Difference between revisions of "H-75A-1"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Edits.)
m (Details)
(16 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Specs-Card|code=h-75a-1_france}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = French fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = French fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = P-36 (Family)
 
| link = P-36 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=h-75a-1_france
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
 +
  
 
== 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 a 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_H75A1.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].
{{break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French fighter {{Battle-rating}}.. It was introduced in [[Update 1.75 "La Résistance"]].
 
  
In the early 1930s, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation began a private venture to build a fighter aircraft which was a revolutionary departure from earlier cloth-covered biplanes of World War I. This project aircraft under development was named the Curtiss Hawk Model 75 (later it would be known by P-36 Hawk, Hawk-75 – or just H-75 and Mohawk. The P-36 was an all-metal monoplane (although the control surfaces were fabric-covered) with a 900 hp radial engine, enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear.<ref name=MilFac></ref> Even though this aircraft touted some of the state-of-the-art development in aircraft design, several aspects remained lacking, such as the original two machine guns firing through the propeller arc, a 7.62 mm and 12.7 mm and other critical components such as the absence of armour in the cockpit and self-sealing fuel tanks.
+
In the early 1930s, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation began a private venture to build a fighter aircraft which was a revolutionary departure from earlier cloth-covered biplanes of World War I. This project aircraft under development was named the Curtiss Hawk Model 75 (later it would be known by P-36 Hawk, Hawk-75 – or just H-75 and Mohawk.) The P-36 was an all-metal monoplane (although the control surfaces were fabric-covered) with a 900 hp radial engine, enclosed cockpit, and retractable landing gear. Early fighter trials paired this fighter against the Seversky P-35A where it ultimately lost out.
 
By May 1935 the first prototype flew and attained speeds of 281 mph (452 km/h) and reaching an altitude of 10,000 ft (3,000 m). It wasn’t long before the original 900 hp Write XR-1670-5 radial engine was replaced with an upgrade Wright XR-1820-39 Cyclone at 950 hp and several modifications to the body of the aircraft was completed like the addition of scalloped rear windows which significantly improved the pilots rear view (although the hump on the back of the aircraft still blocked a significant portion of the view).<ref name=JoeB></ref><ref name=AviHis></ref> This version of the aircraft was designated as Model 75B while oddly enough the earlier version with the 1670-5 was listed as a Model 75D.
 
  
In early competitions against the [[User:U5724584#P-35A|Seversky P-35A]] saw the underpowered and more expensive P-35A as the winner in the U.S. government's eyes, however, the United States Army Air Command (USAAC) went ahead and placed an order for three Y1P-36 prototypes as a backup contingency fighter. When delivered, the Y1P-36 (Model 75E) had been outfitted with the 900 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-13 Twin Wasp engine. Due to this version of the aircraft performing so well, an order for 210 P-36-A fighters was placed.<ref name=JoeB></ref><ref name=MilFac></ref>
+
Around the time of the late 1930s, the French Air Force was lacking in modern fighter aircraft and realized that the domestic production could not meet the needs of the country. In light of this, France looked to foreign producers and approached Curtiss to produce an export version of the P-36 (which they were excited about), which would be known as the H-75. The first contract purchase was dubbed H-75A-1, of which 100 were contracted for. In December 1938, the H-75A-1 fighters were routed to France where they were assembled and where minor changes were made, especially in regards to the armament, cockpit controls, and cockpit instruments.
  
The P-36 was known as an outstanding turning aircraft due to its extremely low wing loading and had a beefy power-to-weight ratio of 0.186 hp/lb that placed this aircraft as one of the best climbing aircraft of the time.<ref name=AviHis></ref> One drawback noted was that the P-36 was not outfitted with a supercharger which hampered its ability to operate at high altitudes, requiring it to stay under 10,000 ft in altitude.<ref name=MilFac></ref> For all of this aircraft’s positive attributes and unfortunate shortcomings, it performed well mostly for other nations such as Finland where the Hawk was known as "Sussu" or Finnish for "Sweetheart" as between 58 Finnish pilots flying the Hawk, they scored 190.3 aerial victories. The P-36 was the proving ground and stepping stone to the later great fighter, the [[P-40 (Family)|P-40]].
+
As the geopolitical situation rapidly disintegrated in Europe, France pushed for a rush order for 100 Curtiss H-75A-2 versions. This model was an improvement over the A-1, specifically in regards to its additional weaponry and an improved motor. After the declaration of war with Germany, the French placed another order for the H-75A-3 versions of the aircraft, first arriving in March 1940. However, due to the German invasion of France, some of the shipment was sunk at sea, while the others were diverted to areas around North Africa for safekeeping. Similar to the A-3, the H-75A-4 only had a relatively small amount arrive in France, with the bulk of them being diverted to Great Britain as Mohawks.
  
