Difference between revisions of "F-89B"

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{{Specs-Card
 
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|code=f-89b
 
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|}}
 
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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = other version
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| usage = the other version
 
| link = F-89D
 
| link = F-89D
 
}}
 
}}
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{{Specs-Card
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|code=f-89b
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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}}
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== 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.'' -->
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[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
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The '''F-89B Scorpion''' was designed and built to be an all-weather interceptor intended to neutralize any potential invading Soviet bomber force. The USAAF was intent on replacing the [[P-61C-1|P-61 Black Widow]] with another night fighter, specifically one which would fly faster (minimum 850 km/h (530 mph)) almost assuredly requiring the usage of jets, and be armed with six .60 calibre (15 mm) machine guns or 20 mm autocannons and internally stored aerial rockets. To round out the aircraft for ground attack if needed, it would also need to be able to accommodate 1,000 lb bombs and eight larger rocket types externally. Initial wind tunnel testing of the fighter determined that the proposed swept wings were insufficient at slow speeds and were changed out with straight wings. Though causing a loss of high-end performance, increased stability at low speeds was necessary. The F-89B was a direct upgrade over the F-89A, featuring mostly upgraded avionics, while the rest of the aircraft remained the same. It was designed to intercept early jet-powered bombers, and it was fitted with an afterburner, which was not very common for the time. Other changes to the horizontal stabilizer also increased the effectiveness of the elevators and rudder. Concerns about the fuel tanks situated right over the engines were nullified when it was determined that efforts made by Northrop to protect them were considered sufficient, anything else would have required a complete redesign of the aircraft.
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{{Break}}
 
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
 
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The {{PAGENAME}} Scorpion was designed and built to be an all-weather interceptor intended to neutralize any potential invading Soviet bomber force. The USAAF was intent in replacing the [[P-61C-1|P-61 Black Widow]] with another night fighter, one specifically which would fly faster (minimum 850 km/h (530 mph)) almost assuredly requiring the usage of jets, six sixty-calibre machine guns or 20 mm autocannons and armed with internally stored aerial rockets. To round out the aircraft for ground attack if needed, it would also need to accommodate 1,000 lb bombs and eight larger rocket types externally. Initial wind tunnel testing of the fighter determined that the proposed swept-wings were insufficient at slow speeds and were changed out with straight wings. Though causing a loss of high-end performance, increased stability at low speeds was necessary.
 
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Other changes to the horizontal stabilizer also increased the effectiveness of the elevators and rudder. Concerns about the fuel tanks situated right over the engines were nullified when it was determined that efforts made by Northrop to protect them were considered sufficient, anything else would have required a complete redesign of the aircraft.
 
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Other key features of the Scorpion was the usage of decelerons or clamshell-style split ailerons which work as a standard aileron, however, can open up as a dive brake or be utilized as a takeoff/landing flap. Last-minute changes by the Air Force required upgrading the engines and outfitting an afterburner, adding a radar system, fire control system, permanent wingtip fuel tanks, reconfigured nose guns and easy access to lower the entire engine to make for easier maintenance.
 
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The F-89B was an upgraded version of the F-89A, primarily featuring only upgraded avionics. Armament remained standard with six nose-mounted 20 mm cannons. As an interceptor, the F-89B was well suited to have the six nose-mounted cannons which did not require the pilot to have to worry about convergence, especially when flying at higher speeds. The tightly packed cannons concentrated the 20 mm rounds in a tight pattern and when fired in bursts can unleash devastation on both enemy bomber and fighter aircraft, especially suited for head-ons or even strafing runs aimed at the wings or engine sections of the aircraft. While there are only 200 rounds per gun (1,200 total), they are not meant for the pilot to just hold the trigger and spray but instead require a bit of trigger control and fire in short bursts as typically it does not take much to disable or destroy another aircraft.
 
