Difference between revisions of "D.373"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=d_373
 
|code=d_373
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
|cockpit=cockpit_d_373.jpg
 
|cockpit=cockpit_d_373.jpg
−
}}
 
−
{{About
 
−
| about = French reserve fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| and
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link-1 = D.371
 
−
| link-2 = D.371 H.S.9
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} reserve French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} reserve French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
  
−
The D.373 is the third production aircraft of the D.37 series, which is available as a follow on aircraft for all pilots advancing in the French tech tree. The D.373 (along with its older siblings D.371 and D.371 D.S.9) is unique compared to other early aircraft in the game as it is a mono-plane with a parasol wing, as opposed to other low-wing mono-planes and biplanes. Key features of this aeroplane include 4 x Darne 1933 Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns and wheel brakes. On the other hand, the D.371 also features an open cockpit and no armour protection like many early aircraft. The key difference between the D.373 and the D.371 other than the type of machine guns utilised is that the D.373 is a version specially modified to fly for the French Navy and has an added tail-hook for snagging arrestor cables on aircraft carrier flight decks.
+
The D.373 is the third production aircraft of the D.37 series, which is available as a follow-on aircraft for all pilots advancing in the French tech tree. The D.373 (along with its older siblings D.371 and D.371 D.S.9) is unique compared to other early aircraft in the game as it is a monoplane with a parasol wing, as opposed to other low-wing monoplanes and biplanes. Key features of this aeroplane include 4 x Darne 1933 Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns and wheel brakes. On the other hand, the D.371 also features an open cockpit and no armour protection like many early aircraft. The key difference between the D.373 and the D.371, other than the type of machine guns utilised, is that the D.373 is a version specially modified to fly for the French Navy and has an added tail-hook for snagging arrestor cables on aircraft carrier flight decks.
  
−
This aircraft is the second of the D.37 series featured in the game along with its older sibling the D.371. As a single-engine monoplane, it is agile and quick and while it can be a formidable turn-fighter, maintaining speed in this aircraft is crucial or else it becomes a slow easy target for other aircraft. The Mle 33 machine guns are not that powerful, however having four of them will enable the pilot to sling quite a bit of lead at the target aircraft.
+
This aircraft is the second of the D.37 series featured in the game, along with its older sibling, the D.371. As a single-engine monoplane, it is agile and quick and while it can be a formidable turn-fighter, maintaining speed in this aircraft is crucial or else it becomes a slow easy target for other aircraft. The Mle 33 machine guns are not that powerful, however having four of them will enable the pilot to sling quite a bit of lead at the target aircraft.
  
 
Due to the D.373 being a lower rank I aircraft, it is not uncommon for it to be pitted against higher rank I aircraft and even some lower rank II planes too. While slower than many of the higher aircraft it may face, not all is lost. The D.373 will have a manoeuvrability advantage and if the pilot can pull the higher rank enemy into a turn-fight, the D.373 may be able to turn the tables and score a win. Don't count the D.373 out of the fight until the pilot bails out of the plane, if still flying, it can fight!
 
Due to the D.373 being a lower rank I aircraft, it is not uncommon for it to be pitted against higher rank I aircraft and even some lower rank II planes too. While slower than many of the higher aircraft it may face, not all is lost. The D.373 will have a manoeuvrability advantage and if the pilot can pull the higher rank enemy into a turn-fight, the D.373 may be able to turn the tables and score a win. Don't count the D.373 out of the fight until the pilot bails out of the plane, if still flying, it can fight!
Line 25: Line 17:
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{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.''-->
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 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
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 397 || 380 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.9 || 17.8 || 11.7 || 11.7 || 150
+
! Stock
 +
| 397 || 380 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.9 || 17.8 || 11.7 || 11.7 || rowspan="2" | 150
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|-
+
| 427 || 411 || 15.4 || 16.0 || 22.5 || 15.7
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 427 || 411 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 15.4 || 16.0 || 22.5 || 15.7 || 150
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| X || X || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| X || X || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| 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 flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|{{Specs|1=destruction|2=body}}||{{Specs|1=destruction|2=gear}} || 520 || ~11 || ~4
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || 240 || ~12 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| 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)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 300 || < 220 || < 260 || > 210
 
