Difference between revisions of "Attacker FB 1"

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{{About
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| about = British jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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| usage = the premium version
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| link = Attacker FB.2
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}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=attaker_fb1
 
|code=attaker_fb1
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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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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]].
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As an attempt to replace the Spitfire, Supermarine created the Spiteful fighter with redesigned wings and undercarriage. However, with the advent of jet engine development, piston-engined aircraft were beginning to be overlooked for better performing aircraft. To save the project, Supermarine offered to convert the aircraft into a jet-powered version and also adapting it for the Royal Navy, who were also looking for a new jet-powered aircraft. Following successful redesign and testing, the new jet was accepted into production as the '''Attacker'''. Originally designed as a fighter with designation ''Attacker F 1'', 11 of the last production units were converted into a fighter-bomber version designated '''Attacker FB 1'''.  
 
[[File:HMS Eagle (R05) flight deck at Gibraltar c1953.jpg|thumbnail|right|Attackers on-board HMS Eagle ]]
 
[[File:HMS Eagle (R05) flight deck at Gibraltar c1953.jpg|thumbnail|right|Attackers on-board HMS Eagle ]]
  
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Following the Sea Fury in the Fleet Air Arm branch is the first operational carrier-based jet in the Royal Navy's arsenal, the Supermarine Attacker. The Attacker was Britain's first naval jet and offers good all-around performance for a first-generation jet design, as well as a varied ground attack and fighter-bomber capabilities. Available to research after the Sea Fury, the Attacker is a different approach to jet fighter aircraft by comparison to the Meteors, Vampire or Venom.
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]], the Attacker FB 1 follows the Sea Fury in the Fleet Air Arm branch and is the first operational carrier-based jet in the Royal Navy's arsenal. The design allows for a multi-role function between fighting in the air or ground. The Attacker is the only British jet from its period to feature wing-mounted cannon armament. Unlike other British jet fighters that adopt nose-mounted configurations, the 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk V cannons on the Attacker do require careful use of convergence as a result of their positioning, much like the Sea Fury and Seafires. The Attacker can also mount 2 bombs and or 12 rockets. This combined with the universal or ground targets belts allows the Attacker to live up to its namesake, should pilots choose to use it in a fast ground-attack fighter-bomber role.
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The most unique and unusual trait of the Attacker is its taildragger configuration and wing-mounted armament. As the wing and undercarriage are shared with another Supermarine aircraft, the Spiteful, the Attacker is the only British jet from its period to feature wing-mounted cannon armament. Unlike other British jet fighters that adopt nose-mounted configurations, the 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk V cannons on the Attacker do require careful use of convergence as a result of their positioning, much like the Sea Fury and Seafires.
 
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Mounted in pairs with two in each wing, the Hispano cannons have 624 rounds of ammunition, more than the piston fighters before it. The Attacker can also mount 2 x 500 lb or 2 x 1,000 lb bombs as well as 12 x 76 mm RP-3 rockets with the GLBC Mk 3 and GRC Mk 8 modifications respectively. This combined with the universal or ground targets belts allows the Attacker to live up to its namesake, should pilots choose to use it in a fast ground-attack fighter-bomber role.
 
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The unusual undercarriage is also very forgiving during landings, both on airfields and aircraft carriers. However, this can also prove to be a hindrance in simulator mode and for pilots who prefer cockpit view; the aircraft is indeed a taildragger. This results in an extremely restricted view on the ground and while landing, especially on a carrier.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
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| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 351 || ~10 || ~6
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| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 502 || 477 || 351 || ~10 || ~6
 
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|-
 
|}
 
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{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
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{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
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{{main|H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|RP-3}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
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* 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
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* 2 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
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* 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 12 x RP-3 rockets
 
* 12 x RP-3 rockets
  
 
== 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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The Attacker FB 1 is a versatile platform for multiple tasks both in ground and air battles, featuring a competitive armament in air battles and tremendous firepower in ground battles. The main weaponry of the attacker is the 4 Hispanos Mk. V 20mm cannons, capable of doing significant damage to ground and air targets.
+
The Attacker FB 1 is a versatile platform for multiple tasks both in ground and air battles, featuring a competitive armament in air battles and tremendous firepower in ground battles. The main weaponry of the Attacker is the 4 Hispanos Mk. V 20 mm cannons, capable of doing significant damage to ground and air targets.
  
