Difference between revisions of "Beginner's guide to air battles"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Protected "Beginner's guide to air battles" ([Edit=Allow only administrators and moderators] (indefinite) [Move=Allow only administrators and moderators] (indefinite)))
(Fixed formatting)
Line 4: Line 4:
 
==Video and film guides==
 
==Video and film guides==
 
===Official War Thunder Video Tutorials ===
 
===Official War Thunder Video Tutorials ===
{{youtube|_bAY9XW0ay0|Getting Started – Part 1|VG4xtydx8ko|Planes '''Arcade''' – Part 2|c8ZkI2CfxL0|Planes '''Guide to Precise Shooting''' – Part 3}}{{youtube|nYLtASq_Wo8|Planes '''Bombs, Rockets & Torpedoes''' – Part 5|b3z9sSSF3wo|All vehicles '''Squads & Squadrons''' – Part 6|qdr-eS1DjKY|Planes '''Aircraft Tactics''' – Part 8| '''z2NcwVxOJbA}}{{youtube|z2NcwVxOJbA|Planes '''Air Maneuvers''' – Part 9 |n7nKIuMDR6c|Game Modes '''Single Player''' – Part 10|pJjO2NCUI-U|Planes '''Realistic Battles''' Part 15}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|_bAY9XW0ay0|Getting Started – Part 1|VG4xtydx8ko|Planes '''Arcade''' – Part 2|c8ZkI2CfxL0|Planes '''Guide to Precise Shooting''' – Part 3|nYLtASq_Wo8|Planes '''Bombs, Rockets & Torpedoes''' – Part 5|b3z9sSSF3wo|All vehicles '''Squads & Squadrons''' – Part 6|qdr-eS1DjKY|Planes '''Aircraft Tactics''' – Part 8|z2NcwVxOJbA|Planes '''Air Maneuvers''' – Part 9 |n7nKIuMDR6c|Game Modes '''Single Player''' – Part 10|pJjO2NCUI-U|Planes '''Realistic Battles''' Part 15}}
  
 
=== Miscellaneous Video's ===
 
=== Miscellaneous Video's ===
{{Youtube|cNN9KUQqFk4| War Thunder<br>'''''"Did You Know?"''''' &ndash; '''Basic Beginner Information Guide'''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|cNN9KUQqFk4| War Thunder<br>'''''"Did You Know?"''''' &ndash; '''Basic Beginner Information Guide'''}}
 +
 
 
=Written Guides=
 
=Written Guides=
 
==Getting started==
 
==Getting started==
 
You will have a choice between 7 nations : the USA, Nazi Germany, the USSR, Great Britain, the Empire of Japan, the Italian Regia Aeronautica and the French Air Force.
 
You will have a choice between 7 nations : the USA, Nazi Germany, the USSR, Great Britain, the Empire of Japan, the Italian Regia Aeronautica and the French Air Force.
As their respective Ranks and Battle Ranks progress, the USAAC (United States Army Air Corps) will become the USAAF (United States Army Air Force) and then the USAF (United States Air Force), Nazi Germany will become the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) followed by GDR (German Democratic Republic) at the end of Rank V with the [[CL-13A Sabre Mk.5]] and [[MiG-15bis]] and the Empire of Japan will become Occupied Japan with the Japanese [[F-86F-30 Sabre]].
+
As their respective Ranks and Battle Ranks progress, the USAAC (United States Army Air Corps) will become the USAAF (United States Army Air Force) and then the USAF (United States Air Force), Nazi Germany will become the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) followed by GDR (German Democratic Republic) at the end of Rank V with the [[CL-13A Mk 5|CL-13A Sabre Mk 5]] and [[MiG-15bis]] and the Empire of Japan will become Occupied Japan with the Japanese [[F-86F-30 Sabre]].
  
Each plane's differing characteristics mean the pilot must adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of each plane. What works well for an [[I-153 M-62 Chaika|Chaika]] may prove disasterous for an [[F6F-3 Hellcat]], even though the latter is a much more capable vehicle. For fighter combat, you should learn about the [[:Category:Aerial fighting styles|fighting styles]].
+
Each plane's differing characteristics mean the pilot must adapt to the strengths and weaknesses of each plane. What works well for an [[I-153 M-62 Chaika|Chaika]] may prove disastrous for an [[F6F-5|F6F-5 ''Hellcat'']], even though the latter is a much more capable vehicle. For fighter combat, you should learn about the [[:Category:Aerial fighting styles|fighting styles]].
  
 
==The Nations==
 
==The Nations==
  
All the nations start with [[Biplanes|biplanes]] and/or [[:Category:Light fighters|light fighters]]. You will not see a big difference in terms of gameplay on these Reserve planes.
+
All the nations start with [[:Category:Biplanes|biplanes]] and/or [[:Category:Light fighters|light fighters]]. You will not see a big difference in terms of gameplay on these Reserve planes.
 
The best nation to start with is the USSR. Russians have the best biplanes, mainly because they kept using them during the early stage of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).
 
