Difference between revisions of "F8F-1B"

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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-1B ''Bearcat''''' is a Rank IV American naval fighter with a battle rating of 6.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.
 +
 
 +
The F8F-1B is truly a worthy aircraft to end the single engine fighter line of the USN branch. Nimble, fast, and with great acceleration, it is sight of fear for the foe's eye! ''Most'' of its enemies will be jets and they will shiver as the Bearcat faces them with a 2 km altitude  and (sometimes with) speed advantage! With WEP running ('''W'''ar '''E'''mergency '''P'''ower, includes ADI(Water-Methanol Injection) for the big and hungry 2,300 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp) and modules maximized, the climb rate is well over 35 m/s. However, its main weakness is the Bearcat's very power source- the hot-running R-2800 Double Wasp.
  
 
== 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 4,268 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
 +
|-
 +
| 671 || 652 || 10,900 || 20.4 || 20.9 || 15.4 || 18.6 || 220
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,268 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
 +
|-
 +
| 750 || 708 || 10,900 || 18.4 || 19.0 || 38.9 || 24.8 || 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 || 2,826 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 5,090 m || 1,700 hp || 2,244 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|AN/M3 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, wing-mounted (188 + 225 rpg each wing = 826 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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinances:
 +
 +
* 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 bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 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)
 +
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns (gun pods x 2) (340 rpg = 1,360 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).''-->
 +
In Arcade battles the F8F-1B can perform at its prime, which is, accordingly, remarkably. Due to the lack of damage due to overheating and such, the F8F-1B can easily outstrip any piston-engine fighter in a climb '''once upgraded'''. Prior to the engine-injection upgrade, the 1B performs very well, but not as sublimely as it does with the latter modification. Thus, climbing and Boom & Zoom match perfectly with the F8F-1B in AB due to its astounding climb rate, speed, acceleration, and weaponry.
 +
 +
Regarding weaponry, fire in very short bursts with the M3 20 mm because they will jam rather quickly. The most ideal belt is Air Targets, as the belt has - together with the stealth belt, but the Air Targets belt has instead of a practice shell an API-T shell - the most HEF-I shells.
 +
[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]]
 +
In RB, the F8F-1B is a monster. It possesses a fantastic climb rate, roll rate, high-capacity armament, and flight performance. Top speed and level speed are top notch, as is the dive-speed tolerance (~800 kph). Unfortunately, this power comes at a great price. Called the "Ovencat" by some players, the F8F-1B's engine will overheat in less than a minute while utilizing WEP. '''It is not recommended for any pilot to use WEP UNTIL he/she unlocks the "Radiator" modification!'''. Therefore, always side-climb at the beginning of a match as the 1B needs all the energy it can get, especially when facing opponents such as the FW-190 D which can out-climb a F8F-1B in continuous climb due to the lower thermal restraints of its Junkers engine.
 +
 +
The F8F-1B suffers at altitudes over 6,500 m. Below that of course utilize Boom & Zoom as your main tactic. Acceleration is magnificent as is dive speed. You will find it rather difficult to rip your wings in a dive. Careful not to push the Bearcat too far, though, as rolling maneuvers and fast-paced moves can easily rip its wings.
 +
 +
The M3 20 mm cannons have an extremely fast fire rate and thus may drain your ammunition storage rather quickly. However, the massive 826 round storage should be plenty for quite a lot of battling in the skies!
 +
 +
The F8F-1B can also be used as an effective fighter-bomber. It can carry a large payload of Tiny Tims, bombs, and assorted rockets, making it an effective attacker.
 +
 +
Turning is not recommended in RB due to the 1B's mediocre turn rate.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Do not expect to out-climb every fighter in War Thunder. Expect to engage [[Fw 190 D-9|Fw 190D]] and the similar ''as'' you climb. [[Bf 109 G-10|109G-10]], [[Bf 109 G-14|109G-14]], [[Bf 109 K-4|109K-4]], [[Tempest Mk II|Tempest Mk.II]], [[Prendergast%27s_Spitfire_FR_Mk.XIVe|Spitfire Mk.XIVe]], and [[J2M3 Raiden|J2M3]] are able to reach the height of the 1B at the same time the 1B is able to.
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
You will often get matched with jets, however, and this is not a bad thing at all. Most jet pilots tend to overlook the piston-engine Bearcat and remain stuck in with your jet-powered teammates - this is your window of opportunity. Gain some altitude if you haven't and get ready to turn. Deploy flaps at will, since they don't blow off at any speed, and you can easily send a less aware enemy plummeting into the ground with your 20 mm cannons. If you have a squad-mate in a jet - preferably something like the P-80 or the F-84, as the matchmaking isn't so different - pretty amazing setups can be created, netting you good amounts of kills. One thing you'll need to worry about are [[Ho 229 V3|Ho 229 V3]], as their impressive turning capabilities may catch you off guard.
 +
===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
 +
|
 +
| DPG-1
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| FRC mk.2
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| LFRC mk.12
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
| G-Suit
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| FLBC mk.1
 +
| New 20 mm Cannons
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 +
* The stock ammo belt for the AN/M3 is great. So don't waste research here. Biggest problem early on is the sluggish behavior and gun jamming. The latter can be resolved with spending crew points in , which by now in Rank 4 should be already at a decent level. If you are however so trigger happy, there is bad news: ''New 20 mm cannons'' are a tier 4 upgrade. Instead focus on the engine upgrades. Especially ''Engine Injection'' gives the plane a great boost of performance and turns it into a true bear. The ''New 20 mm cannons'' turn the weapons from a shotgun-like spread to significantly more accurate grouping. It is worthwhile to skip the 20 mm belt upgrade and focus on engine improvements until you can unlock ''New 20 mm cannons'' upgrade, as the default belts are nearly as devastating as stealth ammo, but with a tracer round added into the mix.
 
