Difference between revisions of "P-61A-11"

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|cockpit=334238/1110092
 
|cockpit=334238/1110092
 
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{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For the other version, see [[P-61C-1]]''}}
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{{About
 +
| about = premium twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the regular version
 +
| link = P-61C-1
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium Rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update_1.57_"Battle_March"|Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. Unlike the more advanced [[P-61C-1|P-61C-1]] variant, this initial production aircraft does not feature any external suspended payloads.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]]. Unlike the more advanced [[P-61C-1]] variant, this initial production aircraft does not feature any external suspended payloads.
  
−
The P-61A-1 is a twin-engine fighter, also known as a strike fighter in-game. It has four AN/M2 cannons placed under the belly of the aircraft with an additional four [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning machine guns]]  in a remotely controlled dorsal turret. The cannons combined with the turret are able to make quick work of any plane which stands in your way. The machine gun turret was controlled by a gyroscopic fire control computer which was operated by either the gunner or radar operator for both offensive and defensive situations.  It is excellent in bomber hunting and excels when used with Boom & Zoom tactics. However, it does not have defensive armament that provides essential protection from low rear or belly attacks. While being a large aircraft, it is unable to effectively turn fight and when doing so, rapidly bleeds any energy and advantages it may have.. 
+
The P-61A-1 is a twin-engine fighter, also known as a strike fighter in-game. It has four [[An/M2 (20 mm)|AN/M2 cannons]] placed under the belly of the aircraft with an additional four [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning machine guns]]  in a remotely controlled dorsal turret. The cannons combined with the turret are able to make quick work of any plane which stands in your way. The machine gun turret was controlled by a gyroscopic fire control computer which was operated by either the gunner or radar operator for both offensive and defensive situations.  It is excellent in bomber hunting and excels when used with Boom & Zoom tactics. However, it does not have defensive armament that provides essential protection from low rear or belly attacks. While being a large aircraft, it is unable to effectively turn fight and when doing so, rapidly bleeds any energy and advantages it may have.
  
 
Turret defensive angles are limited to the upper plane of the aircraft as it can not aim any lower than the elevators. If an enemy plane is in the machine gun dead zone, you will need to change the position of the plane so the guns can acquire a firing solution, this can be accomplished by transitioning into a steep climb or dive. It also offers very weak crew protection from head-on attacks.
 
Turret defensive angles are limited to the upper plane of the aircraft as it can not aim any lower than the elevators. If an enemy plane is in the machine gun dead zone, you will need to change the position of the plane so the guns can acquire a firing solution, this can be accomplished by transitioning into a steep climb or dive. It also offers very weak crew protection from head-on attacks.
−
The two engines are Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10's. It will only be able to take off with a speed of around 169 mph (271 kph) and requires a very long airstrip, since it is a very heavy plane.
+
The two engines are Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10s. It will only be able to take off with a speed of around 169 mph (271 kph) and requires a very long airstrip, since it is a very heavy plane.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
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! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,315 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 7,315 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
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! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 460 m || 4000 hp || n/a  
+
| 460 m || 4000 hp || n/a
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,420 m || 3,480 hp || n/a  
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| 4,420 m || 3,480 hp || n/a
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 6,090 m || 3,320 hp || n/a  
+
| 6,090 m || 3,320 hp || n/a
 
|- -->
 
|- -->
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
* 12.7 mm Steel - Nose armor plating (behind radar unit)
 
* 12.7 mm Steel - Nose armor plating (behind radar unit)
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot and gunner armored wind screens
 
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot and gunner armored wind screens
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
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<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
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<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|AN/M2 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
 
* 4 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
 
* 4 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
  
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<!--=== Suspended armament ===
 
−
''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.''
 
