Difference between revisions of "P-63A-10"

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{{Specs-Card
 
|code=p-63a-10
 
|cockpit=332094/1438686
 
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = P-63 (Family)
 
| link = P-63 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-63a-10
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_p-63a-10.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
<!--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.-->
+
<!-- ''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}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 +
 
 +
This later mark of the A-model Kingcobra is quite similar to the earlier [[P-63A-5]]. Aside from the striking golden target camouflage, the airframe itself only has minor detail differences. Internally, it has modified armament and extra engine power. The best performing Kingcobra at low altitudes, the P-63A-10 is a versatile fighter with good speed, climb, armament, and agility. Intercepting bombers up high, zooming around at sea level with a hefty bombload, and diving on unfortunate victims with talons drawn are all within a day's work for this lethal aircraft. It requires some finesse to fly but can give feared opponents like the [[Bf 109 F-4]] a serious run for their money.
  
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
Kingcobra fans can try the foldered [[P-63C-5]], a very similar aircraft tuned for better performance at medium to high altitudes.
{{break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This fighter has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
  
 
== 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.-->
+
{{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 P-63A-10 has fairly good all-round characteristics. As with most US aircraft, it handles well at high speeds. The elevator and roll do not compress much even past 600 km/h IAS, though the rudder does lose effectiveness past that point. Low speed manoeuvrability is poor and the turning performance becomes sluggish under around 300 km/h IAS. Unique for a US fighter is the good climb rate, comparable to the German [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]] series. It matches the Bf 109 F-4 in climb up to 2,000 m and starts to fall behind slightly at 3,000 m. Past that, the P-63's performance decreases and the difference in climb rate becomes more pronounced, though it is still quite decent at 4,000-5,000 m and can outclimb [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190s]] and most Soviet fighters at these altitudes. Try not to go much higher than that.
 +
 
 +
Kingcobras are known for their excellent roll rates, good vertical/horizontal energy retention, and poor manoeuvring energy retention. The P-63A-10's low-altitude speed and climb are excellent. Its top speed at sea level is about 595 km/h, matching the [[P-51D-5]] Mustang. It takes some time to reach this speed in level flight. Having some altitude and entering a shallow dive speeds up the process.
  
This aircraft is a good all altitude fighter. The {{PAGENAME}} can out-climb most of its opponents, un-upgraded, although "side-climbing" is recommended when the higher altitudes are reached. Its straight line speed, especially at higher altitudes, is respectable, competing with Bf 109s of the rank. This aircraft has a poor turn-time at slower speeds, but as with most US aircraft, its high-speed performance is significantly better than the aircraft it faces (except perhaps the I-185), making it a good Boom & Zoom aircraft. Tactically, the aircraft is good for small dives against turn-fighting opponents on the tail of your allies, from around 1,000 m or less above the target. Keeping any "side-climbers" down is normally good since the speed and rate of climb allow the P-63 to catch these planes and send them back down.
+
The P-63A-10 shares the same Allison V-1710-93 engine with the P-63A-5 but has a higher boost pressure. It has about 150 less horsepower on normal settings and about 300 more when using WEP. The engine tends to run hot when using WEP as a result and it's important to manage the temperature. Aggressive throttle control can over-rev the engine, so avoid gunning straight to WEP during takeoff.
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
The overall handling is very familiar for anyone used to flying the P-63A-5, but it may feel slightly heavier at times due to the weight introduced by the new features on this variant. The increased engine power is more than enough to compensate for the most part.
|-
+
 
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,650 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,650 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! 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
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| 628 || 614 || 12,200 || 24.1 || 24.5 || 17.1 || 19.2 || 289
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,650 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! 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
+
! Stock
! RB
+
| 610 || 593 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.1 || 17.4 || 17.4 || rowspan="2" | 289
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 701 || 650 || 12,200 || 22.5 || 23.0 || 30.0 || 22.2 || 289
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 700 || 650 || 22.4 || 23.0 || 29.3 || 22.2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====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    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
{| 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 !! + !! -
! -
 
|-
 
| 901 || 300 || 480 || ~15 || ~7
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
| < 430 || < 430 || < 419 || > 250
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 378 || 359 || 262 || ~12 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
! Optimal altitude
+
| < 410 || < 380 || < 410 || > 420
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
| 7,000 m || 1,100 hp || 1,705 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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and 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.'' -->
  
 
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plates x 2, lower fore cockpit
 
* 15.87 mm Steel - Plates x 2, lower fore cockpit
Line 144: Line 94:
 
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate protecting oil cooling system
 
* 12.7 mm Steel - Plate protecting oil cooling system
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
 
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen
 +
 +
The Kingcobra provides quite a lot of protection for its pilot in both the front and back. Pilot snipes are a relatively rare occurrence as a result. However the rear placement of the engine poses some issues; it can block some fire from the rear, but this means that pursuing fighters can potentially damage or even knock out the engine. Another issue with the design is that the fuselage has essentially no room for fuel tanks, and they are placed in the outboard section of the wings as a result. The fuel tanks, though self-sealing, can be ignited by stray fire and will often spell doom for the Kingcobra. The durability is otherwise quite decent. Given some distance and mild evasive manoeuvres, incoming fire will often bounce off with little damage.
 +
 +
The US P-63A-10 and P-63C-5 are known for their garish paint schemes, which come from their real life use as "Pinball" gunnery targets by the US military. This can be a liability in Ground RB or Simulator battles since it's easier for enemies to spot than the typical brown or blue camouflages of US aircraft. If looking like a ripe banana is a problem, the P-63A-10 has an unlockable silver USAAF camouflage more similar to the [[P-51D-20-NA]] or [[P-63C-5 (France)|French P-63C-5]]. Pristine aluminum is not low profile either, but at least it does not literally invite enemy fire!
 +
 +
=== 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}}
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|M10 (37 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|M10 (37 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
 
* 1 x 37 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (58 rpg)
 
* 1 x 37 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (58 rpg)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
  
