Difference between revisions of "Swordfish Mk I"

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(Updated)
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
 
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating|1}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
−
The Swordfish is a plane often overlooked by new players, but it is common for more experienced players to hold special love for "ugly ducklings". As such, the Swordfish is valued for providing a change of pace towards slower game play and simultaneously a challenge, being mostly staying alive.  
+
The Swordfish is a plane often overlooked by new players, but it is common for more experienced players to hold special love for "ugly ducklings". As such, the Swordfish is valued for providing a change of pace towards slower game play and simultaneously a challenge, being mostly staying alive.
  
 
As with all torpedo bombers, maintaining low altitude, high speed, and fighter cover are all recommended. The optimal distance for launching a torpedo is 1 km from the target, though the Swordfish is slow enough to be able to drop torpedoes efficiently from shorter distances.  Targets should be engaged from directly ahead or astern, making "leading" the target much easier.
 
As with all torpedo bombers, maintaining low altitude, high speed, and fighter cover are all recommended. The optimal distance for launching a torpedo is 1 km from the target, though the Swordfish is slow enough to be able to drop torpedoes efficiently from shorter distances.  Targets should be engaged from directly ahead or astern, making "leading" the target much easier.
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The Swordfish is an in-game oddity because it can exceed its max altitude of 3,300 m and go up to about 4,000 m with the 4 x 250 lb bombs attached.
 
The Swordfish is an in-game oddity because it can exceed its max altitude of 3,300 m and go up to about 4,000 m with the 4 x 250 lb bombs attached.
  
−
[[File:BomberImage_Swordfish.jpg|thumbnail|right|Inside the Cockpit of the Swordfish]]
+
[[File:BomberImage_Swordfish.jpg|thumbnail|right|Inside the Cockpit of the Swordfish]]
−
A classic biplane design, thus offensive armament is limited. Restraint only to one machine gun offensively and defensively the Swordfish true strength is the payload.
+
A classic biplane design, thus offensive armament is limited. Restrained to only one machine gun offensively and defensively, the Swordfish's true strength is the payload.
 +
 
 
== 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.''-->
+
''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"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! 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>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 219 || 209 || 3,300 || 50.7 || 51.3 || 7.8 || 7.7 || 297
+
| 219 || 209 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 50.7 || 51.3 || 7.8 || 7.7 || 297
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,400 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,400 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
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! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 235 || 226 || 3,300 || 49.8 || 50.2 || 10.6 || 9.2 || 297
+
| 235 || 226 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 49.8 || 50.2 || 10.6 || 9.2 || 297
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
−
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
−
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
<!--! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)-->
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
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! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 390 || 450 <!--|| ??? -->|| ~4 || ~3
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~8 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 260 || < 240 || < 240 || > 290
+
| < 180 || < 360 || < 260 || > 310
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
<!--! WEP Engine power-->
 
−
|-
 
−
| 1,067 m || 690 hp <!--|| ?,??? hp -->
 
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! Optimal altitude
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
+
| 366 m || 870 hp || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
−
* No armour plating
 
−
* No armour glazing
 
−
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
−
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Vickers E (7.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Vickers E (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers E machine gun, fuselage-mounted (600 rpg)
−
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers E machine gun, nose-mounted (600 rpg total)
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]], [[:Category:Suspended armaments|Torpedoes]]'''''
+
{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|Mark XII}}
−
 
 
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
 
  
−
* 4 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
* 1 x 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
+
* 4 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 х 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
<!--''Defensive armament 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.''
+
<!-- ''Defensive armament 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.'' -->
 
{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (576 rpg)
  