−
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''
 
−
-->
 
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
 
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg inner + 560 rpg outer = 2,120 total)
  
−
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg inside + 560 rpg outside = 2,120 total)
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
 
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles 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).'' -->
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The below tactics can be used in all games modes:
−
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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 below tactics can be used in all games modes:
 
  
 
'''How to offensively Engage an enemy aircraft:''' <br /> Climb to high altitude and keep on a straight heading once you have seen the enemy. Overshoot the enemy plane, then perform a 180 degree turn. Make sure you stay on his tail and gradually descend. It is recommended to do something similar to a shallow descent, where you can keep speed and height to your advantage in case the enemy aircraft changes course and altitude. Do not perform a dive which requires you dive straight down, since you will rip the wings off and crash. Once you are within firing range, fire a short salvo from your cannons. A couple bursts from the Black Widow are sufficient to easily rip an enemy plane to shreds.
 
'''How to offensively Engage an enemy aircraft:''' <br /> Climb to high altitude and keep on a straight heading once you have seen the enemy. Overshoot the enemy plane, then perform a 180 degree turn. Make sure you stay on his tail and gradually descend. It is recommended to do something similar to a shallow descent, where you can keep speed and height to your advantage in case the enemy aircraft changes course and altitude. Do not perform a dive which requires you dive straight down, since you will rip the wings off and crash. Once you are within firing range, fire a short salvo from your cannons. A couple bursts from the Black Widow are sufficient to easily rip an enemy plane to shreds.
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When you are being engaged by an enemy fighter, make sure you keep descending. '''Very Important:''' Do not allow enemy aircraft to get lower than your elevator on the tail boom. You have no defensive armament to cover the belly or full-rear of the plane; these are your weakest defended parts.
 
When you are being engaged by an enemy fighter, make sure you keep descending. '''Very Important:''' Do not allow enemy aircraft to get lower than your elevator on the tail boom. You have no defensive armament to cover the belly or full-rear of the plane; these are your weakest defended parts.
  
−
*Tactic one: Descend slowly. Put the plane in a steep dive that does not exceed your structural limit of 399 mph (642 kph). However it must be steep enough to provide the turret gunner full visibility of the enemy plane. The four [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning]] machine guns will take care of the enemy plane.  
+
*Tactic one: Descend slowly. Put the plane in a steep dive that does not exceed your structural limit of 399 mph (642 kph). However it must be steep enough to provide the turret gunner full visibility of the enemy plane. The four [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning]] machine guns will take care of the enemy plane.
  
 
*Tactic Two: Put the plane in a steep climb and make sure you set the throttle to at least 70%. Jump into the gunner turret and operate it. This will be the most accurate and fastest way of shooting down the hostile plane. When you operate the turret, make sure you try and perform defensive manoeuvres when operating it i.e. sharp turns, rapidly decreasing in height as well as gaining height and changing the speed of the plane in an irrational way. This will give you higher chance of survival against the enemy.
 
*Tactic Two: Put the plane in a steep climb and make sure you set the throttle to at least 70%. Jump into the gunner turret and operate it. This will be the most accurate and fastest way of shooting down the hostile plane. When you operate the turret, make sure you try and perform defensive manoeuvres when operating it i.e. sharp turns, rapidly decreasing in height as well as gaining height and changing the speed of the plane in an irrational way. This will give you higher chance of survival against the enemy.
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<!--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)-->
 
*'''Japanese Aircraft'''
 
*'''Japanese Aircraft'''
−
The most dangerous opponents for the P-61A are going to be the Japanese aircraft, due to their incredible maneuverability, and their fast climb-rate, which will leave you at a disadvantage in altitude. However, the most notable threat from the Japanese arsenal is probably going to be the J2M Raiden, due to its fast speed and fairly durable armor for a Japanese plane. In addition, any of the later model A6M3 Reisen (Zero) models will give you problems, as they will out-turn you in seconds.  
+
The most dangerous opponents for the P-61A are going to be the Japanese aircraft, due to their incredible maneuverability, and their fast climb-rate, which will leave you at a disadvantage in altitude. However, the most notable threat from the Japanese arsenal is probably going to be the J2M Raiden, due to its fast speed and fairly durable armor for a Japanese plane. In addition, any of the later model A6M3 Reisen (Zero) models will give you problems, as they will out-turn you in seconds.
  
