Difference between revisions of "RP-3"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Edits)
(WIP, new content added, reference photo and sections filled.)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
[[File:WTRP-3WIKI.png|thumb]]
 +
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game. -->
 
<!-- Write an introduction to the article in 2-3 small paragraphs. Briefly tell us about the history of the development and combat using the weaponry and also about its features. Compile a list of air, ground, or naval vehicles that feature this weapon system in the game. -->
Line 47: Line 49:
 
With a fantastic penetration of 60 mm at a really close distance of 10 m, these rockets will create a lot of damage post penetration. If the target is too far away to obtain a successful penetration of the armour (beyond 1,500 m). The explosive air blast damage will cause splash damage which is able to penetrate up to 44 mm of armour in any direction.
 
With a fantastic penetration of 60 mm at a really close distance of 10 m, these rockets will create a lot of damage post penetration. If the target is too far away to obtain a successful penetration of the armour (beyond 1,500 m). The explosive air blast damage will cause splash damage which is able to penetrate up to 44 mm of armour in any direction.
  
The air blast of HE devastation was dreaded by the crews of light vehicles, half-tracks, and tank commanders; who at times preferred to abandon their vehicles during rocket attacks. This level of lethality can also be put to satisfactory use in War Thunder against the great variety of light vehicles and medium tanks, especially those in lower battle rated battles.
+
The air blast of HE devastation was dreaded by the crews of light vehicles, half-tracks, and tank commanders; who at times preferred to abandon their vehicles during rocket attacks. This level of lethality can also be put to satisfactory use in War Thunder against the great variety of light vehicles and medium tanks, especially those in lower battle rated battles.
 +
 
 +
=== Comparison with analogues ===<!-- Give a comparative description of rockets that have firepower equal to this weapon. -->
 +
 
 +
'''Difference over bomb ordnance'''
 +
 
 +
The rocket payload allows you to aim more '''flexibly''' to one or several targets depending on the ability to efficiently spare them. While the bombs despite being more powerful and deadly, lack in numbers. This is a shared trait of most of the RAFs aircraft equipped with these 2 ordnance choices.
  
=== Comparison with analogues ===
+
Another advantage over the bombs, it's the possibility to '''destroy a target from greater distances''', without the need to pass over the target or get closer for a bomb run. This, however, means the pilots should be well versed in the trajectory drop of the rockets.
<!-- Give a comparative description of rockets that have firepower equal to this weapon. -->
+
 
 +
One of the main drawbacks of these rockets it's the '''lesser efficiency on heavier armor''', for example, The Maus, KVs, destroyers, and cruisers.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
[[File:CHARTWTTEMPLATE7.png|thumb|Abilities of the RP-3 unguided rocket]]
+
<!-- Describe situations when you would utilise this rocket in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc) -->
''Describe situations when you would utilise this rocket in-game (vehicle, pillbox, base, etc)''
+
The RP-3 rockets thanks to their versatility, work great in several battlefield environments and situations in War thunder.
 +
 
 +
The main aspects pilots should commit to always keep in mind are the following:
 +
 
 +
# The '''designated target'''
 +
# The '''angle of approach'''
 +
# Correction of the '''rocket trajectory drop'''
 +
 
 +
* Once in the air, everything will be diminutive and hard to distinguish. The pilot will need to guide according to the allies calling targets or seek them on his own with the granted privilege of witnessing the developing battlefield beneath him. Once they find a suitable target that is capable to engage and likely to destroy, '''e.g., a panzer IV.''' You should proceed to the next step. 
 +
* With a good '''angle of approach''' the pilot prepares his plane correctly and ensures a better probabilities of strike upon the first pass. If a pilot uses roll banking too carelessly or in a hurried manner after the first enemy he sees, he will likely fail to strike. This granted to his inability to correct aerodynamically his angle of approach before opening fire and the likely deviation of the trajectory of the rocket, this is known as '''''[[wikipedia:Slip_(aerodynamics)|Sideslip]].''''' The pilot must seek to align appropriately his sights and take in consideration the motion on his plane after any turn before opening fire. Using the '''roll axis''' to center the aircraft's´s motion straight ahead. Once you've successfully positioned your angle of approach proceed to the next step.
 +
 
 +
* The question now lays in when to open fire. It's recommendable to practice the drop to get a better feel of when to fire. Using a salvo for a ranging attempt is considerable. Always keeping in mind the dangers or the zone such as '''anti-aircraft fire''' or enemy planes. If needed. You can always barrage the whole target and disengage.
 +
 
 +
'''Arcade Battles'''
 +
 
 +
In arcade battles equipping this rockets will grant you with a steady and constant ground strike weapon. Capable of destroying Medium tanks and Pillboxes with ease.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.-->
 
<!--Summarise and briefly evaluate the weaponry in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark pros and cons as a list.-->
  
'''Pros:'''  
+
'''Pros:'''[[File:CHARTWTTEMPLATE7.png|thumb|Abilities of the RP-3 unguided rocket]]
  