The {{PAGENAME}} export version of the [[P-36C]] which is an all-round very effective fighter in War Thunder. It has an excellent turn rate and its top speed of 560 km/h at low altitude is very impressive, as it can outrun most of its competitors. Without a turbocharger, this aircraft suffers at altitudes above 3,000 m (10,000 ft). Its fiercest opponent is the [[Bf 109 E-1|Bf 109]], against which it loses most notably in the climbing department. To survive against these in realistic battles and simulator battles, it is important not to use WEP outside of combat, as whereas WEP itself is infinite, the plane's cooling capacity is not – attentive pilots will notice that it decreases with time if they push WEP too hard — at the beginning of a flyout, the H-75A-1's engine will only show signs of overheating at 235ºC(455ºF), whereas after pushing WEP too hard, the engine will begin to struggle at 225ºC. Engine management is as such one of the crucial skills for mastering this plane. With the engine weakened from overheating, a player will find it hard to beat a Bf 109 if in an energy disadvantage. With a healthier engine, the pilot can keep the engine roaring at full power so as to endure sustained manoeuvring without eventually stalling and dropping like a rotten apple from a tree.
+
The French H-75 aircraft continued to see combat throughout the war, both under the control of the Allied Free French Forces and the British and under the axis Finnish, who received captured French aircraft from the Germans to be used against the Soviets.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
{{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.'' -->
  
The {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively easy fighter aircraft to fly and requires only a relatively short space to both take-off and land. Due to the fantastically low wing loading rate of 23.9 lb/ft<sup>2</sup><ref name=JoeB></ref>, this fighter is an excellent turning aircraft and accompanied by a strong rudder can spiral climb easily, especially during WEP cycles. This aircraft has the advantage of being both a turn fighter and a Boom & Zoom fighter, depending on the situation, type of aircraft which are flying against and mission type. The {{PAGENAME}} will out-turn many fighters of its rank and can prove difficult to follow if attempting to shoot it down. The [[P-36A]], [[P-36C]] and {{PAGENAME}} utilise the same engine, however with the extra two machine guns and associated ammunition, the {{PAGENAME}} model lags slightly behind the A with flight characteristics, but not noticeable enough for the upgrading pilot to realize while manoeuvring the aircraft. The trade-off for more guns vs. slightly hampered flight model is well worth it.  
+
The {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively easy fighter aircraft to fly and requires only a relatively short space to both take-off and land. Due to the fantastically low wing loading rate of 23.9 lb/ft<sup>2</sup><ref name="JoeB" />, this fighter is an excellent turning aircraft and, accompanied by a strong rudder, can spiral climb easily, especially during WEP cycles. This aircraft has the advantage of being both a turn fighter and a Boom & Zoom fighter, all depending on the situation, type of enemy aircraft, and mission type. The {{PAGENAME}} will out-turn many fighters of its rank and can prove difficult to follow if attempting to shoot it down. The [[P-36A]], [[P-36C|P-36C,]] and {{PAGENAME}} utilise the same engine, however with the extra two machine guns and associated ammunition, the {{PAGENAME}} model lags slightly behind the A with flight characteristics. The difference is often not noticeable enough for the pilot to realize while manoeuvring the aircraft. The trade-off for more guns vs. a slightly hampered flight model is well worth it.
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,810 m)
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 535 ||523||{{Specs|ceiling}}||22.0||22.2||7.6|| 7.6 || 343
+
! Stock
 +
| 538 || 523 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.7 || 22.2 || 7.6 || 7.6 || rowspan="2" | 343
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| 584 || 560 || 20.4 || 21.0 || 14.6 || 10.6
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| 585 || 560 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.4 || 21.0 || 17.6 || 10.6 || 343
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 83: Line 58:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ~710 || ~340 || ~500 || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 488 || 446 || 232 || ~12 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 101: Line 75:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 290 || < 380 || < 420 || > 300
 
|-
 
|-
|}
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? 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.''-->
+
{{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.'' -->
  
 
* 9.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot.
 
* 9.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot.
  
As with many early pre-war fighters, not much emphasis was put on the survivability of the aircraft. The best course of action was for the pilot to not let anyone get behind them. The {{PAGENAME}}’s only sources of protection for the pilot is the engine block and the 9.5 mm (angled at 24° for effective thickness of 13 mm), that being said, depending on the engine block to save the pilot may do so at the expense of the engine, thus requiring the pilot to glide back to base if possible or bailout. There are also two unprotected oil coolers if which are punctured, the aircraft will leak oil until depleted eventually causing the engine to seize up.
+
As with many early pre-war fighters, not much emphasis was put on the survivability of the aircraft. The best course of action was for the pilot to not let anyone get behind them. The {{PAGENAME}}'s only sources of protection for the pilot is the engine block and the 9.5 mm steel plate (angled at 24° for the effective thickness of 13 mm). Given that there is no frontal armour, the engine block may be used to save the pilot at the expense of the engine, thus requiring the pilot to glide back to base if possible or to bailout. There are also two unprotected oil coolers which, if punctured, will cause the aircraft will leak oil until depleted eventually causing the engine to seize up.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{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.'' -->
 
{{main|Fabrique Nationale Mle 38 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|Fabrique Nationale Mle 38 (7.5 mm)}}
  
Line 159: Line 106:
 