The best nation to start with is the USSR. Russians have the best biplanes, mainly because they kept using them during the early stage of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945).
  
===[[File:usaflag.png|30px|border|link=Category:USA air forces]] [[:Category:USA air forces|USA]]===
+
===[[File:USA flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:USA_aircraft]] [[:Category:USA_aircraft|USA]]===
  
The United States of America Army Air Corps had a special philosophy in mind when designing their aircraft: the planes are there to support the Ground Forces. This was a relatively successful battle strategy, and it yielded good planes, but it was a seriously restrictive idea. This is why planes such as the [[P-40E-1 Kittyhawk]], the [[P-39N-0 Airacobra]] and the [[P-51 Mustang]] perform best at low and medium altitudes. This idea of keeping planes at low altitudes was largely abandoned during World War 2. The American aircraft design philosophy dictated that a designer's first priority was speed, then armament, and, last, handling. The result is that American planes are extremely well suited to the [[BnZ]] combat style but generally not well prepared for [[TnB]].
+
The United States of America Army Air Corps had a special philosophy in mind when designing their aircraft: the planes are there to support the Ground Forces. This was a relatively successful battle strategy, and it yielded good planes, but it was a seriously restrictive idea. This is why planes such as the [[P-40E-1]], the [[P-39N-0]] and the [[P-51]] perform best at low and medium altitudes. This idea of keeping planes at low altitudes was largely abandoned during World War 2. The American aircraft design philosophy dictated that a designer's first priority was speed, then armament, and, last, handling. The result is that American planes are extremely well suited to the [[BnZ]] combat style but generally not well prepared for [[TnB]].
  
 
'''Rank I:''' The [[PBY-5 Catalina]] is one of the best bombers for its rank and perfect to show you the bomber gameplay: you are a slow big target loaded with bombs for the enemies on the ground and MGs to defend yourself. If you want a fighter, get the [[F2A-3 Buffalo]], it is better than the obsolete [[P-36A Hawk]]. The Tech Trees don't matter a lot at this rank.
 
'''Rank I:''' The [[PBY-5 Catalina]] is one of the best bombers for its rank and perfect to show you the bomber gameplay: you are a slow big target loaded with bombs for the enemies on the ground and MGs to defend yourself. If you want a fighter, get the [[F2A-3 Buffalo]], it is better than the obsolete [[P-36A Hawk]]. The Tech Trees don't matter a lot at this rank.
Line 40: Line 41:
 
The Jet bombers are the [[B-57A]] and [[B-57B]], both impressive.
 
The Jet bombers are the [[B-57A]] and [[B-57B]], both impressive.
  
===[[File:germanflag.png|30px|border|link=Category:Germany air forces]] [[:Category:Germany air forces|Germany]]===
+
===[[File:Germany flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Germany air forces]] [[:Category:Germany air forces|Germany]]===
  
 
The RLM acquired the same philosophy as the United States during the Spanish Civil War : first the speed, then the armament, and finally the handling. The best examples of this [[BnZ]] doctrine are the [[Bf 109 F-4]] and the [[Fw 190 A-5]](found at Rank III) : they have both 2x 7.92mm [[Mg15|MG15]] ,and respectively 3x [[Mg151#MG_151.2F20|Mg151/20]] and 2x MG151/20 with two additional [[MgFF/M]]. Germany also has Italian and Romanian aircrafts, such as the [[CR.42 Falco]], the [[M.C.202 Folgore]] and the [[SM.79B Sparviero]]. The Romanian aircrafts are generally Premium aircrafts such as the [[He 112 B-1/U2]], the [[Bf 109 G-2]] and the [[Hs 129B-2 (Romanian Air Force)]].
 
The RLM acquired the same philosophy as the United States during the Spanish Civil War : first the speed, then the armament, and finally the handling. The best examples of this [[BnZ]] doctrine are the [[Bf 109 F-4]] and the [[Fw 190 A-5]](found at Rank III) : they have both 2x 7.92mm [[Mg15|MG15]] ,and respectively 3x [[Mg151#MG_151.2F20|Mg151/20]] and 2x MG151/20 with two additional [[MgFF/M]]. Germany also has Italian and Romanian aircrafts, such as the [[CR.42 Falco]], the [[M.C.202 Folgore]] and the [[SM.79B Sparviero]]. The Romanian aircrafts are generally Premium aircrafts such as the [[He 112 B-1/U2]], the [[Bf 109 G-2]] and the [[Hs 129B-2 (Romanian Air Force)]].
Line 58: Line 59:
  
  
===[[File:ussrflag.png|30px|border|link=Category:USSR air forces]] [[:Category:USSR air forces|USSR]]===
+
===[[File:USSR flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:USSR air forces]] [[:Category:USSR air forces|USSR]]===
  
 
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the most ''"Over-Powered Nation"'' according to many players. Their aircrafts are mainly [[TnB]] fighters with nose mounted MGs and cannons with low amounts of ammunitions (especially during the Great Patriotic War and after). [[TnB]] fighters are easier to use compared to [[BnZ]] fighters, this is why it is recommended to start with Russia. The "Soviets" have 3 Fighter Tech Trees : Yakovlev OKB, MiG/Polikarpov OKB and Lavotchkin OKB. The fighters were used generally to cover the bombers while the Germans were searching targets in small groups or alone. This is also an explanation why they had a low ammo count : they didn't need a lot of ammo to complete their mission. The Soviet Air Forces are also called '''"VVS"''' (''"Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily"'', literally "Military Air Forces", you will sometimes find this abbreviation In Game). Do not confound with the '''"PVO"''' (''"protivovozdushnoy oborony"'', the Soviet Air Defense Forces).  
 