 
* Great damage for light and medium tanks up to 5.0 battle rating
 
* Great damage for light and medium tanks up to 5.0 battle rating
 
* Useful balance in explosive mass, armour penetration and velocity
 
* Useful balance in explosive mass, armour penetration and velocity
* Low weight allows for a considerable amount of rocket payload
+
* Low weight allows for a considerable amount of rocket payload , up to 16 in some planes.
* Explosive warhead posses good high explosive damage post penetration
+
* Explosive warhead posses good high-explosive damage post impact
* 152 mm of the warhead will cause major damage
+
* 152 mm caliber of the warhead will cause major damage
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 71: Line 95:
 
* They struggle to pierce heavy armour 5.0+ battle rating, notably against Soviet sloped armour
 
* They struggle to pierce heavy armour 5.0+ battle rating, notably against Soviet sloped armour
 
* Muzzle velocity is the less favourable aspect, a lot of correction is needed
 
* Muzzle velocity is the less favourable aspect, a lot of correction is needed
* The 152 mm of the warhead might detonate with non-relevant objects
+
* The 152 mm caliber of the warhead might detonate with non-relevant objects
 +
* No time fuze of any sort. Only ground and naval strike use.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==

Revision as of 22:35, 17 October 2020

WTRP-3WIKI.png

Description

The RP-3, also known as the 60-pounder rocket due to their Semi-Armour Piercing (SAP) warhead. This rocket was developed by the British military during World War II. In the game, these rockets are the backbone of many of the Royal Air Force's aircraft when fighting against both ground and naval targets. They served honourably with the Beaufighter twin-engine strike fighters during anti-shipping and anti-submarine duties. These rockets also served with the Typhoon fighters and their swift high-speed strafes against German tank and mechanized vehicle convoys.

Ground-to-ground usage though was limited, was a viable option. Decorated units such as the 1st Coldstream Guards used them during the crossing of the Rhine river, in command of their Sherman "Tulips". The ground forces would generally use the RP-3 as a weapon for saturation bombardment and counter ambushes. Thanks to the explosive splash of the warhead, it was highly effective when used for this purpose.

The rockets were widely successful and remained in use long after the resolution of World War II.

Vehicles equipped with this weapon

Vehicles equipped with this weapon
Fighters 
Blackburn  Firebrand TF Mk IV · Firecrest
Fairey  Firefly F Mk I · Firefly FR Mk V
Hawker  Hurricane Mk IIB/Trop · Hurricane Mk IV · Tempest Mk II · Tempest Mk V · Typhoon Mk Ib · Typhoon Mk Ib/L · Sea Fury FB 11
Supermarine  Seafire FR 47 · Spitfire F Mk XVIIIe · Spitfire F Mk 22 · Spitfire F Mk 24
Westland  Wyvern S4
Twin-engine fighters  Beaufighter Mk X · Beaufighter Mk 21 · Hornet Mk.III · Mosquito FB Mk VI · Mosquito FB.Mk.26
Jet fighters 
Gloster  Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
de Havilland  Vampire F.B.5 · Vampire FB 52A · Venom FB.4
Hawker  Sea Hawk FGA.6 · ◄Sea Hawk Mk.100
Supermarine  Attacker FB 1 · Swift F.1
Bombers  Brigand B 1 · Swordfish Mk II
Medium tanks  Cromwell V (RP-3)

General info

The rocket is divided into two main components:

  1. The Semi Armor-Piercing High-Explosive (HE) warhead (152 mm) with 5.44 kg of TNT explosives.
  2. The "3-inch" rocket propellent body, the "3-inch" designation referred to the diameter of the rocket motor tube (76 mm), is also shared with the analogous of the RP-3, the AP Mk I and AP Mk II referred to as the 25-pounder rockets due to their solid Armour-Piercing (AP) warheads.

The muzzle velocity of the rocket is: 350 m/s, which is enough to account for minimal corrections at close range, however, the trajectory drop is a noteworthy concern, especially at long range (+400 m).

The warhead weight is 27 kg and the rocket engine tube weight is 37 kg.

Effective damage

With a fantastic penetration of 60 mm at a really close distance of 10 m, these rockets will create a lot of damage post penetration. If the target is too far away to obtain a successful penetration of the armour (beyond 1,500 m). The explosive air blast damage will cause splash damage which is able to penetrate up to 44 mm of armour in any direction.

The air blast of HE devastation was dreaded by the crews of light vehicles, half-tracks, and tank commanders; who at times preferred to abandon their vehicles during rocket attacks. This level of lethality can also be put to satisfactory use in War Thunder against the great variety of light vehicles and medium tanks, especially those in lower battle rated battles.

Comparison with analogues

Difference over bomb ordnance

The rocket payload allows you to aim more flexibly to one or several targets depending on the ability to efficiently spare them. While the bombs despite being more powerful and deadly, lack in numbers. This is a shared trait of most of the RAFs aircraft equipped with these 2 ordnance choices.