The improved 37 mm gun improves damage to aircraft since the 4 x 12.7 mm Brownings are not greatly powerful at the higher ranks- the 37 mm gun compliments the 12.7 mm machine guns as a good bomber hunter, combined with the sleek profile of the aircraft.
+
The P-63A-10 replaces the P-63A-5's M4 cannon, originally inherited from the [[P-39 (Family)|P-39 Airacobra]], with a new M10 cannon. The M10 uses a disintegrating link feed system and has better performance: faster rate of fire, lower chance of jamming, and almost twice the ammunition. Unfortunately it still has atrocious accuracy when stock, so don't use it outside of point-blank range until the New 37 mm Cannon upgrade is researched. It takes practice to aim and is best used within 500 m since it has a tendency to spark upon glancing hits. The good news is that a successful hit will usually obliterate any single-engined aircraft. For larger aircraft hits to the tail or wings can be instantly fatal. The Default belt works well since it consists entirely of HE rounds. The Ground Targets belt with 50% AP-T content may seem like a good choice for attacking tanks, but anyone expecting similar results to the [[Yak-9T]]'s 37 mm cannon will be disappointed. The poor muzzle velocity, lower penetration, and lack of a full-AP belt make the M10 cannon much less lethal in Ground RB. A good strafing run would be lucky to knock out a crew member or module. As such, reserve the cannon for harassing tanks if bombs are unavailable or expended.
 +
 
 +
The four M2 Browning machine guns are still equipped with mid-war belts. For anti-aircraft purposes the Universal belt is the best due to the high content of M8 AP-I rounds. They are good at starting fires and will dispatch fragile opponents like Yaks and Bf 109s with ease. Unfortunately they don't have much burst mass and are less effective against sturdy targets than the typical US 6-gun complement; this is noticeable when fighting Fw 190s, for example. Another downside specific to the P-63A-10 and P-63C-5 Kingcobras is that their machine guns have less ammunition than the P-63A-5. The wing guns lost 50 rounds per gun to make room for the new wing hardpoints and the nose guns lost 20 rounds because of the new cannon installation. Mind your aim and fire in long bursts only if you're sure that they will hit. The cannon can finish off twin-engined fighters and bombers.
 +
 
 +
The nose guns are tightly clustered and the two wing-mounted M2 Brownings are mounted midway on the wings. This makes convergence an issue. A common recommendation is to use 400-500 m convergence to concentrate the machine gun fire. Consider turning on vertical targeting if using a lower convergence setting, this makes leading the cannon easier by compensating for its poor muzzle velocity. Vertical targeting will make attacking ground vehicles more awkward so it has more drawbacks in Ground RB.
  
 
=== 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.-->
+
{{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|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be configured with the following ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
 
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
 +
The P-63A-5 only had a single hardpoint under the fuselage for a 500 lb bomb. The P-63A-10 has new wing hardpoints and can carry triple the bomb load, a welcome improvement. The wing bombs will drop as a pair first and the second drop will release the fuselage bomb. The US 500 lb bomb is not particularly powerful but can still do good work if delivered with reasonable accuracy. The first drop is more forgiving since the two bombs have a decent combined blast radius. The second drop is more demanding but the centreline position allows you to deliver it precisely; it is very satisfying to land it next to or on top of an enemy tank.
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''Air RB'''
 +
 
 +
The P-63A-10 has good all-round characteristics and lends itself to several possible strategies. Examine what nations are present on the enemy team; Axis teams usually have Bf 109s, C.205s, J2Ms, and similar fighters that climb well and typically attack from above, while Soviet teams tend to stay at low to medium altitudes and can be comfortably outclimbed. If you want to work with an altitude advantage against Axis teams, try sideclimbing once you reach 3,000-4,000 m, but remember that high altitude operations are better left to Thunderbolts, Lightnings, and Mustangs. If using Manual Engine Controls, open up the radiators to high percentages while climbing. They effectively keep the engine cool on WEP and can be closed more at high altitude or during combat.
 +
 
 +
Going after bombers is a valid option provided that they are not at extreme altitudes; attack from underneath, directly above, or the side and try not to sit on their tails. Open up with the machine guns early on, and once the distance is short enough for consistent hits to be scored, start using the cannon in short bursts. Ideally the machine guns can knock out defensive gunners and start fires while the cannon can rip off tails or wings. It is very satisfying to dismember a bomber with a well-placed cannon shot. Remember that though the P-63's engine is not located in the front, the unarmoured propeller hub is part of the same damage model. And even small calibre machine guns can ignite the wing fuel tanks with fatal results.
 +
 
 +
The P-63 excels at diving attacks on attackers and fighters due to its mild control compression, durable wings, and good energy retention. If the target evades, simply zoom climb back up or extend away, then look for an opening to engage again. Wear down their energy, get some hits in, and use the Kingcobra's potent bite to finish them off once they are low and slow. This tactic works well against climbing targets since they will be continuously forced down. Just be careful against Soviet fighters since they perform optimally at low altitude.
 +
 
 +
When committing to a dogfight, keep hard turns at high speed to a minimum. Although the P-63 is surprisingly nimble in these conditions, such manoeuvres tend to bleed its energy and put a lot of stress on the pilot. It is safer to keep some distance from your opponent and turn more gently instead of aggressively following; only do the latter if you are certain that you can secure the kill. This does not mean that turning engagements are forbidden since that would be a waste of the P-63's good manoeuvrability (for a US fighter). Just avoid dumping speed all at once and getting sucked into a difficult low-speed engagement. If the P-63's speed drops below 300 km/h during turnfights or loops, use combat flaps to improve the turn rate in the meantime and try to regain speed as quickly as possible.
 +
 
 +
With WEP, the P-63A-10 has a significantly better power-to-weight ratio than the somewhat underpowered P-63A-5. This means that you can engage in turnfights, spiral climbs, and stall climbs more comfortably. The low speed handling isn't any better so try to avoid those if you can.
  
