Difference between revisions of "Hornet Mk.III"

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{{Specs-Card|code=hornet_mk3}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the premium version
 +
| link = Hornet Mk.I
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=hornet_mk3
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|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 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.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]].
  
 
== 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
For pilots who loved the Mosquito, the Hornet is a dream come true.
 +
 
 +
As a descendant of the [[Mosquito FB Mk VI]], it maintains many similarities to its older brother, namely an all-wooden construction and the iconic de Havilland tail design. However, the Hornet somehow managed to improve on the already excellent Mosquito platform, increasing speed, manoeuvrability and armament while reducing overall aircraft proportions. From takeoff and into its flight, the Hornet is an overall smooth operator with brutal speed, insane climb rate, and excellent manoeuvrability, especially for a twin-engined fighter. However, it's still a twin-engined fighter which means it can still be outmanoeuvred by most single-engined opponents which it faces, namely Bf 109s and most Italian fighter aircraft.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,791 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 716 || 698 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.8 || 27.5 || 19.2 || 19.2 || rowspan="2" | 500
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
|833||787|| 23.9 ||24.0||44.1||30.3
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 370 || 356 || 287 || ~8 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 420 || < 390 || < 450 || > 324
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
  
== Weaponry ==
+
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
=== Offensive weaponry ===
+
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
''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.''
+
* Two 3 mm Steel boxes behind the pilot in the fuselage
 +
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 +
* Lots of fuel tanks in the wings
  
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
''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.''
+
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
Your intended role of the Hornet decides which upgrades you go for first. When going for a ground attacker, focus the payload modules and cannon upgrades, with survivability modules coming next due to needing to lower the extra weight the payloads add.
''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.''
 
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
When going for any other role, the belts and cannons should come first, followed by the performance upgrades, ultimately leading to Engine Injection and 150 octane fuel, adding a whopping 245 and 288 horsepower respectively.
''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).''
+
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)
 +
 
 +
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''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|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|AP Mk I|AP Mk II|RP-3}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 8 x AP Mk I rockets
 +
* 8 x AP Mk II rockets
 +
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (2,000 lb total)
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
Being a descendant of the legendary [[Mosquito FB Mk VI|Mosquito]], one should expect a similar playstyle with the Hornet. However, due to the vastly improved performance, the aircraft can perform amicably in most situations it is thrown in.
 +
 
 +
'''Fighter''': The Hornet does very well in a dogfighting situation for a heavy fighter. It can use its powerful quad [[Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Hispano Mk.V]]'s to shred any fighter which falls within its gun sights. However, one should take note that most single-engined fighters will turn circles around the Hornet, so turn-fighting should be avoided where possible. Naturally, there are some exceptions to this rule such as the [[P-47N-15]], which you cannot match the Hornet's turn time.
 +
 
 +
High speed and great climb rate coupled with its amazing armament make the Hornet an extremely potent user of the Boom & Zoom fighting doctrine. Always attempt to maintain an energy and altitude advantage versus the enemy aircraft and avoid tunnel vision which means, be aware of the aircraft around you. Tunnel vision prevents you from seeing an enemy aircraft get the drop on you until its too late and either tracer fire is whizzing past or the Hornet's engine is on fire.
 +
 
 +
'''Ground Attacker:''' When aced, the Hornet can load 4 AP or RP-3 rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs. This, combined with the performance of the Hornet and power of the Hispano's allow it to be an amazing ground attacker that can shred any ground target in sight. The AP rockets are your best bet when it comes to ground attack, as they are more accurate than the RP-3's, fly faster and due to the higher speed, impact harder and penetrate more armour. However, when destroying light targets, the RP-3's are better due to the increased explosive yield.
 +
 
