Difference between revisions of "XA-38"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Flight performance)
(→‎Media: Added Shooting Range episode)
 
(15 intermediate revisions by 6 users not shown)
Line 7: Line 7:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].
+
 
 +
In 1942, the U.S. Army was looking for a suitable aircraft to replace the Douglas A-20 Havoc. Beech Aircraft Corporation would be given a contract to build two Model 28 "Destroyer" prototypes. Later given the designation XA-38 "Grizzly", it was originally intended to be a bomber hunter until the Army wanted a capable ground-attack aircraft. To attack well-armoured targets like bunkers and tanks, the Grizzly was fitted with a 75 mm cannon mounted directly into the nose. The Grizzly was also given two twin .50 cal turrets, one mounted on the top and one mounted in the belly to provide defensive fire. Although the Grizzly was favourable in test flights, it unfortunately fizzled out as the Wright R-3350 engines were needed for the B-29 program.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]] as a premium strike aircraft. It is a strong aircraft against ground targets thanks to its 75 mm cannon and bombs. The 75 mm cannon is able to penetrate up to 104 mm of armour which is more than enough to penetrate the sides and engine decks of many ground vehicles. Although the Grizzly has turrets, it's an easy target for enemy fighters; especially when the rear crewman is knocked out. The XA-38 Grizzly is an interesting plane that can be incredibly dangerous in ground battles.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 25: Line 28:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
|595||574|| rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} ||29.2||30.1||8.7||8.7|| rowspan="2" | 700
+
| 595 || 574 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.2 || 30.1 || 8.7 || 8.7 || rowspan="2" | 700
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 54: Line 57:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 340 || 340 || 280 || ~7 || ~3
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 333 || 325 || 280 || ~7 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 65: Line 68:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 360 || < 270 || < 400 || > 390
 
| < 360 || < 270 || < 400 || > 390
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1,676 m || 2,100 hp || 2,268 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 4,206 m || 1,880 hp || 2,030 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 145: Line 126:
 
When flying the XA-38 Grizzly, do note it can be used as either an interceptor (bomber hunter) or a ground attack/close air support aircraft. It's best to fire your machine guns or your 75 mm cannon separately as they both aim differently.
 
When flying the XA-38 Grizzly, do note it can be used as either an interceptor (bomber hunter) or a ground attack/close air support aircraft. It's best to fire your machine guns or your 75 mm cannon separately as they both aim differently.
  
−
'''Bomber Hunter:'''
+
;Bomber Hunter
  
−
When using the XA-38 Grizzly, it can be used as a bomber hunter. The ammo of choice when dealing with enemy bombers is HEI-T 1 single hit from this shell will destroy any bomber (or plane).
+
Thanks to its air spawn and impressive top speed, the XA-38 Grizzly can be used as a bomber hunter. The ammo of choice when dealing with enemy bombers is HEI-T: 1 single hit from this shell will destroy any airframe. The well-armoured cockpit also means the pilot will be well protected from the defensive armament of any bomber it attacks. However, the XA-38 is one of the larger targets a bomber can shoot back at, and the unprotected engines can easily be set on fire or disabled entirely. You'll also be prey to any enemy fighters or interceptors that choose to take advantage of your new role. This is less of an issue when hunting bombers at low altitude, as you can often take out a bomber and retreat before the enemy fighters can respond.
  
−
'''Ground Attack/Close Air Support'''
+
;Ground Attack/Close Air Support
  
−
The XA-38 Grizzly is a great plane for ground pounding. The 75 mm cannon AP-T can reliably destroy pillboxes, medium tanks and light tanks, while the HEI-T can destroy any thinly armoured vehicles.
+
The XA-38 is a great plane for ground pounding. The 75 mm cannon AP-T can reliably destroy pillboxes, medium tanks and light tanks, while the HEI-T can destroy any thinly armoured vehicles. The option to carry 4x 500 lbs bombs also gives some extra opportunities for killing targets, although these are wing-mounted bombs, which are not only inaccurate but also hamper your speed somewhat. In Air RB, these bombs often work best to eliminate AA and armoured cars at the back of tank convoys, clearing any potential anti-aircraft fire before engaging the tanks.
 +
 