An interceptor in any respect. Unlike most American designs the Kingcobra lacks heavy payload for ground attack duties. While the 37 mm can load anti-tank rounds, the plane will lose its excellent anti-air HE shells. Of course, the 12.7 heavy machine guns can be used against planes, in a ground attack role they are rather used on soft targets, as the AP shell lacks high-explosive damage radius to deal with AAA & SPAA quickly. The AP shells also require more accuracy while shooting and thus are inferior to the .50 cal Brownings on range e.g. with the HMG effective fire against light targets is possible from 600 m, but with the 37 mm AP shells, this needs to be reduced to 400 m.
+
Evasive manoeuvres and defensive flying are important skills to master in the P-63. If the pursuer has a lower top speed than the P-63 and does not have ludicrously powerful cannons, extend away in a shallow dive and make slight dodges upwards and downwards to easily dodge incoming fire. With the P-63A-10 you can escape by diving to sea level, almost no contemporary fighters can keep up if you hold onto your speed. Rolling scissors are effective to force overshoots against opponents with poor roll rates. As a last resort, combining roll, elevator, and rudder results in an unpredictable and rapid spiral while bleeding speed quickly.
  
The aircraft is not intended, nor should be used, as a ground attack vehicle, since it can only carry three, 500 lb bombs, which is a respectable amount, but the ammunition count for the 12.7 mm guns is not great, 250 rpg. The 37 mm gun can be used as ground attack, although this tactic isn't preferred by some as it reduces the ammo count as a whole for the aircraft, which is one of its limiting factors in combat.  
+
The general flow of battle can be unpredictable. If your team has numerous sideclimbing fighters like the contemporary [[P-51C-10]], you can enter battle slightly ahead of them and tie up the enemy, setting them up for friendly boom-and-zoom attacks. Dragging Axis fighters to lower altitudes can work well since they tend to be significantly slower there. Against Soviet aircraft, stick to boom-and-zoom attacks and maintain a safe distance. Their low speed handling and power-to-weight are significantly better and their speeds are comparable. The [[Yak-3]] is superior in a dogfight and the [[Yak-9U]] exceeds the P-63A-10 in almost all metrics except high-speed handling, roll, and armament.
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
'''Ground RB'''
 +
 
 +
The P-63A-10 is a good yet uncommon choice for Ground RB. Many US fighters or attackers like the [[F6F-5|Hellcat]] and [[P-47D-25|Thunderbolt]] can carry heavy ground attack ordnance but are out of their element in the low-altitude environment of Ground RB matches. Their high altitude performance advantages are moot and they struggle to turn or climb effectively, making it easier for Bf 109s, C.205s, and even Zeroes to mop them up. The P-63A-10 has excellent performance at low altitudes and is right at home in the skies above tank battles.
 +
 
 +
If there are no enemy fighters, take the bomb payload and consider loading the Ground Targets belt for the cannon. After spawning in, gain some altitude or speed and look for targets to bomb. When the bombs have been expended, extend away and gain some altitude while getting your bearings. If enemy aircraft are present, climb some more and engage once you have an energy advantage. If the skies are clear you can fly around the map and strafe targets. Returning to base to reload the bombs is an option if the battle is not moving very quickly. If you think enemy aircraft will be inbound soon, climb to get the drop on them when they spawn in.
 +
 
 +
The P-63A-10 cannot cope with enemy fighters when burdened with its full bombload. There is unfortunately no option to take only the centreline bomb, so think carefully before spawning in. If it turns out that your team does not have control of the air, you can ditch the ordnance and go after fighters, then return to the airfield once it's safe to reload the bombs. A more risky option is deliver the bombs and make a beeline towards your airfield using your sea level speed. Once covered by friendly airfield AA, you can climb and reset the engagement on your terms.
 +
 
 +
A well-flown P-63A-10 can destroy and harass both ground and air targets. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, few opponents will give you trouble and your team will appreciate the close air support and clear skies.
 +
 
 +
=== 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
 
! Water
 
! Type
 
|-
 
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|}
 
 
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
 
|-
 
|-
| I
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
| II
+
| Controllable || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
|  
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
| FMBC mk.1
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Wings Repair
 
| Engine
 
|  
 
| Offensive 37 mm
 
|
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
| Engine Injection
 
| Cover
 
| New 37 mm Cannons
 
|  
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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".-->
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<!-- ''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:'''
Line 237: Line 186:
 
* Good horizontal speed and acceleration
 
* Good horizontal speed and acceleration
 
* Excellent dive speed
 
* Excellent dive speed
* Excellent performance under high speed
+
* Excellent performance at high speed, relatively minor compression
* Good rate of climb
+
* Good climb rate
 
* Good turn radius
 
* Good turn radius
* Decent energy retention
+
* Good energy retention if manoeuvring is kept to a minimum
* 37 mm cannon can chew bombers easily
+
* 37 mm cannon can dismantle bombers' airframes easily
* 37 mm default belt is made up of all HE shells, suited for air targets
 
* 37 mm shells are deadly against anything flying and open-topped vehicles and SPAAs
 
 
* No fuel tank in the fuselage
 
* No fuel tank in the fuselage
* Good armament at closer ranges
+
* Can carry an impressive 1,500 lbs worth of bombs if the need arises
* Can carry an impressive 1500 lbs worth of bombs if the need arises
+
* Good amount of 37 mm shells
* Has an unlockable camouflage that doesn't attack too much attention unlike its default camouflage
 
* Works incredibly well with individual weapon controls; first spray your target with the .50 cal, then finish it off with the 37 mm when close enough
 
* Almost double the amount of 37 mm shells compared to previous iterations of Bell aircraft
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Poor turn time at lower speeds
 
* Poor turn time at lower speeds
* Control surfaces lock up at higher speeds, often resulting in crashing since the dive angle is too steep
+
* Poor manoeuvring energy retention, bleeds speed in hard turns
 
* Large difference in trajectory between 37 mm and 12.7 mm, limiting the opportunities at which the firepower of both can be utilized
 