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'''When in air battles:'''
+
'''When in air battles'''
  
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The attacker has multiple roles in air battles: fighter, interceptor, bomber and attacker (unironically). It should be noted that, at 7.0, you will face many prop planes. This is a pro and a con. The Attacker has superb speed, climb rate and flying ceiling than any prop plane you will encounter but it also lacks acceleration, turn speed and it is not a really manoeuvrable plane when dogfighting.
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The Attacker has multiple roles in air battles: fighter, interceptor, bomber and attacker (unironically). It should be noted that, at 7.0, you will face many prop planes. This is a pro and a con. The Attacker has superb speed, climb rate and flying ceiling than any prop plane you will encounter but it also lacks acceleration, turn speed and it is not a really manoeuvrable plane when dogfighting.
  
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'''''As fighter:'''''
+
'''As fighter'''
  
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Despite its heavy-weight and lack of manoeuvrability, the attacker excels in boom and zoom attacks, no plane will be able to catch you when doing boom and zoom. Do not engage in turn fights as you will lose a tremendous amount of energy and the acceleration is not great to regain said lost energy, be aware when fighting a target.
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Do not engage in turnfights as you will lose a tremendous amount of energy and the acceleration is not great to regain said lost energy, be aware when fighting a target. Also, be aware that most enemies will have both better speed and acceleration and climb rate than you so you will need to adapt your playstyle accordingly.
  
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'''''As interceptor/bomber hunter:'''''
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'''As interceptor/bomber hunter'''
  
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This should be the main role of the Attacker when there is no need for dogfighting. Its high speed, decent climb rate, superb firepower and superiority at high altitudes make the attacker an excellent bomber hunter. Be aware of jet bombers you may encounter ([[Ar 234 B-2]], [[Ar 234 C-3]], [[IL-28]], etc) as they are able to outrun you most of the time. Some jet bombers, like the IL-28, will have superb defensive firepower which will do significant damage for whoever does not know how to engage them. When facing an IL-28, attack from the sides or from the bottom, do not try to tail him. Your armament is more than enough to cause fatal damage to any bomber you may encounter ([[He 177 A-5]] for example)
+
This should be the main role of the Attacker when there is no need for dogfighting. Its high speed, decent climb rate, superb firepower and superiority at high altitudes make the Attacker an excellent bomber hunter. Be aware of jet bombers you may encounter ([[Ar 234 B-2]], [[Ar 234 C-3]], [[IL-28]], etc.) as they are able to outrun you most of the time. Some jet bombers, like the IL-28, will have superb defensive firepower which will do significant damage for whoever does not know how to engage them. When facing an IL-28, attack from the sides or from the bottom, do not try to tail him. Your armament is more than enough to cause fatal damage to any bomber you may encounter ([[He 177 A-5]] for example)
  
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'''''As an attacker:'''''
+
'''As a strike aircraft'''
  
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As expected, the Attacker can be used as a strike fighter due to the ordnance it carries (refer to armament category) which can be able of taking pillboxes, AA emplacements, artillery, armoured vehicles, tanks, dive bombers, etc. There is no rule on which armament the attacker should use, it all depends on the pilot's discretion, map, battle rating, etc. It is recommended to use ground targets belts due to the AP ammunition but universal belts may be enough to deal with light armoured vehicles and light pillboxes, leaving the ordnance for heavier and more armoured threats.
+
As expected, the Attacker can be used as a strike fighter due to the ordnance it carries (refer to armament chapter) which can be able of taking pillboxes, AA emplacements, artillery, armoured vehicles, tanks, dive bombers, etc. There is no rule on which armament the Attacker should use, it all depends on the pilot's discretion, map, battle rating, etc. It is recommended to use ground targets belts due to the AP ammunition but universal belts may be enough to deal with light armoured vehicles and light pillboxes, leaving the ordnance for heavier and more armoured threats.
  
