Most likely, Russia would either get the Su-75 Checkmate (The knock-off of the F-35) or the Su-57
Aaaah I forgot to include the CA-27 Mk.30 Blue Jay missile/Firestreak testbed as a premium or perhaps even squadron vehicle. Add that to the New Zealand Venom and MB-339 I forgot to add and kinda can’t now because of the character limit.
1 Like
Please disregard
Fire streaks have been completely unusable since the seek and destroy update, If it was a nerf it’s probably not worth adding this.
However if it’s a bug and it gets fixed and firestreaks are usable again this would definitely be a fun sabre to fly.
Edit: I misread firestreak as fireflash, disregard this whole message
I have decided on a way I can add to this tech tree without exceeding the character limit. I will be reposting some sections from the OP as replies in this thread, then leaving a link to that post in the op rather than the complete section.
So stay tuned, I will be able to add the Venom, MB-339, Blue Jay Sabre and maybe even some other premium suggestions like “Caldwell’s P-40”. When time permits. Maybe this weekend, we’ll see.
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Maybe these could be added to your list?
Possible new Aussie additions
AAC A10 Wamira - (CA-34 Project canceled not long after completion)
BAE Systems Hawk 127, 1997
CAC CA-6 Wackett, 1939
CAC CA-23 Prototype, 1955 (Mach 1.5+ Jet fighter)
CAC CA-30 Macchi MB-326H
CAC CA-31 Prototype, 1967 (Mach 1.5+ Jet trainer, 4 wing + 2 fuselage hardpoints)
Cessna C-180D Skywagon (O-1 Bird Dog Vietnam, 4 x 2.75in rockets)
Lockheed AP-3C Orion, 2002 (armament = AGM-84, Mark 46, MU90, mines etc.)
New Zealand Air Force
Aermacchi MB-339CB
McDonnell Douglas A-4K Skyhawk
PAC CT/4 Airtrainter - (F Variant has underwing hardpoints)
Supermarine Walrus Mk. I, 1935
Hi, check this post I will soon be linking to in the original post for some of those planes.
However, in short:
Wamira is unarmed
I have a Hawk 127 in the tree, what’s different on the 1997 version of it? I may be able to add it.
The Wackett is unarmed
CA-23 is a paper plane, no prototype built and not allowed by suggestions rules
CA-30/MB-326H only has 2x7mm and tiny practice bombs, it didn’t seem suitable
CA-31 is a paper plane, mockup built but not a prototype and not allowed by suggestions rules
Cessna C-180 seems a little underpowered for the game, at most it would be an OP-2 type meme
Lockheed AP-3C Orion has entirely ship an submarine focused weapons, I’m not sure it could work outside of naval battles
I already plan to add New Zealand’s MB-339 as per above posts when I get time
There is already an A-4K in the tree, including an earlier iteration in between the RAN A-4G and the RNZAF A-4K Kahu seems a little redundant
PAC CT/4E or F might be something if armed, I will have to check in to it. Does generally seem like it’d need to be a heavily modern plane fighting early WW2 BRs though
The Walrus, don’t know, it’s pretty bad and the tree already covers early bomber BRs with better options. I will continue to leave it out for now.
Thanks for replying, sorry about the duplicates
PAC CT-4 E/F and AAC A10 Wamira are two sides of the same coin, propellor trainers with hardpoints. I believe their replacements were Platius’s. The Palitus PC-21 is in service by both Australia and New Zealand, they have hardpoints I’m unsure if they’ve been used in combat scenarios?
The Cessna is just a funny laugh, there are 2 versions the USA variant and the Aussie variant, slow aircraft with 4 x 2.75in rockets attached for Vietnam.
The CAC CA-23 Prototype, is not a paper plane it had progressed past that point, it had even finished wind tunnel testing, the first aircraft was being constructed, it was a 2-seater trainer variant until it got canceled part way through assembly, the remainder of the project, was probably mothballed and put into storage or worse destroyed. But yes unfinished sadly.
The Walrus Mk.I is already in war thunder in the UK tree, as a gift plane maybe it can be modified and put under New Zealand.
CA-30/MB-326H has quite a collection of useable armaments, the armaments list below has been taken direct from wikipedia:
- Guns: (optional) 2x 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns in the forward fuselage / various pylon-mounted gun pods
- Hardpoints: 6 with a capacity of Up to 4,000 lb (1,800 kg) total
- Rockets: (optional) 4x 6 kg (13 lb) or 7.5 kg (17 lb) rockets /various pylon-mounted rocket pods
- Missiles: (optional) 2x Nord AS.12 missiles
- Bombs: (optional) 4x 15 kg (33 lb) or 45 kg (99 lb)
Transavia PL-12 MIL (M-300) Airtruk
A weird vehicle manufactured in Australia as an air ambulance, reconnaissance, light attack and counter insurgency aircraft. I believe they only developed one military spec version, armament unknown… bombs maybe?
