Difference between revisions of "AU-1"

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(Explained that the plane is an attacker. Added some economic data (repair, premium status, multipliers etc...). Explained the armor positions in the plane.)
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Many loadout options provide flexibility for any battle situation
+
* Many load-out options provide flexibility for any battle situation
 
* Strong ground-attack capability
 
* Strong ground-attack capability
* Low repair cost
+
* Is actually an attacker and not a fighter. With this status, it can achieve missions for attackers while still receiving premium bonus (RP & SL).
 +
* Armour plates are located in the underbelly of the plane to protect it from ground targets while it is acting like as an attacker.
 +
* Premium bonuses (344% RP, 360% SLas basic multipliers)
 +
* Low repair cost (2720 SL basic max repair cost)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 201: Line 204:
 
* Prone to engine overheating
 
* Prone to engine overheating
 
* Slower than its cousin, the [[F4U-4B]]
 
* Slower than its cousin, the [[F4U-4B]]
 +
* Players expecting another fighter will be disappointed by the speed and maneuverability as it is an attacker.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Revision as of 13:48, 17 April 2020

AU-1
f4u-6_au-1.png
AU-1
Show in game
MARKET
This page is about the American attacker AU-1. For other versions, see F4U (Family).

Description

The AU-1 Corsair is a premium gift rank IV American attacker with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced during Update 1.97 "Viking Fury" as a reward for the "Space Race" event.

General info

Flight performance

The AU-1 has below-average flight performance. Although speed is good, manoeuvrability is lacking, as is climbing ability and high-altitude performance.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,267 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock ___ ___ 9500 __._ __._ __._ __._ 500
Upgraded 674 638 20.9 22.0 25.4 19.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 730 470 278 245 ~10 ~3

Survivability and armour

The AU-1 is a more heavily armoured variant of the F4U (Family), and as such has good survivability.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 (20 mm)

The AU-1 is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

Main articles: HVAR, Tiny Tim

The AU-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,500 lb total)
  • 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 9 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,500 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (5,500 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (4,800 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs + 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (8,200 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (7,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (7,700 lb total)
  • 10 x HVAR rockets
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 10 x HVAR rockets (4,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 2 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs + 10 x HVAR rockets (5,200 lb total)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 10 x HVAR rockets (3,000 lb total)
  • 3 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 3 x Tiny Tim rockets + 10 x HVAR rockets
  • 6 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 3 x Tiny Tim rockets (3,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

Armament:

The AU-1's defining characteristic is its ability to carry incredible amounts of suspended armament--as much as a B-17 heavy bomber. In Air Realistic battles, the AU-1 can destroy two bases (bombing points), and in Ground Realistic battles, the plane has the potential to absolutely devastating against enemy ground forces. From carpet bombing, rocket barrages or precision drops, this plane can do it all.

Additionally, the four cannons provide very effective frontal armament (they're some of the best 20 mm cannons in the game) and the high ammunition count is a nice bonus, too. They wreak havoc on enemy aircraft, deal considerable damage to lightly armoured tanks and wheeled vehicles, and in Air realistic battles can destroy light pillboxes and light tanks.

Flight Performance:

But despite the AU-1's incredible ground-attack capabilities, it has very poor flight performance. It is often unresponsive, even without ordnance loaded, and with a full bomb loadout the plane is about as manoeuvrable as a heavy bomber.

In Air Realistic battles, the AU-1 receives an attacker air-spawn. However, it climbs poorly and its engine is quite weak at high altitudes, so players will be unable to take full advantage of the air-spawn. Very often, teammates and enemy fighters will out-climb this aircraft. In a dogfight, the aircraft is heavy, sluggish, and generally outmatched.

As for speed, the aircraft is capable but less so than its counterparts. In low-altitude level flight, the AU-1 is around 40 kph slower than its cousin, the F4U-4B. In a high-speed dive, the elevator tends to compress making it more difficult to manoeuvre.