* 2 x 7.5 mm [[Fabrique Nationale Mle 38 (7.5 mm)|Mle 38]] machine guns (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 
* 2 x 7.5 mm [[Fabrique Nationale Mle 38 (7.5 mm)|Mle 38]] machine guns (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  
Armament weaknesses found in the early [[P-36A]] and [[H-75A-1]] fighters were addressed when outfitting the {{PAGENAME}} fighter as instead of installing four 7.5 mm Mle 38s, there were two more added to the wings for six total. Lacking the punch of the 12.7 mm, this fighter has to make do without the more powerful machine gun. While the engine cowling was already crowded and no more machine guns could be centrally mounted which required wing modifications to install two more 7.5 machine guns, for a total of two in each wing. For this aircraft, two machine guns are mounted in the engine cowl and fire through the propeller arc while the other four are mounted one in each wing. Due to the wing-mounted machine guns, convergence is a factor to deal with with the optimal range being 100 - 200 m, anything beyond this will still work, however, the bullets significantly start losing their punch. The increase in armament increased the damage output ability of the fighter Options in ammunition will allow the pilot to select the type best suited for their mission whether it be as an interceptor, ground target hunter or a stealthy pouncer.
+
Lacking the punch of the 12.7 mm, this fighter has to make do without the more powerful machine gun. Due to the wing-mounted machine guns, convergence is a factor to deal with with the optimal range being 100 - 200 m. Anything beyond this will still work, but the bullets significantly start losing their punch. The increase in armament increased the damage output ability of the fighter. Options in ammunition will allow the pilot to select the type best suited for their mission whether it be as an interceptor, ground target hunter, or a stealthy pounce aircraft.
  
 
;Option 1 Configuration (optimal 200 - 400 m convergence)
 
;Option 1 Configuration (optimal 200 - 400 m convergence)
*7.5 mm x 6 = Universal rounds
+
 
 +
*7.5 mm x 4 = Universal rounds
 
* Universal rounds for the French aircraft have the most armour-piercing rounds coupled with tracer bullets than any other belt. The tracer rounds are important because of the ability to walk in the shots with the tracers (especially helpful in realistic and simulator battles where the aiming helper is not available for use) to the enemy aircraft.
 
* Universal rounds for the French aircraft have the most armour-piercing rounds coupled with tracer bullets than any other belt. The tracer rounds are important because of the ability to walk in the shots with the tracers (especially helpful in realistic and simulator battles where the aiming helper is not available for use) to the enemy aircraft.
  
Line 175: Line 123:
 
! colspan="1" | 6<small>th</small> Round
 
! colspan="1" | 6<small>th</small> Round
 
|-
 
|-
| Default
+
| Default || T || Ball || Ball || Ball || I || AP
| T
+
|-
| Ball
+
| Universal || T || AP || AP || I || I ||
| Ball
 
| Ball
 
| AP
 
| I
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Universal
+
| Tracers || IT || IT || IT || IT || IT ||
| T
 
| AP
 
| I
 
|
 
|  
 
|  
 
|-
 
| Tracers
 
| AP
 
| T
 
| T
 
| T
 
| T
 
|  
 
 
|-
 
|-
|Stealth
+
|Stealth || AP || AP || I ||  ||  ||
| AP
 
| AP
 
| AP
 
| I
 
| I
 
|  
 
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7"|<small><small>T = ''Tracer bullet''; Ball = ''Omni purpose bullet''; I = ''Incendary bullet''; AP = ''Armor piercing bullet''</small></small>
+
! colspan="7" |<small><small>T = ''Tracer bullet''; Ball = ''Omni purpose bullet''; I = ''Incendary bullet''; AP = ''Armour piercing bullet''; IT = ''Incendary-Tracer''</small></small>
 
|}
 
|}
 
 
This aircraft does not have the option to select any additional suspended armaments nor does it have any defensive weapons to counter any attackers.
 
This aircraft does not have the option to select any additional suspended armaments nor does it have any defensive weapons to counter any attackers.
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
 
''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.''
 
  
=== Defensive armament ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
''Defensive armament 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 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).'' -->
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Energy retention lends this fighter to be a great zoomer, dropping in for a shot and then speeding back up to regain the energy advantage. With this aircraft having such a low stall speed; it makes a great fighter to practice rope-a-dope energy depletion manoeuvres. This requires the H-75-A1 pilot to bait another fighter into following them in a climb. As the attacker attempts to get guns on target, the pilot can start to spiral climb, causing the attacking aircraft to pull a tighter circle, hemorrhaging their energy. If done correctly, the attacking fighter will stall out and be completely helpless as they begin to fall back to the ground, allowing the H-75A-1 to roll over or Split-S and take out the stalled fighter below.
<!--''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).''-->
 
  
Energy retention lends this fighter to be a great zoomer, dropping in for a shot and then speeding back up to regain the energy advantage. With this aircraft having such a low stall speed; it makes a great fighter to practice Rope-a-dope energy depletion manoeuvres. This requires the P-36 pilot to bait another fighter into following them in a climb, as the attacker attempts to get guns on, the P-36 pilot can start to spiral climb which will cause the attacking aircraft to pull a tighter circle haemorrhaging their energy. If done correctly, the attacking fighter will stall out and be completely helpless as they begin to fall back to the ground allowing the P-36 to roll over or Split-S and take out the stalled fighter below.
+
Most fighters are typically only good at one thing, whether it's turning, speed, or weapon systems. However, the {{PAGENAME}} is good at two: speed and turning. This fighter has the ability to not only zoom attack but also turn fight competitively with most other aircraft. There are few aircraft (notably the A6M Zero fighters of the Imperial Japanese Navy or the Bf 109 of the German Luftwaffe) which may outshine while turning or climbing. However, when utilizing flaps and rudder while turning, the {{PAGENAME}} can manoeuvre into some tight turns and gain a possibility to take down these foes.
  