 
*'''German Aircraft'''
 
*'''German Aircraft'''
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*'''Russian Aircraft'''
 
*'''Russian Aircraft'''
−
Repeat after the following bold statement:'''Do not head-on an IL-2 of any variant.''' As sluggish as they seem, the IL-2 will rip your aircraft to shreds due to the fast firing combination of machine gun and auto-cannon fire. The most common adversary that will be faced is any aircraft bearing the prefix "Yak"- most dangerous among them is the Yak-9K, which has a 45 mm cannon that can utterly obliterate your plane, and the Yak-9T, which has a 37 mm cannon that will do the same damage to your aircraft. The La-5FN is probably the biggest threat you will face due to its fast speed, ridiculously strong cockpit armor, climb rate, maneuverability and firepower. This is mainly given if an La-5FN pilot is using "Ground Target" ammunition, every third round fired is an Armor-Piercing Fragmentation Incendiary round, and every other round is either a Fragmentation-Incendiary Tracer or an Armor-Piercing Incendiary round. In short, the La-5FN has the biggest threat due to all the API rounds in the ammunition.  
+
Repeat after the following bold statement:'''Do not head-on an IL-2 of any variant.''' As sluggish as they seem, the IL-2 will rip your aircraft to shreds due to the fast firing combination of machine gun and auto-cannon fire. The most common adversary that will be faced is any aircraft bearing the prefix "Yak"- most dangerous among them is the Yak-9K, which has a 45 mm cannon that can utterly obliterate your plane, and the Yak-9T, which has a 37 mm cannon that will do the same damage to your aircraft. The La-5FN is probably the biggest threat you will face due to its fast speed, ridiculously strong cockpit armor, climb rate, maneuverability and firepower. This is mainly given if an La-5FN pilot is using "Ground Target" ammunition, every third round fired is an Armor-Piercing Fragmentation Incendiary round, and every other round is either a Fragmentation-Incendiary Tracer or an Armor-Piercing Incendiary round. In short, the La-5FN has the biggest threat due to all the API rounds in the ammunition.
  
 
*'''British Aircraft'''
 
*'''British Aircraft'''
−
The British are among the most maneuverable adversary you will face, so with that in mind, do not try and turn-fight any British plane. Also, most British planes have an astonishing climb-rate, which will leave you at an altitude disadvantage. The most common adversary you will face is the Spitfire Mk. IIb, which can turn circles around you and it has two wing-mounted Hispano cannons, which can tear into the P-61's air frame. They may not be too common, but a Boomerang Mk. I or a Boomerang Mk. II will also give you a hard time, given their tighter grouping of shells, and the fact they have the Hispano Mk. II cannons, whose "Air Target" ammunition is practically "Stealth" ammunition. The Beaufighter Mk. VIc, will be the most dangerous threat, given the four Hispano cannons in the belly, which will tear apart the P-61. A Spitfire Mk. V will also give you a run for your money, due to the Hispano Mk. II cannons it wields.  
+
The British are among the most maneuverable adversary you will face, so with that in mind, do not try and turn-fight any British plane. Also, most British planes have an astonishing climb-rate, which will leave you at an altitude disadvantage. The most common adversary you will face is the Spitfire Mk. IIb, which can turn circles around you and it has two wing-mounted Hispano cannons, which can tear into the P-61's air frame. They may not be too common, but a Boomerang Mk. I or a Boomerang Mk. II will also give you a hard time, given their tighter grouping of shells, and the fact they have the Hispano Mk. II cannons, whose "Air Target" ammunition is practically "Stealth" ammunition. The Beaufighter Mk. VIc, will be the most dangerous threat, given the four Hispano cannons in the belly, which will tear apart the P-61. A Spitfire Mk. V will also give you a run for your money, due to the Hispano Mk. II cannons it wields.
  
