Difference between revisions of "F2A-3"

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(Updated)
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}}
 
}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
|usage=other uses
+
| and
−
|link=F2A (Family)
+
| usage = other versions
 +
| link-1 = F2A-1
 +
| link-2 = Thach's F2A-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 Rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
−
The F2A-3 Buffalo gives pilots the first real taste of typical American fighters in War Thunder- a lumbering, well-armored beast of a fighter that is well armed and has decent performance capabilities. Indeed, the second Buffalo in War Thunder is a heavy aircraft for its rank, signifying that its turning ability is underwhelming against the sharp turners it meets, especially regarding its relatively low BR- it will face low-rank [[A6M2|Zeroes]] as well as more nimble German Bf 109's. Due to its 4 machine guns the F2A-3 Buffalo is not very good in dogfight with British or German aircraft.
+
The F2A-3 Buffalo gives pilots the first real taste of typical American fighters in War Thunder- a lumbering, well-armoured beast of a fighter that is well armed and has decent performance capabilities. Indeed, the second Buffalo in War Thunder is a heavy aircraft for its rank, signifying that its turning ability is underwhelming against the sharp turners it meets, especially regarding its relatively low BR- it will face low-rank [[A6M2|Zeroes]] as well as more nimble German [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]]'s. Due to its 4 machine guns the F2A-3 Buffalo is not very good in dogfight with British or German aircraft.
  
 
== 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"
Line 31: Line 33:
 
! 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)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 40: Line 42:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 494 || 477 || 10,424 || 18.9 || 19.3 || 11.3 || 13.1 || 200
+
| 495 || 477 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.6 || 19.3 || 13.1 || 13.1 || 200
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,492 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,492 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (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 (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 57: Line 59:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 547 || 518 || 10,424 || 16.4 || 17.6 || 23.9 || 16.4 || 200
+
| 548 || 518 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 16.7 || 17.6 || 20.9 || 16.4 || 200
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
−
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
−
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ ||X||✓
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
Line 88: Line 90:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 761 || 720 || 460 || ~18 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 460 || ~12 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 465 || < 400 || < 500 || > 250
+
| < 465 || < 400 || < 500 || > 310
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 700 m || 1,010 hp || 1,192 hp  
+
| 700 m || 1,010 hp || 1,191 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 123: Line 125:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3,700 m || 930 hp || 1,097 hp  
+
| 3,700 m || 930 hp || 1,097 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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and 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.''
−
No armour protection, fuel tanks in the wings
 
  
 
== 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)}}
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
−
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine gun, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 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|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be configured for:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
 
 
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
 
* 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
The characteristics of the F2A-3 means that its pilots shouldn't try to turn-fight their opponents and that they should also strictly maintain their energy. However, this weight and energy retention ability means that any Buffalo pilot that cares to climb high- 3,000-4,000 m - will be able to combat opponents with relative ease. However, they should be wary of adept climbers (such as [[Bf 109 E-3|Bf 109s]] and the US's own [[P-47D-25|P-47]], at least in Arcade) as they are more than a match for the F2A's climb rate. In a dive, the Buffalo can rapidly catch up to virtually anything it faces, and, when it does, a battery of 4 x .50 calibre machine guns will make short work of any target, save well-armoured bombers such as the [[B-25J-1|B-25]] or [[Ju 88 A-4|Ju 88]], which an F2A pilot will probably rarely meet.  
+
The characteristics of the F2A-3 means that its pilots shouldn't try to turn-fight their opponents and that they should also strictly maintain their energy. However, its weight and energy retention ability means that any Buffalo pilot that cares to climb high (3,000 - 4,000 m) will be able to combat opponents with relative ease. However, they should be wary of adept climbers (such as [[Bf 109 E-3|Bf 109s]] and the US's own [[P-47D-25|P-47]], at least in Arcade) as they are more than a match for the F2A's climb rate. In a dive, the Buffalo can rapidly catch up to virtually anything it faces, and, when it does, a battery of 4 x .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns will make short work of any target, save well-armoured bombers such as the [[B-25J-1|B-25]] or [[Ju 88 A-4|Ju 88]], which an F2A pilot will probably rarely meet.
  
