Difference between revisions of "XF5F"

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|code=xf5f
 
|code=xf5f
 
|cockpit=334575/1111219
 
|cockpit=334575/1111219
 +
|market=XF5F Skyrocket
 
}}
 
}}
  
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].
  
−
The XF5F Skyrocket is an oddity. Its lightweight coupled with the underwhelming armament aren't what you'd expect from a twin-engine fighter, but so is its manoeuverability. Indeed, it is among the most agile twin engine plane out there, coupled with the low weight and its two power plants, makes for a unique flying style.
+
The XF5F Skyrocket is an oddity. Its lightweight and underwhelming armament aren't what you'd expect from a twin-engine fighter, but neither is its surprising manoeuvrability. Indeed, it is among the most agile twin-engine plane out there. Coupled with the low weight and its two power plants, this aircraft makes for a unique flying style.
−
The Skyrocket's primary role is going to be Boom and Zoom ; the climb is pretty good, and so is the energy retention if you stay under 550 kph and opt for smooth, moderate turns. However, the lack of heavy armament means that you will have to keep your guns on target longer in order to achieve consistent damage. Such opportunity comes when the enemy is low on speed and unsuspecting; for example at the top of a loop, or in a sustained turn fight with an ally plane. Be cautious as you go past 600 kph however, as it locks up, similar to the XP-50's high speed compression. Overall, the XF5F is a plane that favors high alt, medium speed engagements, where it is safe from crashing in the ground and has room to maneuver.
+
The Skyrocket's primary role is going to be Boom & Zoom; the climb rate is decent, and so is the energy retention if you stay under 550 kph and opt for smooth, moderate turns. However, the lack of heavy armament means that you will have to keep your guns on target longer in order to achieve considerable damage. Such opportunity comes when the enemy is low on speed and not suspecting any enemies/tunnel-visioned on an ally; for example at the top of a loop, or in a sustained turn fight with an allied plane. Be cautious as you go past 600 kph, however, as it locks up, similar to the XP-50's high-speed compression. Overall, the XF5F is a plane that favours high altitude, medium speed engagements, where it is safe from crashing in the ground and has room to manoeuvre.
  
−
If need be, you can push the XF5F into a more aggressive energy fighter, similar to the Bf 109's, where looping back on the enemy while holding superior speed and altitude allows to extinguish the energy little by little. The responsive roll and pull, coupled to the effective combat flaps and engine throttle management and acceleration, allows for some nifty dogfight against heavier planes that believe to hold an easy prey. Keep in mind however that the engine will overheat badly at low altitude and even more so at around 2,800m due to the supercharger setting in. Temperature isn't nearly as critical at higher altitude (around 12K ft) where fresh air will cool your motor apparatus quickly. Alternatively, you may manually set the radiators to ~40% water/20% oil for continuous 100% engine power.
+
If required, you can push the XF5F into a more aggressive energy fighter, similar to the Bf 109 series, where looping back on the enemy while holding superior speed and altitude allows you to extinguish their energy little by little. The responsive roll and pull, in addition to the effective combat flaps, engine throttle management, and acceleration, allows for some nifty dogfighting against heavier planes that may see you as easy prey. Keep in mind, however, that the engines will overheat badly at low altitude, and even more so at around 2,800m due to the supercharger setting in. Overheating isn't nearly as serious at higher altitude (around 12,000 ft / 3,600 m), where fresh air will cool your motor apparatus quickly. Alternatively, you may manually set the radiators to ~40% water/20% oil for continuous 100% engine power.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 20: Line 21:
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,273 m)
−
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
 
! 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| 611 || 546 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.9 || 20.6 || 22.7 || 18.9 || 180
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,800 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 559 || 543 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.9 || 22.6 || 7.4 || 7.3 || rowspan="2" | 180
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 642 || 576 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 18.2 || 19.0 || 27.4 || 20.3 || 180
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 642 || 576 || 18.2 || 19.0 || 27.4 || 20.3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Features
+
! colspan="6" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 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 !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 487 || ~10 || ~8
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 487 || 487 || 290 || ~11 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 350 || < 400 || < 350 || > 320
+
| < 350 || < 400 || < 350 || > 300
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in nose
+
 
−
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind pilot
+
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in the nose
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
 
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
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== 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 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).'' -->
−
Exploiting the opponent's weakness while relying on a fast straight-line acceleration for escapes out of an unfavorable situation.
+
Exploiting the opponent's weakness while relying on a fast straight-line acceleration may allow for escapes out of an unfavourable situation.
  
