Difference between revisions of "F4U-4B VMF-214"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = gift naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = gift naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| other
+
| usage = other versions
−
| usage-1 = the regular version
+
| link = F4U (Family)
−
| link-1 = F4U-4B
 
−
| usage-2 = other uses
 
−
| link-2 = F4U (Family)
 
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
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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.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]]. It's an Xbox exclusive vehicle obtained by buying a pack.
+
The F4U-4B VMF-214 is based on the Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214). Commonly referred to as the "Blacksheep" squadron, their squadron served two combat tours during the Korean War. VMF-214 had eight Corsairs which were transferred from USS Badoeng Strait to USS Sicily. The specific Corsair in-game is based on WE-18, which partook in a raid near Inchon. WE-18, piloted by Lt. Joe Bibby, was forced to crash land after receiving damage from enemy ground forces. Grenades were thrown at the plane to ensure its destruction and marked the final mission for WE-18.
 +
 
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced as a [[wt:en/news/5591-early-release-for-xbox-one-en|premium pack]] for Xbox players  in [[Update 1.79 "Project X"]]. The F4U-4B VMF-214 is much like the regular F4U-4B found in the tech tree. The F4U-4B features four high-velocity 20 mm cannons. Although wing-mounted, they are extremely effective against enemy aircraft and ground targets with the correct belt. Furthermore, they have an ample amount of ammunition so players can be generous with firing the cannons. The F4U-4B also has excellent high-speed and straight-line performance. The enormous Pratt & Whitney R-2800-42w is an improved -38w with a better water injection system, a stronger propeller shaft, and other minor changes. This allows the F4U-4B to reach just under 700 km/h (437 mph) in level flight. The F4U-4B also lacks a conventional airbrake; rather the gears act as the airbrake which is helpful in boom and zoom attacks. Overall, the F4U-4B is an excellent fighter with sufficient suspended ordnance for ground attacks.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 5,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 688 || 648 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.3 || 21.6 || 12.2 || 14.6 || rowspan="2" | 200
+
| 662 || 634 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.1 || 21.9 || 13.8 || 13.8 || rowspan="2" | 200
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 732 || 697 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 25.1 || 19.0
+
| 739 || 697 || 19.2 || 20.0 || 26.5 || 19.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 388 || 330 || 252 || ~11 || ~4
+
| 885 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 388 || 300 || 252 || ~11 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| < 450 || < 200 || < 500 || > 450
 
| < 450 || < 200 || < 500 || > 450
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 2,133 m || 2,300 hp || 2,799 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 5,791 m || 2,000 hp || 2,434 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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.'' -->
−
{{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}
 
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 +
|-
 +
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
 +
| rowspan="6" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_F4U-4.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M57 (250 lb)|250 lb AN-M57]] bombs
 +
| || 1 || || 1 || || || 1 || || 1 ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs
 +
| || || || || 1 || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[HVAR]] rockets
 +
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,400 kg
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
−
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 8 x HVAR rockets
 +
* 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 8 x HVAR rockets
+
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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).'' -->
−
The F4U-4B should be flown primarily at low altitude because its engine lacks power at higher altitudes. Here, it boasts an impressive climb rate (about 25 m/s when spaded), very good acceleration, and a high top speed. You should aim to be around 3-4km at the start of the battle and go after low enemies using boom and zoom tactics, then use your speed to outrun anyone who dives on you. You can then use your engine power and energy retention to gain an energy advantage over them and easily kill them. If you find yourself in a tough situation, don't be afraid to go a bit aggressive because this plane accelerates very well at low altitude and the extremely powerful guns makes it easy to secure kills quickly, but don't stall yourself out at the deck amidst a cloud of enemies since you'll be an easy kill.
+
The F4U-4B should be flown primarily at low altitude because its engine lacks power at higher altitudes. Here, it boasts an impressive climb rate (about 25 m/s when spaded), very good acceleration, and a high top speed. You should aim to be around 3-4 km at the start of the battle and go after low enemies using boom and zoom tactics, then use your speed to outrun anyone who dives on you. You can then use your engine power and energy retention to gain an energy advantage over them and easily kill them. If you find yourself in a tough situation, don't be afraid to go a bit aggressive because this plane accelerates very well at low altitude and the extremely powerful guns makes it easy to secure kills quickly, but don't stall yourself out at the deck amidst a cloud of enemies since you'll be an easy kill.
  