−
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, rear turret (576 rpg)
+
== 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).''
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
For now, the use of the Swordfish is confined to the early ranks, where it is moderately effective as a bomber. While it is slow and poorly armed, it is quite manoeuvrable and carries a decent payload. Therefore, it is strictly relegated to bombing and torpedo bombing. In ground RB, the Swordfish can be great for accurately bombing enemy vehicles, however you will be a very easy target for SPAA and enemy fighters. Even tanks may try to shoot you down. Therefore you must be careful and try to drop your bombs as quickly as possible before returning to base to rearm. Hanging around once your bombs are gone will quickly get you shot down. Pinpoint your target at a distance, drop your bombs and then make your escape.
−
<!--''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).''-->
 
−
For now, the use of the Swordfish is confined to the early ranks, where it is moderately effective as a bomber. While it is slow and poorly armed, it is quite manoeuvrable and carries a decent payload. Therefore, it is strictly relegated to bombing and torpedo bombing. In ground RB, the Swordfish can be great for accurately bombing enemy vehicles, however, you will be a very easy target for SPAA and enemy fighters. Even tanks may try to shoot you down. Therefore you must be careful and try to drop your bombs as quickly as possible before returning to base to rearm. Hanging around once your bombs are gone will quickly get you shot down. Pinpoint your target at a distance, drop your bombs and then make your escape.  
 
  
−
A good tactic is to fly at a distance from the fighting, keeping out of range of machine gun fire or worse. If an enemy starts to capture one of your capture points, you can then swoop in and bomb the capture point, clearing it of any enemy vehicles. This way you can be assured a target is available. Circling over the combat area looking for targets is not a good idea. This is risky enough in faster, more nimble aircraft, so in a big slow biplane bomber, it is almost suicidal.  
+
A good tactic is to fly at a distance from the fighting, keeping out of range of machine gun fire or worse. If an enemy starts to capture one of your capture points, you can then swoop in and bomb the capture point, clearing it of any enemy vehicles. This way you can be assured a target is available. Circling over the combat area looking for targets is not a good idea. This is risky enough in faster, more nimble aircraft, so in a big, slow biplane bomber, it is almost suicidal.
  
 
If you are intercepted by an enemy aircraft, your best option is to call for help. The Swordfish is by no means fast or manoeuvrable enough to escape from enemy fighters at the rank. Your rear gunner may be able to deter some more cautious players, but most players will shrug off the small calibre rounds. Therefore, you should not rely too much on the single 7.7 mm gunner. The same goes for the offensive 7.7 mm. Do not be tempted to start trying to dogfight with other aircraft, as you will quickly find yourself outgunned, out manoeuvred and dead. Avoid enemy aircraft if possible.
 
If you are intercepted by an enemy aircraft, your best option is to call for help. The Swordfish is by no means fast or manoeuvrable enough to escape from enemy fighters at the rank. Your rear gunner may be able to deter some more cautious players, but most players will shrug off the small calibre rounds. Therefore, you should not rely too much on the single 7.7 mm gunner. The same goes for the offensive 7.7 mm. Do not be tempted to start trying to dogfight with other aircraft, as you will quickly find yourself outgunned, out manoeuvred and dead. Avoid enemy aircraft if possible.
 +
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
−
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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===Modules===
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
−
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
−
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
−
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 7 mm
 
| Offensive 7 mm
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
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|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
|  
+
|
 
| Turret 7 mm
 
| Turret 7 mm
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
| Engine Injection
+
|
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
| New 7 mm MGs (Turret)
+
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
−
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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:'''
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== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
[[File:BomberImage_VD6O5dR.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Swordfish took part during the raids of Kirkenes and Petsamo, find out more from the [http://warthunder.com/en/news/747-Historical-The-Disaster-in-the-Arctic-en Disaster In the Arctic] historical article .]]
 
[[File:BomberImage_VD6O5dR.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Swordfish took part during the raids of Kirkenes and Petsamo, find out more from the [http://warthunder.com/en/news/747-Historical-The-Disaster-in-the-Arctic-en Disaster In the Arctic] historical article .]]
 