−
Especially energy fighters (Bf 109/C.205/La-5) trying to out turn a twin-engine plane can be lured into stall-speed turn fights and intercepted during their subsequent speed recovery.
+
Energy fighters (Bf 109/C.205/La-5) trying to out turn a twin-engine plane can be lured into stall-speed turn fights and intercepted during their subsequent speed recovery.
  
 
Single engagements at low altitude are optimal thanks to fast acceleration trumping dive speed and climb.
 
Single engagements at low altitude are optimal thanks to fast acceleration trumping dive speed and climb.
  
−
Engagements with multiple opponents are to be avoided, since the XF5F needs a substantially longer time to effectively engage and eliminate a target.
+
Engagements with multiple opponents are to be avoided since the XF5F needs a substantially longer time to effectively engage and eliminate a target.
  
−
In Realistic Battle and Simulator Battle, the stiff opposition, in form of [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|Bf 109 G-2]]s, [[Fw 190 A-5|Fw 190A]]s, [[Yak-9T]]s, [[Yak-3]], and [[La-5FN]] will give you a serious run for your money. Always make sure you hold the energy advantage at all time and pick your fights with care.
+
In Realistic Battle and Simulator Battle, the stiff opposition, in the form of [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|Bf 109 G-2]]s, [[Fw 190 A-5|Fw 190A]]s, [[Yak-9T]]s, [[Yak-3]], and [[La-5FN]], will give you a serious run for your money. Always make sure you hold the energy advantage at all times and are picking your fights with care.
  
−
Countering an XF5F could include out-diving or -stalling with horizontal maneuvers followed up by a steep ascend; exploiting its weak energy retention and sluggishness at low speeds. Another tactic is to force the XF5F into a head on attack. Since it's not very well armed, chances are it will lose, unless it manages to accurately snipe from a distance or dodges the head-on.
+
Countering an XF5F could include out-diving or -stalling with horizontal manoeuvres followed up by a steep ascend, exploiting its weak energy retention and sluggishness at low speeds. Another tactic is to force the XF5F into a head-on attack. Since it's not very well armed, there is a good chance that you will be able to deal damage without receiving much yourself.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
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|}
 
|}
  
−
* As a gift plane, all modules are researched from the get-go.
+
* As a gift plane, all modules are researched upon receipt of the aircraft.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
 +
 
* Telescopic sight for RB/SB
 
* Telescopic sight for RB/SB
−
* Good maneuverability overall
+
* Good manoeuvrability overall
 
* Superb turn time
 
* Superb turn time
 
* Nose mounted armament
 
* Nose mounted armament
−
* Can fly on a single engine, albeit not for long
+
* Can fly on a single-engine, albeit not for long
−
* Does not have an arrestor hook, however can land on carrier for repair/rearm
+
* Does not have an arrestor hook, however, can land on a carrier to repair/rearm
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Weak armament
 
* Weak armament
−
* Compresses hard after 600 kph
+
* Control surfaces compress hard after exceeding around 600 kph
 
* Horrible energy retention
 
* Horrible energy retention
−
* Big size, easy target
+
* Large profile, an easy target
−
* Big fragile engines
+
* Large, fragile engines
 
* Engine overheats fast
 
* Engine overheats fast
 
* Somewhat underwhelming climb rate
 
* Somewhat underwhelming climb rate
Line 238: Line 213:
  
 
== 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 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!--''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 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''-->
 +
The Grumman XF5F Skyrocket was a prototype twin engine, carrier-borne, interceptor aircraft; developed for the United States Navy. In January 1938, the U.S. Navy issued a specification calling for a lightweight carrier-based fighter / interceptor to replace the obsolete biplanes which were in use at the time. Five companies issued proposals, of which Grumman, Vought and Bell received contracts to produce a prototype. Grumman produced the XF5F Skyrocket, to complete with Vought's XF4U-1 Corsair (the prototype of the legendary [[F4U (Family)|F4U Corsair]]), and Bell's XFL Airabonita (a naval version of the [[P-39 (Family)|P-39 Airacobra]].
 +
 
 +
The requirement put an emphasis on the aircraft achieving the highest speed possible, and so for this reason the Grumman engineers chose to design a dual engine fighter. Grumman planned to fit the aircraft with two 23mm Madsen cannons, along with two Browning .30 machine guns; although this would eventually be revised with Browning .50 machine guns replacing the cannons. The main landing gear of the Skyrocket was built into the engine nacelles, and the wings were made to fold upwards just outboard of the engines in order to take up less room on aircraft carriers.
 +
 