* Large difference in trajectory between 37 mm and 12.7 mm, limiting the opportunities at which the firepower of both can be utilized
* 37 mm cannot penetrate tank armour even at optimal angles with APT shells
+
* 37 mm cannon is not very effective against tanks
* 37 mm projectiles have extremely low muzzle velocity and accuracy
+
* Limited ammunition for the machine guns
* 37 mm ammo belts selection doesn't really offer anything in particular, especially lacking in a pure AP composition
 
* .50 cal ammo count somehow feels inadequate
 
* Attacking bombers yields a high risk exposing yourself into gunner fire because you have to get close to be effective with the 37 mm
 
 
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks and easily set ablaze
 
* Wings are littered with fuel tanks and easily set ablaze
* When being chased, the engine is susceptible to damage which can be fatal
 
* Energy retention is less than average, so a higher combat-entry speed required to escape safely
 
* Low altitude performance is less than average, although the flat out speed makes up for this a little
 
 
* Default paint scheme makes the aircraft visible at a longer distance
 
* Default paint scheme makes the aircraft visible at a longer distance
  
 
== 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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. 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).''
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<!-- ''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-63 Kingcobra was an improved version of the P-39 Airacobra. The P-63A was the first production variant, and production began in October 1943. The USAAF found the P-63 to be inferior to other designs such as the P-51 Mustang, so it was not ordered in quantity. But, production began to facilitate export to the Soviet Union through the Lend-Lease Act.
 +
 
 +
The Soviet Union played a major role in the development of the P-63, and it was tested heavily in Russia. The P-63A sub-variants were mostly developed as a result of Soviet feedback since the Soviet Union was the largest buyer of the Kingcobra. The P-63A-5 sub-variant incorporated more pilot armour and a fuselage hardpoint, the A-6 added two wing hardpoints and extra fuel tanks, and the 37 mm gun was moved forward on the A-9 due to Soviet feedback - increasing the ammunition load from 30 to 58 rounds.
 +
 
 +
The P-63A was not used for combat operations by the USAAF. Instead, they were often converted to target aircraft for aerial gunnery training. Most P-63s, though, were exported to the Soviet Union during the war through the Lend-Lease Act.
 +
 
 +
The P-63 was removed from the Soviet western front in 1943 in order to focus the units on the east for an eventual invasion of Japan. However, both Soviet units and German units reported the presence of P-63 fighters on that front. One Soviet account goes as far as to say that the entire 4th Guards Aviation Regiment (4 GvlAP) was converted to the P-63 in 1944, while they were officially flying the P-39. German accounts also detail the downing of P-63 aircraft by flak guns and fighter aircraft. The official Soviet records still claim that only P-39s were used against Germany.
 +
 
 +
In the time before the P-63s were transferred to the east, it had been proven as a capable fighter, although there is a widely believed myth that P-63s were used only in the ground attack role. The Kingcobra was able to achieve a number of victories over German aircraft in that time. In the Pacific theatre, P-63s were used during the Soviet invasion of Manchuko and northern Korea. They flew ground attack, close air support, and escort missions in that theatre. The first Soviet air victory with the type in the Pacific was on 15 August 1945, when Lejtenant I. F. Miroshnichenko from 17th IAP/190 IAD, shot down a Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa IJAAS fighter off the coast of North Korea.
 +
 
 +
The Soviet Air Force maintained large quantities of P-63 Kingcobras after the war, with P-63s remaining in service throughout the Korean War in the 1950s.
  
=== In-game description ===
+
The French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) received 114 P-63 Kingcobras in 1945. These units were received too late to participate in World War 2, and they were first deployed to Algeria. When the French Indochina War broke out, the P-63s were sent to Indochina immediately. By January 1950, only 60 P-63s remained operational due to a lack of spare parts since the United States refused to provide them. The squadrons equipped with the Kingcobra began to receive the F8F Bearcat in February 1951, and the P-63 was taken out of service soon after. The last flight of a P-63 in Indochina occurred in September 1951.
 +
 
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{{break}}
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{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
Bell P-63A-6/A-7/A-8/A-9/A-10 Kingcobra Army Fighter
 
Bell P-63A-6/A-7/A-8/A-9/A-10 Kingcobra Army Fighter
  
The A-6 series introduced two additional multipurpose pylons under the wings, which could hold two 500-lb (227-kg) bombs or two additional fuel tanks with a capacity of 75 gallons (284 liters). To provide the extra space needed, the Colt-Browning M2.5 12.7mm machine guns in the wings had their ammunition reduced from 250 to 200 rounds per gun. To reduce the risk of the plane going into a flat spin, the shape of the elevator fin was changed, and its area was reduced. A total of 130 A-6 aircraft were built.
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The A-6 series introduced two additional multipurpose pylons under the wings, which could hold two 500 lb (227 kg) bombs or two additional fuel tanks with a capacity of 75 gallons (284 liters). To provide the extra space needed, the Colt-Browning M2 .50 cal 12.7 mm machine guns in the wings had their ammunition reduced from 250 to 200 rounds per gun. To reduce the risk of the plane going into a flat spin, the shape of the elevator fin was changed, and its area was reduced. A total of 130 A-6 aircraft were built.
  
During operation, the A-1, A-5, and A-6 aircraft exhibited a strain in the skin of their wings, so the A-7 series (150 planes) featured a thicker lining and reinforced structure. The fighter also had difficulty when exiting a dive or performing vertical maneuvers. This was partially countered by installing a counterbalance in the elevator control system and by increasing the area of the elevator fin. The problem was completely eliminated only by the time modification C was released.
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During operation, the A-1, A-5, and A-6 aircraft exhibited a strain in the skin of their wings, so the A-7 series (150 planes) featured a thicker lining and reinforced structure. The fighter also had difficulty when exiting a dive or performing vertical manoeuvres. This was partially countered by installing a counterbalance in the elevator control system and by increasing the area of the elevator fin. The problem was completely eliminated only by the time modification C was released.
  