Most fighters are typically only good at one thing whether it's turning, speed or weapon systems, however, the {{PAGENAME}} is good at two, speeding and turning. This fighter has the ability to not only zoom attack but can also turn fight competitively with most other aircraft. There are few aircraft (notably the A6M Zero fighters of the Imperial Japanese Navy or the Bf 109 of the German Luftwaffe) which may outshine while turning or climbing, however, when utilizing flaps and rudder while turning, the {{PAGENAME}} can manoeuvre into some tight turns and allow guns to get on target.  
+
Even with all of its power and mobility, the {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively fragile aircraft. Without much armour, many of its critical systems are exposed and it will not take much, even from lower calibre machine guns, to cause fuel fires, oil leaks, and engine shutdowns, not to mention a knocked out pilot. Situational awareness is critical to potentially know not only where the targets are, but also the enemy aircraft which are manoeuvring into position and ready to pounce. The weakness of having such weak machine guns will require the pilot to get in close (50 – 200 m) to make the most of their shots count, as anywhere past 150 m, bullet penetration drops off considerably.
  
Even with all of its power and mobility, the {{PAGENAME}} is a relatively fragile aircraft. Without much armour on the aircraft, many of its critical systems are exposed and it will not take much even from lower calibre machine guns to cause fuel fires, oil leaks and the engine shutdowns, not to mention a knocked out pilot. Situational awareness is critical to potentially know not only where the targets are, but also the enemy aircraft which are manoeuvring into position and ready to pounce. The weakness of only having two machine guns will require the pilot to get in close (50 – 200 m) to make the most of their shots as anywhere past 150 m, bullet penetration drops off considerably.
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type  
 
|-
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Automatic pitch || Controllable || Not controllable || Combined || Controllable || Not controllable
 
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| III
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
=== 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:'''
 +
 
* High climb rate, especially with war emergency power applied
 
* High climb rate, especially with war emergency power applied
* Impressive roll and turn rate, highly efficient Immelman and split-S manoeuvres
+
* Impressive roll and turn rate, allowing for highly efficient Immelman and split-S manoeuvres
 
* Strong rudder, excels in wing-over and hammerhead stall manoeuvres
 
* Strong rudder, excels in wing-over and hammerhead stall manoeuvres
* Slow stall speed (about 55 mph or 88.5 kph)
+
* Slow stall speed (about 55 mph or 88.5 km/h)
 
* Four machine guns (comparable to [[P-36C]])
 
* Four machine guns (comparable to [[P-36C]])
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Armament is inadequate against bombers and other aircraft with rear-facing gunners
 
* Armament is inadequate against bombers and other aircraft with rear-facing gunners
 
* Lack of adequate armour renders engine, fuel tanks, oil coolers and virtually defenceless
 
* Lack of adequate armour renders engine, fuel tanks, oil coolers and virtually defenceless
  
 
== 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 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/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
The P-36 Hawk began its life at Curtiss Aeroplane Company as a design in the early 1930s. A private venture by Curtiss, the project was headed up by Donovan A. Berlin, a former Northrop aircraft company engineer who was the principal designer and incorporated design portions of early Northrop designs.<ref name=MilFac></ref> The P-36, at this time known as the X-17Y, was a stretch from the biplane years by utilizing an all-metal low-wing monoplane with fabric-covered control surfaces. This aircraft also featured retractable landing gear, which utilized a design put forward by Boeing Aircraft Company and required royalties to be paid to Boeing for every aircraft in which this landing gear was installed.<ref name=JoeB></ref><ref name=AviHis></ref> Initial weapon load-outs included the standard 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns, both of which were mounted in the forward fuselage deck and fired through openings in the cowling, synchronized to fire through the propeller arc.<ref name=AviHis></ref>
+
The P-36 Hawk began its life at Curtiss Aeroplane Company as a design in the early 1930s. A private venture by Curtiss, the project was headed up by Donovan A. Berlin, a former Northrop aircraft company engineer who was the principal designer and incorporated design portions of early Northrop designs.<ref name="MilFac" /> The P-36, at this time known as the X-17Y, was a stretch from the biplane years by utilizing an all-metal low-wing monoplane with fabric-covered control surfaces. This aircraft also featured retractable landing gear, which utilized a design put forward by Boeing Aircraft Company and required royalties to be paid to Boeing for every aircraft in which this landing gear was installed.<ref name="JoeB" /><ref name="AviHis" /> Initial weapon load-outs included the standard 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns, both of which were mounted in the forward fuselage deck and fired through openings in the cowling, synchronized to fire through the propeller arc.<ref name="AviHis" />
  