 
*'''Italian Aircraft'''
 
*'''Italian Aircraft'''
−
The most plausible threat from the Italians will be the C.202EC (''Experimental Cannon''), which has the maneuverability, speed and firepower, thanks to the plane boasting German 20 mm cannons that have the  minengeschoß shells.  
+
The most plausible threat from the Italians will be the C.202EC (''Experimental Cannon''), which has the maneuverability, speed and firepower, thanks to the plane boasting German 20 mm cannons that have the  minengeschoß shells.
  
 
*'''American Aircraft'''
 
*'''American Aircraft'''
−
In addition, another major threat is the American P-47D Thunderbolt, which has the speed and firepower to out-class the P-61A in any fashion.  
+
In addition, another major threat is the American P-47D Thunderbolt, which has the speed and firepower to out-class the P-61A in any fashion.
 +
 
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
−
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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===Modules===
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
−
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
−
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
−
|  
+
|
 
| Turret 12 mm
 
| Turret 12 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
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| Wings Repair
 
| Wings Repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
 
| New 20 mm Cannons
 
| New 20 mm Cannons
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
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* Powerful defensive armament of 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning MGs]] in a turret with 2120 rounds that can be used offensively
 
* Powerful defensive armament of 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning MGs]] in a turret with 2120 rounds that can be used offensively
 
* Very stable climb rate
 
* Very stable climb rate
−
* Engines are able to cool down very fast  
+
* Engines are able to cool down very fast
 
* Okay turn time
 
* Okay turn time
 
* Able to perform sharp movements at low and high speed
 
* Able to perform sharp movements at low and high speed
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* No airbrakes installed; easy to get structural damage and rip apart at 399 mph (642 kph)
 
* No airbrakes installed; easy to get structural damage and rip apart at 399 mph (642 kph)
 
* Unable to put fires out in a dive, due to speed will reach in excess of structural limitations which will rip the wings off
 
* Unable to put fires out in a dive, due to speed will reach in excess of structural limitations which will rip the wings off
−
* Not recommended to dive sharply, structural damage will occur in speeds in excess of 399 mph  
+
* Not recommended to dive sharply, structural damage will occur in speeds in excess of 399 mph
 
* Unable to sustain a direct head on attack against a well-armed, small-profile enemy plane
 
* Unable to sustain a direct head on attack against a well-armed, small-profile enemy plane
 
* Only one defensive dorsal turret installed, cannot cover the rear of the plane effectively
 
* Only one defensive dorsal turret installed, cannot cover the rear of the plane effectively
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== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
''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 big, 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
<!--''ETC.''-->
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{USA twin-engine fighters}}
 
{{USA twin-engine fighters}}

Revision as of 14:49, 23 March 2019

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
P-61A-11
p-61a_1.png
P-61A-11
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 4.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
This page is about the premium twin-engine fighter P-61A-11. For the regular version, see P-61C-1.

Description

GarageImage P-61A-11.jpg


The P-61A-11 is a premium rank III American twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB/RB) and 4.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March". Unlike the more advanced P-61C-1 variant, this initial production aircraft does not feature any external suspended payloads.

The P-61A-1 is a twin-engine fighter, also known as a strike fighter in-game. It has four AN/M2 cannons placed under the belly of the aircraft with an additional four Browning machine guns in a remotely controlled dorsal turret. The cannons combined with the turret are able to make quick work of any plane which stands in your way. The machine gun turret was controlled by a gyroscopic fire control computer which was operated by either the gunner or radar operator for both offensive and defensive situations. It is excellent in bomber hunting and excels when used with Boom & Zoom tactics. However, it does not have defensive armament that provides essential protection from low rear or belly attacks. While being a large aircraft, it is unable to effectively turn fight and when doing so, rapidly bleeds any energy and advantages it may have.