The A-8 series (200 aircraft) had the Allison V-1710 engine, equipped with a water-methanol mixture direct-injection afterburner which could be used to briefly increase engine power to 1800 hp. Also, the airplane was fitted with an improved propeller (the Aeroproducts A6425-D3), an N-6 camera was installed, and the aircraft's armor was upgraded to 85.5 kilograms.
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The A-8 series (200 aircraft) had the Allison V-1710 engine, equipped with a water-methanol mixture direct-injection afterburner which could be used to briefly increase engine power to 1,800 hp. Also, the airplane was fitted with an improved propeller (the Aeroproducts A6425-D3), an N-6 camera was installed, and the aircraft's armour was upgraded to 85.5 kg.
  
The A-9 series (445 aircraft) had its armament strengthened at the request of the Red Army Air Force. A Colt-Browning M10 37mm cannon was installed. The new gun featured improved ballistics and 58 more rounds of ammunition per gun. To make space for this change, the ammunition for the fuselage guns was reduced to 250 rounds each. In addition, 5 kg of armor were added when the pilot's seat was upgraded.
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The A-9 series (445 aircraft) had its armament strengthened at the request of the Red Army Air Force. A Colt-Browning M10 37 mm cannon was installed. The new gun featured improved ballistics and 58 more rounds of ammunition per gun. To make space for this change, the ammunition for the fuselage guns was reduced to 250 rounds each. In addition, 5 kg of armour were added when the pilot's seat was upgraded.
  
The A-10 series (730 aircraft) received new N-9 sights. The mass of the aircraft's armor had reached 121 kg, and the aircraft could carry 6 unguided rockets.
+
The A-10 series (730 aircraft) received new N-9 sights. The mass of the aircraft's armour had reached 121 kg, and the aircraft could carry 6 unguided rockets.
  
 
As the improved P-63A was being delivered to the Soviet Union, priority shifted to supplying the eastern armies preparing for military action against Japan. During the campaign of August 1945 in the Far East, the P-63 was used to escort bombers and reconnaissance aircraft as well as to cover troops from the air and attack Japanese encampments.
 
As the improved P-63A was being delivered to the Soviet Union, priority shifted to supplying the eastern armies preparing for military action against Japan. During the campaign of August 1945 in the Far East, the P-63 was used to escort bombers and reconnaissance aircraft as well as to cover troops from the air and attack Japanese encampments.
  
 
From October 1943 to December 1944, Bell Aircraft produced a total of 1,725 P-63A fighter aircraft, after which the design was replaced by the C modification.
 
From October 1943 to December 1944, Bell Aircraft produced a total of 1,725 P-63A fighter aircraft, after which the design was replaced by the C modification.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p-63a-10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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 +
;Videos
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{{Youtube-gallery|HngkX0N1kjE|'''P63A10 -Solid All Rounder''' - ''AdamTheEnginerd''|G-3D2Vg85bY|'''Barrel Roll: P-63A-10 Kingcobra''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== 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.''-->
  
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
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* {{Specs-Link|p-63a-10_ussr}} - USSR lend-lease aircraft
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/340955-p-63a-10/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 
{{USA fighters}}
 
{{USA fighters}}

Revision as of 21:51, 21 October 2022

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the American fighter P-63A-10. For other versions, see P-63 (Family).
P-63A-10
p-63a-10.png
GarageImage P-63A-10.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/c/ca/Cockpit_p-63a-10.jpg
P-63A-10
AB RB SB
4.0 4.0 4.7
Class:
Research:33 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:105 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The P-63A-10 Kingcobra is a rank III American fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 4.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

This later mark of the A-model Kingcobra is quite similar to the earlier P-63A-5. Aside from the striking golden target camouflage, the airframe itself only has minor detail differences. Internally, it has modified armament and extra engine power. The best performing Kingcobra at low altitudes, the P-63A-10 is a versatile fighter with good speed, climb, armament, and agility. Intercepting bombers up high, zooming around at sea level with a hefty bombload, and diving on unfortunate victims with talons drawn are all within a day's work for this lethal aircraft. It requires some finesse to fly but can give feared opponents like the Bf 109 F-4 a serious run for their money.

Kingcobra fans can try the foldered P-63C-5, a very similar aircraft tuned for better performance at medium to high altitudes.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 650 m650 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude12 200 m
EngineAllison V-1710-93
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t

The P-63A-10 has fairly good all-round characteristics. As with most US aircraft, it handles well at high speeds. The elevator and roll do not compress much even past 600 km/h IAS, though the rudder does lose effectiveness past that point. Low speed manoeuvrability is poor and the turning performance becomes sluggish under around 300 km/h IAS. Unique for a US fighter is the good climb rate, comparable to the German Bf 109 series. It matches the Bf 109 F-4 in climb up to 2,000 m and starts to fall behind slightly at 3,000 m. Past that, the P-63's performance decreases and the difference in climb rate becomes more pronounced, though it is still quite decent at 4,000-5,000 m and can outclimb Fw 190s and most Soviet fighters at these altitudes. Try not to go much higher than that.

Kingcobras are known for their excellent roll rates, good vertical/horizontal energy retention, and poor manoeuvring energy retention. The P-63A-10's low-altitude speed and climb are excellent. Its top speed at sea level is about 595 km/h, matching the P-51D-5 Mustang. It takes some time to reach this speed in level flight. Having some altitude and entering a shallow dive speeds up the process.

The P-63A-10 shares the same Allison V-1710-93 engine with the P-63A-5 but has a higher boost pressure. It has about 150 less horsepower on normal settings and about 300 more when using WEP. The engine tends to run hot when using WEP as a result and it's important to manage the temperature. Aggressive throttle control can over-rev the engine, so avoid gunning straight to WEP during takeoff.

