Difference between revisions of "P-63C-5 (France)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=p-63c-5_france}}
+
{{About
 +
|about=French fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage=other uses
 +
|link=P-63 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p-63c-5_france
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_P-63C-5France.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_p-63c-5_france.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
 +
 
 +
The aircraft is a high altitude interceptor/ energy fighter, with it's turn radius slightly better than before. The quick dive speed and high energy retention allows the player, with the correct altitude, to engage opponents below numerous times using the high yo-yo method. This aircraft should not be used for ground attacking due to it's average ammo count.
 +
 
 +
The 37 mm M10 cannon is ridiculously powerful. Aim carefully when firing, and do not fire too quickly, lest your gun jam and you lose your main weapon. A single shot to a wing or fuselage of an enemy plane will be all that it takes to bring it down.
 +
 
 +
The M2 Brownings are similar to the guns on the Bf-109 spotters. Use them to judge the range for your cannon shot. They are almost useless (except for those lucky pilot snipes) offensively.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 627 || 609 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.2 || 25.1 || 16.8 || 16.8 || rowspan="2" | 289
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 710 || 663 || 22.3 || 23.0 || 29.0 || 21.7
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 378 || 359 || 262 || ~12 || ~6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 410 || < 380 || < 410 || > 320
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind pilot's top body.
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel plates on cockpit doors.
 +
* 19.05 mm Steel plate behind 37 mm autocannon.
 +
* 15.87 mm Steel plates in front of pilot's feet.
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind engine.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|M10 (37 mm)|M2 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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)
 +
 
 +
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 
 +
This aircraft is an improved version of the [[P-63A-10]] carrying the same armament and main gun. The aircraft is still a high altitude interceptor/energy fighter, with its turn radius slightly better than before. The quick dive speed and high energy retention allow the player, with the correct altitude, to engage opponents below numerous times using the high yo-yo method. This aircraft should not be used for ground attack due to its average ammo count.
 +
 
 +
The 37 mm M10 cannon is ridiculously powerful. Aim carefully when firing, and do not fire too quickly, lest your gun jam and you lose your main weapon. A single shot to a wing or fuselage of an enemy plane will be all that it takes to bring it down.
 +
 
 +
The role of the M2 Brownings are similar to the guns on the Bf-109 - spotters. Use them to judge the range for your cannon shot. They can also be used to try for a lucky engine fire or pilot snipe in a pinch.
 +
 
 +
Unfortunately, the C-5 is relatively superior to its predecessors. It has far more cannon ammo and a slightly lower climb rate than the A-10. However, this is relatively trivial as both planes are generally evenly matched. Keep this in mind, though, when selecting your load out of planes.
 +
 
 +
It is recommended to use the P-63 against large fighters and bombers. It is far easier to hit a bomber with the cannon then a small fighter with it.
  
== Weaponry ==
+
Head-on attacks are not advisable- the large cannon combined with the relatively weak M2s make for poor head on accuracy. Only engage in head-ons if you are absolutely confident in your aim.
=== Offensive weaponry ===
 
''Describe the offensive weaponry of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
  
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
Boom & Zoom is also an effective tactic with this plane. Its large cannon makes getting shots while diving relatively easy, and its high climb rate and energy retention can get it to safety.
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
 
  
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
Bomber hunting is also extremely effective with the P-63, a large bomber is far easier to hit with a massive cannon. A single shot can take off a bomber's wing. However, don't spam the cannon. Keep the delay between shots at 1-1.5 second. Firing too quickly will result in a jam, which makes your plane almost useless offensively.
''Defensive weaponry with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''
 
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Excellent dive speed
 +
* Excellent energy retention
 +
* Better-than-average climb rate
 +
* Good flat out speed
 +
* Good cannon damage
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* Average turn time
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Worse-than-average performance at low speeds
 +
* Ineffective armament against higher rank aircraft
 +
* Prone to engine damage when being chased
 +
 
 +
== History ==
 +
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The P-63C saw little use with the US Air Force, and most were exported via Lend-Lease to the USSR. However, France also placed an order for 300 P-63C Kingcobras, to be delivered in 1945; of these, 114 aircraft were delivered before the rest of the order was voided, as the US found it unprofitable to continue producing Kingcobras after the war's end. By the time of contract cancellation, 3 full squadrons had converted to the Kingcobra while many more planes weren't ready for service. The first squadron to convert to the P-63 was the II/9 "Auvergne", based in North Africa.
 +
 