Turret defensive angles are limited to the upper plane of the aircraft as it can not aim any lower than the elevators. If an enemy plane is in the machine gun dead zone, you will need to change the position of the plane so the guns can acquire a firing solution, this can be accomplished by transitioning into a steep climb or dive. It also offers very weak crew protection from head-on attacks. The two engines are Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10s. It will only be able to take off with a speed of around 169 mph (271 kph) and requires a very long airstrip, since it is a very heavy plane.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,315 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
561 549 11,000 31.0 32.0 9.3 9.1 457
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 7,315 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
602 582 11,000 29.1 30.0 13.3 11.2 457

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
642 350 340 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 530 < 420 < 450 > 240
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
460 m 4000 hp n/a
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,420 m 3,480 hp n/a
Setting 3
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
6,090 m 3,320 hp n/a

Survivability and armour

  • 12.7 mm Steel - Nose armor plating (behind radar unit)
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Pilot and gunner armored wind screens
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Gunner front armor (folds out of the way when not in use)
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Lower gun plate
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Gun turret ammo protection plates
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Turret protection plate

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: AN/M2 (20 mm)

The P-61A-11 is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The P-61A-11 is defended by:

  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg inner + 560 rpg outer = 2,120 total)

Usage in battles

The below tactics can be used in all games modes:

How to offensively Engage an enemy aircraft:
Climb to high altitude and keep on a straight heading once you have seen the enemy. Overshoot the enemy plane, then perform a 180 degree turn. Make sure you stay on his tail and gradually descend. It is recommended to do something similar to a shallow descent, where you can keep speed and height to your advantage in case the enemy aircraft changes course and altitude. Do not perform a dive which requires you dive straight down, since you will rip the wings off and crash. Once you are within firing range, fire a short salvo from your cannons. A couple bursts from the Black Widow are sufficient to easily rip an enemy plane to shreds.

How to perform defensive fighting:
When you are being engaged by an enemy fighter, make sure you keep descending. Very Important: Do not allow enemy aircraft to get lower than your elevator on the tail boom. You have no defensive armament to cover the belly or full-rear of the plane; these are your weakest defended parts.

  • Tactic one: Descend slowly. Put the plane in a steep dive that does not exceed your structural limit of 399 mph (642 kph). However it must be steep enough to provide the turret gunner full visibility of the enemy plane. The four Browning machine guns will take care of the enemy plane.
  • Tactic Two: Put the plane in a steep climb and make sure you set the throttle to at least 70%. Jump into the gunner turret and operate it. This will be the most accurate and fastest way of shooting down the hostile plane. When you operate the turret, make sure you try and perform defensive manoeuvres when operating it i.e. sharp turns, rapidly decreasing in height as well as gaining height and changing the speed of the plane in an irrational way. This will give you higher chance of survival against the enemy.

Specific enemies worth noting

  • Japanese Aircraft

The most dangerous opponents for the P-61A are going to be the Japanese aircraft, due to their incredible maneuverability, and their fast climb-rate, which will leave you at a disadvantage in altitude. However, the most notable threat from the Japanese arsenal is probably going to be the J2M Raiden, due to its fast speed and fairly durable armor for a Japanese plane. In addition, any of the later model A6M3 Reisen (Zero) models will give you problems, as they will out-turn you in seconds.

  • German Aircraft

The Germans have the most planes with more dangerous cannons, thanks to their minengeschoß rounds, which punch through and explode inside an air frame, thus causing maximum damage to control surfaces. As you are at a battle rating of 3.7, you have the possibility of facing the Bf-109 G-6, which has a fast speed and nose-mounted weaponry that are large enough in caliber to shred your air frame. Perhaps the biggest threat to your plane is the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-4, which boasts four 20 mm cannons, which will reduce your plane to a burning wreck. While it is unlikely to see many at high altitude, the Messerschmitt Me-410 A-1 is also a viable threat.

