Difference between revisions of "F8F-1"

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== 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 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.''-->
  
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''F8F-1 ''Bearcat''''' is a Rank IV American naval fighter with a battle rating of 4.7 (AB) and 6.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.
 +
 +
The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with its quad M2 Brownings (even more compared to its 1B counterpart), the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands.
 +
 +
In War Thunder, the F8F Bearcat is an Era IV US Naval Fighter. In game there are two versions of this particular model available – the F8F-1, armed with 4 .50 caliber M2 machine guns and the F8F-1B, armed with 4 AN/M3 20 mm cannons. The difference in armament is reflected in the Battle Ratings – the MG armed Bearcat has Battle Ratings about 1.0 lower than the version equipped with cannons has a Battle Rating above 6.0-6.3 in all game modes. The in-game Bearcat retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting using Boom & Zoom tactics. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F ''Wild Cat'', and the F6F ''Hellcat''. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.
 +
 +
The elephant  in the room when it comes to the Bearcat is its 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M2 Brownings]]. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 APIT rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has 8 x M2s which can chew through aircraft hulls by hurling twice as many bullets down range.  Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed.
 +
 +
Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.
 
== 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. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,098 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 666 || 646 || 10,900 || 20.8 || 21.4 || 19.4 || 19.3 || 220
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,098 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| ? || ? || 10,900 || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || 220
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| 830 || 300 || 910 || ~12 || ~6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 540 || < 540 || < 500 || > 250
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 995 m || 2,120 hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 5,090 m || 1,700 hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 +
* 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine armor plate
 +
* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest
 +
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
<!--''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning, wing-mounted (300 + 325 rpg each wing = 1,250 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== 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.''
+
<!--''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|Bombs|Rockets}}
  
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance options:
 +
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 297 mm Tiny Tim rockets
 +
* 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
 +
* 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
<!--
 
=== 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.''
 +
-->
 +
== Usage in the 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 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).''-->
 +
[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]]
 +
Unlike its big brother, the F8F-1B, the 1 has a far lower climb rate. However, it still possesses its light airframe, which makes turn-fighting and dog-fighting a breeze. Unfortunately, the F8F-1 is a rather weak Boom & Zoomer due to its less than effective armament. A high speed swooping attack has to be completed with utmost precision; otherwise, you will do no damage and will attract the attention of planes with far stronger weaponry.
 +
 +
Once at high altitude, one can Boom & Zoom weaker planes. The fantastic acceleration, dive speed, and energy retention make the Bearcat one of the best energy fighters in War Thunder. Compared to its brother, the 1B, the 1 is a far more challenging fighter to fly.
 +
 +
Keep in mind the good roll rate of the Bearcat, as well. Use this when evading opponents. 
 +
 +
Low speed, low altitude fighting is not a strength of the Bearcat. It is best used within altitude ranges of 4-5 km.
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" |Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! 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
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 +
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 +
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 +
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
| DPG-1
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
|
 +
| FRC mk.2
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
| LFRC mk.12
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| G-Suit
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
|
 +
| FLBC mk.1
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
* The "''holy trinity''" of flight performance upgrades: ''Compressor'', ''Engine'', and ''Engine injection''. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min).
−
''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).''
 
  
 