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
 
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
−
This plane can easily dogfight with Fw 190 Ds/152s, Tempest Mk Vs, Sea Furies, and similar planes, can dogfight with difficulty with Bf 109s and similar, and should avoid dog-fighting unless as an absolute last resort against Spitfires, Ki-84s, A7Ms, N1Ks, and similar. Fortunately, the F4U-4B is usually faster than most planes it can't dogfight. It's far faster than most Japanese and Italian props and all Spitfires up to the Mk 22 at low altitude. In an up-tier against superprops like Tempest IIs, Mk 24s, and P-51Hs and F8Fs if you get a mixed battle, you have to rely on coming in with an advantage as with any other plane in an uptier, though this is made easier with the F4U-4B's excellent top speed.
+
This plane can easily dogfight with Fw 190 Ds, Ta 152s, Tempest Mk Vs, Sea Furies, and similar planes, can dogfight with difficulty with Bf 109s and similar, and should avoid dogfighting unless as an absolute last resort against Spitfires, Ki-84s, A7Ms, N1Ks, and similar planes. Fortunately, the F4U-4B is usually faster than most planes it can't dogfight. It's far faster than most Japanese and Italian props and all Spitfires up to the Mk 22 at low altitude. In an up-tier against superprops like Tempest IIs, Mk 24s, and P-51Hs and F8Fs if you get a mixed battle, you have to rely on coming in with an advantage as with any other plane in an uptier, though this is made easier with the F4U-4B's excellent top speed.
  
 
The F4U-4B is devastating in the right hands, and is one of the best planes the US tech tree has to offer.
 
The F4U-4B is devastating in the right hands, and is one of the best planes the US tech tree has to offer.
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====Counter-tactics====
 
====Counter-tactics====
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
 
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
−
You're best off engaging the F4U-4B at higher altitudes where its performance suffers. You can also try bleeding their energy in hard vertical maneuvers where it struggles, but be careful while doing this especially at low altitude since a potential opponent can still use the Corsair's stall characteristics combined with its engine power to get a shot off, which can be devastating no matter how short a burst.
+
You're best off engaging the F4U-4B at higher altitudes where its performance suffers. You can also try bleeding their energy in hard vertical manoeuvres where it struggles, but be careful while doing this especially at low altitude since a potential opponent can still use the Corsair's stall characteristics combined with its engine power to get a shot off, which can be devastating no matter how short a burst.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>3 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''F4U-4B'''
 
'''F4U-4B'''
  
−
The F4U-4B was a modification of the F4U-4. The F4U-4 was based on the F4U-1A Corsair. In order to improve and modernize the Corsair, so it would be able to fight the new Japanese planes in the Pacific, a number of changes were made. One of the major changes was the engine. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W engine was replaced by the more powerful R-2800-18W engine. This -18W engine boosted the speed of the Corsair by up to 46.3 kph (25 kn, 28.76 mph). When injected with an alcohol/water mixture, the performance could be boosted even further. In order for the propeller to be able to handle the more powerful engine, the propeller had to be changed from 3 blades to 4 blades. Modifications to the fuselage were required, including the addition of a scoop to the lower engine cowling. In addition, the cockpit was completely redesigned. The F4U-4 was armed with six .50 in machine guns, up to 4,000 lbs of bombs and/or eight 5 in rockets.
+
The F4U-4B was a modification of the F4U-4. The F4U-4 was based on the F4U-1A Corsair. In order to improve and modernize the Corsair, so it would be able to fight the new Japanese planes in the Pacific, a number of changes were made. One of the major changes was the engine. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W engine was replaced by the more powerful R-2800-18W engine. This -18W engine boosted the speed of the Corsair by up to 46.3 km/h (25 kn, 28.76 mph). When injected with an alcohol/water mixture, the performance could be boosted even further. In order for the propeller to be able to handle the more powerful engine, the propeller had to be changed from 3 blades to 4 blades. Modifications to the fuselage were required, including the addition of a scoop to the lower engine cowling. In addition, the cockpit was completely redesigned. The F4U-4 was armed with six .50 in machine guns, up to 4,000 lbs of bombs and/or eight 5 in rockets.
  