  
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The F-89B is a fairly large aircraft and can be an easy target for other aircraft, so speed is key to maintain manoeuvrability and make it difficult for an enemy fighter to get a positive gun solution on the Scorpion. Boom & Zoom tactics will be the best bet for this fighter as while it is a stable flyer when going slow, it, however, will be an easy target and slow manoeuvring aircraft without the advantage of speed.
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It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. As an interceptor, the F-89B was well suited to have the six nose-mounted cannons which did not require the pilot to have to worry about convergence, especially when flying at higher speeds. The tightly packed cannons concentrated the 20 mm rounds in a tight pattern and when fired in bursts can unleash devastation on both enemy bomber and fighter aircraft, especially suited for head-ons or even strafing runs aimed at the wings or engine sections of the aircraft. While there are only 200 rounds per gun (1,200 total), they are not meant for the pilot to just hold the trigger and spray but instead require a bit of trigger control and fire in short bursts as typically it does not take much to disable or destroy another aircraft. The F-89B is a fairly large aircraft and can be an easy target for other aircraft, so speed is key to maintain manoeuvrability and make it difficult for an enemy fighter to get a positive gun solution on the Scorpion. Boom & Zoom tactics will be the best bet for this fighter as while it is a stable flyer when going slow, it, however, will be an easy target and slow manoeuvring aircraft without the advantage of speed.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
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''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
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<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,200 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,200 m)
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|}
 
|}
  
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====Details====
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==== Details ====
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
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|}
 
|}
  
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
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! colspan="7" | Aircraft mass
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! colspan="6" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
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! colspan="3" | Empty mass || colspan="4" | Wing loading (full fuel)
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! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="2" | Allison J35-A-21B || 2
 
| colspan="2" | Allison J35-A-21B || 2
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| colspan="3" | 11,780 kg || colspan="4" | 291 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
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| colspan="3" | 11,996 kg || colspan="3" | 295 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
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! colspan="6" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight
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! colspan="5" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! 19m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 60m fuel || 64m fuel
+
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 58m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
 
| 1,300 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
 
| 1,300 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
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| 13,181 kg || 13,253 kg || 13,971 kg || 15,048 kg || 16,126 kg || 16,413 kg || 16,703 kg
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| 13,375 kg || 13,567 kg || 14,353 kg || 15,531 kg || 16,593 kg || 16,703 kg
 
|-
 
|-
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! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
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! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="7" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
+
! colspan="6" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
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! 19m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 60m fuel || 64m fuel || MTOW
+
! 17m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 45m fuel || 58m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Stationary'' || 2,141 kgf || 2,912 kgf
 
| ''Stationary'' || 2,141 kgf || 2,912 kgf
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| 0.44 || 0.44 || 0.42 || 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.35 || 0.35
+
| 0.44 || 0.43 || 0.41 || 0.38 || 0.35 || 0.35
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || 2,229 kgf<br />(800 km/h) || 3,255 kgf<br />(800 km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 2,307 kgf<br>(920 km/h) || 3,255 kgf<br>(800 km/h)
−
| 0.49 || 0.49 || 0.47 || 0.43 || 0.40 || 0.40 || 0.39
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| 0.49 || 0.48 || 0.45 || 0.42 || 0.39 || 0.39
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The F-89B has two 12.7 mm steel armour plates in the nose and a 60 mm bulletproof windshield. The wing tips will break past the aileron at 920+ km/h (depending on altitude) and will count as a vehicle loss. However, the plane can limp back to base if the pilot: maintain speed/don't turn sharp to avoid a spin, approach the airfield low and straight on, open the air brake to help balance the broken wing, roll the intact wing '''down,''' lower the gear at < 300 km/h then roll back level onto the runway. There the pilot can repair his plane and get back in the fight!
 
The F-89B has two 12.7 mm steel armour plates in the nose and a 60 mm bulletproof windshield. The wing tips will break past the aileron at 920+ km/h (depending on altitude) and will count as a vehicle loss. However, the plane can limp back to base if the pilot: maintain speed/don't turn sharp to avoid a spin, approach the airfield low and straight on, open the air brake to help balance the broken wing, roll the intact wing '''down,''' lower the gear at < 300 km/h then roll back level onto the runway. There the pilot can repair his plane and get back in the fight!
  