 +
The Grizzly is a fast aircraft, and this should be used to your advantage. Dive in fast and escape fast and you can effectively dodge AA fire, as well as outrun some enemy fighters at low speed, especially when top tier. Also, the .50 cal gun turrets can be used to strafe ground targets after your first pass, although it's recommended to load the armoured target or universal belts to ensure maximum damage. These guns are quite accurate, have a good rate of fire, and can eliminate light tanks and light pillboxes.
 +
 
 +
The drawbacks to the Grizzly come with its main armament. The 75 mm gun, while immensely powerful, has a very slow rate of fire, meaning you're only likely to get two shots maximum at a target before you pass over it. Also, while it can kill light pillboxes, it might take multiple hits, which can be a waste of ammo since the gun only has 20 shells total. Don't be afraid to use your machine guns in addition to the cannon when targeting pillboxes. These MGs, while effective, are also lacking. There are only two of them, and they carry mid-war belts, meaning they don't pack as much punch as a lot of the 12.7 mm MGs on a lot of American fighter-bombers at this same tier. Thankfully, they are nose-mounted, meaning they're very accurate even at long ranges.
 +
 
 +
Finally, the Grizzly can be an easy target for low-altitude interception. The fuselage is a large target compared to single-engined planes, and only having one, very exposed gunner means you can lose your defensive armament immediately when attacked from above. Use your good speed and decent turn time to avoid shots and spray interceptors with the .50 cal guns to ward them off. Also, avoid head-ons. While the 75 mm might be tempting as a one-shot-machine, its poor rate of fire and long-range accuracy makes it useless in head-on engagements against the many cannon-armed fighters you face at this tier. Your MGs also won't be much help since there are only two of them. Keep fighters behind or away from you and use your gunners' excellent firing arcs and ammo counts to ward off opponents.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 166: Line 153:
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable <br> Not auto controlled || Controllable <br> Auto control available || Controllable <br> Auto control available || Separate || Controllable <br> 2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 175: Line 162:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* ''Offensive armament'':
+
* Good survivability
 +
** Protected from every angle of attack by two .50 calibre machine gun turrets
 +
** Can tank quite a bit of damage
 +
** Reasonably fast for an attack aircraft
 +
** Reasonably manoeuvrable
 +
* Devastating main armament
 
** Incredible destructive capabilities of the 75 mm HEI-T shells, will decimate any aerial targets upon contact
 
** Incredible destructive capabilities of the 75 mm HEI-T shells, will decimate any aerial targets upon contact
 
** Fantastic anti-armour capabilities with the AP-T shells. The AP-T shells carry characteristics of APHE shells, minimizing the number of hits on a selected target to destroy them
 
** Fantastic anti-armour capabilities with the AP-T shells. The AP-T shells carry characteristics of APHE shells, minimizing the number of hits on a selected target to destroy them
−
** 75 mm M10 cannon has great accuracy at close ranges
+
** 75 mm M10 cannon is effective at close range
−
** Can use the two forward-firing .50 calibre machine guns vs. fighter aircraft and light targets
 
 
** Cannon can penetrate destroyers and the lightly armoured sections of cruisers
 
** Cannon can penetrate destroyers and the lightly armoured sections of cruisers
−
* ''Survivability'':
+
* Can use the two forward-firing .50 calibre machine guns vs. fighter aircraft and light targets
−
** Protected from every angle of attack by two .50 calibre machine gun turrets
+
* Faster attack aircraft, especially in RB. It can often outrun enemy fighters in a straight line
−
** Reasonably fast for an attack aircraft
 
−
** Reasonably manoeuvrable
 
−
** Can tank quite a bit of damage
 
−
* ''Utility'':
 
−
** Can work as a heavy fighter in a pinch
 
−
** Is, in essence, a more manoeuvrable and faster [[PBJ-1H]]
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* ''Offensive armament'':
+
* Poor flight performance
−
** 75 mm M10 cannon has a low muzzle velocity
 
−
** 75 mm M10 cannon lacks accuracy for long-range shooting
 
−
** Massive shell drop-off
 
−
** Limited cannon ammunition (20 rounds)
 
−
** Only two .50 calibre machine guns
 
−
* ''Survivability'':
 
−
** Will red-line and compress at ~690-700 kph (~429-435 mph)
 
−
** A single crew member operates the two defensive turrets (will lose all defensive capabilities if the turret operator is knocked out)
 
−
** Will lose a lot of speed in turns
 
−
* ''Offensive abilities'':
 