 +
The delivery of these aircraft to France caused a diplomatic stir in the United States, where the Lend-Lease program had been subsidized using taxpayer dollars. It was hoped that the aircraft would see service fighting the Luftwaffe in WWII, rather than sit the war out. However, the French soon made good use of their P63C Kingcobras with the outbreak of conflict in French Indochina between 1946-47.
 +
 
 +
The first Kingcobras arrived in 1949, replacing ex-WWII Spitfires that had been donated by the RAF. As the Viet Minh had no air force, the P-63Cs were used as ground attack aircraft, dropping WWII-era 250 lb bombs or non-finned napalm bombs. However, the Viet Minh soon began to receive advanced AA guns from the USSR and China, resulting in a dramatic increase of aircraft loss rates. At one point, the attrition rate reached 25% per year, with 30 aircraft losses between 1949 and 1951. The majority of these aircraft were written off due to flak damage, or were destroyed in runway accidents due to the poor quality of the French airfields. The aircraft were further limited by a lack of spare parts (the US refused to supply any) and a general hostile attitude towards the conflict in the United States.
 +
 
 +
By 1951, the American attitudes changed and began actively supporting the French forces. As a result, the French started receiving surplus F6F, F8F and F4U aircraft from American inventories. By winter of that year, the P-63C Kingcobra had disappeared from service in Indochina. None of the airframes were ever shipped back, and several wrecked aircraft remain in present-day Vietnam. The final French P-63 was retired in 1962, having served as a trainer with the French Air force.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=france&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=p-63c-5_france Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|vark3TkhG7U|'''Sub Request, {{PAGENAME}}. Outnumbered!''' - ''Joseph 2000''|616zWpcg-bY|'''The Plane SO UNDERRATED It Can Carry An Entire Allied Team''' - ''Spit_flyer''|-EyzWeoz_JQ|'''{{PAGENAME}} - Ace Cold Predator''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
== Read also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
''ETC.''
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/340956-p-63c-5/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 +
{{France fighters}}

Revision as of 07:50, 17 February 2021

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the French fighter P-63C-5 (France). For other uses, see P-63 (Family).
▄P-63C-5
p-63c-5_france.png
GarageImage P-63C-5 (France).jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/5/52/Cockpit_p-63c-5_france.jpg
▄P-63C-5
AB RB SB
4.0 4.0 4.7
Class:
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ▄P-63C-5 Kingcobra is a rank III French fighter with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 4.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France".

The aircraft is a high altitude interceptor/ energy fighter, with it's turn radius slightly better than before. The quick dive speed and high energy retention allows the player, with the correct altitude, to engage opponents below numerous times using the high yo-yo method. This aircraft should not be used for ground attacking due to it's average ammo count.

The 37 mm M10 cannon is ridiculously powerful. Aim carefully when firing, and do not fire too quickly, lest your gun jam and you lose your main weapon. A single shot to a wing or fuselage of an enemy plane will be all that it takes to bring it down.

The M2 Brownings are similar to the guns on the Bf-109 spotters. Use them to judge the range for your cannon shot. They are almost useless (except for those lucky pilot snipes) offensively.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 572 m663 km/h
Turn time23 s
Max altitude12 500 m
EngineAllison V-1710-117
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight5 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,572 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 627 609 12500 24.2 25.1 16.8 16.8 289
Upgraded 710 663 22.3 23.0 29.0 21.7

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 > 320

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear304 km/h
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind pilot's top body.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plates on cockpit doors.
  • 19.05 mm Steel plate behind 37 mm autocannon.
  • 15.87 mm Steel plates in front of pilot's feet.
  • 12.7 mm Steel plate behind engine.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 005 → 1 297 Sl icon.png
RB2 211 → 2 854 Sl icon.png
SB3 483 → 4 496 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications24 800 Rp icon.png
44 900 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training22 000 Sl icon.png
Experts76 000 Sl icon.png
Aces500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 150 / 300 % Sl icon.png
142 / 142 / 142 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Mk78
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 200 Sl icon.png
115 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
FMBC mk.1
Research:
1 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
m4_belt_pack
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 800 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
m10_new_gun
Research:
2 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 900 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

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

The P-63C-5 (France) 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)

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 13 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Setup 23 x Mk 78 incendiary bomb
Main article: AN-M64A1 (500 lb)

The P-63C-5 (France) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

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

Usage in battles

This aircraft is an improved version of the P-63A-10 carrying the same armament and main gun. The aircraft is still a high altitude interceptor/energy fighter, with its turn radius slightly better than before. The quick dive speed and high energy retention allow the player, with the correct altitude, to engage opponents below numerous times using the high yo-yo method. This aircraft should not be used for ground attack due to its average ammo count.