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=== Modifications and economics ===
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=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
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* 6 x 20 mm [[M24A1 (20 mm)|M24A1]] cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg<ref>Rounds Per Gun</ref> = 1,200 total)
+
* 6 x 20 mm M24A1 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 1,200 total)
  
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The F-89B is armed with 6 x M24A1 20 mm cannons in the nose. Although each gun only holds 200 rounds (1,200 total), a well-aimed burst with the air targets belt will easily destroy any target or at least set it on fire.
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The F-89B is armed with 6 x M24A1 20 mm cannons in the nose. Although each gun only holds 200 rounds (1,200 total), a well-aimed burst can easily cripple or destroy any air or ground target.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
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This aircraft has deadly frontal cannons, but they also have a very high rate of fire, so it is recommended to keep an eye on ammo count through the course of a battle. Air Target belts are the most effective ammunition belt for destroying enemy aircraft. In ground RB, the F-89B is less effective: without bombs, rockets, or high-penetration rounds, the plane has a difficult time destroying armoured vehicles. Still, it can be used in any game mode as a very potent fighter.
+
This aircraft has deadly frontal cannons, but they also have a very high rate of fire, so it is recommended to keep an eye on ammo count through the course of a battle. Air Target belts are the most effective ammunition belt for destroying enemy aircraft and the AP belt for ground units. Usage in ground RB: The F-89B is an effective ground attack aircraft if used correctly. With the 20 mm ammunition belt for armoured targets, with 53 mm max penetration, can effectively neutralize most adversary ground units of its battle rating. It can also be used in any game mode as a very potent fighter.
  
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Although fast, this plane has poor rudder authority at high speeds, and this makes high speed boom and zoom attacks more difficult. It's large tail section also makes aiming challenging at times. However, this setup also gives the plane good elevator authority under 800 km/h and especially between 700 and 750 km/h. Above this speed (and below 600 km/h), elevator control also suffers. Although perhaps not comparable to the [[Ho 229 V3|Ho 229]], this plane does have a much better turn rate than the [[Me 262 (Family)|Me 262]]. Finally, the roll rate is not terrible, but not good either.
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Although fast, this plane has poor rudder authority at high speeds, and this makes high speed boom and zoom attacks more difficult. Its large tail section also makes aiming challenging at times. However, this setup also gives the plane good elevator authority under 800 km/h and especially between 700 and 750 km/h. Above this speed (and below 600 km/h), elevator control also suffers. Although perhaps not comparable to the [[Ho 229 V3|Ho 229]], this plane does have a much better turn rate than the [[Me 262 (Family)|Me 262]]. Finally, the roll rate is moderate. Horizontal axis manoeuvres are best conducted rolling the aircraft vertically and turning with the elevator.
  
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This aircraft is prone to wing-ripping above 900 km/h, and when in a dive, it may be necessary to employ the vehicle's very effective airbrakes in order to stay below this speed. Wing-rips are also common when concurrently pulling negative G's and rolling.
+
This aircraft is prone to wing-ripping above 900 km/h, and when in a dive, it may be necessary to employ the vehicle's very effective air-brakes in order to stay below this speed. It is also important to note that utilizing the afterburner in level flight may cause a fatal accident if speed is not maintained within limits. Wing-rips are also common when concurrently pulling negative G's and rolling.
  
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Thanks to the F-89B's afterburners, it has great acceleration, and can climb better than any other jet at this rank. This gives players a huge advantage in the first few minutes of a battle, during which the F-89B can prey on lower enemies. But all in all, the F-89B does not do any one thing significantly better than anything else - it's a jack-of-all-trades who's greatest advantage is engine power.
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Thanks to the F-89B's afterburners, it has excellent acceleration, and can out-climb most aircraft at its tier. Its high output engines gives players a huge advantage in the battle-space. Players can exploit its high acceleration and speed. When dogfighting, the F-89B performs very well in vertical manoeuvres. The aircraft's afterburners give the pilot a significant advantage over adversaries without after-burning engines.
  
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When dogfighting, the F-89B performs very well in vertical manoeuvres. Here, the jet's afterburners give the plane a dramatic advantage over non-afterburning enemies.
+
===Radars===
 +
<!--{{main|AN/APG-33}}-->
 +
The F-89B is equipped with an AN/APG-33 tracking radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.
  