 
** Terrible manoeuvrability at low speeds
 
** Terrible manoeuvrability at low speeds
 
** Bad climb rate
 
** Bad climb rate
 
** Cannot turn without bleeding too much speed
 
** Cannot turn without bleeding too much speed
 +
** Will red-line and compress at ~690-700 km/h (~429-435 mph)
 +
* A single crew member operates the two defensive turrets: you will lose all defensive capabilities if the turret operator is knocked out
 +
* Main armament difficult to master
 +
** 75 mm M10 cannon lacks accuracy for long-range shooting
 +
** Low muzzle velocity, causing massive shell drop-off
 +
** Limited cannon ammunition (20 rounds)
 +
* Only two .50 calibre machine guns
  
 
== 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 December of 1942, the USAAF gave Beech Aircraft Corporation a contract to construct 2 prototypes of their Model 28 Destroyer. The Model 28 started off as a bomber design, but was changed to a ground attack aircraft, in order to replace the [[A-20G-25|A-20 Havoc]] in service. The design included a 75 mm cannon in order to ensure the plane could destroy armored bunkers and tanks. 20 rounds were carried for the 75 mm cannon. There were also two .50 in Browning machine guns in the nose. There was a ventral and dorsal turret for self defense, with two .50 in Browning machine guns in each. The aircraft carried a crew of two, the pilot and the gunner. The gunner controlled both defensive turrets by remote control, using periscopes to aim. The Model 28, redesignated as the [[XA-38|XA-38 Grizzly]], started testing in 1944. It was proven to be reliable, and flew well in all regards for an attack aircraft. In addition, the armament was especially powerful and potent. However, the aircraft was never ordered, and never entered service.
+
In December of 1942, the USAAF gave Beech Aircraft Corporation a contract to construct 2 prototypes of their Model 28 Destroyer. The Model 28 started off as a bomber design, but was changed to a ground attack aircraft, in order to replace the [[A-20G-25|A-20 Havoc]] in service. The design included a 75 mm cannon in order to ensure the plane could destroy armoured bunkers and tanks. 20 rounds were carried for the 75 mm cannon. There were also two .50 in Browning machine guns in the nose. There was a ventral and dorsal turret for self defense, with two .50 in Browning machine guns in each. The aircraft carried a crew of two, the pilot and the gunner. The gunner controlled both defensive turrets by remote control, using periscopes to aim. The Model 28, redesignated as the [[XA-38|XA-38 Grizzly]], started testing in 1944. It was proven to be reliable, and flew well in all regards for an attack aircraft. In addition, the armament was especially powerful and potent. However, the aircraft was never ordered, and never entered service.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=xa_38 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
'''Images'''<gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
 +
File:XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 01.jpg|
 +
File:XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 02.jpg|
 +
File:XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 03.jpg|
 +
File:XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 04.jpg|
 +
File:XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 05.jpg|
 +
File:XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 06.jpg|
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|dS_0tpx-u1E|'''The Shooting Range #373''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 02:56 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|GSSJKUqU3WE|'''The Shooting Range #260''' - ''Challenge'' section at 08:46 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|ObEcMPqFBbE|'''The Shooting Range #259''' - ''Tips & Tricks'' section at 10:14 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|QsIlg4oEFP0|'''XA-38 Grizzly - Premium Gameplay''' - ''BaconGaming''|VF6t_SqHftE|'''Premium Review: XA-38 Grizzly [Specialist]''' - ''Jengar''}}
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Similar aircraft fitted with a large-calibre gun
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[PBJ-1H]]
 +
* [[Hs 129 B-3]]
 +
* [[Ki-109]]
 +
* [[P.108A serie 2]]
  
 
== 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;''
+
* [[wt:en/news/4930-development-xa-38-grizzly-packing-a-punch-en|[Devblog] XA-38 Grizzly - Packing a Punch]]
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/378366-xa-38/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [[wikipedia:Beechcraft_XA-38_Grizzly|[Wikipedia] Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Beechcraft}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Beechcraft}}
−
{{USA attackers}}
+
{{USA strike aircraft}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 18:34, 4 January 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
XA-38
xa_38.png
GarageImage XA-38.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/7/7a/Cockpit_xa_38.jpg
XA-38
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 3.7 4.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:2 980 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

In 1942, the U.S. Army was looking for a suitable aircraft to replace the Douglas A-20 Havoc. Beech Aircraft Corporation would be given a contract to build two Model 28 "Destroyer" prototypes. Later given the designation XA-38 "Grizzly", it was originally intended to be a bomber hunter until the Army wanted a capable ground-attack aircraft. To attack well-armoured targets like bunkers and tanks, the Grizzly was fitted with a 75 mm cannon mounted directly into the nose. The Grizzly was also given two twin .50 cal turrets, one mounted on the top and one mounted in the belly to provide defensive fire. Although the Grizzly was favourable in test flights, it unfortunately fizzled out as the Wright R-3350 engines were needed for the B-29 program.