 +
The Skyrocket was the first of the three prototypes to fly, taking to the air for the first time on 1st April 1940 and becoming the worlds first twin engined carrier-borne fighter. It was followed shortly after by the Airabonita on 13th May and the Corsair on 29th May. The XF5F proved to have good overall flight characteristics in it's first flight; however a number of problems were soon found with the aircraft. The oil cooling system was found to be inadequate, and the landing gear doors did not function properly. Following early test flights many modifications were made to the aircraft, including improvements to the cooling system, reducing the size of the cockpit canopy, redesigning aspects of the engine nacelles, and adding spinners to the propellers.
 +
 
 +
Bell's XFL Airabonita had been plagued with technical and design issues relating to the engine, aircraft balance, and landing gear; leading to it being rejected by the Navy. This left just the XF5F and XF4U in the competition. The XF5F had shown a high top speed of 616 km/h in early tests, and had proven itself to have an excellent climb rate of 4,000 ft/min, compared to the XF4U's 2,660 ft/min. However the single engine XF4U soon proved to be a better overall aircraft, achieving speeds of 650 km/h in later test flights, beating the duel engined XF5F.
 +
 
 +
On the 30th June 1941 the Navy gave Vought a contract to start producing the Corsair, and it soon became apparent that no such order would be placed for the Skyrocket. The XF5F continued flying as a test bed aircraft, but continued to be plagued by landing gear issues, eventually suffering two gear failures, the second of which lead to the aircraft being written off in December 1944.
 +
 
 +
Following the rejection of the XF5F Grumman worked on developing a dual engine land based fighter, the [[XP-50]]. The XP-50 was visually similar to the XF5F; however it had a longer noes, extending forwards of the wing, and a tricycle undercarriage. It also had more powerful engines than the XF5F, giving it significantly better flight performance. During testing of the single XP-50 prototype the turbo-supercharger on one of the aircraft's engines exploded, destroying the landing gear and forcing the pilot to abandon the aircraft. Using their experience from the XF5F and XP-50 Grumman finally developed the [[F7F-1|F7F Tigercat]], which was accepted into service, becoming the first duel engined fighter to be deployed by the US Navy.
  
 
==Obtainable events==
 
==Obtainable events==
−
* In the January 2014 event [http://warthunder.com/en/news/383-War-Thunder---Winter-Magic-en "Winter Magic"], the XF5F was [https://warthunder.com/en/news/404-New-special-event-aircraft-XF5F-1--and-TB-3-en given] to those who participated the most in the event.
+
 
−
* In 31 October 2014, the XF5F was one of the few planes that could be received by Gaijin in their [http://warthunder.com/en/news/2598-aircraft-present-on-war-thunder-s-birthday-en 2nd anniversary present giveaways].
+
* During the January 2014 event [http://warthunder.com/en/news/383-War-Thunder---Winter-Magic-en "Winter Magic"], the XF5F was [https://warthunder.com/en/news/404-New-special-event-aircraft-XF5F-1--and-TB-3-en given] to those who participated the most in the event.
 +
* On 31 October 2014, the XF5F was one of the few planes that could be received by Gaijin in their [http://warthunder.com/en/news/2598-aircraft-present-on-war-thunder-s-birthday-en 2nd anniversary present giveaways].
 
* In March 2016, the XF5F was obtainable in the [http://warthunder.com/en/news/3610-special-team-deathmatch-win-rare-vehicles-en "War Thunder:100"] team deathmatch event
 
* In March 2016, the XF5F was obtainable in the [http://warthunder.com/en/news/3610-special-team-deathmatch-win-rare-vehicles-en "War Thunder:100"] team deathmatch event
 
* In September 2017, the XF5F was obtainable in the [https://warthunder.com/en/news/4978-special-us-air-force-day-get-the-xf5f-skyrocket-en U.S. Air Force Anniversary Event]
 
* In September 2017, the XF5F was obtainable in the [https://warthunder.com/en/news/4978-special-us-air-force-day-get-the-xf5f-skyrocket-en U.S. Air Force Anniversary Event]
 +
* It is currently considered a rare vehicle and is obtainable through the [https://trade.gaijin.net/? Gaijin Marketplace].
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
 +
 