The overall handling is very familiar for anyone used to flying the P-63A-5, but it may feel slightly heavier at times due to the weight introduced by the new features on this variant. The increased engine power is more than enough to compensate for the most part.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,650 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 610 593 12200 24.2 25.1 17.4 17.4 289
Upgraded 700 650 22.4 23.0 29.3 22.2

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 + -
0 304 378 359 262 ~12 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 410 < 380 < 410 > 420

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear304 km/h
  • 15.87 mm Steel - Plates x 2, lower fore cockpit
  • 19.05 mm Steel - Plate, upper fore cockpit
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Plate behind pilot's seat
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Plate protecting oil cooling system
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Windscreen

The Kingcobra provides quite a lot of protection for its pilot in both the front and back. Pilot snipes are a relatively rare occurrence as a result. However the rear placement of the engine poses some issues; it can block some fire from the rear, but this means that pursuing fighters can potentially damage or even knock out the engine. Another issue with the design is that the fuselage has essentially no room for fuel tanks, and they are placed in the outboard section of the wings as a result. The fuel tanks, though self-sealing, can be ignited by stray fire and will often spell doom for the Kingcobra. The durability is otherwise quite decent. Given some distance and mild evasive manoeuvres, incoming fire will often bounce off with little damage.

The US P-63A-10 and P-63C-5 are known for their garish paint schemes, which come from their real life use as "Pinball" gunnery targets by the US military. This can be a liability in Ground RB or Simulator battles since it's easier for enemies to spot than the typical brown or blue camouflages of US aircraft. If looking like a ripe banana is a problem, the P-63A-10 has an unlockable silver USAAF camouflage more similar to the P-51D-20-NA or French P-63C-5. Pristine aluminum is not low profile either, but at least it does not literally invite enemy fire!

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 131 → 1 460 Sl icon.png
RB2 571 → 3 319 Sl icon.png
SB3 888 → 5 019 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications29 900 Rp icon.png
58 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 200 Ge icon.png
Crew training30 000 Sl icon.png
Experts105 000 Sl icon.png
Aces590 Ge icon.png
Research Aces360 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 160 / 340 % Sl icon.png
148 / 148 / 148 % 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
160 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
2 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 900 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 300 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
m4_belt_pack
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
m10_new_gun
Research:
3 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 300 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition58 rounds
Fire rate165 shots/min
Ammunition900 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min

The P-63A-10 is armed with:

  • 1 x 37 mm M10 cannon, nose-mounted (58 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

The P-63A-10 replaces the P-63A-5's M4 cannon, originally inherited from the P-39 Airacobra, with a new M10 cannon. The M10 uses a disintegrating link feed system and has better performance: faster rate of fire, lower chance of jamming, and almost twice the ammunition. Unfortunately it still has atrocious accuracy when stock, so don't use it outside of point-blank range until the New 37 mm Cannon upgrade is researched. It takes practice to aim and is best used within 500 m since it has a tendency to spark upon glancing hits. The good news is that a successful hit will usually obliterate any single-engined aircraft. For larger aircraft hits to the tail or wings can be instantly fatal. The Default belt works well since it consists entirely of HE rounds. The Ground Targets belt with 50% AP-T content may seem like a good choice for attacking tanks, but anyone expecting similar results to the Yak-9T's 37 mm cannon will be disappointed. The poor muzzle velocity, lower penetration, and lack of a full-AP belt make the M10 cannon much less lethal in Ground RB. A good strafing run would be lucky to knock out a crew member or module. As such, reserve the cannon for harassing tanks if bombs are unavailable or expended.

The four M2 Browning machine guns are still equipped with mid-war belts. For anti-aircraft purposes the Universal belt is the best due to the high content of M8 AP-I rounds. They are good at starting fires and will dispatch fragile opponents like Yaks and Bf 109s with ease. Unfortunately they don't have much burst mass and are less effective against sturdy targets than the typical US 6-gun complement; this is noticeable when fighting Fw 190s, for example. Another downside specific to the P-63A-10 and P-63C-5 Kingcobras is that their machine guns have less ammunition than the P-63A-5. The wing guns lost 50 rounds per gun to make room for the new wing hardpoints and the nose guns lost 20 rounds because of the new cannon installation. Mind your aim and fire in long bursts only if you're sure that they will hit. The cannon can finish off twin-engined fighters and bombers.

The nose guns are tightly clustered and the two wing-mounted M2 Brownings are mounted midway on the wings. This makes convergence an issue. A common recommendation is to use 400-500 m convergence to concentrate the machine gun fire. Consider turning on vertical targeting if using a lower convergence setting, this makes leading the cannon easier by compensating for its poor muzzle velocity. Vertical targeting will make attacking ground vehicles more awkward so it has more drawbacks in Ground RB.

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 11 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 22 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 33 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Main article: AN-M64A1 (500 lb)

The P-63A-10 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)

The P-63A-5 only had a single hardpoint under the fuselage for a 500 lb bomb. The P-63A-10 has new wing hardpoints and can carry triple the bomb load, a welcome improvement. The wing bombs will drop as a pair first and the second drop will release the fuselage bomb. The US 500 lb bomb is not particularly powerful but can still do good work if delivered with reasonable accuracy. The first drop is more forgiving since the two bombs have a decent combined blast radius. The second drop is more demanding but the centreline position allows you to deliver it precisely; it is very satisfying to land it next to or on top of an enemy tank.

Usage in battles

Air RB

The P-63A-10 has good all-round characteristics and lends itself to several possible strategies. Examine what nations are present on the enemy team; Axis teams usually have Bf 109s, C.205s, J2Ms, and similar fighters that climb well and typically attack from above, while Soviet teams tend to stay at low to medium altitudes and can be comfortably outclimbed. If you want to work with an altitude advantage against Axis teams, try sideclimbing once you reach 3,000-4,000 m, but remember that high altitude operations are better left to Thunderbolts, Lightnings, and Mustangs. If using Manual Engine Controls, open up the radiators to high percentages while climbing. They effectively keep the engine cool on WEP and can be closed more at high altitude or during combat.

Going after bombers is a valid option provided that they are not at extreme altitudes; attack from underneath, directly above, or the side and try not to sit on their tails. Open up with the machine guns early on, and once the distance is short enough for consistent hits to be scored, start using the cannon in short bursts. Ideally the machine guns can knock out defensive gunners and start fires while the cannon can rip off tails or wings. It is very satisfying to dismember a bomber with a well-placed cannon shot. Remember that though the P-63's engine is not located in the front, the unarmoured propeller hub is part of the same damage model. And even small calibre machine guns can ignite the wing fuel tanks with fatal results.