Affectionately known as the "Stringbag" by the pilots, engineers and crews who operated her, the Fairey Aviation Company's Swordfish was a design that was outdated from the very beginning of the Second World War. Despite this, it managed to outlive its replacements, including the Fairey Albacore, in service until the arrival of modern monoplane Torpedo Bombers such as the Fairey Barracuda. Seeing 4 models, plus a float plane modification, the Swordfish would finally bow out of service in 1945 after VE day after showing just how successful the outdated design had become. From the Battle of Taranto, Operations in the Atlantic, to the attack on the Bismarck, the Swordfish struggled on to the end. Taking to the skies for the first time in 1934, the Swordfish was born into an era that ensured its time would be limited from its very conception, as just one year later in 1935, the Hawker Hurricane and Messerschmitt BF 109 also made their debut. Regardless, the Swordfish would make its mark on history, before its swansong over 10 years after its first flight.
 
Affectionately known as the "Stringbag" by the pilots, engineers and crews who operated her, the Fairey Aviation Company's Swordfish was a design that was outdated from the very beginning of the Second World War. Despite this, it managed to outlive its replacements, including the Fairey Albacore, in service until the arrival of modern monoplane Torpedo Bombers such as the Fairey Barracuda. Seeing 4 models, plus a float plane modification, the Swordfish would finally bow out of service in 1945 after VE day after showing just how successful the outdated design had become. From the Battle of Taranto, Operations in the Atlantic, to the attack on the Bismarck, the Swordfish struggled on to the end. Taking to the skies for the first time in 1934, the Swordfish was born into an era that ensured its time would be limited from its very conception, as just one year later in 1935, the Hawker Hurricane and Messerschmitt BF 109 also made their debut. Regardless, the Swordfish would make its mark on history, before its swansong over 10 years after its first flight.
  
 
== 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.''
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
−
<!--''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 aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{Britain bombers}}
 
{{Britain bombers}}

Revision as of 10:58, 14 April 2019

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
Swordfish Mk I
swordfish_mk1.png
Swordfish Mk I
Britain flag.png Britain
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Swordfish Mk I.jpg


The Swordfish Mk I is a rank I British bomber with a battle rating of 1.0 (AB/RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Swordfish is a plane often overlooked by new players, but it is common for more experienced players to hold special love for "ugly ducklings". As such, the Swordfish is valued for providing a change of pace towards slower game play and simultaneously a challenge, being mostly staying alive.

As with all torpedo bombers, maintaining low altitude, high speed, and fighter cover are all recommended. The optimal distance for launching a torpedo is 1 km from the target, though the Swordfish is slow enough to be able to drop torpedoes efficiently from shorter distances. Targets should be engaged from directly ahead or astern, making "leading" the target much easier.

If torpedo bombing is not an option, the plane can carry bombs for attacking ground targets. The aircraft's slow speed means it is great practice for aiming bombs. With practice, any pilot can make short work of tanks and light pillboxes with the Swordfish.

The Swordfish is an in-game oddity because it can exceed its max altitude of 3,300 m and go up to about 4,000 m with the 4 x 250 lb bombs attached.

Inside the Cockpit of the Swordfish

A classic biplane design, thus offensive armament is limited. Restrained to only one machine gun offensively and defensively, the Swordfish's true strength is the payload.

General info

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.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 1,400 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
219 209 3300 50.7 51.3 7.8 7.7 297
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 1,400 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
235 226 3300 49.8 50.2 10.6 9.2 297

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X ✓
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
520 ~8 ~5
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 180 < 360 < 260 > 310
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
366 m 870 hp N/A

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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Vickers E (7.7 mm)

The Swordfish Mk I is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers E machine gun, fuselage-mounted (600 rpg)

Suspended armament

Main articles: G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb), Mark XII

The Swordfish Mk I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 4 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 1 х 18 inch Mark XII torpedo

Defensive armament

Main article: Vickers K (7.7 mm)

The Swordfish Mk I is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (576 rpg)

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).

