Difference between revisions of "F6F-5N"

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m (Usage in battles)
(31 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown)
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{{Specs-Card|code=f6f-5n}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=f6f-5n
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_f6f-5n.jpg
 +
}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about = American naval fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| other
 +
| usage-1 = the French version
 +
| link-1 = F6F-5N (France)
 +
| usage-2 = other versions
 +
| link-2 = F6F (Family)
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,730 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
 +
|-
 +
| 602 || 581 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.2 || 23.1 || 8.1 || 8.1 || 399
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,730 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
 +
|-
 +
| 661 || 629 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.8 || 21.0 || 16.7 || 11.8 || 399
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! 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 flaps<br>(km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
|{{Specs|1=destruction|2=body}}||{{Specs|1=destruction|2=gear}} || 510 || ~11 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| 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)
 +
|-
 +
| < 432 || < 420 || < 420 || > 420
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 518 m || 2,000 hp || 2,398 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 4,724 m || 1,800 hp || 2,158 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 6,400 m || 1,650 hp || 1,978 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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 3 mm steel - below the engine and above cooling system
 +
* 6.35 mm steel - behind the pilot
 +
* 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
[[File:F6F_Pilot_Protection.png|thumb|right|300px|A page from the F63/F6F pilots manual detailing protective angles against enemy weapons.]]
 +
<!-- ''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/M2 (20 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
== Weaponry ==
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
=== Offensive weaponry ===
 
''Describe the offensive weaponry 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.''
 
  
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
* 2 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, wing-mounted (231 rpg = 462 total)
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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.''
+
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 1,600 total)
  
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
=== Suspended armament ===
''Defensive weaponry 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.''
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|Tiny Tim|HVAR|Mk.13/44}}
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
''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).''
+
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 6 x HVAR rockets
 +
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
 +
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x Mk.13/44 torpedo
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
The F6F-5N was a versatile fighter during World War II and it proves this with both the capabilities of the airframe along with the varied ordnance it can carry. The powerful weapons that the F6F-5N has on-board can make short work of enemy aircraft and some ground targets, and the sizable amount of suspended weapons allows the aircraft to be used in support roles when attacking critical ground targets. In addition, employment of the radar can make the F6F-5N a deadly fighter in night combat or in adverse weather conditions.
 +
 
 +
'''Aerial combat'''
 +
 
 +
This F6F-5N has a powerful engine and a relatively heavy airframe, which allows it to perform well in diving and manoeuvering attacks. Against aircraft that are less manoeuverable or are unable to maintain speed during combat the F6F-5N can easily take them out. When fighting lighter and more nimble enemies, it pays to be cautious and not commit into a fight without having superior energy to escape if it becomes necessary.
 +
 
 +
During the night, the radar becomes an invaluable tool to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft. It is best to position the aircraft where targets can be detected from the side or rear aspect which allows the F6F-5N to follow them and shoot them down. Take note of the limited range of the radar and that targets may only be visible up to a few kilometers away. A helpful range setting for the radar is the 9.25 km (5.75 mi) scan distance, as further options can make it difficult to properly find and chase down targets. When moving in closer, switching to the 1.85 km (1.15 mi) scan distance can make it easier to stay on a target from behind as well as transition to the radar track mode.
 +
 
 +
'''Ground attack'''
 +
 
 +
The F6F-5N is effective in ground attack where it can be outfitted with either bombs or rockets. The 1,000 lb bombs have a devastating effect on ships and hardened structures, and especially on vehicles which are clustered in a compact area. The agility of the aircraft makes it ideal to outfit rockets, which can be dropped if not needed. The larger Tiny Tim rockets will pack a huge punch against heavily armoured vehicles or static defenses (such as heavy tanks or pillboxes) and ships. The Tiny Tims can even be used to finish off an enemy base that has very little health remaining. HVAR rockets work best when reserved for lighter armoured vehicles some hardened concrete structures and bombers.
 +
 