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|OcYq1It4TAI|War Thunder Premium Review: XF5F Skyrocket [Ugly Duckling]}}
  
 
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''-->
 +
* [[XP-50]]
 +
* [[F7F-1]]
 +
* [[F7F-3]]
 +
* [[F4U (Family)|F4U Corsair]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 259: Line 253:
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/97454-grumman-xf5f/ War Thunder Aircraft Data Sheet: Grumman XF5F]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/97454-grumman-xf5f/ War Thunder Aircraft Data Sheet: Grumman XF5F]
 
* [http://www.aviation-history.com/grumman/xf5f.html Aviation History Online Museum - Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket]
 
* [http://www.aviation-history.com/grumman/xf5f.html Aviation History Online Museum - Grumman XF5F-1 Skyrocket]
Line 264: Line 259:
 
* [http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/SD-260_-_Detail_Specification_for_XF5F-1_(Excerpts)_-_5_May_1938.htm SD-260 Detail Specification for Model XF5F-1 Airplane, May 5, 1938]
 
* [http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/SD-260_-_Detail_Specification_for_XF5F-1_(Excerpts)_-_5_May_1938.htm SD-260 Detail Specification for Model XF5F-1 Airplane, May 5, 1938]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Grumman}}
 
{{USA twin-engine fighters}}
 
{{USA twin-engine fighters}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}
 
{{USA premium aircraft}}

Revision as of 19:01, 21 March 2020

XF5F
xf5f.png
XF5F
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 2.3 2.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

GarageImage XF5F.jpg


The XF5F Skyrocket is a premium rank III American fighter with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB) and 2.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.37.

The XF5F Skyrocket is an oddity. Its lightweight and underwhelming armament aren't what you'd expect from a twin-engine fighter, but neither is its surprising manoeuvrability. Indeed, it is among the most agile twin-engine plane out there. Coupled with the low weight and its two power plants, this aircraft makes for a unique flying style. The Skyrocket's primary role is going to be Boom & Zoom; the climb rate is decent, and so is the energy retention if you stay under 550 kph and opt for smooth, moderate turns. However, the lack of heavy armament means that you will have to keep your guns on target longer in order to achieve considerable damage. Such opportunity comes when the enemy is low on speed and not suspecting any enemies/tunnel-visioned on an ally; for example at the top of a loop, or in a sustained turn fight with an allied plane. Be cautious as you go past 600 kph, however, as it locks up, similar to the XP-50's high-speed compression. Overall, the XF5F is a plane that favours high altitude, medium speed engagements, where it is safe from crashing in the ground and has room to manoeuvre.

If required, you can push the XF5F into a more aggressive energy fighter, similar to the Bf 109 series, where looping back on the enemy while holding superior speed and altitude allows you to extinguish their energy little by little. The responsive roll and pull, in addition to the effective combat flaps, engine throttle management, and acceleration, allows for some nifty dogfighting against heavier planes that may see you as easy prey. Keep in mind, however, that the engines will overheat badly at low altitude, and even more so at around 2,800m due to the supercharger setting in. Overheating isn't nearly as serious at higher altitude (around 12,000 ft / 3,600 m), where fresh air will cool your motor apparatus quickly. Alternatively, you may manually set the radiators to ~40% water/20% oil for continuous 100% engine power.

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 Max Speed
(km/h at 5,273 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 559 543 9400 21.9 22.6 7.4 7.3 180
Upgraded 642 576 18.2 19.0 27.4 20.3

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ X ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 370 487 487 290 ~11 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 350 < 400 < 350 > 300
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,200-5,000 m 1,200 hp N/A
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,200-9,000 m 1,120 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

  • 9.5 mm Steel plate in the nose
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main articles: Browning M2 (12.7 mm), Browning (7.62 mm)

The XF5F is armed with:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
  • 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Usage in battles

Exploiting the opponent's weakness while relying on a fast straight-line acceleration may allow for escapes out of an unfavourable situation.

Energy fighters (Bf 109/C.205/La-5) trying to out turn a twin-engine plane can be lured into stall-speed turn fights and intercepted during their subsequent speed recovery.

Single engagements at low altitude are optimal thanks to fast acceleration trumping dive speed and climb.

Engagements with multiple opponents are to be avoided since the XF5F needs a substantially longer time to effectively engage and eliminate a target.

In Realistic Battle and Simulator Battle, the stiff opposition, in the form of Bf 109 G-2s, Fw 190As, Yak-9Ts, Yak-3, and La-5FN, will give you a serious run for your money. Always make sure you hold the energy advantage at all times and are picking your fights with care.