 
A variant was to be created for the British Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was called the F4U-4C, but none were delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, for whatever reason. The F4U-4C was then redesignated the F4U-4B. The only major difference between the F4U-4 and the F4U-4B was a change of primary armament. The -4B replaced the six .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. The F4U-4B was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps.
 
A variant was to be created for the British Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was called the F4U-4C, but none were delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, for whatever reason. The F4U-4C was then redesignated the F4U-4B. The only major difference between the F4U-4 and the F4U-4B was a change of primary armament. The -4B replaced the six .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. The F4U-4B was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps.
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'''VMF-214'''
 
'''VMF-214'''
  
−
Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214), the "Blacksheep" squadron, was aboard the USS ''Badoeng Strait'' (CVE-116), on the way to Hawaii, when the Korean War started. The squadron of eight F4U-4B Corsairs was transferred to the USS ''Sicily'' (CVE-118), becoming the first Marine Corps squadron to see action in Korea when they attacked ground targets near Inchon on 3 August 1950. On that raid, the Corsairs used bombs and rockets, and then made a several strafing passes. VMF-214 conducted two combat tours in Korea from USS ''Badoeng Strait'' and USS ''Boxer''. The squadron participated in the Inchon Landing and the withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir. The squadron provided constant air support for the friendly ground forces, interdicting supply lines, destroying enemy armor, and destroying fortifications.
+
Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214), the "Blacksheep" squadron, was aboard the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116), on the way to Hawaii, when the Korean War started. The squadron of eight F4U-4B Corsairs was transferred to the USS Sicily (CVE-118), becoming the first Marine Corps squadron to see action in Korea when they attacked ground targets near Inchon on 3 August 1950. On that raid, the Corsairs used bombs and rockets, and then made a several strafing passes. VMF-214 conducted two combat tours in Korea from USS Badoeng Strait and USS Boxer. The squadron participated in the Inchon Landing and the withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir. The squadron provided constant air support for the friendly ground forces, interdicting supply lines, destroying enemy armour, and destroying fortifications.
  
 
'''F4U-4B WE-18'''
 
'''F4U-4B WE-18'''
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WE-18 is the Corsair that the War Thunder '''F4U-4B VMF-214''' is based on. It was an F4U-4B that was assigned to Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214), and SSgt. Floyd P. Stocks was the plane captain for WE-18 starting in November 1948. In March 1950, VMF-214 flew 3,136.6 hours of syllabus training, and WE-18 had to have an engine change. A crew, lead by Stocks and SSgt. Titus Willis, completed a quick engine change (QEC). WE-18 was out of commission for one afternoon, and was ready the next morning. The pilot was Lt. Joe Bibby.
 
WE-18 is the Corsair that the War Thunder '''F4U-4B VMF-214''' is based on. It was an F4U-4B that was assigned to Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214), and SSgt. Floyd P. Stocks was the plane captain for WE-18 starting in November 1948. In March 1950, VMF-214 flew 3,136.6 hours of syllabus training, and WE-18 had to have an engine change. A crew, lead by Stocks and SSgt. Titus Willis, completed a quick engine change (QEC). WE-18 was out of commission for one afternoon, and was ready the next morning. The pilot was Lt. Joe Bibby.
 
[[File:F4U-4B WE-18.jpg|thumb|WE-18 after its crash on 26 October 1950. Note the mission markings on the fuselage.This image was published by a Chinese news agency.]]
 