 +
'''Naval attack'''
 +
 
 +
Although the bombs and rockets that the F6F-5N can carry are able to be used against naval targets, they can place the aircraft into dangerous situations when attacking ships. The F6F-5N can carry a single Mk.13/44 torpedo which will prove deadly against any naval enemy. Using it effectively requires planning ahead of time, as simply charging straight at a ship will likely end up in a lost aircraft. Working around terrain such as islands and hills to sneak in close and dropping the torpedo at the latest possible time can result in a sunken ship and a living aircraft.
 +
 
 +
===Radars===
 +
{{main|AN/APS-6}}
 +
The F6F-5N is equipped with an [[AN/APS-6]] search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in a pod under the right wing tip.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
! colspan="4" | [[AN/APS-6]] - Target Detection Radar
 +
|-
 +
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The maximum possible range at which a target can be detected}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Guaranteed<br/>Detection<br/>Range|The range, below which, detection of a target is practically guaranteed}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Azimuth<br/>Scan Angle|How far to each side the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Max Elevation<br/>Scan Angle|How far up and down the radar can scan (widest search mode)}}
 +
|-
 +
| 60,000 m<br />(theoretical) || 7,200 m || ±60° || ±60°
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | [[AN/APS-6]] - Target Tracking Radar
 +
|-
 +
! {{Annotation|Maximum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The maximum range at which a target can be tracked}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Minimum<br/>Tracking<br/>Range|The range below which targets cannot be tracked by the radar}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Azimuth Tracking<br/>Angle|How far to each side the radar can track a target}}
 +
! {{Annotation|Elevation Tracking<br/>Angle|How far up and down the radar can track a target}}
 +
|-
 +
| 1,000 m || 150 m || ±15° || ±15°
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== 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
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>3 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
=== Modules ===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 +
| ITC mk.III
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 12 mm MGs
 +
| FRC mk.2
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
| LFRC mk.12
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
| FLBC mk.1
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
Payload modules unlock the following:
 +
 
 +
* ITC mk.III: One torpedo
 +
* FRC mk.2: Six HVAR rockets
 +
* LFRC mk.12: Two Tiny Tims
 +
* FLBC mk.1: Two 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Cannon armament
 +
* Great variety of weapons for any map, aerial combat, ground attack and maps with naval ships
 +
* Decent climb rate and manoeuverability
 +
* Has a search and tracking radar
 +
* Capable of operating from an aircraft carrier
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* Slower than the standard F6F-5
''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/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Not as energy-efficient in a climb as other American aircraft (such as the P-47)
 +
* Overall worse performance than F6F
 +
 
 +
== 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).-->
 +
[[File:F6F 5N Cockpit Manual.png|thumb|right|320px|A page from the F6F Hellcat Pilot's Manual showing the differences found in the F6F-5N cockpit, with the radio altimeter indicator and radar scope being pointed out.]]
 +
The F6F-5N was a modification of the standard F6F-5 for use as a night fighter. These aircraft were fitted with additional equipment in the form of a radio altimeter and radar. The Westinghouse AN/APS-6 radar was installed on the starboard wing of the F6F-5N, with units being completed in middle and late 1944. The APS-6 served as a method to search and destroy hostile aircraft in conditions with zero visibility, with data being displayed in a standard B-scope view of the target azimuth on the x-axis and target range on the y-axis. Aside from target search and tracking, the APS-6 could also be used in a navigation role by tracking a radar emitter or beacon with a search range of up to 100 miles.<ref name="ibiblio" /> Due to the simplifications from the earlier AN/APS-4 radar, the APS-6 was small enough to be installed in single-engine aircraft which allowed for independent action among night fighters. Another feature of the F6F-5N was the Type GR-1 automatic pilot, which gave pilots the ability to maintain a stable flight attitude with minimal input. Just as with the F6F-5, the -5N used the Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W and had provisions to used a mixed armament of 2x 20 mm M2 cannons and 4x .50 cal Browning machine guns. The F6F-5N is noted as being one of the better American night fighters during World War II and was chosen to be a night fighter over other aircraft such as the F4U Corsair.<ref name="ibiblio" />
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Прекрасным дополнением к статье станут видеогайды, а также скриншоты из игры и фотографии.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
<div><ul>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F6F_FN_and_Tiny_Tim.png|thumb|none|350px|An underside view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' carrying two [[Tiny Tim]] rockets. These rockets had to be released before igniting so to clear the propeller arc.]]</li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:F6F_FN_firing_Tiny_Tim.png|thumb|none|375px|A view of a '''{{PAGENAME}}''' firing off a [[Tiny Tim]] rocket at an enemy target.]]</li>
 +
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:Tiny_Tim_shackle.png|thumb|none|320px|A side view of the shackle connection of the [[Tiny Tim]] rocket to the external pylon of the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]</li>
 +
</ul></div>
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
== Read 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;''
 