−
'''''As a bomber:'''''
+
'''As a bomber'''
  
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Due to being a jet, it is able to be a lighting strike bomber. This means to fly the attacker in a really low altitude (also known as grass cutting flying) with bombs (1,000 lb G.P. Mk. 1 bombs are recommended for base bombing) with a 2-4 second time fuze. When the attacker is on a base, the pilot should drop the bombs really low to the ground to ensure accuracy as no bombsight is able to be used. It may require practice on how and when to drop the bombs. The 2-4 second fuze makes the plane be able to move to a safe zone away from the blast zone. When no time fuze is set, the attacker will be forced to drop the bombs at a higher altitude or be prompt to be killed in the blast zone with assault fuze.
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Due to being a jet, it is able to be a lighting strike bomber. This means to fly the Attacker in a really low altitude (also known as grass cutting flying) with bombs (1,000 lb G.P. Mk. 1 bombs are recommended for base bombing) with a 2-4 second time fuze. When the Attacker is on a base, the pilot should drop the bombs really low to the ground to ensure accuracy as no bombsight is able to be used. It may require practice on how and when to drop the bombs. The 2-4 second fuze makes the plane be able to move to a safe zone away from the blast zone. When no time fuze is set, the Attacker will be forced to drop the bombs at a higher altitude or be prompt to be killed in the blast zone with assault fuze.
  
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'''When in ground battles:'''
+
'''When in ground battles'''
  
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The attacker has only 1 role in ground battles, Close Air Support (CAS). The variety of ordnance is enough to be used in all situations depending on the pilot's discretion. RP-3 are launched in pairs and will disable or destroy even the heaviest armour encountered with a couple of rockets. The con of rockets is that they are hard to be aimed, practice will be required. Bombs, on the other hand, are more lenient when it comes to accuracy as the blast zone is bigger and are able to destroy one or more targets at a time. The con of bombs is that a fuze might have to be added depending on the way the pilot wants to drop them (lighting strike, dive-bombing, etc), they are also heavier than the rockets, making the attacker more vulnerable to anti-air fire and dogfighting.  
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The Attacker has only 1 role in ground battles, Close Air Support (CAS). The variety of ordnance is enough to be used in all situations depending on the pilot's discretion. RP-3 are launched in pairs and will disable or destroy even the heaviest armour encountered with a couple of rockets. The con of rockets is that they are hard to be aimed, practice will be required. Bombs, on the other hand, are more lenient when it comes to accuracy as the blast zone is bigger and are able to destroy one or more targets at a time. The con of bombs is that a fuze might have to be added depending on the way the pilot wants to drop them (lighting strike, dive-bombing, etc), they are also heavier than the rockets, making the Attacker more vulnerable to anti-air fire and dogfighting.
  
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When it comes to just the 20mm cannons, it should be noted than most of the vehicles the attacker will encounter ([[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[Ru 251]], [[BMP-1]], etc) will have a poorly armoured roof which the armour-piercing shells will penetrate. Heavier targets ([[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54]], [[T-44]], [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]) will only be able to be killed with suspended ordnance as they will not be able to penetrate the roof.
+
When it comes to just the 20 mm cannons, it should be noted than most of the vehicles the Attacker will encounter ([[Leopard 1 (Family)|Leopard 1]], [[Ru 251]], [[BMP-1]], etc) will have a poorly armoured roof which the armour-piercing shells will penetrate. Heavier targets ([[T-54/55 (Family)|T-54]], [[T-44]], [[IS-2 (Family)|IS-2]]) will only be able to be killed with suspended ordnance as they will not be able to penetrate the roof.
  