=== 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. 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".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
* Good rate of climb
 +
* Great turn rate
 +
* Good roll rate at higher speeds
 +
* G-suit modification
 +
* Fast weapon reload and high ammo capacity
 +
* Great energy retention in the vertical
 +
* Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can double or triple the effectiveness of the guns
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Extremely sluggish low speed handling and turning
 +
* Poor turn time compared to most other contemporary fighters (Ki-84, Bf-109 G-10, etc.)
 +
* Loses a lot of energy when turning
 +
* Bad high altitude performance > 6,000m
 +
* Engine overheats
 +
* Limited supply of ADI ('''anti-detonant injection' ''mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance)
 +
* Extremely poor weapons when compared to FW-190, BF-109, Ki-84, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
 +
The first idea for the creation of the Grumman F8F Bearcat was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an aircraft’s rate of climb. This of course meant that an increase in power was necessary. In 1943 the design work on the new aircraft began. The outline called for a fighter-interceptor, capable of operating even from small escort carriers. While the engine – the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial – was the same model used on the earlier [[F6F-3|F6F Hellcat]], the new fighter would be lighter which also meant an increase in speed and climb rate. The concession was limiting the range of the new aircraft. The F8F would also feature a bubble canopy for better all around visibility. The first prototype, the XF8F-1, first took to the skies on the 21st August 1944. Further tests proved the aircraft's reliability and ruggedness, and the F8F was accepted into mass production. The first serial models rolled off the assembly line in February 1945 and were delivered to VF-19 fighter squadron, which began operating flights with the Bearcats in May 1945.
 +
 
 +
The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the [[F2H-2|F2H Banshee]] jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 40: Line 263:
  
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read 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.''
+
''ETC.''-->
 +
=== Skins ===
 +
*[http://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23F8F Skins and camouflages for the F8F from live.warthunder]. All F8F skins are interchangable and can be used on all versions via the following steps:
 +
*: 1) Duplicate the folder template_f8f1 in your UserSkins folder and rename to template_f8f1b
 +
*: 2) Rename each file in the template_f8f1b folder from f8f1*.* to f8f1b*.*
 +
*: 3) edit f8f1b.blk and replace all instances of f8f1 with f8f1b
 +
**[http://live.warthunder.com/post/16585/ '''"F8F-1B Vietnam Air Force 1964, historical skin"''' by ''_TerremotO_'']
 +
**[http://live.warthunder.com/post/18620/  ''''The Jolly Rogers' Based/influenced by the 1980 movie ' The Final countdown'.''' by ''H3LLRA1Z3R3'']
 +
**[http://live.warthunder.com/post/40868/ '''"F8F 1B Bearcat VF-61"''' by ''gudkarma'']
 +
**[http://live.warthunder.com/post/30878/ '''"F8F-1 'Pussy Cat'"''' by ''Starbuck44'']
 +
=== Videos ===
 +
 
 +
 
 +
=== Pictures  & paintings ===
 +
[http://live.warthunder.com/post/173370/en/ "Hunting made two cards": F8F vs. He 162]
 +
[http://live.warthunder.com/post/171057/en/ "Never fly alone"]
 +
[http://live.warthunder.com/post/134521/en/ "big brother"]
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 289:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 22:31, 25 November 2018

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
F8F-1
f8f1.png
F8F-1
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.7 6.0
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage F8F-1.jpg


The F8F-1 Bearcat is a Rank IV American naval fighter with a battle rating of 4.7 (AB) and 6.0 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.

The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with its quad M2 Brownings (even more compared to its 1B counterpart), the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands.

In War Thunder, the F8F Bearcat is an Era IV US Naval Fighter. In game there are two versions of this particular model available – the F8F-1, armed with 4 .50 caliber M2 machine guns and the F8F-1B, armed with 4 AN/M3 20 mm cannons. The difference in armament is reflected in the Battle Ratings – the MG armed Bearcat has Battle Ratings about 1.0 lower than the version equipped with cannons has a Battle Rating above 6.0-6.3 in all game modes. The in-game Bearcat retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting using Boom & Zoom tactics. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F Wild Cat, and the F6F Hellcat. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.

The elephant in the room when it comes to the Bearcat is its 4 x M2 Brownings. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 APIT rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has 8 x M2s which can chew through aircraft hulls by hurling twice as many bullets down range. Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed.

Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,098 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
666 646 10,900 20.8 21.4 19.4 19.3 220
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,098 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ?  ? 10,900  ??.?  ??.?  ?.?  ?.? 220

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flap
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
830 300 910 ~12 ~6
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 540 < 540 < 500 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
995 m 2,120 hp  ?,??? hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,090 m 1,700 hp  ?,??? hp

Survivability and armour

  • 8.5 mm Steel - Under cowling engine armor plate
  • 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Pilots seat and headrest
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Windshield

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The F8F-1 is armed with:

  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning, wing-mounted (300 + 325 rpg each wing = 1,250 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: Bombs, Rockets

The F8F-1 can be outfitted with the following ordinance options:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 297 mm Tiny Tim rockets
  • 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
  • 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)

Usage in the battles

A Bearcat dives towards a formation of Kikka fighter-bombers.