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===Modules===
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
! colspan="4" | AN/APG-33 - Target tracking radar
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! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| II
+
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
−
|
+
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
−
|
+
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
−
| Airframe
+
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| III
+
| 2,000 m || 150 m || ±5° || ±5°
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|  
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| G-suit
 
−
|
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="5" |This is a premium vehicle: all modifications are unlocked on purchase
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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* Six deadly 20 mm cannons clustered in the nose, massive burst mass
+
* Six nose-mounted 20 mm cannons, excellent for head-on attacks
−
* Excellent for head-on attacks
+
* Very quick acceleration with afterburner
−
* Quick acceleration with afterburner
+
* Dual-engine, flyable with one
−
* Dual-engine, flyable with one damaged
 
 
* Targeting radar
 
* Targeting radar
−
* Low repair cost for a rank V jet aircraft
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* A large target
+
* Large profile
−
* Damaged wings throw off the aircraft's balance
+
* Significant drop in performance with damaged flight surfaces
−
* No rocket, missile or bomb options
+
* No internal or external payload options (rockets, bombs, etc.)
−
* Not as nimble as single-engine MiGs
+
* Sluggish flight performance compared to common adversaries
  
 
== 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).'' -->
  
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Almost immediately after WWII, the Nothrop Corporation began developing an experimental jet fighter-interceptor to meet the new requirements for that class of aircraft. The American interceptor’s primary targets were supposed to be Soviet bombers, so the projected model’s flight characteristics and armament had to meet this objective. At first the two-seater twin-engine jet was developed to have a rather interesting four gun turret. This turret was to be mounted on the aircraft’s nose and could fire on targets either automatically or manually along a vertical plane either forward, up, down or, in some cases, backward. However, when the experimental model of the aircraft was ready, the turret still hadn’t undergone testing yet, so the military decided to install traditional static frontal guns on it, as well as HVARs on the wing pylons. It was with this loadout that the Scorpion F-89A and F-89B went into service. The armament was switched exclusively to rockets somewhat later. To make the change to rockets, the designers implemented an interesting solution: Mighty Mouse unguided rockets were installed on the front of the wing-mounted fuel tanks in such a way that the rocket and fuel sections of this part of the design were separated by a fireproof barrier. This also made it possible to install heavier, more destructive HVARs under the wing. The F-89D or “rocket” version of the Scorpion went on to become the most widespread version of the aircraft in the US air force – 682 of them were manufactured.
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Almost immediately after WWII, the Nothrop Corporation began developing an experimental jet fighter-interceptor to meet the new requirements for that class of aircraft. The American interceptor's primary targets were supposed to be Soviet bombers, so the projected model's flight characteristics and armament had to meet this objective. At first the two-seater twin-engine jet was developed to have a rather interesting four gun turret. This turret was to be mounted on the aircraft's nose and could fire on targets either automatically or manually along a vertical plane either forward, up, down or, in some cases, backward. However, when the experimental model of the aircraft was ready, the turret still hadn't undergone testing yet, so the military decided to install traditional static frontal guns on it, as well as HVARs on the wing pylons. It was with this loadout that the Scorpion F-89A and F-89B went into service. The armament was switched exclusively to rockets somewhat later. To make the change to rockets, the designers implemented an interesting solution: Mighty Mouse unguided rockets were installed on the front of the wing-mounted fuel tanks in such a way that the rocket and fuel sections of this part of the design were separated by a fireproof barrier. This also made it possible to install heavier, more destructive HVARs under the wing. The F-89D or "rocket" version of the Scorpion went on to become the most widespread version of the aircraft in the US air force – 682 of them were manufactured.
  
