Difference between revisions of "F8F-1"

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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.33]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American naval fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.33]].
  
The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with its quad M2 Brownings (even more compared to its 1B counterpart), the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands.  
+
The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with its quad M2 Brownings (even more compared to its 1B counterpart), the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands. The plane was developed to achieve two things: the best possible climb rate and the ability to land on escort carriers.  
  
In War Thunder, the F8F Bearcat is an Rank IV US Naval Fighter. In game there are two versions of this particular model available – the F8F-1, armed with 4 .50 caliber M2 machine guns and the F8F-1B, armed with 4 AN/M3 20 mm cannons. The difference in armament is reflected in the Battle Ratings – the MG armed Bearcat has Battle Ratings about 1.0 lower than the version equipped with cannons has a Battle Rating above 6.0-6.3 in all game modes. The in-game Bearcat retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting using Boom & Zoom tactics. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F ''Wild Cat'', and the F6F ''Hellcat''. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.
+
In War Thunder, the F8F Bearcat is an Rank IV US Naval Fighter. In game there are two versions of this particular model available – the F8F-1, armed with 4 .50 caliber M2 machine guns and the F8F-1B, armed with 4 AN/M3 20 mm cannons. This is reflected in its AB battle rating, that is 1.7 lower than cannon version. The difference in armament has much smaller impact in RB and SB, and therefor -1 has only 0.3 lower BR, and is often skipped. The in-game Bearcat retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F ''Wild Cat'', and the F6F ''Hellcat''. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.
  
The elephant  in the room when it comes to the Bearcat is its 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M2 Brownings]]. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 APIT rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has 8 x M2s which can chew through aircraft hulls by hurling twice as many bullets down range.  Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed.
+
The elephant  in the room when it comes to the Bearcat is its 4 x [[Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M2 Brownings]]. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 APIT rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has 8 x M2s which can chew through aircraft hulls by hurling twice as many bullets down range.  Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed. And unlike other Browning armed airplanes, it has medicore ammo load of only 1250 rounds.
  
Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.
+
Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of HVAR rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || 10,900 || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || 220
+
|731||686|| 10,900 ||19.0||20.0||30.7||22.6|| 220
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X ||X
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
* Flaps don't extend above their rip speed
 +
 +
*
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 995 m || 2,120 hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 995 m ||2,299 hp||2,384 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 5,090 m || 1,700 hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 5,090 m ||1,852 hp||1,918 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
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=== 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 - Under cowling engine armor plate
 
* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
 
* 8.5 mm Steel - Fore cockpit protection plate
Line 163: Line 168:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 2 x 297 mm Tiny Tim rockets
+
* 2 x 297 mm Tiny Tim rockets (fired together unlike the hellcat)
 
* 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
 
* 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
 
* 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 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)
+
* 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (2,000 lb total) (2 drops, 500 lb first together)
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
+
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total) (2 drops)
 
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns (gun pods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
 
* 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns (gun pods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)
  
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<!--''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).''-->
 
<!--''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).''-->
 
[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]]
 
[[File:FighterImage_F8F1.jpg|thumbnail|left|A Bearcat dives towards a formation of [[Kikka]] fighter-bombers.]]
Unlike its big brother, the [[F8F-1B]], the 1 has a far lower climb rate. However, it still possesses its light airframe, which makes turn-fighting and dog-fighting a breeze. Unfortunately, the F8F-1 is a rather weak Boom & Zoomer due to its less than effective armament. A high speed swooping attack has to be completed with utmost precision; otherwise, you will do no damage and will attract the attention of planes with far stronger weaponry.
+
This aircraft is best when used as an energy fighter, however unlike the other american planes it doesn't fullfil Boom and Zoom role very well, because of lacking arnament and rudder lock-up.
 +
 
 +
Orriginally designed to achieve best possible climb rate, this aircraft sacrifises almost everything else, including arnament, supercharger, fuel load and radiator. However, as it was also made to be able to use escort carriers, it is also small and durable.
  
Once at high altitude, one can Boom & Zoom weaker planes. The fantastic acceleration, dive speed, and energy retention make the Bearcat one of the best energy fighters in War Thunder. Compared to its brother, the 1B, the 1 is a far more challenging fighter to fly.
+
This aircraft has great climb rate of 29 m/s in Air RB (spaded, min fuel), as well as great acceleration, and it should be accordingly. At the beggining of the match climb into the battlefield, and attack the opponents with the highest energy. If there is an enemy above you, disengage using your great acceleraton. Do not be afraid to attack lower enemies, as this plane's optimal altitude is below 1,000m. It is also quite fast in a straight line, especially on low altitudes.
  
Keep in mind the good roll rate of the Bearcat, as well. Use this when evading opponents.
+
The bad low speed manuverablity isnt't really an issue given the plane's acceleration.
  