 +
'''Bomber Hunter''': Due to its amazing performance, powerful armament and air defence fighter spawn point, the Hornet can make for a powerful interceptor when played carefully. Climb to bomber altitudes (4,000 metres and up) and begin prowling for a target. When attacking bombers, the worst angle of attack is from the rear, typically most bombers have their heaviest armament here, not to mention bullet impact is harder (especially from .50 calibre machine guns and 20 mm cannons) as the aircraft is flying towards a speeding bullet, increasing the damage it will do and the likelihood of being hit.  Notable examples you can encounter at this rank are the [[B-29A-BN]], [[B-17G-60-VE]], [[PB4Y-2]], [[He 177 A-5]], [[G8N1]] and the premium [[Be-6]]. Remember, the body of the aircraft can soak up a lot of damage, instead dive from above or climb from below and aim for the wings, without engines or a wing, the bomber will fall like a rock. Attacking from oblique angles makes it difficult for the bomber gunners to acquire a target solution and causes them to traverse and fire which spreads out their bullet patterns making it more difficult to hit a speeding target.
 +
 
 +
=== 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
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Excellent armament, the Hispano Mk. V has a high rate of fire and causes a lot of fragmentation damage
 +
* Extremely quick, can compete with some of the best single-engined fighters
 +
* Has excellent payload options, several varieties of rockets and up to 2,000 lb in bombs
 +
* Good amount of ammo for the cannons
 +
* Quite manoeuvrable for a twin-engined fighter, as to be expected of the descendant of the Mosquito
 +
* Fantastic climb rate, especially when spaded, can beat the Do 335s to altitude
 +
* Thin body for a twin-engined fighter
 +
* Experience with the Mosquito transitions between the planes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* Not great at killing heavy bombers like the He 177, susceptible to engine damage or a knocked out pilot
''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.''
+
* Matchmaking will pit you against some serious foes
 +
* Despite the durable construction, the Hornet is made out of wood, meaning you cannot take much damage and remain in the fight
 +
* Fires deal serious damage to the wooden airframe
 +
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks
 +
* Despite the thin body, it is still a large target
 +
* Carrying the max payload has a significant effect on flight performance
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
The de Havilland Hornet first started out as a private venture by the de Havilland company. Having built the extremely successful Mosquito multi-role fighter, the company wants to improve on the design to make a faster and longer ranged heavy fighter. The project was soon developed to meet the Air Ministry specification F.12/43, which called for a fast, long-range fighter that operated in the Far East, in fact, the design was drawn around the Hornet. The first prototype was a more streamlined, smaller Mosquito with more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. The wings were designed for adaptation for naval uses and could fold. Pilot comfort and stability had a very high priority. According to accounts by test pilots, the Hornet is easily capable of taking on single engine fighters. It entered Squadron service in mid-1946. However, it was rarely used as World War Two was drawing to a close. Instead, the plane saw combat operations during the Malayan Emergency and continued to serve the RAF until 1956.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hornet_mk3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|SKeFUWKudoY|'''The Shooting Range #63''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:39 discusses the Hornet.}}
  
== Read 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.'' -->
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
* [[Mosquito FB Mk VI]]
 +
* [[Ki-83]]
 +
* [[He 219 A-7]]
  
== 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;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
* ''other literature.''
+
* [[wt:en/news/4913-development-de-havilland-hornet-deadly-sting-en|[Development] De Havilland Hornet: Deadly Sting!]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/378375-hornet-mkiii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer deHavilland}}
 +
{{Britain fighters}}

Revision as of 11:21, 6 July 2021

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the British twin-engine fighter Hornet Mk.III. For the premium version, see Hornet Mk.I.
Hornet Mk.III
hornet_mk3.png
GarageImage Hornet Mk.III.jpg
Hornet Mk.III
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Hornet Mk.III is a rank IV British twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 5.3 (AB), 6.0 (RB), and 5.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 791 m756 km/h
Turn time25 s
Max altitude11 500 m
EngineRolls-Royce Merlin 131
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight9 t

For pilots who loved the Mosquito, the Hornet is a dream come true.