Countering an XF5F could include out-diving or -stalling with horizontal manoeuvres followed up by a steep ascend, exploiting its weak energy retention and sluggishness at low speeds. Another tactic is to force the XF5F into a head-on attack. Since it's not very well armed, there is a good chance that you will be able to deal damage without receiving much yourself.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not controllable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs
III Wings repair Engine Offensive 12 mm
IV Cover New 12 mm MGs
  • As a gift plane, all modules are researched upon receipt of the aircraft.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Telescopic sight for RB/SB
  • Good manoeuvrability overall
  • Superb turn time
  • Nose mounted armament
  • Can fly on a single-engine, albeit not for long
  • Does not have an arrestor hook, however, can land on a carrier to repair/rearm

Cons:

  • Weak armament
  • Control surfaces compress hard after exceeding around 600 kph
  • Horrible energy retention
  • Large profile, an easy target
  • Large, fragile engines
  • Engine overheats fast
  • Somewhat underwhelming climb rate
  • Terrible high altitude performance
  • No WEP in RB/SB

History

The Grumman XF5F Skyrocket was a prototype twin engine, carrier-borne, interceptor aircraft; developed for the United States Navy. In January 1938, the U.S. Navy issued a specification calling for a lightweight carrier-based fighter / interceptor to replace the obsolete biplanes which were in use at the time. Five companies issued proposals, of which Grumman, Vought and Bell received contracts to produce a prototype. Grumman produced the XF5F Skyrocket, to complete with Vought's XF4U-1 Corsair (the prototype of the legendary F4U Corsair), and Bell's XFL Airabonita (a naval version of the P-39 Airacobra.

The requirement put an emphasis on the aircraft achieving the highest speed possible, and so for this reason the Grumman engineers chose to design a dual engine fighter. Grumman planned to fit the aircraft with two 23mm Madsen cannons, along with two Browning .30 machine guns; although this would eventually be revised with Browning .50 machine guns replacing the cannons. The main landing gear of the Skyrocket was built into the engine nacelles, and the wings were made to fold upwards just outboard of the engines in order to take up less room on aircraft carriers.

The Skyrocket was the first of the three prototypes to fly, taking to the air for the first time on 1st April 1940 and becoming the worlds first twin engined carrier-borne fighter. It was followed shortly after by the Airabonita on 13th May and the Corsair on 29th May. The XF5F proved to have good overall flight characteristics in it's first flight; however a number of problems were soon found with the aircraft. The oil cooling system was found to be inadequate, and the landing gear doors did not function properly. Following early test flights many modifications were made to the aircraft, including improvements to the cooling system, reducing the size of the cockpit canopy, redesigning aspects of the engine nacelles, and adding spinners to the propellers.

Bell's XFL Airabonita had been plagued with technical and design issues relating to the engine, aircraft balance, and landing gear; leading to it being rejected by the Navy. This left just the XF5F and XF4U in the competition. The XF5F had shown a high top speed of 616 km/h in early tests, and had proven itself to have an excellent climb rate of 4,000 ft/min, compared to the XF4U's 2,660 ft/min. However the single engine XF4U soon proved to be a better overall aircraft, achieving speeds of 650 km/h in later test flights, beating the duel engined XF5F.

On the 30th June 1941 the Navy gave Vought a contract to start producing the Corsair, and it soon became apparent that no such order would be placed for the Skyrocket. The XF5F continued flying as a test bed aircraft, but continued to be plagued by landing gear issues, eventually suffering two gear failures, the second of which lead to the aircraft being written off in December 1944.

Following the rejection of the XF5F Grumman worked on developing a dual engine land based fighter, the XP-50. The XP-50 was visually similar to the XF5F; however it had a longer noes, extending forwards of the wing, and a tricycle undercarriage. It also had more powerful engines than the XF5F, giving it significantly better flight performance. During testing of the single XP-50 prototype the turbo-supercharger on one of the aircraft's engines exploded, destroying the landing gear and forcing the pilot to abandon the aircraft. Using their experience from the XF5F and XP-50 Grumman finally developed the F7F Tigercat, which was accepted into service, becoming the first duel engined fighter to be deployed by the US Navy.

Obtainable events

Media

War Thunder Premium Review: XF5F Skyrocket [Ugly Duckling]

See also

External links


Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
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Other  XF5F · XP-50 · F-82E

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