Low speed, low altitude fighting is not a strength of the Bearcat. It is best used within altitude ranges of 4-5 km.
+
This Bearcat doesn't suit BnZ tactic, because it lacks the punchy arnament, and rudder compression makes shoots above 720 km/h impossible.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
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! Type  
 
! 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
+
| Controllable, no automatic control || rowspan="2" |Controllable, no automatic control|| rowspan="2" | Controllable, no automatic control || rowspan="2" | Controllable, automatic control || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
* Although the name "Ovencat" may not sound encouragingly, MEC lets pilot completly forget about the overheating problem. Set the prop pitch to 100%, Mixer to ~95%. Change supercharger gear @~1,100m. Manage radiators according to the temperatures.
  
 
===Modules===
 
===Modules===
Line 238: Line 247:
  
 
* The "''holy trinity''" of flight performance upgrades: ''Compressor'', ''Engine'', and ''Engine injection''. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min).
 
* The "''holy trinity''" of flight performance upgrades: ''Compressor'', ''Engine'', and ''Engine injection''. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min).
 +
* Arnament upgrades are worth considering due to lacking arnament, bad stock belts and medicore ammo count
 +
* G-suit is very useful, given the plane is most manuverable at medium to high speeds
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 244: Line 255:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Good rate of climb
+
* One of the best climb rates of all prop planes
* Great turn rate
+
* Great acceleration
 +
* Good top speed, especially at low altitudes
 +
* Great turn rate at medium to high speeds
 
* Good roll rate at higher speeds
 
* Good roll rate at higher speeds
 
* G-suit modification
 
* G-suit modification
* Fast weapon reload and high ammo capacity
+
* Fast weapon reload (AB)
 
* Great energy retention in the vertical
 
* Great energy retention in the vertical
* Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can double or triple the effectiveness of the guns
+
* Can take a punch
 +
* Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can set everything on fire with only a couple of bullets
 +
* Has access to gun pod
 +
* Minimum fuel load is 14 min
 +
* Has carrier hook (pacific maps)
 +
* It doesn't see jets as often as -1B
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Extremely sluggish low speed handling and turning
+
* Sluggish low speed handling (roll rate) and turning
* Poor turn time compared to most other contemporary fighters (Ki-84, Bf-109 G-10, etc.)
 
 
* Loses a lot of energy when turning
 
* Loses a lot of energy when turning
* Bad high altitude performance > 6,000m
+
* Bad high altitude performance > 5,000m
* Engine overheats
+
* Rudder compresses hardly > 720kph
* Limited supply of ADI ('''anti-detonant injection' ''mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance)
+
* Engine overheats on 100% when using auto controls
* Extremely poor weapons when compared to FW-190, BF-109, Ki-84, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others
+
* Limited supply of ADI ('''anti-detonant injection' ''mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance, WEP)
 +
* Extremely poor weapons when compared to Fw-190, J6M, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others
 +
* Limited ammo count
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 271: Line 290:
 
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 
<!--''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''-->
 
=== Skins ===
 
=== 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:  
 
*[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
 
*: 1) Duplicate the folder template_f8f1 in your UserSkins folder and rename to template_f8f1b
Line 287: Line 307:
 
== 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.''
Line 292: Line 313:
 
== External links ==
 
== 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;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on aircraft;''

Revision as of 18:25, 20 March 2020

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
F8F-1
f8f1.png
F8F-1
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the aircraft F8F-1. For other uses, see F8F (Family).

Description

GarageImage F8F-1.jpg


The F8F-1 Bearcat is a Rank III American naval fighter with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB), 5.0 (RB), and 6.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.33.

The F8F-1 is an all-purpose light fighter-bomber, and excels as such. Although it may seemed incredibly outgunned with its quad M2 Brownings (even more compared to its 1B counterpart), the Bearcat can be a more than decent fighter in the right hands. The plane was developed to achieve two things: the best possible climb rate and the ability to land on escort carriers.

In War Thunder, the F8F Bearcat is an Rank IV US Naval Fighter. In game there are two versions of this particular model available – the F8F-1, armed with 4 .50 caliber M2 machine guns and the F8F-1B, armed with 4 AN/M3 20 mm cannons. This is reflected in its AB battle rating, that is 1.7 lower than cannon version. The difference in armament has much smaller impact in RB and SB, and therefor -1 has only 0.3 lower BR, and is often skipped. The in-game Bearcat retains many advantages of the real-life counterpart. The F8F has very good acceleration and climb rate, thanks to its powerful engine. Because of that, it can quickly gain an altitude advantage over its opponents. Thanks to its high top speed, good wing endurance, and good energy retention capabilities, the F8F is perfectly suited to energy fighting. A Bearcat pilot should avoid low-speed dogfights, instead opt for a diving attack from above.The Bearcat is also a very hardy aircraft able to sustain several hits from enemy cannon and machine gun rounds before being decommissioned. The phrase "Grumman Ironworks" comes into play on the Bearcats just like their previous works; The F3F, The F4F Wild Cat, and the F6F Hellcat. Therefore you shouldn't be too wary of 13-15 mm. 20 mm Hispanos and 30 mm Rhein Borsig series guns are your biggest threats in terms of damage.