The XA-38 Grizzly was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A." as a premium strike aircraft. It is a strong aircraft against ground targets thanks to its 75 mm cannon and bombs. The 75 mm cannon is able to penetrate up to 104 mm of armour which is more than enough to penetrate the sides and engine decks of many ground vehicles. Although the Grizzly has turrets, it's an easy target for enemy fighters; especially when the rear crewman is knocked out. The XA-38 Grizzly is an interesting plane that can be incredibly dangerous in ground battles.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 573 m616 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude8 000 m
Engine2 х Wright R-3350-43
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight15 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,573 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 595 574 8000 29.2 30.1 8.7 8.7 700
Upgraded 638 616 26.9 28.0 14.6 11.4

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
714 350 333 325 280 ~7 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 270 < 400 > 390

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural714 km/h
Gear350 km/h
  • 9.5 mm steel - in front of the cockpit
  • 7 mm steel - sides of the cockpit
  • 7 mm steel - below the cockpit
  • 12.7 mm steel - pilot's seat
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - in front of the pilot (inside the cockpit)
  • 7 mm steel - below the rear gunner
  • 9.5 mm steel - aft of rear gunner
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - aft of rear gunner (inside aircraft)

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 272 Sl icon.png
RB1 772 Sl icon.png
SB3 917 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts250 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces870 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 90 / 160 / 490 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
m4_75mm_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk.41
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
SBC-25
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
m4_75mm_new_gun
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-25

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 175 mm M10 cannon
Ammunition20 rounds
Fire rate27 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main articles: M10 (75 mm), M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The XA-38 is armed with:

  • 1 x 75 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (20 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, chin-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 14 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
Setup 24 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb
Setup 34 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Main articles: AN-M30A1 (100 lb), AN-M57 (250 lb), AN-M64A1 (500 lb)

The XA-38 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 4 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (400 lb total)
  • 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

2 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The XA-38 is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Usage in battles

When flying the XA-38 Grizzly, do note it can be used as either an interceptor (bomber hunter) or a ground attack/close air support aircraft. It's best to fire your machine guns or your 75 mm cannon separately as they both aim differently.

Bomber Hunter

Thanks to its air spawn and impressive top speed, the XA-38 Grizzly can be used as a bomber hunter. The ammo of choice when dealing with enemy bombers is HEI-T: 1 single hit from this shell will destroy any airframe. The well-armoured cockpit also means the pilot will be well protected from the defensive armament of any bomber it attacks. However, the XA-38 is one of the larger targets a bomber can shoot back at, and the unprotected engines can easily be set on fire or disabled entirely. You'll also be prey to any enemy fighters or interceptors that choose to take advantage of your new role. This is less of an issue when hunting bombers at low altitude, as you can often take out a bomber and retreat before the enemy fighters can respond.

Ground Attack/Close Air Support

The XA-38 is a great plane for ground pounding. The 75 mm cannon AP-T can reliably destroy pillboxes, medium tanks and light tanks, while the HEI-T can destroy any thinly armoured vehicles. The option to carry 4x 500 lbs bombs also gives some extra opportunities for killing targets, although these are wing-mounted bombs, which are not only inaccurate but also hamper your speed somewhat. In Air RB, these bombs often work best to eliminate AA and armoured cars at the back of tank convoys, clearing any potential anti-aircraft fire before engaging the tanks.

The Grizzly is a fast aircraft, and this should be used to your advantage. Dive in fast and escape fast and you can effectively dodge AA fire, as well as outrun some enemy fighters at low speed, especially when top tier. Also, the .50 cal gun turrets can be used to strafe ground targets after your first pass, although it's recommended to load the armoured target or universal belts to ensure maximum damage. These guns are quite accurate, have a good rate of fire, and can eliminate light tanks and light pillboxes.