 
[[File:FighterImage_Supermarine 510 landing on HMS Illustrious (R87) 1950.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Supermarine 510 swept-wing development of the Attacker would ultimately lead to the Swift]]
 
[[File:FighterImage_Supermarine 510 landing on HMS Illustrious (R87) 1950.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Supermarine 510 swept-wing development of the Attacker would ultimately lead to the Swift]]
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The Attacker was part of the first generation of jet aircraft to enter service with the Royal Navy and had the distinction of being the first operational combat jet on a British carrier. Whilst the Royal Air Force was already equipped with Meteors and Vampires, the Fleet Air Arm fell behind due to the difficulty of operating such a radical new technology from the Navy's existing carriers. This was partially the reasoning the FAA showed interest in the Sea Fury and the later Griffon Seafires as a "make-do" solution.
 
The Attacker was part of the first generation of jet aircraft to enter service with the Royal Navy and had the distinction of being the first operational combat jet on a British carrier. Whilst the Royal Air Force was already equipped with Meteors and Vampires, the Fleet Air Arm fell behind due to the difficulty of operating such a radical new technology from the Navy's existing carriers. This was partially the reasoning the FAA showed interest in the Sea Fury and the later Griffon Seafires as a "make-do" solution.
  
−
After trials with the De Havilland Sea Vampire, the Navy wanted a jet aircraft that could be operated from its current ships. Supermarine's failed Spitfire replacement, the Spiteful, was rejected by both the FAA and RAF due to already sufficient stocks of operational piston engine aircraft. However, this led to a jet engine design incorporating the same wing and undercarriage from the Spiteful, along with a tailwheel configuration as a result, and utilized a Rolls Royce Nene jet engine.
+
After trials with the de Havilland Sea Vampire, the Navy wanted a jet aircraft that could be operated from its current ships. Supermarine's failed Spitfire replacement, the Spiteful, was rejected by both the FAA and RAF due to already sufficient stocks of operational piston engine aircraft. However, this led to a jet engine design incorporating the same wing and undercarriage from the Spiteful, along with a tailwheel configuration as a result, and utilized a Rolls Royce Nene jet engine.
  
 
This rather primitive and rushed design was operational from 1951; however it had an extremely short career - being taken out of front-line service by 1954. This was primarily due to the aircraft's limitations being a "tail-dragger" that made operating on anything other than the deck of an aircraft carrier problematic because of the jet exhaust. The rear tail wheel only made the already hazardous task of operating a jet on a carrier even more problematic for pilots.
 
This rather primitive and rushed design was operational from 1951; however it had an extremely short career - being taken out of front-line service by 1954. This was primarily due to the aircraft's limitations being a "tail-dragger" that made operating on anything other than the deck of an aircraft carrier problematic because of the jet exhaust. The rear tail wheel only made the already hazardous task of operating a jet on a carrier even more problematic for pilots.
  
−
The Attacker quickly became superseded by the Hawker Sea Hawk and De Havilland Sea Venom, both of which were much more modern and refined designs featuring more powerful engines, tricycle undercarriages, and possessing superior performance. The Attacker did, however, serve as the base of Supermarine's first swept-wing jet for the RAF, the Swift, as can be seen by the similarity of the nose and fuselage. It would also lead to the more successful Supermarine Scimitar naval jet fighter in the latter part of the 1950s.
+
The Attacker quickly became superseded by the Hawker Sea Hawk and de Havilland Sea Venom, both of which were much more modern and refined designs featuring more powerful engines, tricycle undercarriages, and possessing superior performance. The Attacker did, however, serve as the base of Supermarine's first swept-wing jet for the RAF, the Swift, as can be seen by the similarity of the nose and fuselage. It would also lead to the more successful Supermarine Scimitar naval jet fighter in the latter part of the 1950s.
  
 
Whilst the Attacker saw no major service and was relatively short-lived from an operational standpoint, it nonetheless holds the distinction of being the very first of a very new breed of carrier-borne aircraft and the first chapter in a rapidly advancing era of aviation evolution.
 