* ''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.''
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.-->
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* AviationShoppe link for '''[https://aviationshoppe.com/manuals/grumman_f6f_flight_manual/f6f.html Grumman F6F Hellcat Pilot's Manual]'''
 +
* Ibiblio HyperWar link for '''[https://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USN/ref/NightFighterRadars/USNFRadar2.html "The AN/APS-6 Aircraft Radar"]'''
 +
 
 +
== References ==
 +
<references>
 +
<ref name="ibiblio">"The AN/APS-6 Aircraft Radar" in ''Westinghouse in World War 2: Radio and X-ray Divsions,'' Westinghouse Electric & Mfg.Co., Inc, 1946.</ref>
 +
</references>
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 +
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 13:46, 21 September 2020

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
F6F-5N
f6f-5n.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/1/17/Cockpit_f6f-5n.jpg
F6F-5N
Research:33 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:105 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American naval fighter F6F-5N. For the French version, see F6F-5N (France). For other versions, see F6F (Family).

Description

GarageImage F6F-5N.jpg


The F6F-5N Hellcat is a rank III American naval fighter with a battle rating of 5.0 (AB) and 4.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".

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 5,730 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
602 581 11000 22.2 23.1 8.1 8.1 399
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 5,730 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
661 629 11000 19.8 21.0 16.7 11.8 399

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flaps
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
0 375  510 ~11 ~4
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 432 < 420 < 420 > 420
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
518 m 2,000 hp 2,398 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,724 m 1,800 hp 2,158 hp
Setting 3
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
6,400 m 1,650 hp 1,978 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 3 mm steel - below the engine and above cooling system
  • 6.35 mm steel - behind the pilot
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass - armoured windscreen

Armaments

Offensive armament

A page from the F63/F6F pilots manual detailing protective angles against enemy weapons.

The F6F-5N is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannons, wing-mounted (231 rpg = 462 total)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 1,600 total)

Suspended armament

The F6F-5N can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 6 x HVAR rockets
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs + 6 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x Mk.13/44 torpedo

Usage in battles

The F6F-5N was a versatile fighter during World War II and it proves this with both the capabilities of the airframe along with the varied ordnance it can carry. The powerful weapons that the F6F-5N has on-board can make short work of enemy aircraft and some ground targets, and the sizable amount of suspended weapons allows the aircraft to be used in support roles when attacking critical ground targets. In addition, employment of the radar can make the F6F-5N a deadly fighter in night combat or in adverse weather conditions.

Aerial combat

This F6F-5N has a powerful engine and a relatively heavy airframe, which allows it to perform well in diving and manoeuvering attacks. Against aircraft that are less manoeuverable or are unable to maintain speed during combat the F6F-5N can easily take them out. When fighting lighter and more nimble enemies, it pays to be cautious and not commit into a fight without having superior energy to escape if it becomes necessary.

During the night, the radar becomes an invaluable tool to seek out and destroy enemy aircraft. It is best to position the aircraft where targets can be detected from the side or rear aspect which allows the F6F-5N to follow them and shoot them down. Take note of the limited range of the radar and that targets may only be visible up to a few kilometers away. A helpful range setting for the radar is the 9.25 km (5.75 mi) scan distance, as further options can make it difficult to properly find and chase down targets. When moving in closer, switching to the 1.85 km (1.15 mi) scan distance can make it easier to stay on a target from behind as well as transition to the radar track mode.