As a descendant of the Mosquito FB Mk VI, it maintains many similarities to its older brother, namely an all-wooden construction and the iconic de Havilland tail design. However, the Hornet somehow managed to improve on the already excellent Mosquito platform, increasing speed, manoeuvrability and armament while reducing overall aircraft proportions. From takeoff and into its flight, the Hornet is an overall smooth operator with brutal speed, insane climb rate, and excellent manoeuvrability, especially for a twin-engined fighter. However, it's still a twin-engined fighter which means it can still be outmanoeuvred by most single-engined opponents which it faces, namely Bf 109s and most Italian fighter aircraft.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,791 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 716 698 11500 26.8 27.5 19.2 19.2 500
Upgraded 833 787 23.9 24.0 44.1 30.3

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 + -
0 324 370 356 287 ~8 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 420 < 390 < 450 > 324

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear324 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
  • Two 3 mm Steel boxes behind the pilot in the fuselage
  • Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • Lots of fuel tanks in the wings

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 921 → 2 641 Sl icon.png
RB4 637 → 6 375 Sl icon.png
SB6 690 → 9 198 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 200 Rp icon.png
77 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 200 / 410 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods oil.png
150 octane fuel
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_belt_pack
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HMBC mk.2
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
hispano_mk5_new_gun
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
GRC mk.8
Research:
2 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HLBC mk.2
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
HRC mk.9
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 800 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
HRC mk.8
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 000 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png

Your intended role of the Hornet decides which upgrades you go for first. When going for a ground attacker, focus the payload modules and cannon upgrades, with survivability modules coming next due to needing to lower the extra weight the payloads add.

When going for any other role, the belts and cannons should come first, followed by the performance upgrades, ultimately leading to Engine Injection and 150 octane fuel, adding a whopping 245 and 288 horsepower respectively.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)

The Hornet Mk.III is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)

Suspended armament

The Hornet Mk.III can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 8 x AP Mk I rockets
  • 8 x AP Mk II rockets
  • 8 x RP-3 rockets
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (2,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

Being a descendant of the legendary Mosquito, one should expect a similar playstyle with the Hornet. However, due to the vastly improved performance, the aircraft can perform amicably in most situations it is thrown in.

Fighter: The Hornet does very well in a dogfighting situation for a heavy fighter. It can use its powerful quad Hispano Mk.V's to shred any fighter which falls within its gun sights. However, one should take note that most single-engined fighters will turn circles around the Hornet, so turn-fighting should be avoided where possible. Naturally, there are some exceptions to this rule such as the P-47N-15, which you cannot match the Hornet's turn time.

High speed and great climb rate coupled with its amazing armament make the Hornet an extremely potent user of the Boom & Zoom fighting doctrine. Always attempt to maintain an energy and altitude advantage versus the enemy aircraft and avoid tunnel vision which means, be aware of the aircraft around you. Tunnel vision prevents you from seeing an enemy aircraft get the drop on you until its too late and either tracer fire is whizzing past or the Hornet's engine is on fire.

Ground Attacker: When aced, the Hornet can load 4 AP or RP-3 rockets and two 1,000 lb bombs. This, combined with the performance of the Hornet and power of the Hispano's allow it to be an amazing ground attacker that can shred any ground target in sight. The AP rockets are your best bet when it comes to ground attack, as they are more accurate than the RP-3's, fly faster and due to the higher speed, impact harder and penetrate more armour. However, when destroying light targets, the RP-3's are better due to the increased explosive yield.