Whilst the Attacker saw no major service and was relatively short-lived from an operational standpoint, it nonetheless holds the distinction of being the very first of a very new breed of carrier-borne aircraft and the first chapter in a rapidly advancing era of aviation evolution.
  
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=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
Whilst the world's leading air forces forged ahead with the development of new jet aircraft in the mid to late 1940s, naval aviation was left behind in the piston era due to the as of yet undefeated complexities of successfully operating jet aircraft from aircraft carriers. Whilst purpose-designed naval jet aircraft were still embryonic in Britain, there was at least still some scope for converting land-based jet aircraft.
 
Whilst the world's leading air forces forged ahead with the development of new jet aircraft in the mid to late 1940s, naval aviation was left behind in the piston era due to the as of yet undefeated complexities of successfully operating jet aircraft from aircraft carriers. Whilst purpose-designed naval jet aircraft were still embryonic in Britain, there was at least still some scope for converting land-based jet aircraft.
  
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The first production Supermarine Attacker flew in May 1950 and 800 Naval Air Squadron became the first front line jet fighter squadron of the Royal Navy in August 1951 – although some jet experience had been gleaned from a small number of de Havilland Vampires purchased for just that reason.
 
The first production Supermarine Attacker flew in May 1950 and 800 Naval Air Squadron became the first front line jet fighter squadron of the Royal Navy in August 1951 – although some jet experience had been gleaned from a small number of de Havilland Vampires purchased for just that reason.
  
−
Armed with four 20mm Hispano cannon and able to carry eight 60 lb rockets or two 1000 lb bombs, the Attacker was capable of reaching 590 mph at sea level and climbing at 6350 feet per minute. However, the Attacker was a true first-generation jet fighter and was already outclassed by fighters of other nations when it entered service. It served only briefly as a front line fighter, being replaced by the Sea Hawk and Sea Venom from 1954 onwards.
+
Armed with four 20 mm Hispano cannon and able to carry eight 60 lb rockets or two 1,000 lb bombs, the Attacker was capable of reaching 590 mph at sea level and climbing at 6,350 feet per minute. However, the Attacker was a true first-generation jet fighter and was already outclassed by fighters of other nations when it entered service. It served only briefly as a front line fighter, being replaced by the Sea Hawk and Sea Venom from 1954 onwards.
  
 
It continued in second-line service with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve until 1957 and was also used by the Royal Pakistan Air Force.
 
It continued in second-line service with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve until 1957 and was also used by the Royal Pakistan Air Force.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=attaker_fb1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
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* [[Ar 234 C-3]] - A common enemy of the Attacker at the same 7.0 battle rating, the Ar 234 C-3 has comparable ground-attack capabilities.
+
* [[Ar 234 C-3]] - A common enemy of the Attacker, the Ar 234 C-3 has comparable ground-attack capabilities.
  
 
== 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/devblog/current/772|[Devblog] Attacker FB.1 and M10 & M36 Slugger]]
 
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/772|[Devblog] Attacker FB.1 and M10 & M36 Slugger]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/262859-supermarine-attacker-fb-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [[wt:en/news/3233-vehicle-profile-supermarine-attacker-en|[Vehicle Profile] Supermarine Attacker]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/3233-vehicle-profile-supermarine-attacker-en|[Vehicle Profile] Supermarine Attacker]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Supermarine}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}
 
{{Britain jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 20:08, 27 January 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the British jet fighter Attacker FB 1. For the premium version, see Attacker FB.2.
Attacker FB 1
attaker_fb1.png
GarageImage Attacker FB 1.jpg
Attacker FB 1
Britain flag.png Britain
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
7.3 7.0 7.3
Class:
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

As an attempt to replace the Spitfire, Supermarine created the Spiteful fighter with redesigned wings and undercarriage. However, with the advent of jet engine development, piston-engined aircraft were beginning to be overlooked for better performing aircraft. To save the project, Supermarine offered to convert the aircraft into a jet-powered version and also adapting it for the Royal Navy, who were also looking for a new jet-powered aircraft. Following successful redesign and testing, the new jet was accepted into production as the Attacker. Originally designed as a fighter with designation Attacker F 1, 11 of the last production units were converted into a fighter-bomber version designated Attacker FB 1.