Ground attack

The F6F-5N is effective in ground attack where it can be outfitted with either bombs or rockets. The 1,000 lb bombs have a devastating effect on ships and hardened structures, and especially on vehicles which are clustered in a compact area. The agility of the aircraft makes it ideal to outfit rockets, which can be dropped if not needed. The larger Tiny Tim rockets will pack a huge punch against heavily armoured vehicles or static defenses (such as heavy tanks or pillboxes) and ships. The Tiny Tims can even be used to finish off an enemy base that has very little health remaining. HVAR rockets work best when reserved for lighter armoured vehicles some hardened concrete structures and bombers.

Naval attack

Although the bombs and rockets that the F6F-5N can carry are able to be used against naval targets, they can place the aircraft into dangerous situations when attacking ships. The F6F-5N can carry a single Mk.13/44 torpedo which will prove deadly against any naval enemy. Using it effectively requires planning ahead of time, as simply charging straight at a ship will likely end up in a lost aircraft. Working around terrain such as islands and hills to sneak in close and dropping the torpedo at the latest possible time can result in a sunken ship and a living aircraft.

Radars

Main article: AN/APS-6

The F6F-5N is equipped with an AN/APS-6 search and tracking radar. The radar is mounted in a pod under the right wing tip.

AN/APS-6 - Target Detection Radar
Maximum
Detection
Range
Guaranteed
Detection
Range
Max Azimuth
Scan Angle
Max Elevation
Scan Angle
60,000 m
(theoretical)
7,200 m ±60° ±60°
AN/APS-6 - Target Tracking Radar
Maximum
Tracking
Range
Minimum
Tracking
Range
Azimuth Tracking
Angle
Elevation Tracking
Angle
1,000 m 150 m ±15° ±15°

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm ITC mk.III
II Compressor Airframe New 12 mm MGs FRC mk.2
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 20 mm LFRC mk.12
IV Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons FLBC mk.1

Payload modules unlock the following:

  • ITC mk.III: One torpedo
  • FRC mk.2: Six HVAR rockets
  • LFRC mk.12: Two Tiny Tims
  • FLBC mk.1: Two 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Cannon armament
  • Great variety of weapons for any map, aerial combat, ground attack and maps with naval ships
  • Decent climb rate and manoeuverability
  • Has a search and tracking radar
  • Capable of operating from an aircraft carrier

Cons:

  • Slower than the standard F6F-5
  • Not as energy-efficient in a climb as other American aircraft (such as the P-47)
  • Overall worse performance than F6F

History

A page from the F6F Hellcat Pilot's Manual showing the differences found in the F6F-5N cockpit, with the radio altimeter indicator and radar scope being pointed out.

The F6F-5N was a modification of the standard F6F-5 for use as a night fighter. These aircraft were fitted with additional equipment in the form of a radio altimeter and radar. The Westinghouse AN/APS-6 radar was installed on the starboard wing of the F6F-5N, with units being completed in middle and late 1944. The APS-6 served as a method to search and destroy hostile aircraft in conditions with zero visibility, with data being displayed in a standard B-scope view of the target azimuth on the x-axis and target range on the y-axis. Aside from target search and tracking, the APS-6 could also be used in a navigation role by tracking a radar emitter or beacon with a search range of up to 100 miles.[1] Due to the simplifications from the earlier AN/APS-4 radar, the APS-6 was small enough to be installed in single-engine aircraft which allowed for independent action among night fighters. Another feature of the F6F-5N was the Type GR-1 automatic pilot, which gave pilots the ability to maintain a stable flight attitude with minimal input. Just as with the F6F-5, the -5N used the Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W and had provisions to used a mixed armament of 2x 20 mm M2 cannons and 4x .50 cal Browning machine guns. The F6F-5N is noted as being one of the better American night fighters during World War II and was chosen to be a night fighter over other aircraft such as the F4U Corsair.[1]

Media

  • An underside view of a F6F-5N carrying two Tiny Tim rockets. These rockets had to be released before igniting so to clear the propeller arc.
  • A view of a F6F-5N firing off a Tiny Tim rocket at an enemy target.
  • A side view of the shackle connection of the Tiny Tim rocket to the external pylon of the F6F-5N.

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

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "The AN/APS-6 Aircraft Radar" in Westinghouse in World War 2: Radio and X-ray Divsions, Westinghouse Electric & Mfg.Co., Inc, 1946.


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