P-47D-25/28 Guide - Sky Hammer

In this guide, we will review one of the best dedicated BnZ aircrafts in the game. And if you have any doubts, 8 machine guns with more than 3000 rounds will make sure that you will kick some assess.

Everything said here refers to Realisic Battles only.

Introduction

When you thinking about good old boom and zoom aircraft(a plane that excells in striking from above via energy advantage with following escape) you should definetely pay your attention to P-47. This bird may not be the easiest plane to reach the top of leaderboard in a match, but once you will understand it's primary purpose, others will think twice before crossing you in the sky. I can guarantee that.

P.S.If you are found of the USSR my fellow comrade, then feel free to check out my Yak-3P guide here: http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=389846362

Aircraft overview

Advantages and disadvantages

First of all, it's a tough bird. You can take several hits and still fly without any serious problems. That has it's drawbacks: aircraft is really heavy and thus absolutely not fitting for maneuvering and dogfighting. On the other hand, we have a good flatter limit(wings tear off at about 900 km/hour) which is very, very good result:

Great BnZ potential. We have 8 guns and 3400 rounds - that's some serious firepower. It doesn't matter that these are 12.7 caliber machine guns. If your burst hit someone, he will suffer, no doubts.

Awesome emergency power duration. Thanks to your powerful engine you can fly with significant boost in speed without overheating for long time, in comparison with other aircrafts. Always use it to escape someone who is flying on the same altitude as you.

Another good thing that I must mention is head-on potential. Although your guns are mounted on wings, you still have a lot of firepower. 8 guns with more than 3000 rounds - hell yeah, Murica is coming for you! That means, that you shouldn't be really concern about trigger discipline and can spray your shots like crazy. I would recommend here a "Wall of fire" method. What does that mean? Do not shoot with short bursts towards the enemy, instead, feel free to make a long uncontrolled burst and try to predict possible enemy movement. It should be something like this:

The bad thing, is that we must keep strictly BnZ approach while flying this thing. Any sudden movements or thoughts about making a maneuver more complicated than pitch in intense fight will be your doom if you are facing experienced pilot. As a result, DO NOT join a dogfight. You should always climb to the side of the main battle, and when you reach at least 4-5 km pick a target and start diving on it. That's the main and the most effecient tactic while flying this thing. I have a few videos for you, so you can have a grip of what I'm telling you here:

As you can see, I'm not going to the middle of battle. Instead, i'm using energy advantage to take down enemy and then get out of there quickly.

Side note: I know It's kind of obvious that you should better have a wingman everytime. BUT! This plane just screams for it. Without good partner when you are in a trouble - journey to hangar. Even If you don't have friends playing War Thunder use every mean of in-game communication. Maybe,maybe, someone will come to your aid. (it is always much effecient to have a maneuvarable dogfighter aircraft in a pair, then another BnZ plane. Why? Because you can outspeed enemies who flee, and your partner will be able to clear your 6 thanks to his amazing turns)

Tactics against other nations

Main rule against everyone - never, NEVER fall for a dogfight with anyone. Seriously guys, this is a death sentence. Your formula must be following - climb untill 4-5 km AT LEAST, prioritize enemies patiently, then take down your guy. I know it may be hard for you, but trust me, this plane loves to be flown with calm and patience. Thus, your tactic against every single opponent is always the same.

USSR

Enemies: Yak 3/P, La-5/FN, I-185(M-82)
The most fearsome enemy among all, because Red Army planes have both speed and maneuvarability. They can chase you down, and they have formidabble armament. Main thing here is to carefully and patiently wait for opportunity to come out and then seize it. What I mean is, take altitude and then find a lonely guy. You will figure out the rest.

Germans

Enemies:BF-series, FW-series.
You won't have any real problems unless you are at the ground level. German pilots always try to take altitude superiority to start BnZ you. The most important advice here is to have altitude advantage. If you do not have it and someone is diving on you, dive under him and try to use speed you gaining to flee towards allies. DO NOT START MANEUVERING WITH THEM. Turns=death.
Also, feel free to provoke a head-on against BF-series, but for your own sake don't even think about doing the same with FW. They have so many 20mm cannons, that if it hits, it will be critical.

Japanese

Enemies: Ki series, A6M series.
You probably know this already, but in case you don't: NEVER DOGFIGHT WITH JAPANESE! And doing this on a flying brick that weight 5 tonns is worst idea you can ever imagine! Japanese planes tend to burn easily from even a small hit from your weapons. Especially, when you have a belt with a lot of incendianary ammo(like universal). Use it to your advantage during your BnZ attacks and head-ons. Especially head-ons. Always, I repeat, always try to go till the end on someone who is approaching you right from the front. Remember about Wall of Fire method that I mentioned before.

Conclusion

P-47 is a pure BnZ aircraft. Keep in mind several basics while flying this plane:

• altitude is a must
  
• maneuvering is strictly no-no
  
• feel free to spray shots like hell
  
• you can take some punches thanks to your armor.

Always remember about that and you will achieve both victory and precious lions.

Good luck, pilot!

[Hibana Oh Nana]

wot about the d27/M/N?

[CommieJon]

SOVIET FTW!

[A]

Tracers are recommended for M2s/M3s. You can use the P-47 as ground attacker . It has lots of bomb / rocket slots .

[BeZi]

After 1.47 every ammo belt is able to destroy LPB below 300m ;)
Even M20 API-Ts from turret....

[Smegma Steve]

Ground targets is also an excellent belts, especially bombers. It allows you to take out light pillboxes if enemy is hiding. Damages control surfaces better than Tracer but has a lower chance of lighting a fire. Though with 8 .50s it rips wings off fairly easily. Depends if you want sawing or death by fire though. Good guide BTW.

[SoyaLors]

Combatsmithen,

use everything that has a lot of incendiary ammo in belt. Tracer belt, universal(my personal favorite), stealth(if you don't have any problems with aiming).

[SoyaLors]

Thejes,

this is strictly BnZ plane, thus you should always use one and only tactic against everyone, including Britain. Take altitude, do not maneuver with spits and provoke a head-on if possible.

[Gentar]

Any tactics against the Brits on Hokkaido?

[combatsmithen]

Tracer rounds are great in this thing right? Its all API-T.

[BMS]

Great guide, just got into RB with this plane. Bringing the fifty cals of flaming freedom to the axis