Recommended Play-styles:

Due to its poor flight capabilities, it is not recommended that the AU-1 be used in a fighter role. Instead, it may be used to destroy ground targets in Air RB or to destroy enemy ground forces in Ground RB. Remember that this aircraft, if left alone, can deal incredible damage with its bombs, rockets, and cannons. But, also keep in mind that enemy fighters and SPAA will not struggle to shoot it down.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 20 mm FMBC mk.1
II Compressor Airframe FLBC mk.1 FRC mk.2
III Wings repair Engine New 20 mm cannons AN-Mk 1
IV G-suit Engine injection Cover LBC mk.1 LFRC mk.12

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Many load-out options provide flexibility for any battle situation
  • Strong ground-attack capability
  • Is actually an attacker and not a fighter. With this status, it can achieve missions for attackers while still receiving premium bonus (RP & SL).
  • Armour plates are located in the underbelly of the plane to protect it from ground targets while it is acting like as an attacker.
  • Premium bonuses (344% RP, 360% SLas basic multipliers)
  • Low repair cost (2720 SL basic max repair cost)

Cons:

  • Poor elevator authority
  • Weak high-altitude performance
  • Prone to engine overheating
  • Slower than its cousin, the F4U-4B
  • Players expecting another fighter will be disappointed by the speed and maneuverability as it is an attacker.

History

Main articleF4U Corsair History

The AU-1 stood out from the rest of the Corsair variants, as it was not designed as a fighter, but as a dedicated ground attack aircraft. The F4U-6 was developed from the F4U-5 series, and as such had similar characteristics. It had the same metal skinned wing panels and blown cockpit design as the F4U-5 series. It was designed as a low altitude ground attack aircraft, and as such had a large number of modifications that other Corsairs did not receive.

The XFU-6 prototype, a modified F4U-5N, first flew on January 31, 1952. It had been renamed the XAU-1. Because the AU-1 was designed for low altitude ground attack, and not high altitude flying, the two-stage, variable-speed super charger from the F4U-5 was replaced by the R2800-83W engine with a single stage, manually controlled supercharger. This optimized the plane for low altitude flying. The R2800-83W did not require scoops on the cheeks. Ordinance options were also increased. The wing pylon count was ten, an increase from eight. There were five pylons on each wing. Each wing pylon could carry a 5 in HVAR rocket, a 100 lb bomb, or a 250 lb bomb. To carry 500 lb bombs on the wing pylons, only the outer, middle, and inner pylons could be used, for a total of six 500 lb bombs. The AU-1 also kept the three fuselage pylons, which could carry drop tanks, 1,000 lb bombs, and the center pylon could hold up to a 2,000 lb bomb. Napalm bombs, Bat glide bombs, and Tiny Tim rockets could also be carried. The primary armament was the same four 20 mm cannons from the F4U-5, with 231 rounds for each gun. These cannons were modified for the AU-1, so that they could be fired in pairs or together. If fired in pairs, the firing time was increased by one hundred percent. Because the AU-1 would be flying low altitude missions, it would require extra armor to protect the pilot, engine, and fuel tank from ground fire. 25 armor pieces were added, and the oil coolers were moved from the nose to the wing roots, protecting them from ground fire towards the front of the plane. The AU-1 was an exceptional ground attack plane, but it had reduced speed and maneuverability compared to the other Corsair variants.

111 AU-1 aircraft were produced by Vought, and they were delivered between February 7 and October 10, 1952. They saw service with the US Navy and Marine Corps. They served with Marine squadrons during the second half of the Korean War, and the AU-1 was retired by the Navy reserves in 1956 and the Marine Corps in 1957. During the First Indochina War, 25 Marine AU-1s were given to France, and they were returned to the United States afterwards. Several AU-1s were given to the French Navy, and they served until 1964.

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.

The AU-1 is part of the F4U family of aircraft. Its closest relative in-game is the F4U-4B. Unlike other members of the F4U Corsair family, the AU-1 is primarily a ground-attack aircraft.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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

USA strike aircraft
Douglas  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · A2D-1 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
North American  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
Other  AM-1 · AU-1 · XA-38

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PV-2D

Bibliography