[[File:F4U-4B WE-18.jpg|thumb|WE-18 after its crash on 26 October 1950. Note the mission markings on the fuselage.This image was published by a Chinese news agency.]]
−
Stocks later recounted in an email to ''koreanwaronline.com:''<blockquote>"Other than that engine change I had very little trouble with her over the two years. I was very proud of her record."</blockquote>WE-18 was one of the Corsairs that took part in that initial raid near Inchon on 3 August 1950, taking off from the USS ''Sicily''. WE-18 crash-landed in the Chosin Reservoir on 26 October 1950. Bibby was forced to make a wheels-up landing after being damaged by ground fire. Bibby survived the crash, and was rescued by the Marines shortly afterwards. They threw hand grenades into the cockpit and fuselage, destroying the aircraft. By the time it crashed, WE-18 had the marks of 52 successful combat missions painted on the fuselage under the cockpit.
+
Stocks later recounted in an email to ''koreanwaronline.com:''<blockquote>"Other than that engine change I had very little trouble with her over the two years. I was very proud of her record."</blockquote>WE-18 was one of the Corsairs that took part in that initial raid near Inchon on 3 August 1950, taking off from the USS Sicily. WE-18 crash-landed in the Chosin Reservoir on 26 October 1950. Bibby was forced to make a wheels-up landing after being damaged by ground fire. Bibby survived the crash, and was rescued by the Marines shortly afterwards. They threw hand grenades into the cockpit and fuselage, destroying the aircraft. By the time it crashed, WE-18 had the marks of 52 successful combat missions painted on the fuselage under the cockpit.
  
 
Stocks' log from 26 October 1950:<blockquote>"WE18 didn't return from a mission. I took care of that beautiful Corsair for two years. Now she is gone. I'll never forget WE18. Lt. Joe Bibby was the pilot. He made a wheels-up landing near our Marines. He is ok. They threw a few hand grenades inside the fuselage and cockpit to complete the destruction."</blockquote>
 
Stocks' log from 26 October 1950:<blockquote>"WE18 didn't return from a mission. I took care of that beautiful Corsair for two years. Now she is gone. I'll never forget WE18. Lt. Joe Bibby was the pilot. He made a wheels-up landing near our Marines. He is ok. They threw a few hand grenades inside the fuselage and cockpit to complete the destruction."</blockquote>
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== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f4u-4b_vmf_214 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.'' -->
  
−
* [[F4U (Family)|F4U Family]]
 
 
* [[F4U-4]]
 
* [[F4U-4]]
 
* [[F4U-4B]]
 
* [[F4U-4B]]
−
* [[F4U-1A]]
 
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
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* http://www.koreanwaronline.com/arms/f4u.htm - An email from SSgt. Floyd P. Stocks regarding the history of WE-18.
 
* http://www.koreanwaronline.com/arms/f4u.htm - An email from SSgt. Floyd P. Stocks regarding the history of WE-18.
  
−
== Bibliography ==
+
=== References ===
 +
 
 +
;Bibliography
  
 
* "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/f4u-4b-vought-corsair F4U-4B Vought Corsair]", ''F4U Corsair - The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020.
 
* "[https://www.jdsf4u.be/f4u-4b-vought-corsair F4U-4B Vought Corsair]", ''F4U Corsair - The Bent Wing Bird plane site'', Retrieved on 28 March 2020.

Latest revision as of 10:39, 21 October 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the gift naval fighter F4U-4B VMF-214. For other versions, see F4U (Family).
F4U-4B VMF-214
f4u-4b_vmf_214.png
GarageImage F4U-4B VMF-214.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/a/a8/Cockpit_f4u-4b_vmf_214.jpg
F4U-4B VMF-214
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.7 5.7 5.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game

Description

The F4U-4B VMF-214 is based on the Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214). Commonly referred to as the "Blacksheep" squadron, their squadron served two combat tours during the Korean War. VMF-214 had eight Corsairs which were transferred from USS Badoeng Strait to USS Sicily. The specific Corsair in-game is based on WE-18, which partook in a raid near Inchon. WE-18, piloted by Lt. Joe Bibby, was forced to crash land after receiving damage from enemy ground forces. Grenades were thrown at the plane to ensure its destruction and marked the final mission for WE-18.

