Difference between revisions of "Hornet Mk.III"

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(Updated table templates and filled in details. Filled in see also and external links.)
(Edits)
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== 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_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
+
{{Break}}
{{break}}
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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."]].
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British strike fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A"]]. As of update 1.71, the {{PAGENAME}} is the final aircraft in the legendary British twin-engined tech tree.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.
 
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 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 109's and most Italian fighter aircraft.
+
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 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%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
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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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilot
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== Armaments ==
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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)}}
 
{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannon, chin-mounted (190 RPG = 760 total)
+
* 4 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, chin-mounted (190 rpg = 760 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}
+
{{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 ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 2 x 500 lb bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 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)
 
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 8 x AP Mk I rockets
 
* 8 x AP Mk I rockets
 
* 8 x AP Mk II rockets
 
* 8 x AP Mk II rockets
 
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
 
* 8 x RP-3 rockets
* 4 x AP Mk I rockets + 2 x 500 lb bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x AP Mk II rockets + 2 x 500 lb bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x 500 lb bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 4 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk I rockets (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x AP Mk I rockets + 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x AP Mk II rockets (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x AP Mk II rockets + 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 4 x RP-3 rockets (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x RP-3 rockets + 2 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!--''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 instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in 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.  
+
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.
 
'''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.
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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.
 
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.  
+
'''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.
 
'''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===
+
=== 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  
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! Tier
! colspan="2" |Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! Survivability
! colspan="3" |Weaponry
+
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage repair||Radiator
+
| Fuselage repair
|  
+
| Radiator
| Offensive 20 mm||HMBC mk.2||
+
|
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
| HMBC mk.2
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
| ||Compressor
+
|
 +
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
| New 20 mm cannons||||GRC mk.8
+
| New 20 mm cannons
 +
|
 +
| GRC mk.8
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings repair||Engine  
+
| Wings repair
|  
+
| Engine
| ||HLBC mk.2||HRC mk.9
+
|
 +
|
 +
| HLBC mk.2
 +
| HRC mk.9
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
| ||Engine Injection
+
|
 +
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
| ||||HRC mk.8
+
|
 +
|
 +
| HRC mk.8
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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.  
+
 
 +
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, the Holy Grail of performance upgrades.
 
When going for any other role, the belts and cannons should come first, followed by the performance upgrades, ultimately leading to Engine Injection, the Holy Grail of performance upgrades.
  
 
=== 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. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they can be substituted with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "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:'''
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== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them 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 de Havilland 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.
+
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 ==
<!--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|SKeFUWKudoY|'''The Shooting Range #63''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:39 discusses the Hornet.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|SKeFUWKudoY|'''The Shooting Range #63''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:39 discusses the Hornet.}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
*[[Mosquito FB Mk VI]]
 
*[[Mosquito FB Mk VI]]
 
*[[Ki-83]]
 
*[[Ki-83]]
Line 214: Line 222:
  
 
== 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.'' -->
* [[wt:en/news/4913-development-de-havilland-hornet-deadly-sting-en|[Development<nowiki>]</nowiki> De Havilland Hornet: Deadly Sting!]]
+
* [[wt:en/news/4913-development-de-havilland-hornet-deadly-sting-en|[Development] De Havilland Hornet: Deadly Sting!]]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer deHavilland}}
 
{{AirManufacturer deHavilland}}
 
{{Britain strike and twin-engine fighters}}
 
{{Britain strike and twin-engine fighters}}

Revision as of 16:25, 15 December 2020

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Hornet Mk.III
hornet_mk3.png
Hornet Mk.III
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Hornet Mk.III.jpg


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

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 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 805 756 23.9 25.0 34.2 25.2

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 + -
0 324 380 380 287 ~8 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 420 < 390 < 450 > 324

Survivability and armour

  • 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

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 20 mm HMBC mk.2
II Compressor Airframe New 20 mm cannons GRC mk.8
III Wings repair Engine HLBC mk.2 HRC mk.9
IV Engine injection Cover HRC mk.8

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, the Holy Grail of performance upgrades.

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
  • Thin body for a twin-engined fighter
  • Experience with the Mosquito transitions between the planes
  • Lenient stock grind

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 a wooden plane
  • 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.

Media

See also

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 strike aircraft
Blackburn  Firebrand TF Mk IV · Firecrest
Bristol  Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Beaufighter Mk VIc · Beaufighter Mk X · Beaufighter Mk 21
CAC  ▄Wirraway
Fairey  Firefly F Mk I · Firefly FR Mk V
de Havilland  Mosquito FB Mk VI · Mosquito FB Mk XVIII
Hawker  Hurricane Mk IV · Tempest Mk V (Vickers P)
Westland  Wyvern S4