The 37 mm M10 cannon is ridiculously powerful. Aim carefully when firing, and do not fire too quickly, lest your gun jam and you lose your main weapon. A single shot to a wing or fuselage of an enemy plane will be all that it takes to bring it down.

The role of the M2 Brownings are similar to the guns on the Bf-109 - spotters. Use them to judge the range for your cannon shot. They can also be used to try for a lucky engine fire or pilot snipe in a pinch.

Unfortunately, the C-5 is relatively superior to its predecessors. It has far more cannon ammo and a slightly lower climb rate than the A-10. However, this is relatively trivial as both planes are generally evenly matched. Keep this in mind, though, when selecting your load out of planes.

It is recommended to use the P-63 against large fighters and bombers. It is far easier to hit a bomber with the cannon then a small fighter with it.

Head-on attacks are not advisable- the large cannon combined with the relatively weak M2s make for poor head on accuracy. Only engage in head-ons if you are absolutely confident in your aim.

Boom & Zoom is also an effective tactic with this plane. Its large cannon makes getting shots while diving relatively easy, and its high climb rate and energy retention can get it to safety.

Bomber hunting is also extremely effective with the P-63, a large bomber is far easier to hit with a massive cannon. A single shot can take off a bomber's wing. However, don't spam the cannon. Keep the delay between shots at 1-1.5 second. Firing too quickly will result in a jam, which makes your plane almost useless offensively.

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:

  • Excellent dive speed
  • Excellent energy retention
  • Better-than-average climb rate
  • Good flat out speed
  • Good cannon damage

Cons:

  • Average turn time
  • Worse-than-average performance at low speeds
  • Ineffective armament against higher rank aircraft
  • Prone to engine damage when being chased

History

The P-63C saw little use with the US Air Force, and most were exported via Lend-Lease to the USSR. However, France also placed an order for 300 P-63C Kingcobras, to be delivered in 1945; of these, 114 aircraft were delivered before the rest of the order was voided, as the US found it unprofitable to continue producing Kingcobras after the war's end. By the time of contract cancellation, 3 full squadrons had converted to the Kingcobra while many more planes weren't ready for service. The first squadron to convert to the P-63 was the II/9 "Auvergne", based in North Africa.

The delivery of these aircraft to France caused a diplomatic stir in the United States, where the Lend-Lease program had been subsidized using taxpayer dollars. It was hoped that the aircraft would see service fighting the Luftwaffe in WWII, rather than sit the war out. However, the French soon made good use of their P63C Kingcobras with the outbreak of conflict in French Indochina between 1946-47.

The first Kingcobras arrived in 1949, replacing ex-WWII Spitfires that had been donated by the RAF. As the Viet Minh had no air force, the P-63Cs were used as ground attack aircraft, dropping WWII-era 250 lb bombs or non-finned napalm bombs. However, the Viet Minh soon began to receive advanced AA guns from the USSR and China, resulting in a dramatic increase of aircraft loss rates. At one point, the attrition rate reached 25% per year, with 30 aircraft losses between 1949 and 1951. The majority of these aircraft were written off due to flak damage, or were destroyed in runway accidents due to the poor quality of the French airfields. The aircraft were further limited by a lack of spare parts (the US refused to supply any) and a general hostile attitude towards the conflict in the United States.

By 1951, the American attitudes changed and began actively supporting the French forces. As a result, the French started receiving surplus F6F, F8F and F4U aircraft from American inventories. By winter of that year, the P-63C Kingcobra had disappeared from service in Indochina. None of the airframes were ever shipped back, and several wrecked aircraft remain in present-day Vietnam. The final French P-63 was retired in 1962, having served as a trainer with the French Air force.

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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

France fighters
Dewoitine  D.371 · D.371 H.S.9 · D.373 · D.500 · D.501 · Pallier's D.510 · D.520
Morane-Saulnier  M.S.405C1 · M.S.406C1 · M.S.410
Arsenal  V.G.33C-1
Bloch  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Caudron  C.R.714
Sud-Ouest  S.O.8000 Narval
American  H-75A-1 · H-75A-4 · ▄P-39Q-25 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · ▄P-47D-22-RE · ▄P-63C-5 · F-6C-10-NA
  ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · F4U-7 · ▄F8F-1B
Other countries  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III · ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · NC.900