For now, the use of the Swordfish is confined to the early ranks, where it is moderately effective as a bomber. While it is slow and poorly armed, it is quite manoeuvrable and carries a decent payload. Therefore, it is strictly relegated to bombing and torpedo bombing. In ground RB, the Swordfish can be great for accurately bombing enemy vehicles, however you will be a very easy target for SPAA and enemy fighters. Even tanks may try to shoot you down. Therefore you must be careful and try to drop your bombs as quickly as possible before returning to base to rearm. Hanging around once your bombs are gone will quickly get you shot down. Pinpoint your target at a distance, drop your bombs and then make your escape.

A good tactic is to fly at a distance from the fighting, keeping out of range of machine gun fire or worse. If an enemy starts to capture one of your capture points, you can then swoop in and bomb the capture point, clearing it of any enemy vehicles. This way you can be assured a target is available. Circling over the combat area looking for targets is not a good idea. This is risky enough in faster, more nimble aircraft, so in a big, slow biplane bomber, it is almost suicidal.

If you are intercepted by an enemy aircraft, your best option is to call for help. The Swordfish is by no means fast or manoeuvrable enough to escape from enemy fighters at the rank. Your rear gunner may be able to deter some more cautious players, but most players will shrug off the small calibre rounds. Therefore, you should not rely too much on the single 7.7 mm gunner. The same goes for the offensive 7.7 mm. Do not be tempted to start trying to dogfight with other aircraft, as you will quickly find yourself outgunned, out manoeuvred and dead. Avoid enemy aircraft if possible.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs FTC mk.II
III Wings repair Engine Turret 7 mm
IV Cover New 7 mm MGs (turret)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Quite manoeuvrable
  • Good bomb load for its rank
  • Useful at downing vehicles in tank battles
  • Easy to aim bombs thanks to its low speed
  • One forward firing machine gun for taking out soft/light targets
  • One rear-facing machine gun that may prove itself useful

Cons:

  • Very slow airspeed
  • Poor rate of climb
  • Vulnerable to tank MG's and even main cannons
  • Insufficient armament to efficiently fend off planes
  • Very poor cockpit visibility

History

The Swordfish took part during the raids of Kirkenes and Petsamo, find out more from the Disaster In the Arctic historical article .

Affectionately known as the "Stringbag" by the pilots, engineers and crews who operated her, the Fairey Aviation Company's Swordfish was a design that was outdated from the very beginning of the Second World War. Despite this, it managed to outlive its replacements, including the Fairey Albacore, in service until the arrival of modern monoplane Torpedo Bombers such as the Fairey Barracuda. Seeing 4 models, plus a float plane modification, the Swordfish would finally bow out of service in 1945 after VE day after showing just how successful the outdated design had become. From the Battle of Taranto, Operations in the Atlantic, to the attack on the Bismarck, the Swordfish struggled on to the end. Taking to the skies for the first time in 1934, the Swordfish was born into an era that ensured its time would be limited from its very conception, as just one year later in 1935, the Hawker Hurricane and Messerschmitt BF 109 also made their debut. Regardless, the Swordfish would make its mark on history, before its swansong over 10 years after its first flight.

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 series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of 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 aircraft;
  • other literature.


Britain bombers
Torpedo  Swordfish Mk I · Swordfish Mk II · ▄Avenger Mk II
Dive  V-156-B1
Hydroplanes  ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk V
Light  Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII · ▄Hudson Mk V · Brigand B 1
Based on A20  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7
Hampden  Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I
Wellington  Wellington Mk Ic · Wellington Mk Ic/L · Wellington Mk III · Wellington Mk X
Halifax  Halifax B Mk IIIa
Stirling  Stirling B Mk I · Stirling B Mk III
Lancaster  Lancaster B Mk I · Lancaster B Mk III
Lincoln  Lincoln B Mk II
Shackleton  Shackleton MR.Mk.2

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