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is the most ''"Over-Powered Nation"'' according to many players. Their aircrafts are mainly [[TnB]] fighters with nose mounted MGs and cannons with low amounts of ammunitions (especially during the Great Patriotic War and after). [[TnB]] fighters are easier to use compared to [[BnZ]] fighters, this is why it is recommended to start with Russia. The "Soviets" have 3 Fighter Tech Trees : Yakovlev OKB, MiG/Polikarpov OKB and Lavotchkin OKB. The fighters were used generally to cover the bombers while the Germans were searching targets in small groups or alone. This is also an explanation why they had a low ammo count : they didn't need a lot of ammo to complete their mission. The Soviet Air Forces are also called '''"VVS"''' (''"Voyenno-Vozdushnye Sily"'', literally "Military Air Forces", you will sometimes find this abbreviation In Game). Do not confound with the '''"PVO"''' (''"protivovozdushnoy oborony"'', the Soviet Air Defense Forces).  
Line 77: Line 78:
 
'''Rank V (Jets) :''' The rate of fire of the guns increases, the ammo count decreases. The [[Il 28|Il-28]], the [[MiG-15]] and the[[MiG-15bis]] are the highest planes in terms of [[BR]]. They have only a very few seconds of firing, and the low velocity on the of the guns (especially of the NS-37) decreases the chances of hitting the enemy.
 
'''Rank V (Jets) :''' The rate of fire of the guns increases, the ammo count decreases. The [[Il 28|Il-28]], the [[MiG-15]] and the[[MiG-15bis]] are the highest planes in terms of [[BR]]. They have only a very few seconds of firing, and the low velocity on the of the guns (especially of the NS-37) decreases the chances of hitting the enemy.
  
===[[File:britainflag.png|30px|border|link=Category:Britain air forces]] [[:Category:Britain air forces|Great Britain]]===
+
===[[File:Britain flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Britain air forces]] [[:Category:Britain air forces|Great Britain]]===
  
 
''(Description needed)''
 
''(Description needed)''
Line 91: Line 92:
 
'''Rank V (Jets) :'''
 
'''Rank V (Jets) :'''
  
===[[File:japanflag.png|30px|border|link=Category:Japan air forces]] [[:Category:Japan air forces|Japan]]===
+
===[[File:Japan flag.png|50px|border|link=Category:Japan air forces]] [[:Category:Japan air forces|Japan]]===
  
 
Japanese planes are distinguished by their agility, and can be great for dogfighting if played correctly.  However, much like in real life, this performance comes at a serious price: specifically, light construction, little to no pilot protection, and lack of self-sealing fuel tanks.  Consequently, these planes catch fire and burn very easily; some of the later ones are more durable, but still less so than their Allied counterparts.  In WT, Japan also suffers from overkill BR, meaning its older planes can face newer, superior Allied ones.  Yet, Japanese planes retain their exceptional maneuverability versus its opponents (usually Americans).  Japan lacks heavy bombers until late in the tech tree, but its earlier ones are still reliable and versatile.  Japan also has a lot of torpedo bombers, which can be great for taking out naval targets; one must not be careless, however, as such planes must descend to near sea-level to drop torpedoes, leaving them vulnerable to enemy flyers.
 
Japanese planes are distinguished by their agility, and can be great for dogfighting if played correctly.  However, much like in real life, this performance comes at a serious price: specifically, light construction, little to no pilot protection, and lack of self-sealing fuel tanks.  Consequently, these planes catch fire and burn very easily; some of the later ones are more durable, but still less so than their Allied counterparts.  In WT, Japan also suffers from overkill BR, meaning its older planes can face newer, superior Allied ones.  Yet, Japanese planes retain their exceptional maneuverability versus its opponents (usually Americans).  Japan lacks heavy bombers until late in the tech tree, but its earlier ones are still reliable and versatile.  Japan also has a lot of torpedo bombers, which can be great for taking out naval targets; one must not be careless, however, as such planes must descend to near sea-level to drop torpedoes, leaving them vulnerable to enemy flyers.

Revision as of 17:23, 16 February 2019

Icons Write.pngWriting in process...
This article is being edited by the member Inceptor57 (talk) 17:15, 16 February 2019 (UTC) (start date). Other participants are requested to not make any changes while this warning is here.
Icons Relevance.pngRelevance under question.
The content of this article is most likely outdated and is not reflecting the current state of affairs. The article needs to be updated.