The initial flight took place in 1935 and when it was presented at a competition the next year, the competitor aircraft (Seversky SEV-2XP/P-35) was heavily damaged in transit. While Seversky took their aircraft back to perform repairs and modifications, Curtiss took the opportunity during this time to make some modifications of their own, and namely replacing the Wright XR-1670-5 twin-row air-cooled radial engine with the upgraded Write XR-1820-39 Cyclone radial.<ref name=MilFac></ref> With the Seversky aircraft repaired, the competition was back on. Even though the Seversky aircraft underperformed and was more expensive than Curtis X-17Y, it was selected and an order of 77 aircraft were put in for, however later the Material Division of the USAAC contacted Curtis and put in an order for three examples as they were becoming nervous about Seversky's ability to deliver their aircraft on time. Curtiss worked on modifying the P-36 by again upgrading the motor and working on the cockpit, especially increasing the amount of area behind the cockpit where the pilot could see. During the 1937 competition, test pilots who piloted the P-36 all commented that the aircraft responded to pilot input favourable and at all speeds and even noted that it handled well on the ground while taxiing. With such a reaction from the test pilots, the USAAC put in an order for 210 P-36A fighters, which at that time was the largest single US military aircraft order since World War I.<ref name=JoeB></ref>
+
The initial flight took place in 1935 and when it was presented at a competition the next year, the competitor aircraft (Seversky SEV-2XP/P-35) was heavily damaged in transit. While Seversky took their aircraft back to perform repairs and modifications, Curtiss took the opportunity during this time to make some modifications of their own, and namely replacing the Wright XR-1670-5 twin-row air-cooled radial engine with the upgraded Write XR-1820-39 Cyclone radial.<ref name="MilFac" /> With the Seversky aircraft repaired, the competition was back on. Even though the Seversky aircraft underperformed and was more expensive than Curtis X-17Y, it was selected and an order of 77 aircraft were put in for, however later the Material Division of the USAAC contacted Curtis and put in an order for three examples as they were becoming nervous about Seversky's ability to deliver their aircraft on time. Curtiss worked on modifying the P-36 by again upgrading the motor and working on the cockpit, especially increasing the amount of area behind the cockpit where the pilot could see. During the 1937 competition, test pilots who piloted the P-36 all commented that the aircraft responded to pilot input favourable and at all speeds and even noted that it handled well on the ground while taxiing. With such a reaction from the test pilots, the USAAC put in an order for 210 P-36A fighters, which at that time was the largest single US military aircraft order since World War I.<ref name="JoeB" />
  
As the P-36 fighters began to roll off the assembly line, they were shipped to US squadrons, however, problems developed with the aircraft which left them grounded while waiting repairs. The P-36 continued to have problems, however, four P-36A fighters stationed at Wheeler Air Field in Hawaii were able to get airborne and attach a flight of Nakajima B5N1 torpedo bombers, claiming two shot down and gaining the first US fighter aircraft "kills" of the Pacific War. Despite this action, the P-36 fighters were withdrawn from combat outfits and sent to training units for new pilots to train on. While the P-36 did not see much action with the U.S., it did see combat action while flown by other nations such as France and Finland where they put the little fighter to the test and were highly successful with it. 10 P-36A training fighters were transferred in 1942 to Brazil where they remained in service until 1954.<ref name=JoeB></ref>  
+
As the P-36 fighters began to roll off the assembly line, they were shipped to US squadrons, however, problems developed with the aircraft which left them grounded while waiting repairs. The P-36 continued to have problems, however, four P-36A fighters stationed at Wheeler Air Field in Hawaii were able to get airborne and attach a flight of Nakajima B5N1 torpedo bombers, claiming two shot down and gaining the first US fighter aircraft "kills" of the Pacific War. Despite this action, the P-36 fighters were withdrawn from combat outfits and sent to training units for new pilots to train on. While the P-36 did not see much action with the U.S., it did see combat action while flown by other nations such as France and Finland where they put the little fighter to the test and were highly successful with it. 10 P-36A training fighters were transferred in 1942 to Brazil where they remained in service until 1954.<ref name="JoeB" />
  
The {{PAGENAME}} was the first production batch of Hawk 75 aircraft built for France with around 100 built. Many of these aircraft were captured during the fall of France and were shipped to other countries friendly with Germany and were considered challenging aircraft for the allies to fly against.
+
While the P-36 failed to initially secure a contract early on with the United States, the desperate French approached Curtiss to secure an export version of this fighter to beef up their armed forces. With a contract settled, the {{PAGENAME}} was the first production batch of Hawk 75 aircraft built for France with around 100 built and delivered. Unfortunately, after hostilities began, many of these aircraft were captured during the fall of France and were shipped to other countries friendly with Germany and were considered challenging aircraft for the allies to fly against.
  
