate is quite average at a climb rate of 14.2 m/s, and with a 9-cylinder radial engine, it also suffers in vertical manoeuvres. Although the B-239 struggles in speed, it can turn extremely well and players will easily be able to outturn many contemporaries and stay competitive with nimble Japanese fighters. It is also very controllable at high speeds even up to its structural rip speed of 761 km/h (475.63 mph).

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 5,400 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 438 421 9900 16.7 17.2 10.5 10.5 130
Upgraded 484 460 15.8 16.0 19.1 14.2

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 + -
761 280 425 380 240 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ~300 < ~320 < ~350 > ___

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear280 km/h
Armour
  • 8.5 mm steel - Pilot seat
Survivability
  • Self-sealing wing tanks
  • Exposed engine and oil cooling system, prone to damage

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB333 → 447 Sl icon.png
RB683 → 917 Sl icon.png
SB896 → 1 204 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 930 Rp icon.png
6 770 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 60 / 120 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
850 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
870 Rp icon.png
Cost:
850 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
LKk_42_belt_pack
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
LKk_42_new_gun
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
The first modification players should research should be ammunition belts. The default belt will struggle with quickly downing enemy fighters as it lacks any meaningful amount of incendiary rounds. Next, the radiator mod should be researched to reduce the common overheating with this plane. The new machine gun modification is not essential as .50 cals still have a sufficient amount of range and round dispersion is manageable while stock. Flight performance mods should be the utmost of importance at this point and players can choose between the airframe or engine mods. 

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine gun
Ammunition1 300 rounds
Fire rate1 100 shots/min
Main article: LKk/42 (12.7 mm)

The B-239 (Sweden) is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm LKk/42 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

The B-239 has four .50 cals with two mounted in the nose and two mounted in the wings. The guns mounted in the wing have 400 rpg meanwhile the nose-mounted machine guns only have 250 rpg. With a fire rate of 1100 rounds per minute, the nose-mounted MGs will only have around 13.5 seconds of trigger time meanwhile the wing-mounted MGs will last for 21.8 seconds of trigger time. These guns have a much higher fire rate compared to other nations' .50 caliber machine guns so players must be wary of the ammo consumption.

Six different ammunition belts are available to players: default, universal, ground target, air target, tracer, and stealth. For air targets, the best belt, unsurprisingly, is the air target belt due to its belt composition of incendiary rounds with 75% incendiary rounds and 25% AP. The 2nd best belt will be the stealth belt with a composition of 50% incendiary, 50% AP and with the added benefit of enemies being unable to see incoming rounds. Although the B-239 isn’t well suited for ground attack, there are belts for attacking targets like light pillboxes. The ground target and tracer belt are functionally identical in terms of damage. Both belts are fully composed of AP rounds however the ground target belt is 50% AP-T (tracer) and 50% AP meanwhile the tracer belt is full AP-T. The default belt and universal belt are also functionally identical in terms of damage. The main difference between them is that the default belt has a composition of AP-T/AP/I meanwhile the universal belt is AP-T/AP-T/I.

Usage in battles

The B-239 is best used as a fighter although it can be used for ground attacking. 

Fighter

The B-239 is a solid fighter for its BR. Although it lacks in some departments like speed, climb rate, and energy retention, it excels in its turning ability and many fighters will be unable to keep up in a turn fight. However, the unfortunate reality of many turn fighters is that faster and overall better-performing planes will be able to dictate the fight. They can choose whether or not they want to fight a B-239. B-239 pilots can try and bring enemy planes down to a lower altitude for teammates but it’s important to not do this with a lot of enemies nearby.

 If an enemy plane is bearing down, players must perform a reversal. The best way to conduct a reversal in the B-239 is to enter a shallow dive and throttle down as the enemy plane will gain speed and become less manoeuvrable. Once the enemy plane is within gun range, perform a sharp turn to either side and allow the enemy plane to overshoot. This will allow for a quick window to fire guns if the enemy plane climbs away. If the enemy plane decides to start turning, the fight will be over quickly as there are very few planes that will be able to outturn the B-239. B-239 pilots should also stray away from engaging in vertical fights as they will lose much of their energy and stall out. Horizontal or downward fights are where the B-239 will succeed in. 

Sideclimbing is also a valid strategy but it’s important to not overdo it. If done too aggressively, players will be too far from the battlefield to have a significant early-game impact. B-239 pilots can also try and bait enemies down for teammates as well but it will be difficult to score kills with this method. 