| < 300 || < 220 || < 260 || > 210
Line 126: Line 89:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
Early aircraft did not feature much in the way of armoured protection as many of the aircraft at this point were transitioning from the wood frame and cloth skin to the wood frame and metal skinned aircraft. Due to the balancing of the aircraft, much of the critical equipment was positioned towards the front of the aircraft, where the engine, fuel tanks, oil pumps, control linkages and the pilot were clustered around each other. With this tight grouping and no armour protection, when fired upon, chances were high to hit a critical component in the aircraft.
+
Early aircraft did not feature much in the way of armoured protection, as many of the aircraft at this point were transitioning from the wood frame and cloth skin to the wood frame and metal skinned aircraft. Due to the balancing of the aircraft, much of the critical equipment was positioned towards the front of the aircraft, where the engine, fuel tanks, oil pumps, control linkages and the pilot were clustered around each other. With this tight grouping and no armour protection, when fired upon, chances were high to hit a critical component in the aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The key to survival is to keep moving (avoid flying in straight lines and always be looking around). Being aware of your surroundings is crucial, if you start hearing bullets or see tracer fire whizzing by, it may be too late, and the pilot will need to take evasive action to avoid being shot down.
  
−
The key to survival is to keep moving (avoid flying in straight lines and always be looking around) along with being aware of your surroundings, if you start hearing bullets or see tracer fire whizzing by, it may be too late and the pilot will need to take evasive action to avoid being shot down.
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''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|Mle 33 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|Mle 33 (7.5 mm)}}
Line 140: Line 109:
 
* 4 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
* 4 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
  
−
Each of the four machine guns is bundled into groups of two and mounted to the underside of the upper wing. Each machine gun is outfitted with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty. Due to the mounting locations on the wings (outside of the propeller arc) and the calibre of the machine guns, convergence in this aircraft is important. Most of the fighting with this aircraft will be in close quarters to exploit the power of the machine guns up close. Convergence set between 150 and 300 meters (wherever you are most comfortable) will work best to put the most bullets into the enemy aircraft as possible and hit a critical component. Many pilots in World War I and II would set their weapon's convergence to 200 to 250 meters and would wait until being in that range before firing to ensure the best chances for shooting down the enemy. Shots from too far away could "spook" the enemy into evasive manoeuvres or just waste ammunition in a "spray and pray" manoeuvre. Practice and skill will allow the pilot to close within 250 m of the enemy and take them out with controlled bursts and then move onto the next victim.
+
Each of the four machine guns is bundled into groups of two and mounted to the underside of the upper wing. Each machine gun is outfitted with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty. Due to the mounting locations on the wings (outside the propeller arc) and the calibre of the machine guns, convergence in this aircraft is important. Most of the fighting with this aircraft will be in close quarters to exploit the power of the machine guns up close. Convergence set between 150 and 300 m (wherever you are most comfortable) will work best to put the most bullets into the enemy aircraft as possible and hit a critical component. Many pilots in World War I and II would set their weapon's convergence to 200 to 250 m and would wait until being in that range before firing to ensure the best chances for shooting down the enemy. Shots from too far away could "spook" the enemy into evasive manoeuvres or just waste ammunition in a "spray and pray" manoeuvre. Practice and skill will allow the pilot to close within 250 m of the enemy and take them out with controlled bursts, and then move onto the next victim.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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 an 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).'' -->
−
Maintaining speed with this aircraft is a must as a slow D.373 is an easy target. Initial spawning into a map should lead a D.373 pilot to climb and gain altitude. This will give you an advantage over most other pilots upon reaching the combat area as you can select which enemy plane to dive on and attack. With a diving attack, you will gain speed which will allow you to quickly gain on the enemy aircraft fire off a burst of rounds and then climb back up for altitude. If you decide to tail an enemy plane after a dive, you will risk bleeding off your energy. When attacking an enemy plane, attempt to attack when you see the greatest surface area of the fuselage and wings. If tailing a fighter, wait for them to turn or pull-up to expose the most surface area. When turn fighting or looping, utilise your rudder to sharpen your turning ability.
+
Maintaining speed with this aircraft is a must, as a slow D.373 is an easy target. Initial spawning into a map should lead a D.373 pilot to climb and gain altitude. This will give you an advantage over most other pilots upon reaching the combat area, as you can select which enemy plane to dive on and attack. With a diving attack, you will gain speed which will allow you to quickly gain on the enemy aircraft to fire off a burst of rounds and then climb back up for altitude. If you decide to tail an enemy plane after a dive, you will risk bleeding off your energy. When attacking an enemy plane, attempt to attack when you see the greatest surface area of the fuselage and wings. If tailing a fighter, wait for them to turn or pull-up to expose the most surface area. When turn fighting or looping, utilise your rudder to sharpen your turning ability.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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|-
 
