Difference between revisions of "D.371"

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{{About
 
| about = French fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = D.37 (Family)
 
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=d_371
 
|code=d_371
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
+
|cockpit=411818/1438762
|cockpit=cockpit_d_371.jpg
+
}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about = French reserve fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| other
 +
| usage-1 = the gift version
 +
| link-1 = D.371 H.S.9
 +
| usage-2 = the other version
 +
| link-2 = D.373
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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_D371.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
  
Developed over the D.37 family of aircraft by SAF-Avions Dewoitine in the early 1930s, the D.371 was the first production version of this family, first flown in 1934 and powered by a Gnome Rhone 14Kfs engine. At the time, the aircraft used a single-seat aeroplane design with a parasol wing, a fixed landing gear and, like many other aircrafts of the time, it did not feature an enclosed cockpit and instead just had a windshield for the pilot. There are no records of the aircraft being used in combat due to its obsolence and the presence of more modern fighters at the start of World War II.
+
The D.371 is the first production aircraft of the D.37 series which is available as a reserve aircraft for all pilots starting in the French tech tree. The D.371 (along with its siblings D.371 H.S.9 and D.373) are unique compared to other reserve aircraft in the game as it is a mono-plane with a parasol wing as opposed to other low-wing mono-planes and biplanes. Key features of this aeroplane include 4 x MAC 1934 7.5 mm machine guns and wheel brakes. On the other hand, the D.371 also features an open cockpit and no armour protection like many early aircraft.
  
Introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]], this aircraft is the first of the D.37 series featured in the game, along with its younger sibling, the D.373. As a single-engine monoplane, it is agile and quick and while it can be a formidable turnfighter, maintaining speed in this aircraft is crucial, or else it becomes a slow easy target for other aircraft. The MAC 1934 machine guns are not that powerful, however having four of them will enable the pilot to sling quite a bit of lead at the target aircraft. Due to the D.371 being a reserve aircraft, it is not uncommon for it to be pitted against higher rank I aircraft and even some lower rank II planes too. While slower than many of the higher aircraft it may face, not all is lost. The D.371 will have a manoeuvrability advantage, and if the pilot can pull the higher rank enemy into a turnfight, the D.371 may be able to turn the tables and score a win. Don't count the D.371 out of the fight until the pilot bails out of the plane, if still flying, it can fight!
+
This aircraft is the first of the D.37 series featured in the game along with its younger sibling the D.373. As a single-engine monoplane, it is agile and quick and while it can be a formidable turn-fighter, maintaining speed in this aircraft is crucial, or else it becomes a slow easy target for other aircraft. The MAC 1934 machine guns are not that powerful, however having four of them will enable the pilot to sling quite a bit of lead at the target aircraft.
 +
 
 +
Due to the D.371 being a reserve aircraft, it is not uncommon for it to be pitted against higher rank I aircraft and even some lower rank II planes too. While slower than many of the higher aircraft it may face, not all is lost. The D.371 will have a manoeuvrability advantage, and if the pilot can pull the higher rank enemy into a turn-fight, the D.371 may be able to turn the tables and score a win. Don't count the D.371 out of the fight until the pilot bails out of the plane, if still flying, it can fight!
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration 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" width="70%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
+
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 377 || 361 || 9,000 <!-- {{Specs|ceiling}} --> || 13.6 || 14.4 || 9.7 || 9.7 || 232
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,000 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)
 
|-
 
|-
! Stock
+
! AB
| 377 || 361 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 13.6 || 14.4 || 9.7 || 9.7 || rowspan="2" | 232
+
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
! Upgraded
+
| 412 || 393 || 9,000 <!-- {{Specs|ceiling}} --> || 12.8 || 13.0 || 21.3 || 14.2 || 232
| 412 || 393 || 12.8 || 13.0 || 21.3 || 14.2
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flaps
 +
! Take-off flaps
 +
! Landing flaps
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
 
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 51: Line 83:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+
! +
 +
! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || N/A || N/A || ~12 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || N/A || ~12 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 240 || < 220 || < 260 || > 210
 
| < 240 || < 220 || < 260 || > 210
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 3,825 m || 880 hp || 1,023 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-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.'' -->
 +
Early aircraft did not feature much in the way armoured protection as many of the aircraft were at this point were transitioning from the wood frame and cloth skin to the wood frame and metal skinned aircraft. Due to the balancing of the aircraft, much of the critical equipment was positioned towards the front of the aircraft, where the engine, fuel tanks, oil pumps, control linkages and the pilot were clustered around each other. With this tight grouping and no armour protection, when fired upon, chances are high to hit a critical component in the aircraft.
  