 
== 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.'' -->
{{Youtube-gallery|r1LjPx-S-Mc|''War Thunder Realistic: H-75A-1 [The French Hawk!]'' - '''Jengar'''|QqBvQlW_XWs|''War Thunder Air RB - H-75A-4 - Pint Sized Pugilist'' - '''Hairyfeet'''|ek_cOFg9z5U|''War Thunder Realistic Battles - H-75A-1 - "He's looking at me ..."'' - '''The Digital Time Traveller'''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|r1LjPx-S-Mc|''War Thunder Realistic: H-75A-1 [The French Hawk!]'' - '''Jengar'''|QqBvQlW_XWs|''War Thunder Air RB - H-75A-4 - Pint Sized Pugilist'' - '''Hairyfeet'''}}
  
 
== 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
 
* [[P-36 (Family)|Curtiss P-36 and H-75 variations]]
 
* [[P-36 (Family)|Curtiss P-36 and H-75 variations]]
  
 
;Analogues of other nations
 
;Analogues of other nations
*Polyikarpov [[I-180S]]
+
 
*Bloch M.B.150
+
* Polikarpov [[I-180S]]
*[[IAR-81C]]
+
* Bloch M.B.150
*Mitsubishi [[A6M (Family)|A6M]] Zero
+
* [[IAR-81C]]
*Nakijima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]]
+
* Mitsubishi [[A6M (Family)|A6M]] Zero
*Reggiane [[Re.2000 serie 1|Re.2000]]
+
* Nakajima [[Ki-43 (Family)|Ki-43]]
 +
* Reggiane [[Re.2000 serie 1|Re.2000]]
  
 
== 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 the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* Militaryfactory.com website [[https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=155 Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75 / Mohawk)]]  
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/86594-p-36-h-75/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* Militaryfactory.com website [[https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=155 Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75 / Mohawk)]]
 
* Aviationhistory.com website [[http://www.aviation-history.com/curtiss/p36.htm The Curtiss P-36 Hawk]]
 
* Aviationhistory.com website [[http://www.aviation-history.com/curtiss/p36.htm The Curtiss P-36 Hawk]]
 
* Joebaugher.com website [[http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p36_1.html Curtiss P-36A]]
 
* Joebaugher.com website [[http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p36_1.html Curtiss P-36A]]
Line 328: Line 221:
 
== References ==
 
== References ==
 
<references>
 
<references>
<ref name=JoeB> Joebaugher.com website (1999) [[http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p36_1.html Curtiss P-36A]].</ref>
+
<ref name="JoeB">Joebaugher.com website (1999) [[http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_fighters/p36_1.html Curtiss P-36A]].</ref>
<ref name=MilFac> Militaryfactory.com website (2019) [[https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=155 Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75 / Mohawk).]]</ref>
+
<ref name="MilFac">Militaryfactory.com website (2019) [[https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=155 Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75 / Mohawk).]]</ref>
<ref name=AviHis> Aviationhistory.com website (2007) [[http://www.aviation-history.com/curtiss/p36.htm The Curtiss P-36 Hawk]].</ref>
+
<ref name="AviHis">Aviationhistory.com website (2007) [[http://www.aviation-history.com/curtiss/p36.htm The Curtiss P-36 Hawk]].</ref>
 
</references>
 
</references>
  
{{French fighters}}
+
{{AirManufacturer Curtiss}}
 +
{{France fighters}}

Revision as of 07:39, 17 February 2021

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the French fighter H-75A-1. For other versions, see P-36 (Family).
H-75A-1
h-75a-1_france.png
GarageImage H-75A-1.jpg
H-75A-1
AB RB SB
1.3 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game


Description

The H-75A-1 is a rank I French fighter with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB) and 1.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.75 "La Résistance".

In the early 1930s, the Curtiss-Wright Corporation began a private venture to build a fighter aircraft which was a revolutionary departure from earlier cloth-covered biplanes of World War I. This project aircraft under development was named the Curtiss Hawk Model 75 (later it would be known by P-36 Hawk, Hawk-75 – or just H-75 and Mohawk.) The P-36 was an all-metal monoplane (although the control surfaces were fabric-covered) with a 900 hp radial engine, enclosed cockpit, and retractable landing gear. Early fighter trials paired this fighter against the Seversky P-35A where it ultimately lost out.

Around the time of the late 1930s, the French Air Force was lacking in modern fighter aircraft and realized that the domestic production could not meet the needs of the country. In light of this, France looked to foreign producers and approached Curtiss to produce an export version of the P-36 (which they were excited about), which would be known as the H-75. The first contract purchase was dubbed H-75A-1, of which 100 were contracted for. In December 1938, the H-75A-1 fighters were routed to France where they were assembled and where minor changes were made, especially in regards to the armament, cockpit controls, and cockpit instruments.

As the geopolitical situation rapidly disintegrated in Europe, France pushed for a rush order for 100 Curtiss H-75A-2 versions. This model was an improvement over the A-1, specifically in regards to its additional weaponry and an improved motor. After the declaration of war with Germany, the French placed another order for the H-75A-3 versions of the aircraft, first arriving in March 1940. However, due to the German invasion of France, some of the shipment was sunk at sea, while the others were diverted to areas around North Africa for safekeeping. Similar to the A-3, the H-75A-4 only had a relatively small amount arrive in France, with the bulk of them being diverted to Great Britain as Mohawks.