Attackers on-board HMS Eagle

Introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory", the Attacker FB 1 follows the Sea Fury in the Fleet Air Arm branch and is the first operational carrier-based jet in the Royal Navy's arsenal. The design allows for a multi-role function between fighting in the air or ground. The Attacker is the only British jet from its period to feature wing-mounted cannon armament. Unlike other British jet fighters that adopt nose-mounted configurations, the 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk V cannons on the Attacker do require careful use of convergence as a result of their positioning, much like the Sea Fury and Seafires. The Attacker can also mount 2 bombs and or 12 rockets. This combined with the universal or ground targets belts allows the Attacker to live up to its namesake, should pilots choose to use it in a fast ground-attack fighter-bomber role.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 0 m922 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude12 191 m
EngineRolls-Royce Nene-3
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 885 860 12191 26.2 26.9 22.8 21.5 950
Upgraded 936 922 23.9 25.0 33.8 28.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 351 502 477 351 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 491 < 600 < 620 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce Nene-3 1 4,400 kg 261 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel
930 kg Centrifugal-flow turbojet 4,690 kg 5,120 kg 5,442 kg 7,170 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel MTOW
Stationary 2,109 kgf N/A 0.45 0.41 0.39 0.29
Optimal 2,109 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.45 0.41 0.39 0.29

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear351 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armour plate behind the pilot's seat

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 296 → 4 693 Sl icon.png
RB8 406 → 11 970 Sl icon.png
SB12 454 → 17 734 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications80 100 Rp icon.png
129 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
8 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 700 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
8 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 700 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
8 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
8 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GLBC mk.3
Research:
6 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 700 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk5_new_gun
Research:
5 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 100 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
GRC mk.8
Research:
8 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
14 000 Sl icon.png
400 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon
Ammunition624 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
X-Ray View of the Attacker FB.Mk 1
Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Attacker FB 1 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon, wing-mounted (167 rpg inner, 145 outer = 624 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 12 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bomb
Setup 22 x 1000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb
Setup 36 x RP-3 rockets
6 x RP-3 rockets
Main articles: H.E. M.C. Mk.II (500 lb), M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb), RP-3

The Attacker FB 1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 12 x RP-3 rockets

Usage in battles

The Attacker FB 1 is a versatile platform for multiple tasks both in ground and air battles, featuring a competitive armament in air battles and tremendous firepower in ground battles. The main weaponry of the Attacker is the 4 Hispanos Mk. V 20 mm cannons, capable of doing significant damage to ground and air targets.

When in air battles

The Attacker has multiple roles in air battles: fighter, interceptor, bomber and attacker (unironically). It should be noted that, at 7.0, you will face many prop planes. This is a pro and a con. The Attacker has superb speed, climb rate and flying ceiling than any prop plane you will encounter but it also lacks acceleration, turn speed and it is not a really manoeuvrable plane when dogfighting.

As fighter

Do not engage in turnfights as you will lose a tremendous amount of energy and the acceleration is not great to regain said lost energy, be aware when fighting a target. Also, be aware that most enemies will have both better speed and acceleration and climb rate than you so you will need to adapt your playstyle accordingly.

As interceptor/bomber hunter

This should be the main role of the Attacker when there is no need for dogfighting. Its high speed, decent climb rate, superb firepower and superiority at high altitudes make the Attacker an excellent bomber hunter. Be aware of jet bombers you may encounter (Ar 234 B-2, Ar 234 C-3, IL-28, etc.) as they are able to outrun you most of the time. Some jet bombers, like the IL-28, will have superb defensive firepower which will do significant damage for whoever does not know how to engage them. When facing an IL-28, attack from the sides or from the bottom, do not try to tail him. Your armament is more than enough to cause fatal damage to any bomber you may encounter (He 177 A-5 for example)

As a strike aircraft

As expected, the Attacker can be used as a strike fighter due to the ordnance it carries (refer to armament chapter) which can be able of taking pillboxes, AA emplacements, artillery, armoured vehicles, tanks, dive bombers, etc. There is no rule on which armament the Attacker should use, it all depends on the pilot's discretion, map, battle rating, etc. It is recommended to use ground targets belts due to the AP ammunition but universal belts may be enough to deal with light armoured vehicles and light pillboxes, leaving the ordnance for heavier and more armoured threats.