−
Discipline is a vital trait needed to master this plane. If you are used to simply engaging with the first opponent you find and turn-fighting, the F2A is not for you, as is much of the US fighter line. The recommended tactic to use with the F2A is Boom & Zoom. At the beginning of the battle, it is vital to climbing- not climbing reduces your energy capabilities drastically due to the low-level flight speed of the F2A- climbing significantly exacerbates performance of the F2A due to its weight and diving capabilities. After attempting a diving engagement on an enemy, whether successful or not, one should always pull out of the engagement shortly after the first attacking pass, as not to waste speed and/or altitude (a.k.a. energy).
+
Discipline is a vital trait needed to master this plane. If you are used to simply engaging with the first opponent you find and turn-fighting, the F2A is not for you, as is much of the US fighter line. The recommended tactic to use with the F2A is Boom & Zoom. At the beginning of the battle, it is vital to climb - not climbing reduces your energy capabilities drastically due to the low level-flight speed of the F2A - climbing significantly exacerbates performance of the F2A due to its weight and diving capabilities. After attempting a diving engagement on an enemy, whether successful or not, one should always pull out of the engagement shortly after the first attacking pass, so as not to waste speed and/or altitude (a.k.a. energy).
  
−
Four M2 Browning .50 MGs are plenty for a 2.7 BR plane- the heavy bullets rip through almost all fighters at this rank. Omni and Stealth rounds are the most effective belts- the Stealth being especially effective due to the M8 API bullets which allow F2A pilots to easily set your opponents afire. Against bombers, the capabilities of the M2s are greatly reduced- aiming for engines is the most effective way to combat a bomber. You should always use the boom and zoom tactic as it suites well for Japanese fighters at its rank. However, Japanese fighters will out turn you.
+
Four M2 Browning .50 MGs are plenty for a 2.7 BR plane - the heavy bullets rip through almost all fighters at this rank. Omni and Stealth rounds are the most effective belts - the Stealth being especially effective due to the M8 API bullets which allow F2A pilots to easily set opponents afire. Against bombers, the capabilities of the M2s are greatly reduced- aiming for engines is the most effective way to combat a bomber. You should always use the boom and zoom tactic as it suits well for Japanese fighters at its rank. However, Japanese fighters will out turn you.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
Line 171: Line 162:
 
! 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
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
−
| rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>No automatic pitch
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Automatic control
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Combined
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
−
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
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|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
|  
+
|
 
| Mk.41
 
| Mk.41
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise 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:'''
−
 
+
* Good dive speed and energy retention.
−
* Good dive speed and energy retention
+
* Highly manoeuvrable, very good in dog fights.
−
* Highly maneuverable, very good in dog fights
+
* Great stealth armament. It takes time to get used stealth ammo, but once you learn its ballistics, the F2A-3 becomes a deadly machine.
−
* Great stealth armament. It takes time to get used stealth ammo, but once you learn its ballistics, F2A-3 become deadly machine.
+
* Tail-hook for carrier landings.
−
* Tailhook for carrier landings
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
+
* Poor acceleration.
−
* Poor acceleration
+
* Vulnerable fuel tanks (very prone to explosions).
−
* Vulnerable fuel tanks (very prone to explosions)
+
* Poor level flight speed.
−
* Poor level flight speed
+
* Engine overheats quickly. Loses lots of power due to minor damage or if left unchecked.
−
* Engine overheats quickly. Loses lots of power due to minor damage or if left unchecked
+
* No armour to protect pilot; avoid any kind of head-ons or pursuit of heavy armoured planes with good defensive armament like the [[IL-2 (1941)|IL-2]] or [[BV 238]].
−
* No armor to protect pilot; avoid any kind of head-ons or pursuit of heavy armored planes with good defensive armament like Il-2 or BV 238
 
  
 
== 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 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.''
+
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 252: Line 235:
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''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.''
Line 258: Line 240:
 
== 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;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 08:12, 22 April 2019

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
F2A-3
f2a-3.png
F2A-3
USA flag.png USA
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.7 2.3 2.3
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American fighter F2A-3. For other versions, see F2A-1 and Thach's F2A-1.