The French H-75 aircraft continued to see combat throughout the war, both under the control of the Allied Free French Forces and the British and under the axis Finnish, who received captured French aircraft from the Germans to be used against the Soviets.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 810 m560 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude9 555 m
EnginePratt & Whitney R-1830-17
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight3 t

The H-75A-1 is a relatively easy fighter aircraft to fly and requires only a relatively short space to both take-off and land. Due to the fantastically low wing loading rate of 23.9 lb/ft2[1], this fighter is an excellent turning aircraft and, accompanied by a strong rudder, can spiral climb easily, especially during WEP cycles. This aircraft has the advantage of being both a turn fighter and a Boom & Zoom fighter, all depending on the situation, type of enemy aircraft, and mission type. The H-75A-1 will out-turn many fighters of its rank and can prove difficult to follow if attempting to shoot it down. The P-36A, P-36C, and H-75A-1 utilise the same engine, however with the extra two machine guns and associated ammunition, the H-75A-1 model lags slightly behind the A with flight characteristics. The difference is often not noticeable enough for the pilot to realize while manoeuvring the aircraft. The trade-off for more guns vs. a slightly hampered flight model is well worth it.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,810 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 538 523 9555 21.7 22.2 7.6 7.6 343
Upgraded 584 560 20.4 21.0 14.6 10.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
681 290 488 446 232 ~12 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 290 < 380 < 420 > 300

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural681 km/h
Gear290 km/h
  • 9.5 mm steel plate behind the pilot.

As with many early pre-war fighters, not much emphasis was put on the survivability of the aircraft. The best course of action was for the pilot to not let anyone get behind them. The H-75A-1's only sources of protection for the pilot is the engine block and the 9.5 mm steel plate (angled at 24° for the effective thickness of 13 mm). Given that there is no frontal armour, the engine block may be used to save the pilot at the expense of the engine, thus requiring the pilot to glide back to base if possible or to bailout. There are also two unprotected oil coolers which, if punctured, will cause the aircraft will leak oil until depleted eventually causing the engine to seize up.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB103 → 128 Sl icon.png
RB174 → 217 Sl icon.png
SB154 → 192 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 970 Rp icon.png
895 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 20 / 40 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
100 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
145 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
100 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
145 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_belt_pack
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
mle38_new_gun
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
75 Sl icon.png
50 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition2 200 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min

The H-75A-1 is armed with:

  • 2 x 7.5 mm Mle 38 machine guns (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
  • 2 x 7.5 mm Mle 38 machine guns (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Lacking the punch of the 12.7 mm, this fighter has to make do without the more powerful machine gun. Due to the wing-mounted machine guns, convergence is a factor to deal with with the optimal range being 100 - 200 m. Anything beyond this will still work, but the bullets significantly start losing their punch. The increase in armament increased the damage output ability of the fighter. Options in ammunition will allow the pilot to select the type best suited for their mission whether it be as an interceptor, ground target hunter, or a stealthy pounce aircraft.

Option 1 Configuration (optimal 200 - 400 m convergence)
  • 7.5 mm x 4 = Universal rounds
  • Universal rounds for the French aircraft have the most armour-piercing rounds coupled with tracer bullets than any other belt. The tracer rounds are important because of the ability to walk in the shots with the tracers (especially helpful in realistic and simulator battles where the aiming helper is not available for use) to the enemy aircraft.

7.5 mm ammunition

Belt Type 1st Round 2nd Round 3rd Round 4th Round 5th Round 6th Round
Default T Ball Ball Ball I AP
Universal T AP AP I I
Tracers IT IT IT IT IT
Stealth AP AP I
T = Tracer bullet; Ball = Omni purpose bullet; I = Incendary bullet; AP = Armour piercing bullet; IT = Incendary-Tracer

This aircraft does not have the option to select any additional suspended armaments nor does it have any defensive weapons to counter any attackers.

Usage in battles

Energy retention lends this fighter to be a great zoomer, dropping in for a shot and then speeding back up to regain the energy advantage. With this aircraft having such a low stall speed; it makes a great fighter to practice rope-a-dope energy depletion manoeuvres. This requires the H-75-A1 pilot to bait another fighter into following them in a climb. As the attacker attempts to get guns on target, the pilot can start to spiral climb, causing the attacking aircraft to pull a tighter circle, hemorrhaging their energy. If done correctly, the attacking fighter will stall out and be completely helpless as they begin to fall back to the ground, allowing the H-75A-1 to roll over or Split-S and take out the stalled fighter below.

Most fighters are typically only good at one thing, whether it's turning, speed, or weapon systems. However, the H-75A-1 is good at two: speed and turning. This fighter has the ability to not only zoom attack but also turn fight competitively with most other aircraft. There are few aircraft (notably the A6M Zero fighters of the Imperial Japanese Navy or the Bf 109 of the German Luftwaffe) which may outshine while turning or climbing. However, when utilizing flaps and rudder while turning, the H-75A-1 can manoeuvre into some tight turns and gain a possibility to take down these foes.