|-
 
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 206: Line 142:
 
* Difficult to stall
 
* Difficult to stall
 
* Fast for an early high-wing monoplane
 
* Fast for an early high-wing monoplane
−
* Multi-role: turn fighter, energy fighter, boom & zoom
+
* Multirole: turn fighter, energy fighter, boom & zoom
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 214: Line 150:
 
* Fixed-extended landing gear
 
* Fixed-extended landing gear
 
* Fuel tank is not self-sealing
 
* Fuel tank is not self-sealing
−
* Machine guns have a low fire rate compared to Russian ShKaS
+
* Machine guns have a low fire rate compared to Soviet ShKaS
 
* Low ammunition compared to other aircraft such as the [[I-15 WR|I-15]]
 
* Low ammunition compared to other aircraft such as the [[I-15 WR|I-15]]
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
In the early 1930s, SAF-Avions Dewoitine, a French aircraft manufacturing company developed the D.37 aircraft, a single-seat aeroplane with a parasol wing, radial engine, fixed landing gear and a tail-skid; however, the actual manufacturing of the aircraft was transferred to Lioré et Olivier. The cockpit did not have an enclosed canopy; just a windshield forward of the pilot.
+
In the early 1930s, SAF-Avions Dewoitine, a French aircraft manufacturing company developed the D.37 aircraft, a single-seat aeroplane with a parasol wing, radial engine, fixed landing gear and a tail-skid; however, the actual manufacturing of the aircraft was transferred to Lioré et Olivier. The cockpit did not have an enclosed canopy; just a windscreen forward of the pilot.
  
−
The D.373 was the third variation version of this aircraft line which is a navalised version of the D.371, also powered by a Gnome Rhône 14Kfs radial engine. The only real change between this aircraft and a D.371 is the addition of a tail-hook for carrier landings. Four Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were installed, two in each wing and positioned outside of the propeller arch which eliminated the need to synchronize the guns to the propeller spin.
+
The D.373 was the third variation version of this aircraft line, which is a navalised version of the D.371, also powered by a Gnome Rhône 14Kfs radial engine. The only real change between this aircraft and a D.371 is the addition of a tail-hook for carrier landings. Four Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were installed, two in each wing and positioned outside the propeller arch, which eliminated the need to synchronize the guns to the propeller spin.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
{{Youtube-gallery|3Tv68BSv41o|Myśliwiec D.373 RB flight (Polish)|numWTqNj4HI|Becoming a French Fighter Ace}}
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=d_373 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|oAQlqwMMX2s|'''The Dewoitine D.371 & D.373''' - ''SirKittalot''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 232: Line 174:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* [[D.371]]
+
;Related development
−
* [[D.371 H.S.9]]
+
 