Bomber Hunter: Due to its amazing performance, powerful armament and air defence fighter spawn point, the Hornet can make for a powerful interceptor when played carefully. Climb to bomber altitudes (4,000 metres and up) and begin prowling for a target. When attacking bombers, the worst angle of attack is from the rear, typically most bombers have their heaviest armament here, not to mention bullet impact is harder (especially from .50 calibre machine guns and 20 mm cannons) as the aircraft is flying towards a speeding bullet, increasing the damage it will do and the likelihood of being hit. Notable examples you can encounter at this rank are the B-29A-BN, B-17G-60-VE, PB4Y-2, He 177 A-5, G8N1 and the premium Be-6. Remember, the body of the aircraft can soak up a lot of damage, instead dive from above or climb from below and aim for the wings, without engines or a wing, the bomber will fall like a rock. Attacking from oblique angles makes it difficult for the bomber gunners to acquire a target solution and causes them to traverse and fire which spreads out their bullet patterns making it more difficult to hit a speeding target.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available
Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Combined Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent armament, the Hispano Mk. V has a high rate of fire and causes a lot of fragmentation damage
  • Extremely quick, can compete with some of the best single-engined fighters
  • Has excellent payload options, several varieties of rockets and up to 2,000 lb in bombs
  • Good amount of ammo for the cannons
  • Quite manoeuvrable for a twin-engined fighter, as to be expected of the descendant of the Mosquito
  • Fantastic climb rate, especially when spaded, can beat the Do 335s to altitude
  • Thin body for a twin-engined fighter
  • Experience with the Mosquito transitions between the planes

Cons:

  • Not great at killing heavy bombers like the He 177, susceptible to engine damage or a knocked out pilot
  • Matchmaking will pit you against some serious foes
  • Despite the durable construction, the Hornet is made out of wood, meaning you cannot take much damage and remain in the fight
  • Fires deal serious damage to the wooden airframe
  • Wings are littered with fuel tanks
  • Despite the thin body, it is still a large target
  • Carrying the max payload has a significant effect on flight performance

History

The de Havilland Hornet first started out as a private venture by the de Havilland company. Having built the extremely successful Mosquito multi-role fighter, the company wants to improve on the design to make a faster and longer ranged heavy fighter. The project was soon developed to meet the Air Ministry specification F.12/43, which called for a fast, long-range fighter that operated in the Far East, in fact, the design was drawn around the Hornet. The first prototype was a more streamlined, smaller Mosquito with more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. The wings were designed for adaptation for naval uses and could fold. Pilot comfort and stability had a very high priority. According to accounts by test pilots, the Hornet is easily capable of taking on single engine fighters. It entered Squadron service in mid-1946. However, it was rarely used as World War Two was drawing to a close. Instead, the plane saw combat operations during the Malayan Emergency and continued to serve the RAF until 1956.

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External links


De Havilland Aircraft Company Limited
Fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Mosquito FB Mk VI · Mosquito FB Mk XVIII
Jet fighters  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Export  Mosquito FB.Mk.26 ·Vampire FB 52A(Italy) · ▄Vampire FB 52A(Finland) · A28B

Britain fighters
Fury  Fury Mk I · Fury Mk II
Nimrod  Nimrod Mk I · Nimrod Mk II
Gladiator  Gladiator Mk II · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS
Sea Gladiator  Sea Gladiator Mk I
Hurricane  Hurricane Mk I/L · Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop
Sea Hurricane  Sea Hurricane Mk IB · Sea Hurricane Mk IC
Martin-Baker  MB.5
Spitfire (early-Merlin)  Spitfire Mk Ia · Spitfire Mk IIa · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire Mk IIb · Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · Spitfire Mk Vb · Spitfire Mk Vc/trop · Spitfire Mk Vc
Spitfire (late-Merlin)  Spitfire F Mk IX · Spitfire LF Mk IX · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XVI
Spitfire (Griffon)  Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Spitfire F Mk XIVe · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Seafire  Seafire LF Mk.III · Seafire F Mk XVII · Seafire FR 47
Typhoon  Typhoon Mk Ia · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L
Tempest  Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V
Sea Fury  Sea Fury FB 11
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Hornet Mk.III · Whirlwind Mk I · Whirlwind P.9
  Foreign:
Australia  ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II
France  ▄D.520 · ▄D.521
USA  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA