Difference between revisions of "P-59A"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
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=== 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. -->
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The P-59A ''Airacomet'' is quite an unusual jet with a number of unique and quirky characteristics. Firstly, it has a very low battle rating considering it is a jet. The reason for this is due to how poor its performance is compared to every other jet and most super-props (P-51H, F8F-1B, Bf 109 K-4, G.56, I-225). Secondly, the aircraft is unbelievably manoeuvrable and able to out turn Spitfires at the BR with the correct usage of the combat flaps and rudder. These oddities make the ''Airacomet'' a very interesting plane to fly and the complete opposite of 90% of jets the player might've flown before. The P-59 has excellent manoeuvrability and decent roll rate. The very terrible acceleration is something to keep an eye on, but in a straight line you will be able to catch other opponents. It will take a long time to get up to speed, but sooner or later, you'll catch your opponent if they continue to fly in a straight line.  
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[[File:P-59A *kamikazi-kit 001.jpg|450px|thumb|right|Without having to worry about propeller clearance, the '''{{PAGENAME}}''' had stubby landing gear.]]
 +
The P-59A ''Airacomet'' is quite an unusual jet with a number of unique and quirky characteristics. Firstly, it has a very low battle rating considering it is a jet. The reason for this is due to how poor its performance is compared to every other jet and most super-props (P-51H, F8F-1B, Bf 109 K-4, G.56, I-225). Secondly, the aircraft is unbelievably manoeuvrable and able to out-turn Spitfires at the BR with the correct usage of the combat flaps and rudder. These oddities make the ''Airacomet'' a very interesting plane to fly and the complete opposite of 90% of jets the player might've flown before. The P-59 has excellent manoeuvrability and decent roll rate. The very terrible acceleration is something to keep an eye on, but in a straight line, you will be able to catch other opponents. It will take a long time to get up to speed, but sooner or later, you'll catch your opponent if they continue to fly in a straight line.  
  
 
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB). -->
 
<!-- Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB). -->
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[[File:P-59A mrlight013 001.png|450px|thumb|right|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' helps an enemy Japanese fighter perform the very complicated end-over manoeuvre which requires careful removal of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers.]]
 
There are three ways the player can use the P-59A; energy fighter, highly manoeuvrable dogfighter, or interceptor.
 
There are three ways the player can use the P-59A; energy fighter, highly manoeuvrable dogfighter, or interceptor.
  
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=== Dogfighter ===
 
=== Dogfighter ===
  
−
* The role that P-59A excels the most at is as a medium-altitude dogfighter. This role will allow you to use its unbelievable manoeuvrability to the fullest. The only aircraft that can keep up to you in turns are Zero's, Reppu's, and the occasional Ki-61. You can outspeed all of them very easily due to their very low top-end speeds, however. It is important to know that you can only outturn Spitfires and Yak-3's with appropriate use of combat flaps and efficient application of the aircraft's solid rudder. A smart pilot will also use the aircraft's great roll rate to help manoeuvre around opponents. The close-range nature of dogfighting is also a boon to the P-59A because of the 37 mm cannon's mediocre muzzle velocity of 610 m/s compared to the Browning's 900 m/s, and at close range, you do not have to worry about that difference.
+
* The role that P-59A excels the most at is as a medium-altitude dogfighter. This role will allow you to use its unbelievable manoeuvrability to the fullest. The only aircraft that can keep up to you in turns are the Zero's, the Reppu's and the occasional Ki-61. You can outspeed all of them very easily due to their very low top-end speeds, however. It is important to know that you can only outturn Spitfires and Yak-3's with appropriate use of combat flaps and efficient application of the aircraft's solid rudder. A smart pilot will also use the aircraft's great roll rate to help manoeuvre around opponents. The close-range nature of dogfighting is also a boon to the P-59A because of the 37 mm cannon's mediocre muzzle velocity of 610 m/s compared to the Browning's 900 m/s, and at close range, you do not have to worry about that difference.
  
 
=== Interceptor ===
 
=== Interceptor ===
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=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
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[[File:P-59A thememethunder 001.png|450px|thumb|right|]]
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! Tier
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- 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". -->
 
<!-- 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". -->
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[[File:P-59A *kamikazi-kit 002.jpg|450px|thumb|right|]]
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
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== 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.''
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{{Youtube-gallery|bMBeS_tZRSI|'''P-59A Airacomet - Early Look & Review''' - ''BaconGaming''}}
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;Images
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<div><ul>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:P-59A_WTWallpaper_001.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:P-59A_WTWallpaper_002.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:P-59A_WTWallpaper_003.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:P-59A_WTWallpaper_004.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:P-59A_WTWallpaper_005.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:P-59A_WTWallpaper_006.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:P-59A_WTWallpaper_007.jpg|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
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</div></ul>
  
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|kBC3HJaagyg|'''P-59 Airacomet - Everything You Need to Know''' - ''WhooptieDo''|bMBeS_tZRSI|'''P-59A Airacomet - Early Look & Review''' - ''BaconGaming''|CKMPev8s8QM|'''P-59A Airacomet "The Most OP Thing I Have Flown In Years!"''' - ''Bo Time Gaming''}}
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
 +
;Related development
 +
* Bell [[P-39 (Family)|P-39]] Airacobra
 +
* Bell [[P-63 (Family)|P-63]] Kingcobra
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
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* de Havilland [[Vampire FB 5|Vampire]]
 +
* Gloster [[Meteor (Family)|Meteor]]
 +
* Lockheed [[F-80A-5|F-80]] Shooting Star
 +
* Messerschmitt [[Me 262 (Family)|Me 262]]
 +
* Nakajima [[Kikka]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Revision as of 15:32, 29 November 2019

P-59A
p-59a.png
P-59A
USA flag.png USA
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.3 5.7 6.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

GarageImage P-59A.jpg


The P-59A is a gift rank IV American jet fighter with a battle rating of 5.3 (AB), 5.7 (RB), and 6.7 (SB). It was introduced during Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy" as a reward for the Operation H.E.A.T event. It is currently rare vehicle and is obtainable through the Gaijin Marketplace.

General info

Flight performance

Without having to worry about propeller clearance, the P-59A had stubby landing gear.

The P-59A Airacomet is quite an unusual jet with a number of unique and quirky characteristics. Firstly, it has a very low battle rating considering it is a jet. The reason for this is due to how poor its performance is compared to every other jet and most super-props (P-51H, F8F-1B, Bf 109 K-4, G.56, I-225). Secondly, the aircraft is unbelievably manoeuvrable and able to out-turn Spitfires at the BR with the correct usage of the combat flaps and rudder. These oddities make the Airacomet a very interesting plane to fly and the complete opposite of 90% of jets the player might've flown before. The P-59 has excellent manoeuvrability and decent roll rate. The very terrible acceleration is something to keep an eye on, but in a straight line, you will be able to catch other opponents. It will take a long time to get up to speed, but sooner or later, you'll catch your opponent if they continue to fly in a straight line.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 9,144 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
659 638 13000 20.9 21.4 16.1 15.3 457
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 9,144 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
723 690 13000 19.2 20.0 23.4 19.5 457

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
520 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 450 < 420 < 350 N/A
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
0 m 750 kgf 780 kgf

Survivability and armour

  • 6.35 mm steel plate mounted behind the armaments
  • 6.35 mm steel plate in front of the pilot
  • 38 mm bulletproof glass (63°) mounted in the windshield
  • 2 x 6.35 steel plates behind the pilot seat
  • 9.5 mm steel plate mounted behind the pilot's head

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: M10 (37 mm), Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The P-59A is armed with:

  • 1 x 37 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (45 rpg)
  • 3 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (600 rpg = 1,800 total)

Usage in battles

The P-59A helps an enemy Japanese fighter perform the very complicated end-over manoeuvre which requires careful removal of the vertical and horizontal stabilizers.

There are three ways the player can use the P-59A; energy fighter, highly manoeuvrable dogfighter, or interceptor.

Energy Fighter

  • The P-59A is a decent energy fighter that can be used versus enemies with worse energy retention, such as most twin-engine fighters and the Fw 190's. This tactic should not be flown versus aircraft like Spitfires, 109's and Ki-84's, however. All of these aircraft have far superior energy retention, climb rates, and speeds than you do. You should only try to out-stall an opponent when they are coming to you with an energy disadvantage, as the Airacomet has a relatively high stall speed and mediocre climb rate. It is to be noted, however, that the aircraft can very easily recover from a full stall but is a little unstable after having to pull the nose down.

Dogfighter

  • The role that P-59A excels the most at is as a medium-altitude dogfighter. This role will allow you to use its unbelievable manoeuvrability to the fullest. The only aircraft that can keep up to you in turns are the Zero's, the Reppu's and the occasional Ki-61. You can outspeed all of them very easily due to their very low top-end speeds, however. It is important to know that you can only outturn Spitfires and Yak-3's with appropriate use of combat flaps and efficient application of the aircraft's solid rudder. A smart pilot will also use the aircraft's great roll rate to help manoeuvre around opponents. The close-range nature of dogfighting is also a boon to the P-59A because of the 37 mm cannon's mediocre muzzle velocity of 610 m/s compared to the Browning's 900 m/s, and at close range, you do not have to worry about that difference.

Interceptor

  • The P-59A is a very solid interceptor that can easily climb up to bomber altitude and shred their airframes with the potent armament layout at its disposal. Be sure to steer clear of the gunners, as even though your airframe can take a beating, its never a good idea to tail a bomber with at least decent defensive armaments. One should come in at an oblique angle and aim at the wings and engines of the enemy.

Specific enemies worth noting:

  • A6M5. The dreaded Zero is an aeroplane to be feared while playing the P-59A, due to the fact that it is one of very few aircraft that can turn with you. Under no circumstances are you to engage a Zero in a manoeuvring fight, as it'll turn circles around you. The Zero is plagued by several downfalls though, namely an extremely weak airframe and slow top-end speeds, and you can take advantage of both of these.
  • A7M2/A7M1. Being a cousin of the legendary Zero, you can expect a similar flight style between the two. The Reppu keeps the manoeuvrability of its cousin while improving speed, acceleration and armaments. Approach a Reppu the same way you would approach the Zero.

Modules

P-59A thememethunder 001.png
Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 12 mm MGs
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 37 mm
IV G-suit Cover New 37 mm cannons

Being a premium, all modules are unlocked upon acquiring the vehicle.

The recommended belts to use are Tracers for the Brownings and either Default or Universal for the 37 mm cannon.

Pros and cons

P-59A *kamikazi-kit 002.jpg

Pros:

  • Unbelievable manoeuvrability for a jet
  • Solid armament layout centred entirely in the nose
  • Great roll rate
  • Sturdy airframe which can take a beating
  • Tricycle landing gear to help with high-speed landings
  • Access to premium rewards
  • Very low repair cost

Cons:

  • Slow for a jet, unable to keep up with most super-props
  • Mediocre acceleration due to being an early jet aircraft
  • 37 mm cannon rounds can be less effective and easily deflected dut to the angle of attack
  • Large target when coming in from above or below
  • Wings are littered with fuel tanks

History

The P-59A Airacomet is the very first US jet-powered fighter, whose development began back in 1941, when the USA received the schematics for the Whittle turbojet engine from Great Britain. It was the Bell Aircraft Corporation that signed the contract to assemble the New World’s first jet-powered fighter. Despite the unicity of the task at hand and lack of experience in the development of jet-powered aircraft, the company was planning on launching a serial production of the fighter as opposed to just building a test unit. The first aircraft was assembled as early as 1942 and underwent testing until 1944 – the engineers were struggling to solve a multitude of technical issues caused by the new engines. Once the majority of the engine-tuning problems were fixed, it turned out that the flight characteristics of the new vehicle couldn’t surpass even those of serially produced piston-engine models. Nonetheless, a small series of P-59s was manufactured – a total of 66 aircraft branded “Airacomets”. The US jet-powered firstling failed to impress the military, and soon all combat aircraft were replaced with P-80 Shooting Stars.

- From Devblog

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

Images
  • P-59A WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • P-59A WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • P-59A WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • P-59A WTWallpaper 004.jpg
  • P-59A WTWallpaper 005.jpg
  • P-59A WTWallpaper 006.jpg
  • P-59A WTWallpaper 007.jpg
    • </div>
Videos
P-59 Airacomet - Everything You Need to Know - WhooptieDo
P-59A Airacomet - Early Look & Review - BaconGaming
P-59A Airacomet "The Most OP Thing I Have Flown In Years!" - Bo Time Gaming

See also

Related development
  • Bell P-39 Airacobra
  • Bell P-63 Kingcobra
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-14  F-14A Early · F-14B
F-15  F-15A
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-6  A-6E TRAM
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late
B-57  B-57A · B-57B
F-105  F-105D
F-111  F-111A

USA premium aircraft
Fighters  Thach's F2A-1 · Galer's F3F-2 · F2G-1 · F4U-4B VMF-214 · P-26A-34 · P-40C · P-43A-1
  P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-51A · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · ␠Kingcobra · XP-55
  ▃A6M2 · ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc
Twin-engine fighters  XP-38G · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · YP-38 · P-61A-11 · XF5F · XP-50 · F7F-3
Jet fighters  P-59A · F-86F-35 · F-89B · F-89D · F-4S Phantom II · F-5C · F-20A
Strike aircraft  A-1H · A2D-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 · AV-8A · A-6E TRAM · A-10A
Bombers  A-26C-45DT · B-10B · BTD-1 · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PV-2D

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