As a bomber

Due to being a jet, it is able to be a lighting strike bomber. This means to fly the Attacker in a really low altitude (also known as grass cutting flying) with bombs (1,000 lb G.P. Mk. 1 bombs are recommended for base bombing) with a 2-4 second time fuze. When the Attacker is on a base, the pilot should drop the bombs really low to the ground to ensure accuracy as no bombsight is able to be used. It may require practice on how and when to drop the bombs. The 2-4 second fuze makes the plane be able to move to a safe zone away from the blast zone. When no time fuze is set, the Attacker will be forced to drop the bombs at a higher altitude or be prompt to be killed in the blast zone with assault fuze.

When in ground battles

The Attacker has only 1 role in ground battles, Close Air Support (CAS). The variety of ordnance is enough to be used in all situations depending on the pilot's discretion. RP-3 are launched in pairs and will disable or destroy even the heaviest armour encountered with a couple of rockets. The con of rockets is that they are hard to be aimed, practice will be required. Bombs, on the other hand, are more lenient when it comes to accuracy as the blast zone is bigger and are able to destroy one or more targets at a time. The con of bombs is that a fuze might have to be added depending on the way the pilot wants to drop them (lighting strike, dive-bombing, etc), they are also heavier than the rockets, making the Attacker more vulnerable to anti-air fire and dogfighting.

When it comes to just the 20 mm cannons, it should be noted than most of the vehicles the Attacker will encounter (Leopard 1, Ru 251, BMP-1, etc) will have a poorly armoured roof which the armour-piercing shells will penetrate. Heavier targets (T-54, T-44, IS-2) will only be able to be killed with suspended ordnance as they will not be able to penetrate the roof.

The Supermarine 510 swept-wing development of the Attacker would ultimately lead to the Swift

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful armament consisting of 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk V cannons
  • Wide track undercarriage for easier, stable landings
  • Ability to land on carriers
  • Clear visibility cockpit with good all-round vision
  • Good ground strike payloads for multi-role capabilities
  • Air brakes
  • Good rate of climb

Cons:

  • Poor acceleration
  • Wing-mounted cannons prove to be lacking when compared to the nose-mounted armament of other jets
  • The taildragger gear configuration makes for difficult carrier take-off's and landings, particularly in simulator battles

History

Supermarine Type 398

The Attacker was part of the first generation of jet aircraft to enter service with the Royal Navy and had the distinction of being the first operational combat jet on a British carrier. Whilst the Royal Air Force was already equipped with Meteors and Vampires, the Fleet Air Arm fell behind due to the difficulty of operating such a radical new technology from the Navy's existing carriers. This was partially the reasoning the FAA showed interest in the Sea Fury and the later Griffon Seafires as a "make-do" solution.

After trials with the de Havilland Sea Vampire, the Navy wanted a jet aircraft that could be operated from its current ships. Supermarine's failed Spitfire replacement, the Spiteful, was rejected by both the FAA and RAF due to already sufficient stocks of operational piston engine aircraft. However, this led to a jet engine design incorporating the same wing and undercarriage from the Spiteful, along with a tailwheel configuration as a result, and utilized a Rolls Royce Nene jet engine.

This rather primitive and rushed design was operational from 1951; however it had an extremely short career - being taken out of front-line service by 1954. This was primarily due to the aircraft's limitations being a "tail-dragger" that made operating on anything other than the deck of an aircraft carrier problematic because of the jet exhaust. The rear tail wheel only made the already hazardous task of operating a jet on a carrier even more problematic for pilots.