=== 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:'''
−
*
+
* Excellent dive speed (If you dive you run away, but see cons)
 +
* Excellent maneuverability in moderate to high speeds
 +
* Fast acceleration
 +
* High rate of fire
 +
* High ammo count
 +
* Can support high G's in sharp turns and has a G-suit upgrade available
 +
* Combat Flaps can't break, your wings will break faster
 +
* Double the burst mass of the first [[F8F-1|F8F-1 Bearcat]] and in general powerful armament
 +
* Great roll rate compared to planes such as the BF-109
 +
* Respectable climb rate up to 5 km
 +
* Excellent bomb capacity
 +
* Extremely unbelievably low repair cost compared to the ki84 ko Hayate
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
* Engine overheats quickly
 +
* With the unbreakable combat flaps deployed you can rip your wings in a high speed turn
 +
* AN/M3 cannons jam in barely three seconds unless it's modified
 +
* Not the best top speed in its BR, so a lot of planes can catch up to you
 +
* Ground loops if landing with full brakes
 +
* Sluggish controls at speeds less than 300 km/h
 +
* Dumps velocity in high-G turns
  
 
== 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 ==
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== 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 299:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 23:06, 25 November 2018

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
F8F-1B
f8f1b.png
F8F-1B
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.3 6.3 6.3
Class:
Research:54 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage F8F-1B.jpg


The F8F-1B Bearcat is a Rank IV American naval fighter with a battle rating of 6.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.

The F8F-1B is truly a worthy aircraft to end the single engine fighter line of the USN branch. Nimble, fast, and with great acceleration, it is sight of fear for the foe's eye! Most of its enemies will be jets and they will shiver as the Bearcat faces them with a 2 km altitude and (sometimes with) speed advantage! With WEP running (War Emergency Power, includes ADI(Water-Methanol Injection) for the big and hungry 2,300 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp) and modules maximized, the climb rate is well over 35 m/s. However, its main weakness is the Bearcat's very power source- the hot-running R-2800 Double Wasp.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,268 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
671 652 10,900 20.4 20.9 15.4 18.6 220
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,268 m) 		Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
750 708 10,900 18.4 19.0 38.9 24.8 220

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 2,826 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,090 m 1,700 hp 2,244 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: AN/M3 (20 mm)

The F8F-1B is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm AN/M3 cannon, wing-mounted (188 + 225 rpg each wing = 826 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: Bombs, Rockets, Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The F8F-1B can be outfitted with the following ordinances:

  • 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 bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 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)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns (gun pods x 2) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)

Usage in the battles

In Arcade battles the F8F-1B can perform at its prime, which is, accordingly, remarkably. Due to the lack of damage due to overheating and such, the F8F-1B can easily outstrip any piston-engine fighter in a climb once upgraded. Prior to the engine-injection upgrade, the 1B performs very well, but not as sublimely as it does with the latter modification. Thus, climbing and Boom & Zoom match perfectly with the F8F-1B in AB due to its astounding climb rate, speed, acceleration, and weaponry.