The elephant in the room when it comes to the Bearcat is its 4 x M2 Brownings. With a relatively low fire rate and low damage, pilots must make their shots count. Unlike most other planes equipped with the M2 Brownings, the Bearcat can utilize M20 APIT rounds. These rounds excel at setting targets aflame. Precise aiming is key, specifically targeting the enemy aircraft's engine or pilot. Aiming for the fuselage is less effective as unlike the P-47D, which has 8 x M2s which can chew through aircraft hulls by hurling twice as many bullets down range. Meanwhile the measly 4 x M2s Bearcat will pepper the hull and simply be absorbed. And unlike other Browning armed airplanes, it has medicore ammo load of only 1250 rounds.

Make use of the secondary payloads as well. The Bearcat can make use of the Tiny Tim rockets as well as a large array of HVAR rockets and bombs. Tiny Tims are especially useful against heavy ground targets and tanks.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,098 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
666 646 10,900 20.8 21.4 19.4 19.3 220
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,098 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
731 686 10,900 19.0 20.0 30.7 22.6 220

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
  • Flaps don't extend above their rip speed
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 2,299 hp 2,384 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,090 m 1,852 hp 1,918 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: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The F8F-1 is armed with:

  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning, wing-mounted (300 + 325 rpg each wing = 1,250 total)

Suspended armament

Main article: Suspended armaments

The F8F-1 can be outfitted with the following ordinance options:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 297 mm Tiny Tim rockets (fired together unlike the hellcat)
  • 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets
  • 4 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 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) (2 drops, 500 lb first together)
  • 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total) (2 drops)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns (gun pods) (340 rpg = 1,360 total)

Usage in battles

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

This aircraft is best when used as an energy fighter, however unlike the other american planes it doesn't fullfil Boom and Zoom role very well, because of lacking arnament and rudder lock-up.

Orriginally designed to achieve best possible climb rate, this aircraft sacrifises almost everything else, including arnament, supercharger, fuel load and radiator. However, as it was also made to be able to use escort carriers, it is also small and durable.

This aircraft has great climb rate of 29 m/s in Air RB (spaded, min fuel), as well as great acceleration, and it should be accordingly. At the beggining of the match climb into the battlefield, and attack the opponents with the highest energy. If there is an enemy above you, disengage using your great acceleraton. Do not be afraid to attack lower enemies, as this plane's optimal altitude is below 1,000m. It is also quite fast in a straight line, especially on low altitudes.

The bad low speed manuverablity isnt't really an issue given the plane's acceleration.

This Bearcat doesn't suit BnZ tactic, because it lacks the punchy arnament, and rudder compression makes shoots above 720 km/h impossible.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable, no automatic control Controllable, no automatic control Controllable, no automatic control Controllable, automatic control Separate Controllable Not controllable
  • Although the name "Ovencat" may not sound encouragingly, MEC lets pilot completly forget about the overheating problem. Set the prop pitch to 100%, Mixer to ~95%. Change supercharger gear @~1,100m. Manage radiators according to the temperatures.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 12 mm DPG-1
II Compressor Airframe FRC mk.2
III Wings Repair Engine New 12 mm MGs LFRC mk.12
IV G-Suit Engine Injection Cover FLBC mk.1
  • The "holy trinity" of flight performance upgrades: Compressor, Engine, and Engine injection. All three combined increase climb rate by 10 m/s (~2000 feet/min).
  • Arnament upgrades are worth considering due to lacking arnament, bad stock belts and medicore ammo count
  • G-suit is very useful, given the plane is most manuverable at medium to high speeds

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • One of the best climb rates of all prop planes
  • Great acceleration
  • Good top speed, especially at low altitudes
  • Great turn rate at medium to high speeds
  • Good roll rate at higher speeds
  • G-suit modification
  • Fast weapon reload (AB)
  • Great energy retention in the vertical
  • Can take a punch
  • Can utilize M20 API-T belts, which can set everything on fire with only a couple of bullets
  • Has access to gun pod
  • Minimum fuel load is 14 min
  • Has carrier hook (pacific maps)
  • It doesn't see jets as often as -1B

Cons:

  • Sluggish low speed handling (roll rate) and turning
  • Loses a lot of energy when turning
  • Bad high altitude performance > 5,000m
  • Rudder compresses hardly > 720kph
  • Engine overheats on 100% when using auto controls
  • Limited supply of ADI ('anti-detonant injection' mixture of alcohol and water to boost performance, WEP)
  • Extremely poor weapons when compared to Fw-190, J6M, Spitfire, and Yak variants, among others
  • Limited ammo count

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

Skins

Pictures & paintings

"Hunting made two cards": F8F vs. He 162 "Never fly alone" "big brother"

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 aircraft;
  • other literature.


Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
Fighters 
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
XF5F Skyrocket  XF5F · XP-50
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F7F Tigercat  F7F-1 · F7F-3
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Jet Fighters 
F9F Panther/Cougar  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
F-11 Tiger  F11F-1
F-14 Tomcat  F-14A Early · F-14B
Jet Strike Aircraft 
A-6 Intruder  A-6E TRAM
Bombers  TBF-1C
Export  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · ▄F8F-1B · ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II

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