The Attacker quickly became superseded by the Hawker Sea Hawk and de Havilland Sea Venom, both of which were much more modern and refined designs featuring more powerful engines, tricycle undercarriages, and possessing superior performance. The Attacker did, however, serve as the base of Supermarine's first swept-wing jet for the RAF, the Swift, as can be seen by the similarity of the nose and fuselage. It would also lead to the more successful Supermarine Scimitar naval jet fighter in the latter part of the 1950s.

Whilst the Attacker saw no major service and was relatively short-lived from an operational standpoint, it nonetheless holds the distinction of being the very first of a very new breed of carrier-borne aircraft and the first chapter in a rapidly advancing era of aviation evolution.


Archive of the in-game description

Whilst the world's leading air forces forged ahead with the development of new jet aircraft in the mid to late 1940s, naval aviation was left behind in the piston era due to the as of yet undefeated complexities of successfully operating jet aircraft from aircraft carriers. Whilst purpose-designed naval jet aircraft were still embryonic in Britain, there was at least still some scope for converting land-based jet aircraft.

Supermarine had enjoyed the premium position as the designer and manufacturer of fighter aircraft with the world-beating Spitfire but were now in danger of being left behind by other British aviation companies who had moved ahead with jet fighters. The Supermarine Attacker was originally developed for the RAF as a land-based jet in accordance with Spec E.10/44, with its prototype first flying in July 1946.

Powered by the Rolls-Royce Nene engine and using the laminar flow wing which had been successfully tested on the Spiteful, the Attacker failed to offer any performance advantage over the Meteor or Vampire and so was rejected by the RAF. The Fleet Air Arm, however, saw some potential in the aircraft's navalised prototypes and pursued the design to carrier trials in October 1947.

The first production Supermarine Attacker flew in May 1950 and 800 Naval Air Squadron became the first front line jet fighter squadron of the Royal Navy in August 1951 – although some jet experience had been gleaned from a small number of de Havilland Vampires purchased for just that reason.

Armed with four 20 mm Hispano cannon and able to carry eight 60 lb rockets or two 1,000 lb bombs, the Attacker was capable of reaching 590 mph at sea level and climbing at 6,350 feet per minute. However, the Attacker was a true first-generation jet fighter and was already outclassed by fighters of other nations when it entered service. It served only briefly as a front line fighter, being replaced by the Sea Hawk and Sea Venom from 1954 onwards.

It continued in second-line service with the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve until 1957 and was also used by the Royal Pakistan Air Force.


Media

Skins

See also

  • Ar 234 C-3 - A common enemy of the Attacker, the Ar 234 C-3 has comparable ground-attack capabilities.

External links


Supermarine
Spitfires 
Merlin engine  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb
  Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
  Spitfire LF Mk IX · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Griffon engine  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Export  ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk IXc · Spitfire Mk.IX (CW) · Weizman's Spitfire LF Mk.IXe · ▄Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
Seafires  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Export  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III
Jet fighters  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Hydroplanes  Walrus Mk.I

Britain jet aircraft
Blackburn  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B
British Aerospace  Harrier GR.7 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) · Sea Harrier FRS.1 · Sea Harrier FA 2
British Aircraft Corporation  Strikemaster Mk.88
English Electric  Canberra B Mk 2 · Canberra B (I) Mk 6 · Lightning F.6 · Lightning F.53
Gloster  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
de Havilland  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Hawker  Sea Hawk FGA.6 · Hunter F.1 · Hunter F.6 · Hunter FGA.9 · Harrier GR.1 · Harrier GR.3
Panavia  Tornado GR.1 · Tornado GR.4 · Tornado F.3 · Tornado F.3 Late
SEPECAT  Jaguar GR.1 · Jaguar GR.1A · Jaguar IS
Supermarine  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Foreign  Phantom FG.1 (USA) · Phantom FGR.2 (USA) · F-4J(UK) Phantom II (USA)
Australia  F-111C
India  ▄MiG-21 Bison
South Africa  ▄JAS39C

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