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/6371-development-f-89b-and-f-89d-scorpion-jet-bros-en|Devblog]]''
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/6371-development-f-89b-and-f-89d-scorpion-jet-bros-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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''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.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f-89b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
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* [[F-89D]] - Rocket-armed variant of the fighter.
+
* [[F-89D]] - Rocket-armed variant of the fighter
  
 
== 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;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/6371-development-f-89b-and-f-89d-scorpion-jet-bros-en|[Development] F-89B and F-89D Scorpion: Jet Bros]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/6371-development-f-89b-and-f-89d-scorpion-jet-bros-en|[Development] F-89B and F-89D Scorpion: Jet Bros]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/463057-f-89b-scorpion/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Northrop}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 21:32, 23 December 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the American jet fighter F-89B. For the other version, see F-89D.
F-89B
f-89b.png
GarageImage F-89B.jpg
F-89B
USA flag.png USA
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.7 7.0 7.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:7 540 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
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Description

The F-89B Scorpion was designed and built to be an all-weather interceptor intended to neutralize any potential invading Soviet bomber force. The USAAF was intent on replacing the P-61 Black Widow with another night fighter, specifically one which would fly faster (minimum 850 km/h (530 mph)) almost assuredly requiring the usage of jets, and be armed with six .60 calibre (15 mm) machine guns or 20 mm autocannons and internally stored aerial rockets. To round out the aircraft for ground attack if needed, it would also need to be able to accommodate 1,000 lb bombs and eight larger rocket types externally. Initial wind tunnel testing of the fighter determined that the proposed swept wings were insufficient at slow speeds and were changed out with straight wings. Though causing a loss of high-end performance, increased stability at low speeds was necessary. The F-89B was a direct upgrade over the F-89A, featuring mostly upgraded avionics, while the rest of the aircraft remained the same. It was designed to intercept early jet-powered bombers, and it was fitted with an afterburner, which was not very common for the time. Other changes to the horizontal stabilizer also increased the effectiveness of the elevators and rudder. Concerns about the fuel tanks situated right over the engines were nullified when it was determined that efforts made by Northrop to protect them were considered sufficient, anything else would have required a complete redesign of the aircraft.

It was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision". As an interceptor, the F-89B was well suited to have the six nose-mounted cannons which did not require the pilot to have to worry about convergence, especially when flying at higher speeds. The tightly packed cannons concentrated the 20 mm rounds in a tight pattern and when fired in bursts can unleash devastation on both enemy bomber and fighter aircraft, especially suited for head-ons or even strafing runs aimed at the wings or engine sections of the aircraft. While there are only 200 rounds per gun (1,200 total), they are not meant for the pilot to just hold the trigger and spray but instead require a bit of trigger control and fire in short bursts as typically it does not take much to disable or destroy another aircraft. The F-89B is a fairly large aircraft and can be an easy target for other aircraft, so speed is key to maintain manoeuvrability and make it difficult for an enemy fighter to get a positive gun solution on the Scorpion. Boom & Zoom tactics will be the best bet for this fighter as while it is a stable flyer when going slow, it, however, will be an easy target and slow manoeuvring aircraft without the advantage of speed.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 3 200 m1 011 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude15 240 m
Engine2 х Allison J35-A-21B
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight17 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,200 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 999 992 15240 28.3 29.5 40.5 38.4 747
Upgraded 1,022 1,011 27.7 28.0 59.0 49.4

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
920 379 554 447 379 ~8 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 760 < 800 < 700 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Allison J35-A-21B 2 11,996 kg 295 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 17m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 58m fuel
1,300 kg Afterburning axial-flow turbojet 13,375 kg 13,567 kg 14,353 kg 15,531 kg 16,593 kg 16,703 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 17m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 58m fuel MTOW
Stationary 2,141 kgf 2,912 kgf 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.38 0.35 0.35
Optimal 2,307 kgf
(920 km/h) 		3,255 kgf
(800 km/h) 		0.49 0.48 0.45 0.42 0.39 0.39

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural920 km/h
Gear379 km/h

The F-89B has two 12.7 mm steel armour plates in the nose and a 60 mm bulletproof windshield. The wing tips will break past the aileron at 920+ km/h (depending on altitude) and will count as a vehicle loss. However, the plane can limp back to base if the pilot: maintain speed/don't turn sharp to avoid a spin, approach the airfield low and straight on, open the air brake to help balance the broken wing, roll the intact wing down, lower the gear at < 300 km/h then roll back level onto the runway. There the pilot can repair his plane and get back in the fight!