The drawbacks to the Grizzly come with its main armament. The 75 mm gun, while immensely powerful, has a very slow rate of fire, meaning you're only likely to get two shots maximum at a target before you pass over it. Also, while it can kill light pillboxes, it might take multiple hits, which can be a waste of ammo since the gun only has 20 shells total. Don't be afraid to use your machine guns in addition to the cannon when targeting pillboxes. These MGs, while effective, are also lacking. There are only two of them, and they carry mid-war belts, meaning they don't pack as much punch as a lot of the 12.7 mm MGs on a lot of American fighter-bombers at this same tier. Thankfully, they are nose-mounted, meaning they're very accurate even at long ranges.

Finally, the Grizzly can be an easy target for low-altitude interception. The fuselage is a large target compared to single-engined planes, and only having one, very exposed gunner means you can lose your defensive armament immediately when attacked from above. Use your good speed and decent turn time to avoid shots and spray interceptors with the .50 cal guns to ward them off. Also, avoid head-ons. While the 75 mm might be tempting as a one-shot-machine, its poor rate of fire and long-range accuracy makes it useless in head-on engagements against the many cannon-armed fighters you face at this tier. Your MGs also won't be much help since there are only two of them. Keep fighters behind or away from you and use your gunners' excellent firing arcs and ammo counts to ward off opponents.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good survivability
    • Protected from every angle of attack by two .50 calibre machine gun turrets
    • Can tank quite a bit of damage
    • Reasonably fast for an attack aircraft
    • Reasonably manoeuvrable
  • Devastating main armament
    • Incredible destructive capabilities of the 75 mm HEI-T shells, will decimate any aerial targets upon contact
    • Fantastic anti-armour capabilities with the AP-T shells. The AP-T shells carry characteristics of APHE shells, minimizing the number of hits on a selected target to destroy them
    • 75 mm M10 cannon is effective at close range
    • Cannon can penetrate destroyers and the lightly armoured sections of cruisers
  • Can use the two forward-firing .50 calibre machine guns vs. fighter aircraft and light targets
  • Faster attack aircraft, especially in RB. It can often outrun enemy fighters in a straight line

Cons:

  • Poor flight performance
    • Terrible manoeuvrability at low speeds
    • Bad climb rate
    • Cannot turn without bleeding too much speed
    • Will red-line and compress at ~690-700 km/h (~429-435 mph)
  • A single crew member operates the two defensive turrets: you will lose all defensive capabilities if the turret operator is knocked out
  • Main armament difficult to master
    • 75 mm M10 cannon lacks accuracy for long-range shooting
    • Low muzzle velocity, causing massive shell drop-off
    • Limited cannon ammunition (20 rounds)
  • Only two .50 calibre machine guns

History

In December of 1942, the USAAF gave Beech Aircraft Corporation a contract to construct 2 prototypes of their Model 28 Destroyer. The Model 28 started off as a bomber design, but was changed to a ground attack aircraft, in order to replace the A-20 Havoc in service. The design included a 75 mm cannon in order to ensure the plane could destroy armoured bunkers and tanks. 20 rounds were carried for the 75 mm cannon. There were also two .50 in Browning machine guns in the nose. There was a ventral and dorsal turret for self defense, with two .50 in Browning machine guns in each. The aircraft carried a crew of two, the pilot and the gunner. The gunner controlled both defensive turrets by remote control, using periscopes to aim. The Model 28, redesignated as the XA-38 Grizzly, started testing in 1944. It was proven to be reliable, and flew well in all regards for an attack aircraft. In addition, the armament was especially powerful and potent. However, the aircraft was never ordered, and never entered service.

Media

Skins
Images
  • XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 01.jpg
  • XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 02.jpg
  • XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 03.jpg
  • XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 04.jpg
  • XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 05.jpg
  • XA-38 Grizzly WTWallpaper 06.jpg
Videos
The Shooting Range #373 - Pages of History section at 02:56 discusses the XA-38.
The Shooting Range #260 - Challenge section at 08:46 discusses the XA-38.
The Shooting Range #259 - Tips & Tricks section at 10:14 discusses the XA-38.
XA-38 Grizzly - Premium Gameplay - BaconGaming
Premium Review: XA-38 Grizzly [Specialist] - Jengar

See also

Similar aircraft fitted with a large-calibre gun

External links


Beechcraft Aircraft Corporation
Attacker  XA-38

USA strike aircraft
Douglas  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · A2D-1 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
North American  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
Other  AM-1 · AU-1 · XA-38

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · AV-8B (NA) · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" · PV-2D

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=XA-38&oldid=180047"