  • Russian Aircraft

Repeat after the following bold statement:Do not head-on an IL-2 of any variant. As sluggish as they seem, the IL-2 will rip your aircraft to shreds due to the fast firing combination of machine gun and auto-cannon fire. The most common adversary that will be faced is any aircraft bearing the prefix "Yak"- most dangerous among them is the Yak-9K, which has a 45 mm cannon that can utterly obliterate your plane, and the Yak-9T, which has a 37 mm cannon that will do the same damage to your aircraft. The La-5FN is probably the biggest threat you will face due to its fast speed, ridiculously strong cockpit armor, climb rate, maneuverability and firepower. This is mainly given if an La-5FN pilot is using "Ground Target" ammunition, every third round fired is an Armor-Piercing Fragmentation Incendiary round, and every other round is either a Fragmentation-Incendiary Tracer or an Armor-Piercing Incendiary round. In short, the La-5FN has the biggest threat due to all the API rounds in the ammunition.

  • British Aircraft

The British are among the most maneuverable adversary you will face, so with that in mind, do not try and turn-fight any British plane. Also, most British planes have an astonishing climb-rate, which will leave you at an altitude disadvantage. The most common adversary you will face is the Spitfire Mk. IIb, which can turn circles around you and it has two wing-mounted Hispano cannons, which can tear into the P-61's air frame. They may not be too common, but a Boomerang Mk. I or a Boomerang Mk. II will also give you a hard time, given their tighter grouping of shells, and the fact they have the Hispano Mk. II cannons, whose "Air Target" ammunition is practically "Stealth" ammunition. The Beaufighter Mk. VIc, will be the most dangerous threat, given the four Hispano cannons in the belly, which will tear apart the P-61. A Spitfire Mk. V will also give you a run for your money, due to the Hispano Mk. II cannons it wields.

  • Italian Aircraft

The most plausible threat from the Italians will be the C.202EC (Experimental Cannon), which has the maneuverability, speed and firepower, thanks to the plane boasting German 20 mm cannons that have the minengeschoß shells.

  • American Aircraft

In addition, another major threat is the American P-47D Thunderbolt, which has the speed and firepower to out-class the P-61A in any fashion.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not controllable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Turret 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 12 mm MGs (turret)
III Wings Repair Engine Offensive 20 mm
IV Cover New 20 mm Cannons

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • The offensive armament is mounted under the belly of the plane, this provides excellent accuracy
  • Powerful offensive armament of 4 x AN/M2 cannons with a total amount of 800 rounds
  • Powerful defensive armament of 4 x Browning MGs in a turret with 2120 rounds that can be used offensively
  • Very stable climb rate
  • Engines are able to cool down very fast
  • Okay turn time
  • Able to perform sharp movements at low and high speed
  • Excellent bomber hunter
  • Excellent Reward and Research bonus
  • Very strong and rugged airframe; is able to fly with wing tips missing
  • Can keep alot of momentum from a gradual dive
  • Can do very sharp manoeuvers at high and low speeds due to the flaps
  • Engine can stay very cool at high throttle settings (65-75%)

Cons

  • No WEP.
  • Slow acceleration and requires a long airstrip to take off due to weight
  • Slow roll rates
  • No airbrakes installed; easy to get structural damage and rip apart at 399 mph (642 kph)
  • Unable to put fires out in a dive, due to speed will reach in excess of structural limitations which will rip the wings off
  • Not recommended to dive sharply, structural damage will occur in speeds in excess of 399 mph
  • Unable to sustain a direct head on attack against a well-armed, small-profile enemy plane
  • Only one defensive dorsal turret installed, cannot cover the rear of the plane effectively
  • No defense against low-rear and belly attacks
  • Large body airframe, makes dog fighting almost impossible
  • Can not carry additional armament
  • Flaps snap off easily.

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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === Encyclopedia Info ===, also if applicable).

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


USA twin-engine fighters
P-38  XP-38G · P-38E · P-38G-1 · P-38J-15 · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38L-5-LO · P-38K · YP-38
P-61  P-61A-11 · P-61C-1
F7F  F7F-1 · F7F-3
Other  XF5F · XP-50 · F-82E

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