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB2 083 Sl icon.png
RB6 376 Sl icon.png
SB8 679 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts550 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 800 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 550 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 130 / 340 / 600 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 202 / 202 / 202 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
t_160_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
t_160_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 16 x 20 mm M24A1 cannon
Ammunition1 200 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M24A1 (20 mm)

The F-89B is armed with:

  • 6 x 20 mm M24A1 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 1,200 total)

The F-89B is armed with 6 x M24A1 20 mm cannons in the nose. Although each gun only holds 200 rounds (1,200 total), a well-aimed burst can easily cripple or destroy any air or ground target.

Usage in battles

This aircraft has deadly frontal cannons, but they also have a very high rate of fire, so it is recommended to keep an eye on ammo count through the course of a battle. Air Target belts are the most effective ammunition belt for destroying enemy aircraft and the AP belt for ground units. Usage in ground RB: The F-89B is an effective ground attack aircraft if used correctly. With the 20 mm ammunition belt for armoured targets, with 53 mm max penetration, can effectively neutralize most adversary ground units of its battle rating. It can also be used in any game mode as a very potent fighter.

Although fast, this plane has poor rudder authority at high speeds, and this makes high speed boom and zoom attacks more difficult. Its large tail section also makes aiming challenging at times. However, this setup also gives the plane good elevator authority under 800 km/h and especially between 700 and 750 km/h. Above this speed (and below 600 km/h), elevator control also suffers. Although perhaps not comparable to the Ho 229, this plane does have a much better turn rate than the Me 262. Finally, the roll rate is moderate. Horizontal axis manoeuvres are best conducted rolling the aircraft vertically and turning with the elevator.

This aircraft is prone to wing-ripping above 900 km/h, and when in a dive, it may be necessary to employ the vehicle's very effective air-brakes in order to stay below this speed. It is also important to note that utilizing the afterburner in level flight may cause a fatal accident if speed is not maintained within limits. Wing-rips are also common when concurrently pulling negative G's and rolling.

Thanks to the F-89B's afterburners, it has excellent acceleration, and can out-climb most aircraft at its tier. Its high output engines gives players a huge advantage in the battle-space. Players can exploit its high acceleration and speed. When dogfighting, the F-89B performs very well in vertical manoeuvres. The aircraft's afterburners give the pilot a significant advantage over adversaries without after-burning engines.

Radars

The F-89B is equipped with an AN/APG-33 tracking radar, located in the nose of the aircraft.

AN/APG-33 - Target tracking radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range 		Minimum
Tracking
Range 		Azimuth Tracking
Angle 		Elevation Tracking
Angle
2,000 m 150 m ±5° ±5°

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Six nose-mounted 20 mm cannons, excellent for head-on attacks
  • Very quick acceleration with afterburner
  • Dual-engine, flyable with one
  • Targeting radar

Cons:

  • Large profile
  • Significant drop in performance with damaged flight surfaces
  • No internal or external payload options (rockets, bombs, etc.)
  • Sluggish flight performance compared to common adversaries

History

Almost immediately after WWII, the Nothrop Corporation began developing an experimental jet fighter-interceptor to meet the new requirements for that class of aircraft. The American interceptor's primary targets were supposed to be Soviet bombers, so the projected model's flight characteristics and armament had to meet this objective. At first the two-seater twin-engine jet was developed to have a rather interesting four gun turret. This turret was to be mounted on the aircraft's nose and could fire on targets either automatically or manually along a vertical plane either forward, up, down or, in some cases, backward. However, when the experimental model of the aircraft was ready, the turret still hadn't undergone testing yet, so the military decided to install traditional static frontal guns on it, as well as HVARs on the wing pylons. It was with this loadout that the Scorpion F-89A and F-89B went into service. The armament was switched exclusively to rockets somewhat later. To make the change to rockets, the designers implemented an interesting solution: Mighty Mouse unguided rockets were installed on the front of the wing-mounted fuel tanks in such a way that the rocket and fuel sections of this part of the design were separated by a fireproof barrier. This also made it possible to install heavier, more destructive HVARs under the wing. The F-89D or "rocket" version of the Scorpion went on to become the most widespread version of the aircraft in the US air force – 682 of them were manufactured.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

  • F-89D - Rocket-armed variant of the fighter

External links


Northrop Corporation
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