Even with all of its power and mobility, the H-75A-1 is a relatively fragile aircraft. Without much armour, many of its critical systems are exposed and it will not take much, even from lower calibre machine guns, to cause fuel fires, oil leaks, and engine shutdowns, not to mention a knocked out pilot. Situational awareness is critical to potentially know not only where the targets are, but also the enemy aircraft which are manoeuvring into position and ready to pounce. The weakness of having such weak machine guns will require the pilot to get in close (50 – 200 m) to make the most of their shots count, as anywhere past 150 m, bullet penetration drops off considerably.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High climb rate, especially with war emergency power applied
  • Impressive roll and turn rate, allowing for highly efficient Immelman and split-S manoeuvres
  • Strong rudder, excels in wing-over and hammerhead stall manoeuvres
  • Slow stall speed (about 55 mph or 88.5 km/h)
  • Four machine guns (comparable to P-36C)

Cons:

  • Armament is inadequate against bombers and other aircraft with rear-facing gunners
  • Lack of adequate armour renders engine, fuel tanks, oil coolers and virtually defenceless

History

The P-36 Hawk began its life at Curtiss Aeroplane Company as a design in the early 1930s. A private venture by Curtiss, the project was headed up by Donovan A. Berlin, a former Northrop aircraft company engineer who was the principal designer and incorporated design portions of early Northrop designs.[2] The P-36, at this time known as the X-17Y, was a stretch from the biplane years by utilizing an all-metal low-wing monoplane with fabric-covered control surfaces. This aircraft also featured retractable landing gear, which utilized a design put forward by Boeing Aircraft Company and required royalties to be paid to Boeing for every aircraft in which this landing gear was installed.[1][3] Initial weapon load-outs included the standard 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns, both of which were mounted in the forward fuselage deck and fired through openings in the cowling, synchronized to fire through the propeller arc.[3]

The initial flight took place in 1935 and when it was presented at a competition the next year, the competitor aircraft (Seversky SEV-2XP/P-35) was heavily damaged in transit. While Seversky took their aircraft back to perform repairs and modifications, Curtiss took the opportunity during this time to make some modifications of their own, and namely replacing the Wright XR-1670-5 twin-row air-cooled radial engine with the upgraded Write XR-1820-39 Cyclone radial.[2] With the Seversky aircraft repaired, the competition was back on. Even though the Seversky aircraft underperformed and was more expensive than Curtis X-17Y, it was selected and an order of 77 aircraft were put in for, however later the Material Division of the USAAC contacted Curtis and put in an order for three examples as they were becoming nervous about Seversky's ability to deliver their aircraft on time. Curtiss worked on modifying the P-36 by again upgrading the motor and working on the cockpit, especially increasing the amount of area behind the cockpit where the pilot could see. During the 1937 competition, test pilots who piloted the P-36 all commented that the aircraft responded to pilot input favourable and at all speeds and even noted that it handled well on the ground while taxiing. With such a reaction from the test pilots, the USAAC put in an order for 210 P-36A fighters, which at that time was the largest single US military aircraft order since World War I.[1]

As the P-36 fighters began to roll off the assembly line, they were shipped to US squadrons, however, problems developed with the aircraft which left them grounded while waiting repairs. The P-36 continued to have problems, however, four P-36A fighters stationed at Wheeler Air Field in Hawaii were able to get airborne and attach a flight of Nakajima B5N1 torpedo bombers, claiming two shot down and gaining the first US fighter aircraft "kills" of the Pacific War. Despite this action, the P-36 fighters were withdrawn from combat outfits and sent to training units for new pilots to train on. While the P-36 did not see much action with the U.S., it did see combat action while flown by other nations such as France and Finland where they put the little fighter to the test and were highly successful with it. 10 P-36A training fighters were transferred in 1942 to Brazil where they remained in service until 1954.[1]

While the P-36 failed to initially secure a contract early on with the United States, the desperate French approached Curtiss to secure an export version of this fighter to beef up their armed forces. With a contract settled, the H-75A-1 was the first production batch of Hawk 75 aircraft built for France with around 100 built and delivered. Unfortunately, after hostilities began, many of these aircraft were captured during the fall of France and were shipped to other countries friendly with Germany and were considered challenging aircraft for the allies to fly against.

Media

See also

Related Development
Analogues of other nations

External links

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Joebaugher.com website (1999) [Curtiss P-36A].
  2. 2.0 2.1 Militaryfactory.com website (2019) [Curtiss P-36 Hawk (Hawk 75 / Mohawk).]
  3. 3.0 3.1 Aviationhistory.com website (2007) [The Curtiss P-36 Hawk].


Curtiss-Wright Corporation
Fighters  BF2C-1
  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · P-36G
  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40F-10
Bombers  SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Floatplanes  SOC-1
Experimental  XP-55
Export  H-75A-1 · H-75A-4 · H-81A-2 · ▂P-40E-1 · ␗P-40E-1 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · CW-21 · Hawk III
  ▄SB2C-5
Captured  ▀Hawk H-75A-2

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