Another advantage over the bombs, it's the possibility to destroy a target from greater distances, without the need to pass over the target or get closer for a bomb run. This, however, means the pilots should be well versed in the trajectory drop of the rockets.

One of the main drawbacks of these rockets it's the lesser efficiency on heavier armor, for example, The Maus, KVs, destroyers, and cruisers.

Usage in battles

The RP-3 rockets thanks to their versatility, work great in several battlefield environments and situations in War thunder.

The main aspects pilots should commit to always keep in mind are the following:

  1. The designated target
  2. The angle of approach
  3. Correction of the rocket trajectory drop
  • Once in the air, everything will be diminutive and hard to distinguish. The pilot will need to guide according to the allies calling targets or seek them on his own with the granted privilege of witnessing the developing battlefield beneath him. Once they find a suitable target that is capable to engage and likely to destroy, e.g., a panzer IV. You should proceed to the next step. 
  • With a good angle of approach the pilot prepares his plane correctly and ensures a better probabilities of strike upon the first pass. If a pilot uses roll banking too carelessly or in a hurried manner after the first enemy he sees, he will likely fail to strike. This granted to his inability to correct aerodynamically his angle of approach before opening fire and the likely deviation of the trajectory of the rocket, this is known as Sideslip. The pilot must seek to align appropriately his sights and take in consideration the motion on his plane after any turn before opening fire. Using the roll axis to center the aircraft's´s motion straight ahead. Once you've successfully positioned your angle of approach proceed to the next step.
  • The question now lays in when to open fire. It's recommendable to practice the drop to get a better feel of when to fire. Using a salvo for a ranging attempt is considerable. Always keeping in mind the dangers or the zone such as anti-aircraft fire or enemy planes. If needed. You can always barrage the whole target and disengage.

Arcade Battles

In arcade battles equipping this rockets will grant you with a steady and constant ground strike weapon. Capable of destroying Medium tanks and Pillboxes with ease.

Pros and cons

Pros:
Abilities of the RP-3 unguided rocket
  • Great damage for light and medium tanks up to 5.0 battle rating
  • Useful balance in explosive mass, armour penetration and velocity
  • Low weight allows for a considerable amount of rocket payload , up to 16 in some planes.
  • Explosive warhead posses good high-explosive damage post impact
  • 152 mm caliber of the warhead will cause major damage

Cons:

  • They struggle to pierce heavy armour 5.0+ battle rating, notably against Soviet sloped armour
  • Muzzle velocity is the less favourable aspect, a lot of correction is needed
  • The 152 mm caliber of the warhead might detonate with non-relevant objects
  • No time fuze of any sort. Only ground and naval strike use.

History

Examine the history of the creation and combat usage of the weapon 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 weapon and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Weapon-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />.

Media

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

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the article about the variant of the weapon;
  • references to approximate analogues by other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the weapon;
  • other literature.


Rockets
USA 
70 mm  FFAR Mighty Mouse · Hydra-70 M247
110 mm  M8
127 mm  HVAR · Zuni Mk32 Mod 0 ATAP
298 mm  Tiny Tim
Germany 
55 mm  R4M
73 mm  RZ.65
88 mm  Pb2
150 mm  Wgr.41 Spr
210 mm  Wfr.Gr.21
USSR 
55 mm  S-5K · S-5KP · S-5M
80 mm  S-8KO · S-8M
82 mm  M-8 · ROS-82 · RBS-82
122 mm  S-13OF
127 mm  S-3K
132 mm  M13 · M-13UK · ROFS-132 · ROS-132 · RBS-132
212 mm  S-1of · S-21
240 mm  S-24 · S-24B
300 mm  M-31
420 mm  S-25O · S-25OF · S-25OFM
425 mm  TT-250
Britain 
51 mm  RP
70 mm  CRV7 M247
80 mm  Type R80 SURA T-80-P 3 · Type R80 SURA T-80-US 3
87 mm  AP Mk I · AP Mk II
152 mm  RP-3
183 mm  Triplex R.P.
292 mm  Uncle Tom · Red Angel
Japan 
100 mm  Type 5 No.1 Mod.9
120 mm  Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1
130 mm  Type 75
210 mm  Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 · Type 5 No.6 Mod.9
China 
55 mm  Type 57-1
70 mm  FS70
90 mm  Type 90-1
130 mm  Type 130-2
Italy 
50 mm  ARF/8M3(AP-AT)
France 
68 mm  SNEB type 23 · TDA
70 mm  FZ49
100 mm  TBA ECC · TBA Multi-Dart 100 AB
120 mm  T10 140 · T10 151
Sweden 
75 mm  srak m/55 Frida · srak m/57B
81 mm  Oerlikon Typ 3Z 8Dla
135 mm  m/56D · psrak m/70
145 mm  psrak m/49B · Psrak m/49/56
150 mm  srak m/51
180 mm  hprak m/49
Israel 
80 mm  Flz.-Rakete Oerlikon
127 mm  AR