The P-63 excels at diving attacks on attackers and fighters due to its mild control compression, durable wings, and good energy retention. If the target evades, simply zoom climb back up or extend away, then look for an opening to engage again. Wear down their energy, get some hits in, and use the Kingcobra's potent bite to finish them off once they are low and slow. This tactic works well against climbing targets since they will be continuously forced down. Just be careful against Soviet fighters since they perform optimally at low altitude.

When committing to a dogfight, keep hard turns at high speed to a minimum. Although the P-63 is surprisingly nimble in these conditions, such manoeuvres tend to bleed its energy and put a lot of stress on the pilot. It is safer to keep some distance from your opponent and turn more gently instead of aggressively following; only do the latter if you are certain that you can secure the kill. This does not mean that turning engagements are forbidden since that would be a waste of the P-63's good manoeuvrability (for a US fighter). Just avoid dumping speed all at once and getting sucked into a difficult low-speed engagement. If the P-63's speed drops below 300 km/h during turnfights or loops, use combat flaps to improve the turn rate in the meantime and try to regain speed as quickly as possible.

With WEP, the P-63A-10 has a significantly better power-to-weight ratio than the somewhat underpowered P-63A-5. This means that you can engage in turnfights, spiral climbs, and stall climbs more comfortably. The low speed handling isn't any better so try to avoid those if you can.

Evasive manoeuvres and defensive flying are important skills to master in the P-63. If the pursuer has a lower top speed than the P-63 and does not have ludicrously powerful cannons, extend away in a shallow dive and make slight dodges upwards and downwards to easily dodge incoming fire. With the P-63A-10 you can escape by diving to sea level, almost no contemporary fighters can keep up if you hold onto your speed. Rolling scissors are effective to force overshoots against opponents with poor roll rates. As a last resort, combining roll, elevator, and rudder results in an unpredictable and rapid spiral while bleeding speed quickly.

The general flow of battle can be unpredictable. If your team has numerous sideclimbing fighters like the contemporary P-51C-10, you can enter battle slightly ahead of them and tie up the enemy, setting them up for friendly boom-and-zoom attacks. Dragging Axis fighters to lower altitudes can work well since they tend to be significantly slower there. Against Soviet aircraft, stick to boom-and-zoom attacks and maintain a safe distance. Their low speed handling and power-to-weight are significantly better and their speeds are comparable. The Yak-3 is superior in a dogfight and the Yak-9U exceeds the P-63A-10 in almost all metrics except high-speed handling, roll, and armament.

Ground RB

The P-63A-10 is a good yet uncommon choice for Ground RB. Many US fighters or attackers like the Hellcat and Thunderbolt can carry heavy ground attack ordnance but are out of their element in the low-altitude environment of Ground RB matches. Their high altitude performance advantages are moot and they struggle to turn or climb effectively, making it easier for Bf 109s, C.205s, and even Zeroes to mop them up. The P-63A-10 has excellent performance at low altitudes and is right at home in the skies above tank battles.

If there are no enemy fighters, take the bomb payload and consider loading the Ground Targets belt for the cannon. After spawning in, gain some altitude or speed and look for targets to bomb. When the bombs have been expended, extend away and gain some altitude while getting your bearings. If enemy aircraft are present, climb some more and engage once you have an energy advantage. If the skies are clear you can fly around the map and strafe targets. Returning to base to reload the bombs is an option if the battle is not moving very quickly. If you think enemy aircraft will be inbound soon, climb to get the drop on them when they spawn in.

The P-63A-10 cannot cope with enemy fighters when burdened with its full bombload. There is unfortunately no option to take only the centreline bomb, so think carefully before spawning in. If it turns out that your team does not have control of the air, you can ditch the ordnance and go after fighters, then return to the airfield once it's safe to reload the bombs. A more risky option is deliver the bombs and make a beeline towards your airfield using your sea level speed. Once covered by friendly airfield AA, you can climb and reset the engagement on your terms.

A well-flown P-63A-10 can destroy and harass both ground and air targets. As long as you stay aware of your surroundings, few opponents will give you trouble and your team will appreciate the close air support and clear skies.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Not controllable
1 gear
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good horizontal speed and acceleration
  • Excellent dive speed
  • Excellent performance at high speed, relatively minor compression
  • Good climb rate
  • Good turn radius
  • Good energy retention if manoeuvring is kept to a minimum
  • 37 mm cannon can dismantle bombers' airframes easily
  • No fuel tank in the fuselage
  • Can carry an impressive 1,500 lbs worth of bombs if the need arises
  • Good amount of 37 mm shells

Cons:

  • Poor turn time at lower speeds
  • Poor manoeuvring energy retention, bleeds speed in hard turns
  • Large difference in trajectory between 37 mm and 12.7 mm, limiting the opportunities at which the firepower of both can be utilized
  • 37 mm cannon is not very effective against tanks
  • Limited ammunition for the machine guns
  • Wings are littered with fuel tanks and easily set ablaze
  • Default paint scheme makes the aircraft visible at a longer distance

History

The P-63 Kingcobra was an improved version of the P-39 Airacobra. The P-63A was the first production variant, and production began in October 1943. The USAAF found the P-63 to be inferior to other designs such as the P-51 Mustang, so it was not ordered in quantity. But, production began to facilitate export to the Soviet Union through the Lend-Lease Act.

The Soviet Union played a major role in the development of the P-63, and it was tested heavily in Russia. The P-63A sub-variants were mostly developed as a result of Soviet feedback since the Soviet Union was the largest buyer of the Kingcobra. The P-63A-5 sub-variant incorporated more pilot armour and a fuselage hardpoint, the A-6 added two wing hardpoints and extra fuel tanks, and the 37 mm gun was moved forward on the A-9 due to Soviet feedback - increasing the ammunition load from 30 to 58 rounds.