 +
* [[D.371]]⁣ - Initial production variant of the fighter
 +
* [[D.371 H.S.9]]⁣ - D.371 variant with 20 mm cannon armament
  
 
== External links ==
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''other literature.''-->
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385694-dewoitine-d-37x/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
−
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Dewoitine}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Dewoitine}}
 
{{France fighters}}
 
{{France fighters}}

Latest revision as of 23:08, 6 October 2022

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
D.373
d_373.png
GarageImage D.373.jpg
ArtImage D.373.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/a/ab/Cockpit_d_373.jpg
D.373
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game

Description

The D.373 is a rank I reserve French fighter with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France".

The D.373 is the third production aircraft of the D.37 series, which is available as a follow-on aircraft for all pilots advancing in the French tech tree. The D.373 (along with its older siblings D.371 and D.371 D.S.9) is unique compared to other early aircraft in the game as it is a monoplane with a parasol wing, as opposed to other low-wing monoplanes and biplanes. Key features of this aeroplane include 4 x Darne 1933 Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns and wheel brakes. On the other hand, the D.371 also features an open cockpit and no armour protection like many early aircraft. The key difference between the D.373 and the D.371, other than the type of machine guns utilised, is that the D.373 is a version specially modified to fly for the French Navy and has an added tail-hook for snagging arrestor cables on aircraft carrier flight decks.

This aircraft is the second of the D.37 series featured in the game, along with its older sibling, the D.371. As a single-engine monoplane, it is agile and quick and while it can be a formidable turn-fighter, maintaining speed in this aircraft is crucial or else it becomes a slow easy target for other aircraft. The Mle 33 machine guns are not that powerful, however having four of them will enable the pilot to sling quite a bit of lead at the target aircraft.

Due to the D.373 being a lower rank I aircraft, it is not uncommon for it to be pitted against higher rank I aircraft and even some lower rank II planes too. While slower than many of the higher aircraft it may face, not all is lost. The D.373 will have a manoeuvrability advantage and if the pilot can pull the higher rank enemy into a turn-fight, the D.373 may be able to turn the tables and score a win. Don't count the D.373 out of the fight until the pilot bails out of the plane, if still flying, it can fight!

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 5 000 m411 km/h
Turn time16 s
Max altitude9 500 m
EngineGnome Rhone 14Kfs
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight2 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 397 380 9500 16.9 17.8 11.7 11.7 150
Upgraded 427 411 15.4 16.0 22.5 15.7

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
630 630 N/A N/A 240 ~12 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 300 < 220 < 260 > 210
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,825 m 880 hp 1,023 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural630 km/h
Gear630 km/h

Early aircraft did not feature much in the way of armoured protection, as many of the aircraft at this point were transitioning from the wood frame and cloth skin to the wood frame and metal skinned aircraft. Due to the balancing of the aircraft, much of the critical equipment was positioned towards the front of the aircraft, where the engine, fuel tanks, oil pumps, control linkages and the pilot were clustered around each other. With this tight grouping and no armour protection, when fired upon, chances were high to hit a critical component in the aircraft.

The key to survival is to keep moving (avoid flying in straight lines and always be looking around). Being aware of your surroundings is crucial, if you start hearing bullets or see tracer fire whizzing by, it may be too late, and the pilot will need to take evasive action to avoid being shot down.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
ABfree
RBfree
SBfree
Total cost of modifications3 610 Rp icon.png
168 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew trainingfree
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces10 Ge icon.png
Research Aces80 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 10 / 50 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS(a)
Research:
720 Rp icon.png
Cost:
35 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_belt_pack
Research:
440 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 Sl icon.png
35 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
mle38_new_gun
Research:
540 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine gun
Ammunition1 200 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Mle 33 (7.5 mm)

The D.373 is armed with:

  • 4 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)