Early aircraft did not feature much in the way of armoured protection, as many of the aircraft were at this point were transitioning from the wood frame and cloth skin to the wood frame and metal skinned aircraft. Due to the balancing of the aircraft, much of the critical equipment was positioned towards the front of the aircraft, where the engine, fuel tanks, oil pumps, control linkages and the pilot were clustered around each other. With this tight grouping and no armour protection, when fired upon, chances are high to hit a critical component in the aircraft.
+
The key to survival is to keep moving (avoid flying in straight lines and always be looking around) along with being aware of your surroundings, if you start hearing bullets or see tracer fire whizzing by, it may be too late and the pilot will need to take evasive action to avoid being shot down.
 
 
The key to survival is to keep moving (avoid flying in straight lines and always be looking around) along with being aware of your surroundings. If you start hearing bullets or see tracer fire whizzing by, it may be too late, and the pilot will need to take evasive action to avoid being shot down.
 
 
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
 
 
Upgrading the machine guns will unlock more ammunition options, increasing the lethality of this aircraft. Focusing on engine and engine component upgrades will increase speed and climb rate, giving you an advantage over slower or stock aircraft. Survivability upgrades will increase the toughness of your aircraft, allowing it to absorb more damage before being critically damaged usually.
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
 
<!-- ''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|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
Line 100: Line 141:
 
* 4 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
* 4 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
  
Each of the four machine guns is bundled into groups of two and mounted to the underside of the upper wing. Each machine gun is outfitted with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all weapons will fire with each other until empty. Due to the mounting locations on the wings (outside the propeller arc) and the calibre of the machine guns, convergence in this aircraft is essential. Most of the fighting with this aircraft will be in close quarters to exploit the power of the machine guns in close. Convergence set between 150 and 300 m (wherever you are most comfortable) will work best to put the most bullets into the enemy aircraft as possible and hit a critical component. Many pilots in World War I and II would set their weapon's convergence to 200 to 250 m and would wait until being in that range before firing to ensure the best chances for shooting down the enemy. Shots from too far away could "spook" the enemy into evasive manoeuvres or just waste ammunition in a "spray and pray" manoeuvre. Practice and skill will allow the pilot to close within 250 m of the enemy and take them out with controlled bursts, filling the enemy with holes and potentially hit a critical target such as the engine, oil cooler, fuel tanks, or the pilot, which would cripple the enemy to allow for moving onto the next victim.
+
Each of the four machine guns is bundled into groups of two and mounted to the underside of the upper wing. Each machine gun is outfitted with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all weapons will fire with each other until empty. Due to the mounting locations on the wings (outside of the propeller arc) and the calibre of the machine guns, convergence in this aircraft is essential. Most of the fighting with this aircraft will be in close quarters to exploit the power of the machine guns in close. Convergence set between 150 and 300 meters (wherever you are most comfortable) will work best to put the most bullets into the enemy aircraft as possible and hit a critical component. Many pilots in World War I and II would set their weapon's convergence to 200 to 250 meters and would wait until being in that range before firing to ensure the best chances for shooting down the enemy. Shots from too far away could "spook" the enemy into evasive manoeuvres or just waste ammunition in a "spray and pray" manoeuvre. Practice and skill will allow the pilot to close within 250 m of the enemy and take them out with controlled bursts, filling the enemy with holes and potentially hit a critical target such as the engine, oil cooler, fuel tanks, or the pilot, which would cripple the enemy to allow for moving onto the next victim.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft 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 aircraft 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).'' -->
Maintaining speed with this aircraft is a must, as a slow D.371 is an easy target. Initial spawning into a map should lead a D.371 pilot to climb and gain altitude. Having an altitude advantage will set you up in a position of power over most other pilots upon reaching the combat area as you will select which enemy plane to dive on and attack. With a diving attack, you will gain speed which will allow you to quickly gain on the enemy aircraft to fire off a burst of rounds and then climb back up for altitude. If you decide to tail an enemy plane after a dive, you will risk bleeding off your energy. When attacking an enemy plane, attempt to attack when you see the greatest surface area of the fuselage and wings. If tailing a fighter, wait for them to turn or pull-up to expose the most surface area. When turfighting or looping, utilise your rudder to sharpen your turning ability.
+
Maintaining speed with this aircraft is a must as a slow D.371 is an easy target. Initial spawning into a map should lead a D.371 pilot to climb and gain altitude. Having an altitude advantage will set you up in a position of power over most other pilots upon reaching the combat area as you will select which enemy plane to dive on and attack. With a diving attack, you will gain speed which will allow you to quickly gain on the enemy aircraft fire off a burst of rounds and then climb back up for altitude. If you decide to tail an enemy plane after a dive, you will risk bleeding off your energy. When attacking an enemy plane, attempt to attack when you see the greatest surface area of the fuselage and wings. If tailing a fighter, wait for them to turn or pull-up to expose the most surface area. When turn fighting or looping, utilise your rudder to sharpen your turning ability.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
+
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="1" | Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 +
! colspan="1" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
'''Recommendation:'''<br>
 +
Upgrading the machine guns will unlock more ammunition options increasing the lethality of this aircraft. Focusing on engine and engine component upgrades will increase speed and climb rate giving you an advantage over slower or stock aircraft. Survivability upgrades will increase the toughness of your aircraft allowing it to absorb more damage before being critically damaged usually.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 129: Line 208:
  