The P-63A was not used for combat operations by the USAAF. Instead, they were often converted to target aircraft for aerial gunnery training. Most P-63s, though, were exported to the Soviet Union during the war through the Lend-Lease Act.

The P-63 was removed from the Soviet western front in 1943 in order to focus the units on the east for an eventual invasion of Japan. However, both Soviet units and German units reported the presence of P-63 fighters on that front. One Soviet account goes as far as to say that the entire 4th Guards Aviation Regiment (4 GvlAP) was converted to the P-63 in 1944, while they were officially flying the P-39. German accounts also detail the downing of P-63 aircraft by flak guns and fighter aircraft. The official Soviet records still claim that only P-39s were used against Germany.

In the time before the P-63s were transferred to the east, it had been proven as a capable fighter, although there is a widely believed myth that P-63s were used only in the ground attack role. The Kingcobra was able to achieve a number of victories over German aircraft in that time. In the Pacific theatre, P-63s were used during the Soviet invasion of Manchuko and northern Korea. They flew ground attack, close air support, and escort missions in that theatre. The first Soviet air victory with the type in the Pacific was on 15 August 1945, when Lejtenant I. F. Miroshnichenko from 17th IAP/190 IAD, shot down a Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa IJAAS fighter off the coast of North Korea.

The Soviet Air Force maintained large quantities of P-63 Kingcobras after the war, with P-63s remaining in service throughout the Korean War in the 1950s.

The French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) received 114 P-63 Kingcobras in 1945. These units were received too late to participate in World War 2, and they were first deployed to Algeria. When the French Indochina War broke out, the P-63s were sent to Indochina immediately. By January 1950, only 60 P-63s remained operational due to a lack of spare parts since the United States refused to provide them. The squadrons equipped with the Kingcobra began to receive the F8F Bearcat in February 1951, and the P-63 was taken out of service soon after. The last flight of a P-63 in Indochina occurred in September 1951.


Archive of the in-game description

Bell P-63A-6/A-7/A-8/A-9/A-10 Kingcobra Army Fighter

The A-6 series introduced two additional multipurpose pylons under the wings, which could hold two 500 lb (227 kg) bombs or two additional fuel tanks with a capacity of 75 gallons (284 liters). To provide the extra space needed, the Colt-Browning M2 .50 cal 12.7 mm machine guns in the wings had their ammunition reduced from 250 to 200 rounds per gun. To reduce the risk of the plane going into a flat spin, the shape of the elevator fin was changed, and its area was reduced. A total of 130 A-6 aircraft were built.

During operation, the A-1, A-5, and A-6 aircraft exhibited a strain in the skin of their wings, so the A-7 series (150 planes) featured a thicker lining and reinforced structure. The fighter also had difficulty when exiting a dive or performing vertical manoeuvres. This was partially countered by installing a counterbalance in the elevator control system and by increasing the area of the elevator fin. The problem was completely eliminated only by the time modification C was released.

The A-8 series (200 aircraft) had the Allison V-1710 engine, equipped with a water-methanol mixture direct-injection afterburner which could be used to briefly increase engine power to 1,800 hp. Also, the airplane was fitted with an improved propeller (the Aeroproducts A6425-D3), an N-6 camera was installed, and the aircraft's armour was upgraded to 85.5 kg.

The A-9 series (445 aircraft) had its armament strengthened at the request of the Red Army Air Force. A Colt-Browning M10 37 mm cannon was installed. The new gun featured improved ballistics and 58 more rounds of ammunition per gun. To make space for this change, the ammunition for the fuselage guns was reduced to 250 rounds each. In addition, 5 kg of armour were added when the pilot's seat was upgraded.

The A-10 series (730 aircraft) received new N-9 sights. The mass of the aircraft's armour had reached 121 kg, and the aircraft could carry 6 unguided rockets.

As the improved P-63A was being delivered to the Soviet Union, priority shifted to supplying the eastern armies preparing for military action against Japan. During the campaign of August 1945 in the Far East, the P-63 was used to escort bombers and reconnaissance aircraft as well as to cover troops from the air and attack Japanese encampments.

From October 1943 to December 1944, Bell Aircraft produced a total of 1,725 P-63A fighter aircraft, after which the design was replaced by the C modification.


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External links


Bell Aircraft Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
  P-400
  P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Jet Fighters  P-59A
Export  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25
  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W
  OH-58D
Utility  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30
Export/Licensed  ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D
  Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W
  ␗OH-58D
See Also  Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta

USA fighters
P-26 Peashooter  P-26A-33 · P-26A-34 · P-26A-34 M2 · P-26B-35
P-36 Hawk  P-36A · Rasmussen's P-36A · P-36C · ○P-36C · P-36G
P-39 Airacobra  P-400 · P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
P-40  P-40C · P-40E-1 · P-40E-1 TD · P-40F-10
P-43 Lancer  P-43A-1
P-47 Thunderbolt  P-47D-22-RE · P-47D-25 · P-47D-28 · P-47M-1-RE · ⋠P-47M-1-RE · P-47N-15
P-51 Mustang  P-51 · P-51A (Thunder League) · P-51C-10 · P-51D-5 · P-51D-10 · P-51D-20-NA · P-51D-30 · P-51H-5-NA
P-63 Kingcobra  P-63A-5 · P-63A-10 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Prototypes  XP-55
F2A Buffalo  F2A-1 · Thach's F2A-1 · F2A-3
BF2C  BF2C-1
F3F  F3F-2 · Galer's F3F-2
F4F Wildcat  F4F-3 · F4F-4
F4U Corsair  F4U-1A · F4U-1A (USMC) · F4U-1D · F4U-1C · F4U-4 · F4U-4B · F4U-4B VMF-214 · F2G-1
F6F Hellcat  F6F-5 · F6F-5N
F8F Bearcat  F8F-1 · F8F-1B
Other countries  ▃Ki-43-II · ▃Ki-61-Ib · ▃A6M2 · ▃Bf 109 F-4 · ▃Fw 190 A-8 · ▃Spitfire LF Mk IXc