Countering the Bf 109 F-1

One common enemy for the B-239 is the German Bf 109 F-1. It shares the same battle rating and Sweden regularly faces Germany in Air Realistic Battles. The F-1 is much faster and has a better climb rate than the B-239 however it struggles with turning. B-239 pilots should avoid climbing up toward a 109 F-1. If a B-239 pilot decides to pitch up for an F-1, the F-1 pilot can easily go into a spiral climb and stall out the B-239. The F-1 will always dictate the fight and it’s important to not play its game. B-239 pilots must try and force a turn fight or reverse the F-1 to take it down. Head ons will be a risky option as the F-1 has all of its guns mounted in the nose but has less range compared to the .50 cals on the B-239. Head ons in general shouldn’t be taken so pilots should try and fire from .8 or 1 km (~.6 mi) and then dodge.

Attacker

Firstly, all of the belts will be sufficient in taking out light AA targets like AA or howitzers. If players wish to destroy light pillboxes then either the tracer or ground target belt will be needed. Otherwise, it will take a significant amount of rounds to destroy one light pillbox and the B-239 does not have a large ammo pool. The B-239 has no access to bombs or rockets so medium and heavy tanks are safe from the B-239 in Air Realistic Battles. In Ground Realistic Battles, however, the ground target/tracer belt will be decent in penetrating the engine decks or roofs of many vehicles. The AP rounds can penetrate up to 28 mm of armor which is more than enough for many light tanks and some medium tanks at this BR.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very manoeuvrable even at high speeds
  • Effective weaponry
  • Above average climb rate


Cons:

  • Quite slow
  • Vital components not protected by armour
  • Loses a lot of energy in vertical manoeuvres
  • Runs out of ammo quickly
  • Weak acceleration

History

At the beginning of 1939, Finland was looking to purchase modern fighter aircraft. They contacted the USA with the only demand being that the plane was already in service and had the ability to use 87-octane fuel. 44 F2A-1 Buffalo fighters intended originally for the US Navy were sold to Finland after the USN agreed to wait for the F2A-2 variant instead. Model B-239E was built with a more powerful Wright R-1820-G5 engine producing 950 hp as opposed to the 940 hp Wright R-1820-34 engine used in USN planes and featured mountings allowing installation of four machine guns instead of two on the American counterpart. The planes were also de-navalised, which meant they weighed less while having better performance.

The planes were delivered in January and February 1940 to Bergen, Norway, then sent by railway to Sweden where they were assembled in SAAB factory at Trollhättan. There, they were equipped with armoured backrests, metric flight instruments, a domestic Väisälä T.h.m.40 gunsight, and four 12.7 mm machine guns. Unimpressed with the plane at first, the Finnish view on it changed drastically after a Brewster company test pilot demonstrated that the B-239E was able to out-turn the Fiat G.50 Freccia fighter, although it was slower in level flight than the G.50. None of the B-239s saw combat during the Winter War.

Finnish pilots regarded the B-239 as an easy to fly plane, while its relatively long range and easy maintenance allowed to keep them operational without much effort. It earned a reputation as one of the best Finnish fighters alongside the Fiat G.50 which had a kill-loss ratio of 33:1, while Lentolaivue 24 (Fighter Squadron 24) managed to score 26:1 ratio with 477 Soviet planes claimed destroyed with loss of only 19 B-239s. Finnish B-239s were in service from 1940 all the way to 1948 with the last eight remaining since the end of war in Lapland. The last victory of a B-239 over Soviet aircraft was claimed on 17th June 1944 near the Karelian Isthmus, while the last victory of a B-239 in WWII was achieved on 3rd October 1944 when HLeLV 26 intercepted German Ju-87 Stuka dive bombers and claimed two shot down.

Media

Images
  • ArtImage B-239 (Sweden).png
Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Brewster Aeronautical Corporation
Fighters  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
Export  ▄B-239

Sweden fighters
ASJA  J6B
Saab  J21A-1 · J21A-2 · A21A-3
FFVS  J22-A · J22-B
Foreign Import  J8A · Iacobi's J8A · J9 Early · J11 · J20 · J26 David · J26
Finland 
VL  Mörkö-Morane · VL Myrsky II · VL Pyörremyrsky
(NL) Fokker  ▄Fokker D.XXI-3 · ▄Fokker D.XXI
(DE) Messerschmitt  ▄Bf 109 G-2 · ▄Bf 109 G-6 Erla · ▄Bf 109 G-6
Other  ▄B-239 · ▄Hurricane Mk I/L

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