 
* Very manoeuvrable
 
* Very manoeuvrable
* Excellent offensive armament for a reserve aircraft
+
* Excellent offensive armament for a starter
 
* Difficult to stall
 
* Difficult to stall
 
* Fast for an early high-wing monoplane
 
* Fast for an early high-wing monoplane
* Multirole: turnfighter, energy fighter, Boom & Zoom
+
* Multi-role: turn fighter, energy fighter, Boom & Zoom
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 143: Line 222:
  
 
== 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 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>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
+
<!-- ''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>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
In the early 1930s, SAF-Avions Dewoitine, a French aircraft manufacturing company developed the D.37 aircraft, a single-seat aeroplane with a parasol wing, radial engine, fixed landing gear and a tail-skid; however, the actual manufacturing of the aircraft was transferred to Lioré et Olivier. The cockpit did not have an enclosed canopy; just a windshield forward of the pilot.
 
In the early 1930s, SAF-Avions Dewoitine, a French aircraft manufacturing company developed the D.37 aircraft, a single-seat aeroplane with a parasol wing, radial engine, fixed landing gear and a tail-skid; however, the actual manufacturing of the aircraft was transferred to Lioré et Olivier. The cockpit did not have an enclosed canopy; just a windshield forward of the pilot.
  
Line 149: Line 228:
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
<!--Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.-->
 
 
;Skins
 
 
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=d_371 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
 
 
;Videos
 
 
{{Youtube-gallery|WSqlxUQsl50|'''The Shooting Range #66''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:09 discusses the D.371.|tAmy32CW1dM|'''The History of the D.371''' - ''Devient Kage''}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|WSqlxUQsl50|'''The Shooting Range #66''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 05:09 discusses the D.371.|tAmy32CW1dM|'''The History of the D.371''' - ''Devient Kage''}}
  
 
== 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.''
  
;Related development
+
== External links ==
 +
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
* [[D.371 H.S.9]] - Gift vehicle version with 20 mm cannons
 
* [[D.373]] - Naval variant of the D.371
 
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.'' -->
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
+
* ''other literature.''
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385694-dewoitine-d-37x/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Dewoitine}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Dewoitine}}
 
{{France fighters}}
 
{{France fighters}}

Revision as of 13:27, 23 May 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
D.371
d_371.png
D.371
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:Free
Purchase:Free
Show in game
This page is about the French reserve fighter D.371. For the gift version, see D.371 H.S.9. For the other version, see D.373.

Description

GarageImage D.371.jpg


The D.371 is a rank I French fighter with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France".

The D.371 is the first production aircraft of the D.37 series which is available as a reserve aircraft for all pilots starting in the French tech tree. The D.371 (along with its siblings D.371 H.S.9 and D.373) are unique compared to other reserve aircraft in the game as it is a mono-plane with a parasol wing as opposed to other low-wing mono-planes and biplanes. Key features of this aeroplane include 4 x MAC 1934 7.5 mm machine guns and wheel brakes. On the other hand, the D.371 also features an open cockpit and no armour protection like many early aircraft.

This aircraft is the first of the D.37 series featured in the game along with its younger sibling the D.373. As a single-engine monoplane, it is agile and quick and while it can be a formidable turn-fighter, maintaining speed in this aircraft is crucial, or else it becomes a slow easy target for other aircraft. The MAC 1934 machine guns are not that powerful, however having four of them will enable the pilot to sling quite a bit of lead at the target aircraft.

Due to the D.371 being a reserve aircraft, it is not uncommon for it to be pitted against higher rank I aircraft and even some lower rank II planes too. While slower than many of the higher aircraft it may face, not all is lost. The D.371 will have a manoeuvrability advantage, and if the pilot can pull the higher rank enemy into a turn-fight, the D.371 may be able to turn the tables and score a win. Don't count the D.371 out of the fight until the pilot bails out of the plane, if still flying, it can fight!

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 3,000 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
377 361 9,000 13.6 14.4 9.7 9.7 232
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,000 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
412 393 9,000 12.8 13.0 21.3 14.2 232

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flaps
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
N/A ~12 ~6
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 240 < 220 < 260 > 210
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,825 m 880 hp 1,023 hp

Survivability and armour

Early aircraft did not feature much in the way armoured protection as many of the aircraft were at this point were transitioning from the wood frame and cloth skin to the wood frame and metal skinned aircraft. Due to the balancing of the aircraft, much of the critical equipment was positioned towards the front of the aircraft, where the engine, fuel tanks, oil pumps, control linkages and the pilot were clustered around each other. With this tight grouping and no armour protection, when fired upon, chances are high to hit a critical component in the aircraft.