The F4U-4B VMF-214 was introduced as a premium pack for Xbox players in Update 1.79 "Project X". The F4U-4B VMF-214 is much like the regular F4U-4B found in the tech tree. The F4U-4B features four high-velocity 20 mm cannons. Although wing-mounted, they are extremely effective against enemy aircraft and ground targets with the correct belt. Furthermore, they have an ample amount of ammunition so players can be generous with firing the cannons. The F4U-4B also has excellent high-speed and straight-line performance. The enormous Pratt & Whitney R-2800-42w is an improved -38w with a better water injection system, a stronger propeller shaft, and other minor changes. This allows the F4U-4B to reach just under 700 km/h (437 mph) in level flight. The F4U-4B also lacks a conventional airbrake; rather the gears act as the airbrake which is helpful in boom and zoom attacks. Overall, the F4U-4B is an excellent fighter with sufficient suspended ordnance for ground attacks.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Max speed
at 5 000 m697 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EnginePratt & Whitney R-2800-42w
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t
Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 5,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 662 634 11500 21.1 21.9 13.8 13.8 200
Upgraded 739 697 19.2 20.0 26.5 19.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
885 730 388 300 252 ~11 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 450 < 200 < 500 > 450

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear730 km/h
  • 3 mm Steel - Upper cowling engine protection plates x 2
  • 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat back protection plate
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Pilot's seat headrest
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 933 Sl icon.png
RB4 533 Sl icon.png
SB6 353 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts320 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 050 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 100 / 230 / 480 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 172 / 172 / 172 % 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 g suit.png
G-suit
Mods ammo.png
anm3_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
anm3_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
FLBC mk.1
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
FRC mk.2

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 (20 mm)

The F4U-4B VMF-214 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm M3 cannons, wing-mounted (246 rpg = 984 total)

Suspended armament

The F4U-4B VMF-214 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Hardpoints F4U-4.png
250 lb AN-M57 bombs 1 1 1 1
500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs 1 1
1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs 1 1
HVAR rockets 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 1,400 kg
Default weapon presets
  • Without load
  • 8 x HVAR rockets
  • 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

The F4U-4B should be flown primarily at low altitude because its engine lacks power at higher altitudes. Here, it boasts an impressive climb rate (about 25 m/s when spaded), very good acceleration, and a high top speed. You should aim to be around 3-4 km at the start of the battle and go after low enemies using boom and zoom tactics, then use your speed to outrun anyone who dives on you. You can then use your engine power and energy retention to gain an energy advantage over them and easily kill them. If you find yourself in a tough situation, don't be afraid to go a bit aggressive because this plane accelerates very well at low altitude and the extremely powerful guns makes it easy to secure kills quickly, but don't stall yourself out at the deck amidst a cloud of enemies since you'll be an easy kill.

Specific enemies worth noting

This plane can easily dogfight with Fw 190 Ds, Ta 152s, Tempest Mk Vs, Sea Furies, and similar planes, can dogfight with difficulty with Bf 109s and similar, and should avoid dogfighting unless as an absolute last resort against Spitfires, Ki-84s, A7Ms, N1Ks, and similar planes. Fortunately, the F4U-4B is usually faster than most planes it can't dogfight. It's far faster than most Japanese and Italian props and all Spitfires up to the Mk 22 at low altitude. In an up-tier against superprops like Tempest IIs, Mk 24s, and P-51Hs and F8Fs if you get a mixed battle, you have to rely on coming in with an advantage as with any other plane in an uptier, though this is made easier with the F4U-4B's excellent top speed.

The F4U-4B is devastating in the right hands, and is one of the best planes the US tech tree has to offer.

Counter-tactics

You're best off engaging the F4U-4B at higher altitudes where its performance suffers. You can also try bleeding their energy in hard vertical manoeuvres where it struggles, but be careful while doing this especially at low altitude since a potential opponent can still use the Corsair's stall characteristics combined with its engine power to get a shot off, which can be devastating no matter how short a burst.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent guns with high muzzle velocity allowing long range snipes
  • Large ammo capacity, nearly 1,000 rounds in total altogether
  • Very good performance overall at low altitude
  • Extremely fast
  • Good roll rate
  • Fantastic stall characteristics, especially with flaps
  • Very good instantaneous turn at high speeds
  • Lenient stock grind

Cons:

  • Does not turn well at lower speeds
  • Rudder loses effectiveness at high speed, making it difficult to hit shots
  • Rapidly loses performance at high altitude
  • Flaps rip easily
  • Guns when stock are inaccurate and easily jam