Each of the four machine guns is bundled into groups of two and mounted to the underside of the upper wing. Each machine gun is outfitted with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire together until empty. Due to the mounting locations on the wings (outside the propeller arc) and the calibre of the machine guns, convergence in this aircraft is important. Most of the fighting with this aircraft will be in close quarters to exploit the power of the machine guns up close. Convergence set between 150 and 300 m (wherever you are most comfortable) will work best to put the most bullets into the enemy aircraft as possible and hit a critical component. Many pilots in World War I and II would set their weapon's convergence to 200 to 250 m and would wait until being in that range before firing to ensure the best chances for shooting down the enemy. Shots from too far away could "spook" the enemy into evasive manoeuvres or just waste ammunition in a "spray and pray" manoeuvre. Practice and skill will allow the pilot to close within 250 m of the enemy and take them out with controlled bursts, and then move onto the next victim.

Usage in battles

Maintaining speed with this aircraft is a must, as a slow D.373 is an easy target. Initial spawning into a map should lead a D.373 pilot to climb and gain altitude. This will give you an advantage over most other pilots upon reaching the combat area, as you can select which enemy plane to dive on and attack. With a diving attack, you will gain speed which will allow you to quickly gain on the enemy aircraft to fire off a burst of rounds and then climb back up for altitude. If you decide to tail an enemy plane after a dive, you will risk bleeding off your energy. When attacking an enemy plane, attempt to attack when you see the greatest surface area of the fuselage and wings. If tailing a fighter, wait for them to turn or pull-up to expose the most surface area. When turn fighting or looping, utilise your rudder to sharpen your turning ability.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very manoeuvrable
  • Difficult to stall
  • Fast for an early high-wing monoplane
  • Multirole: turn fighter, energy fighter, boom & zoom

Cons:

  • Weak construction, vital equipment clustered on aircraft
  • Open cockpit (easy to be pilot sniped)
  • Fixed-extended landing gear
  • Fuel tank is not self-sealing
  • Machine guns have a low fire rate compared to Soviet ShKaS
  • Low ammunition compared to other aircraft such as the I-15

History

In the early 1930s, SAF-Avions Dewoitine, a French aircraft manufacturing company developed the D.37 aircraft, a single-seat aeroplane with a parasol wing, radial engine, fixed landing gear and a tail-skid; however, the actual manufacturing of the aircraft was transferred to Lioré et Olivier. The cockpit did not have an enclosed canopy; just a windscreen forward of the pilot.

The D.373 was the third variation version of this aircraft line, which is a navalised version of the D.371, also powered by a Gnome Rhône 14Kfs radial engine. The only real change between this aircraft and a D.371 is the addition of a tail-hook for carrier landings. Four Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were installed, two in each wing and positioned outside the propeller arch, which eliminated the need to synchronize the guns to the propeller spin.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Dewoitine D.371 & D.373 - SirKittalot

See also

Related development
  • D.371⁣ - Initial production variant of the fighter
  • D.371 H.S.9⁣ - D.371 variant with 20 mm cannon armament

External links


Dewoitine (SNCAM/SNCASE)
Fighters 
D.37  D.371 · D.371 H.S.9 · D.373
D.500  D.500 · D.501 · Pallier's D.510
D.520  D.520 · ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
Export  ␗D.510C

France fighters
Dewoitine  D.371 · D.371 H.S.9 · D.373 · D.500 · D.501 · Pallier's D.510 · D.520
Morane-Saulnier  M.S.405C1 · M.S.406C1 · M.S.410
Arsenal  V.G.33C-1
Bloch  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Caudron  C.R.714
Sud-Ouest  S.O.8000 Narval
American  H-75A-1 · H-75A-4 · ▄P-39Q-25 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · ▄P-47D-22-RE · ▄P-63C-5 · F-6C-10-NA
  ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · F4U-7 · ▄F8F-1B
Other countries  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III · ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · NC.900
Belgium  ▄Gladiator Mk I · ▄Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
Netherlands  ◘Sea Fury FB 51

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