The key to survival is to keep moving (avoid flying in straight lines and always be looking around) along with being aware of your surroundings, if you start hearing bullets or see tracer fire whizzing by, it may be too late and the pilot will need to take evasive action to avoid being shot down.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The D.371 is armed with:

  • 4 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 1,200 total)

Each of the four machine guns is bundled into groups of two and mounted to the underside of the upper wing. Each machine gun is outfitted with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all weapons will fire with each other until empty. Due to the mounting locations on the wings (outside of the propeller arc) and the calibre of the machine guns, convergence in this aircraft is essential. Most of the fighting with this aircraft will be in close quarters to exploit the power of the machine guns in close. Convergence set between 150 and 300 meters (wherever you are most comfortable) will work best to put the most bullets into the enemy aircraft as possible and hit a critical component. Many pilots in World War I and II would set their weapon's convergence to 200 to 250 meters and would wait until being in that range before firing to ensure the best chances for shooting down the enemy. Shots from too far away could "spook" the enemy into evasive manoeuvres or just waste ammunition in a "spray and pray" manoeuvre. Practice and skill will allow the pilot to close within 250 m of the enemy and take them out with controlled bursts, filling the enemy with holes and potentially hit a critical target such as the engine, oil cooler, fuel tanks, or the pilot, which would cripple the enemy to allow for moving onto the next victim.

Usage in battles

Maintaining speed with this aircraft is a must as a slow D.371 is an easy target. Initial spawning into a map should lead a D.371 pilot to climb and gain altitude. Having an altitude advantage will set you up in a position of power over most other pilots upon reaching the combat area as you will select which enemy plane to dive on and attack. With a diving attack, you will gain speed which will allow you to quickly gain on the enemy aircraft fire off a burst of rounds and then climb back up for altitude. If you decide to tail an enemy plane after a dive, you will risk bleeding off your energy. When attacking an enemy plane, attempt to attack when you see the greatest surface area of the fuselage and wings. If tailing a fighter, wait for them to turn or pull-up to expose the most surface area. When turn fighting or looping, utilise your rudder to sharpen your turning ability.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs
III Wings repair Engine
IV Engine injection Cover

Recommendation:
Upgrading the machine guns will unlock more ammunition options increasing the lethality of this aircraft. Focusing on engine and engine component upgrades will increase speed and climb rate giving you an advantage over slower or stock aircraft. Survivability upgrades will increase the toughness of your aircraft allowing it to absorb more damage before being critically damaged usually.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very manoeuvrable
  • Excellent offensive armament for a starter
  • Difficult to stall
  • Fast for an early high-wing monoplane
  • Multi-role: turn fighter, energy fighter, Boom & Zoom

Cons:

  • Weak construction, vital equipment clustered on the plane
  • Open cockpit (easy to be pilot sniped)
  • Fixed-extended landing gear
  • Fuel tank situated between engine and pilot
  • Fuel tank is not self-sealing

History

In the early 1930s, SAF-Avions Dewoitine, a French aircraft manufacturing company developed the D.37 aircraft, a single-seat aeroplane with a parasol wing, radial engine, fixed landing gear and a tail-skid; however, the actual manufacturing of the aircraft was transferred to Lioré et Olivier. The cockpit did not have an enclosed canopy; just a windshield forward of the pilot.

The D.371 was the first production version of this aircraft line which was first flown in 1934 powered by a Gnome Rhône 14Kfs radial engine and also featured wheel brakes. Four MAC 1934 7.5 mm machine guns were installed, two in each wing and positioned outside of the propeller arch which eliminated the need to synchronise the weapons to the propeller spin.

Media

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.


Dewoitine (SNCAM/SNCASE)
Fighters 
D.37  D.371 · D.371 H.S.9 · D.373
D.500  D.500 · D.501 · Pallier's D.510
D.520  D.520 · ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
Export  ␗D.510C

France fighters
Dewoitine  D.371 · D.371 H.S.9 · D.373 · D.500 · D.501 · Pallier's D.510 · D.520
Morane-Saulnier  M.S.405C1 · M.S.406C1 · M.S.410
Arsenal  V.G.33C-1
Bloch  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Caudron  C.R.714
Sud-Ouest  S.O.8000 Narval
American  H-75A-1 · H-75A-4 · ▄P-39Q-25 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · ▄P-47D-22-RE · ▄P-63C-5 · F-6C-10-NA
  ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · F4U-7 · ▄F8F-1B
Other countries  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III · ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · NC.900