Regarding weaponry, fire in very short bursts with the M3 20 mm because they will jam rather quickly. The most ideal belt is Air Targets, as the belt has - together with the stealth belt, but the Air Targets belt has instead of a practice shell an API-T shell - the most HEF-I shells.

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

In RB, the F8F-1B is a monster. It possesses a fantastic climb rate, roll rate, high-capacity armament, and flight performance. Top speed and level speed are top notch, as is the dive-speed tolerance (~800 kph). Unfortunately, this power comes at a great price. Called the "Ovencat" by some players, the F8F-1B's engine will overheat in less than a minute while utilizing WEP. It is not recommended for any pilot to use WEP UNTIL he/she unlocks the "Radiator" modification!. Therefore, always side-climb at the beginning of a match as the 1B needs all the energy it can get, especially when facing opponents such as the FW-190 D which can out-climb a F8F-1B in continuous climb due to the lower thermal restraints of its Junkers engine.

The F8F-1B suffers at altitudes over 6,500 m. Below that of course utilize Boom & Zoom as your main tactic. Acceleration is magnificent as is dive speed. You will find it rather difficult to rip your wings in a dive. Careful not to push the Bearcat too far, though, as rolling maneuvers and fast-paced moves can easily rip its wings.

The M3 20 mm cannons have an extremely fast fire rate and thus may drain your ammunition storage rather quickly. However, the massive 826 round storage should be plenty for quite a lot of battling in the skies!

The F8F-1B can also be used as an effective fighter-bomber. It can carry a large payload of Tiny Tims, bombs, and assorted rockets, making it an effective attacker.

Turning is not recommended in RB due to the 1B's mediocre turn rate.

Do not expect to out-climb every fighter in War Thunder. Expect to engage Fw 190D and the similar as you climb. 109G-10, 109G-14, 109K-4, Tempest Mk.II, Spitfire Mk.XIVe, and J2M3 are able to reach the height of the 1B at the same time the 1B is able to.

You will often get matched with jets, however, and this is not a bad thing at all. Most jet pilots tend to overlook the piston-engine Bearcat and remain stuck in with your jet-powered teammates - this is your window of opportunity. Gain some altitude if you haven't and get ready to turn. Deploy flaps at will, since they don't blow off at any speed, and you can easily send a less aware enemy plummeting into the ground with your 20 mm cannons. If you have a squad-mate in a jet - preferably something like the P-80 or the F-84, as the matchmaking isn't so different - pretty amazing setups can be created, netting you good amounts of kills. One thing you'll need to worry about are Ho 229 V3, as their impressive turning capabilities may catch you off guard.

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 DPG-1 Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe FRC mk.2 New 12 mm MGs
III Wings Repair Engine LFRC mk.12 Offensive 20 mm
IV G-Suit Engine Injection Cover FLBC mk.1 New 20 mm Cannons
  • The stock ammo belt for the AN/M3 is great. So don't waste research here. Biggest problem early on is the sluggish behavior and gun jamming. The latter can be resolved with spending crew points in , which by now in Rank 4 should be already at a decent level. If you are however so trigger happy, there is bad news: New 20 mm cannons are a tier 4 upgrade. Instead focus on the engine upgrades. Especially Engine Injection gives the plane a great boost of performance and turns it into a true bear. The New 20 mm cannons turn the weapons from a shotgun-like spread to significantly more accurate grouping. It is worthwhile to skip the 20 mm belt upgrade and focus on engine improvements until you can unlock New 20 mm cannons upgrade, as the default belts are nearly as devastating as stealth ammo, but with a tracer round added into the mix.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent dive speed (If you dive you run away, but see cons)
  • Excellent maneuverability in moderate to high speeds
  • Fast acceleration
  • High rate of fire
  • High ammo count
  • Can support high G's in sharp turns and has a G-suit upgrade available
  • Combat Flaps can't break, your wings will break faster
  • Double the burst mass of the first F8F-1 Bearcat and in general powerful armament
  • Great roll rate compared to planes such as the BF-109
  • Respectable climb rate up to 5 km
  • Excellent bomb capacity
  • Extremely unbelievably low repair cost compared to the ki84 ko Hayate

Cons:

  • Engine overheats quickly
  • With the unbreakable combat flaps deployed you can rip your wings in a high speed turn
  • AN/M3 cannons jam in barely three seconds unless it's modified
  • Not the best top speed in its BR, so a lot of planes can catch up to you
  • Ground loops if landing with full brakes
  • Sluggish controls at speeds less than 300 km/h
  • Dumps velocity in high-G turns

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

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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