Description

GarageImage F2A-3.jpg


The F2A-3 Buffalo is a rank II American fighter with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB) and 2.3 (RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The F2A-3 Buffalo gives pilots the first real taste of typical American fighters in War Thunder- a lumbering, well-armoured beast of a fighter that is well armed and has decent performance capabilities. Indeed, the second Buffalo in War Thunder is a heavy aircraft for its rank, signifying that its turning ability is underwhelming against the sharp turners it meets, especially regarding its relatively low BR- it will face low-rank Zeroes as well as more nimble German Bf 109's. Due to its 4 machine guns the F2A-3 Buffalo is not very good in dogfight with British or German aircraft.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,492 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
495 477 10424 18.6 19.3 13.1 13.1 200
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,492 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
548 518 10424 16.7 17.6 20.9 16.4 200

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
460 ~12 ~4
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 465 < 400 < 500 > 310
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
700 m 1,010 hp 1,191 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,700 m 930 hp 1,097 hp

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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The F2A-3 is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

Suspended armament

Main article: AN-M30A1 (100 lb)

The F2A-3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (200 lb total)

Usage in battles

The characteristics of the F2A-3 means that its pilots shouldn't try to turn-fight their opponents and that they should also strictly maintain their energy. However, its weight and energy retention ability means that any Buffalo pilot that cares to climb high (3,000 - 4,000 m) will be able to combat opponents with relative ease. However, they should be wary of adept climbers (such as Bf 109s and the US's own P-47, at least in Arcade) as they are more than a match for the F2A's climb rate. In a dive, the Buffalo can rapidly catch up to virtually anything it faces, and, when it does, a battery of 4 x .50 cal (12.7 mm) machine guns will make short work of any target, save well-armoured bombers such as the B-25 or Ju 88, which an F2A pilot will probably rarely meet.

Discipline is a vital trait needed to master this plane. If you are used to simply engaging with the first opponent you find and turn-fighting, the F2A is not for you, as is much of the US fighter line. The recommended tactic to use with the F2A is Boom & Zoom. At the beginning of the battle, it is vital to climb - not climbing reduces your energy capabilities drastically due to the low level-flight speed of the F2A - climbing significantly exacerbates performance of the F2A due to its weight and diving capabilities. After attempting a diving engagement on an enemy, whether successful or not, one should always pull out of the engagement shortly after the first attacking pass, so as not to waste speed and/or altitude (a.k.a. energy).

Four M2 Browning .50 MGs are plenty for a 2.7 BR plane - the heavy bullets rip through almost all fighters at this rank. Omni and Stealth rounds are the most effective belts - the Stealth being especially effective due to the M8 API bullets which allow F2A pilots to easily set opponents afire. Against bombers, the capabilities of the M2s are greatly reduced- aiming for engines is the most effective way to combat a bomber. You should always use the boom and zoom tactic as it suits well for Japanese fighters at its rank. However, Japanese fighters will out turn you.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

For firepower modules, outside of upgrades for the machine guns, the unlock of the module Mk.41 will allow the F2A-3 to mount two 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs.

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 12 mm MGs
III Wings repair Engine Mk.41
IV Engine injection Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good dive speed and energy retention.
  • Highly manoeuvrable, very good in dog fights.
  • Great stealth armament. It takes time to get used stealth ammo, but once you learn its ballistics, the F2A-3 becomes a deadly machine.
  • Tail-hook for carrier landings.

Cons:

  • Poor acceleration.
  • Vulnerable fuel tanks (very prone to explosions).
  • Poor level flight speed.
  • Engine overheats quickly. Loses lots of power due to minor damage or if left unchecked.
  • No armour to protect pilot; avoid any kind of head-ons or pursuit of heavy armoured planes with good defensive armament like the IL-2 or BV 238.

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: 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></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. 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 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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