History

Main article: History of the F4U Corsair

F4U-4B

The F4U-4B was a modification of the F4U-4. The F4U-4 was based on the F4U-1A Corsair. In order to improve and modernize the Corsair, so it would be able to fight the new Japanese planes in the Pacific, a number of changes were made. One of the major changes was the engine. The Pratt and Whitney R-2800-8W engine was replaced by the more powerful R-2800-18W engine. This -18W engine boosted the speed of the Corsair by up to 46.3 km/h (25 kn, 28.76 mph). When injected with an alcohol/water mixture, the performance could be boosted even further. In order for the propeller to be able to handle the more powerful engine, the propeller had to be changed from 3 blades to 4 blades. Modifications to the fuselage were required, including the addition of a scoop to the lower engine cowling. In addition, the cockpit was completely redesigned. The F4U-4 was armed with six .50 in machine guns, up to 4,000 lbs of bombs and/or eight 5 in rockets.

A variant was to be created for the British Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was called the F4U-4C, but none were delivered to the Fleet Air Arm, for whatever reason. The F4U-4C was then redesignated the F4U-4B. The only major difference between the F4U-4 and the F4U-4B was a change of primary armament. The -4B replaced the six .50 in machine guns with four 20 mm cannons. The F4U-4B was used by the US Navy and Marine Corps.

VMF-214

Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214), the "Blacksheep" squadron, was aboard the USS Badoeng Strait (CVE-116), on the way to Hawaii, when the Korean War started. The squadron of eight F4U-4B Corsairs was transferred to the USS Sicily (CVE-118), becoming the first Marine Corps squadron to see action in Korea when they attacked ground targets near Inchon on 3 August 1950. On that raid, the Corsairs used bombs and rockets, and then made a several strafing passes. VMF-214 conducted two combat tours in Korea from USS Badoeng Strait and USS Boxer. The squadron participated in the Inchon Landing and the withdrawal from the Chosin Reservoir. The squadron provided constant air support for the friendly ground forces, interdicting supply lines, destroying enemy armour, and destroying fortifications.

F4U-4B WE-18

WE-18 is the Corsair that the War Thunder F4U-4B VMF-214 is based on. It was an F4U-4B that was assigned to Marine Fighter Squadron 214 (VMF-214), and SSgt. Floyd P. Stocks was the plane captain for WE-18 starting in November 1948. In March 1950, VMF-214 flew 3,136.6 hours of syllabus training, and WE-18 had to have an engine change. A crew, lead by Stocks and SSgt. Titus Willis, completed a quick engine change (QEC). WE-18 was out of commission for one afternoon, and was ready the next morning. The pilot was Lt. Joe Bibby.

WE-18 after its crash on 26 October 1950. Note the mission markings on the fuselage.This image was published by a Chinese news agency.
Stocks later recounted in an email to koreanwaronline.com:
"Other than that engine change I had very little trouble with her over the two years. I was very proud of her record."
WE-18 was one of the Corsairs that took part in that initial raid near Inchon on 3 August 1950, taking off from the USS Sicily. WE-18 crash-landed in the Chosin Reservoir on 26 October 1950. Bibby was forced to make a wheels-up landing after being damaged by ground fire. Bibby survived the crash, and was rescued by the Marines shortly afterwards. They threw hand grenades into the cockpit and fuselage, destroying the aircraft. By the time it crashed, WE-18 had the marks of 52 successful combat missions painted on the fuselage under the cockpit. Stocks' log from 26 October 1950:
"WE18 didn't return from a mission. I took care of that beautiful Corsair for two years. Now she is gone. I'll never forget WE18. Lt. Joe Bibby was the pilot. He made a wheels-up landing near our Marines. He is ok. They threw a few hand grenades inside the fuselage and cockpit to complete the destruction."

Media

Skins

See also

External links

References

Bibliography


Chance Vought Aircraft
Fighters 
Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1C · F4U-1D · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214
Float planes  O3U-1 · OS2U-1 · OS2U-3
Attackers  AU-1
Bombers  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3
Jet aircraft 
Corsair II  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
Crusader  F8U-2 · F-8E
Export  V-156-B1 · V-156-F · ▄Corsair F Mk II · F4U-7 · ▄F-8E(FN)
Captured  ▅F4U-1A

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc

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

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