Unlike its big brother, the F8F-1B, the 1 has a far lower climb rate. However, it still possesses its light airframe, which makes turn-fighting and dog-fighting a breeze. Unfortunately, the F8F-1 is a rather weak Boom & Zoomer due to its less than effective armament. A high speed swooping attack has to be completed with utmost precision; otherwise, you will do no damage and will attract the attention of planes with far stronger weaponry.

Once at high altitude, one can Boom & Zoom weaker planes. The fantastic acceleration, dive speed, and energy retention make the Bearcat one of the best energy fighters in War Thunder. Compared to its brother, the 1B, the 1 is a far more challenging fighter to fly.

Keep in mind the good roll rate of the Bearcat, as well. Use this when evading opponents.

Low speed, low altitude fighting is not a strength of the Bearcat. It is best used within altitude ranges of 4-5 km.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm DPG-1
II Compressor Airframe FRC mk.2
III Wings Repair Engine New 12 mm MGs LFRC mk.12
IV G-Suit Engine Injection Cover FLBC mk.1
  • The "holy trinity" of flight performance upgrades: Compressor, Engine, and Engine injection. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min).

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good rate of climb
  • Great turn rate
  • Good roll rate at higher speeds
  • G-suit modification
  • Fast weapon reload and high ammo capacity
  • Great energy retention in the vertical
  • Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can double or triple the effectiveness of the guns

Cons:

  • Extremely sluggish low speed handling and turning
  • Poor turn time compared to most other contemporary fighters (Ki-84, Bf-109 G-10, etc.)
  • Loses a lot of energy when turning
  • Bad high altitude performance > 6,000m
  • Engine overheats
  • Limited supply of ADI ('anti-detonant injection' mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance)
  • Extremely poor weapons when compared to FW-190, BF-109, Ki-84, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others

History

The first idea for the creation of the Grumman F8F Bearcat was pitched after the Battle of Midway. Many pilots who took part in it remarked that one of the most important parts of naval air warfare was an aircraft’s rate of climb. This of course meant that an increase in power was necessary. In 1943 the design work on the new aircraft began. The outline called for a fighter-interceptor, capable of operating even from small escort carriers. While the engine – the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial – was the same model used on the earlier F6F Hellcat, the new fighter would be lighter which also meant an increase in speed and climb rate. The concession was limiting the range of the new aircraft. The F8F would also feature a bubble canopy for better all around visibility. The first prototype, the XF8F-1, first took to the skies on the 21st August 1944. Further tests proved the aircraft's reliability and ruggedness, and the F8F was accepted into mass production. The first serial models rolled off the assembly line in February 1945 and were delivered to VF-19 fighter squadron, which began operating flights with the Bearcats in May 1945.

The new fighter, was, however, too late for any combat in World War II. After the war the situation of this propeller aircraft got even more complicated thanks to the introduction of naval jet aircraft. Even though the F8F was one of the fastest propeller-driven aircraft of its time, it was clear that the jet age was dawning. The F8F was replaced in US Navy and USMC service by the F9F Panther and the F2H Banshee jet aircraft. Some Bearcats saw combat service with the French in French Indochina in 1951, when they were used in the CAS role against the Viet Minh troops. Thailand also received a shipment of Bearcats which were then operated by the Thai Air Force. The F8F found a new life – thanks to its speed and acceleration - it was and still is widely used as a racing aircraft. One of the most famous racing Bearcats is the Rare Bear – a specially modified F8F, which holds many propeller aircraft speed and climb records.

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

Skins

Videos

Pictures & paintings

"Hunting made two cards": F8F vs. He 162 "Never fly alone" "big brother"

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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

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