Kind regards
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PAC CT/4 Airtrainter - (F Variant has underwing hardpoints)
The issue is not that they were unarmed, the issue is that the CT/4 in both RNZAF & RAAF were never armed to begin with since they were used exclusively used as basic trainers (in the form of the A, B & C variants). The variants that can be armed are all sold for export mainly to Thailand
in regards to COIN aircraft i’m genuinely surprised that you didn’t mentioned the GAF Nomad which can not only mount secondary ordinances but the Australians did operate them in combat roles mostly in the form of Maritime Patrol and general utility roles roles
I did look at GAF aircraft couldn’t find anything mentioning ordanance
I’m fairly aware of how far the CA-23 project got, but still, wind tunnel tests on a model and no functional prototype still classifies it as a paper plane to me. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see it in a video game, but I can’t justify adding it to the suggestion. With that said, the Wamira never flew either or had a functional prototype, it had engineering mockups and full scale models only iirc.
Be careful of Wikipedia specs, sometimes they are wildly wrong and sometimes they are poorly researched or list options applicable to other models of the aircraft. The MB-326H in Australian service didn’t have any of those options that I could find except the 2x 7mm guns which just didn’t seem worth adding to the suggestion at such a high BR for the flight performance.
Isn’t the Walrus only available as a ship launched reconnaissance aircraft? There’s no way to use it in air battles is there? Or did I miss something? I mean, you COULD put it in with both AU and NZ skins for it, but would it really be worth it?
Have you got any info on exactly what the Nomad could carry? Most generic websites mention 4 underwing hardpoints and 2 under fuselage each stressed for 500lb and able to carry gunpods and rockets. But the Nomad is also incredibly slow and doesn’t have defensive armament, even at 1.0 BR it’d be pretty bad.
This post will now serve to host all of the aircraft specs in order to save on the op character limit so that additions can be made.
Rank 1
Spoiler
Australian Demon Mk I
Spoiler
Brief: The Hawker Demon was a 1930s fighter derivative of the Hawker Hart bomber. The RAAF Demons were specific versions for Australia with a more powerful engine and some light ground attack capability. The flight performance is not up to par with other reserve biplanes in the game but there are also worse planes in the game. Compared to other reserve biplane fighters as well, this has a rear turret and 6 underwing hardpoints for bombs, giving it other options in a fight and some versatility.
Top Speed: 293km/hr at 5000m
Engine: 600hp Rolls Royce Kestrel V(DR)
Max Weight: 4716lb/2139kg
Crew: 2
Main Armament: 2x 0.303 forward firing Vickers machine guns, 1x 0.303 Lewis machine gun in the rear
Secondary Armament: 6 underwing bombs, I have struggled to find what size bombs were possible, any help would be appreciated. They will of course be small bombs.
Useful Links: https://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/hawker-demon
CA-3 Wirraway Mk II
Spoiler
Brief: The model Wirraway we have in game currently is actually incorrect, it’s a hybrid of the earlier Mk II model and the later Mk III model. The Mk II model had weaker wings, it could only carry 3x100lb bombs.
Top Speed: 354km/hr at 1500m
Initial Rate Of Climb: 9.9m/s
Max Weight: 6595lb/2991kg
Engine: 600hp Australian made Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp
Main Armament: 2x cowl mounted 0.303 Vickers Mk V machine guns, 1x 0.303 Vickers GO machine gun in the rear
Secondary Armament: 3x100lb bombs
Useful Links: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/aircraft/cac-ca-16-wirraway
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAC_Wirraway#
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-16-wirraway
CA-16 Wirraway Mk III
Spoiler
Brief: The Mk III Wirraway received numerous improvements, most notably in game are the stronger wings that now have not only dive brakes installed, but are stressed to carry the 2x500lb and 2x250lb bomb loadout the hybrid Wirraway already in game has. But that’s not all, in the interest of weight savings and streamlining aerodynamics the cowl mounted machine guns were often not fitted, and the tail gunner was removed. But it didn’t lose its teeth, it actually gained some! There is now a provision to fit 2x 0.030 Browning Mk II machine guns mounted under each wing, for a total of 4. For ground battles, it has a heavier bomb load at the expense of no machine guns. For air battles, this may be the best Wirraway, as it’s ever so marginally lighter while having better machine guns than its predecessor.
Top Speed: 354km/hr at 1500m
Initial Rate Of Climb: 9.9m/s
Max Weight: 6595lb/2991kg
Engine: 600hp Australian made Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp
Main Armament: 4x under wing mounted 0.303 Browning Mk II machine guns (optional)
Secondary Armament: 2x500lb bombs and 2x 250lb bombs
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://seapower.navy.gov.au/aircraft/cac-ca-16-wirraway
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAC_Wirraway#
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-16-wirraway
CA-3 Wirraway Mk II Refit
Spoiler
Brief: A number of earlier Mk II Wirraways had refits done for the stronger wings with dive brakes from the Mk III. As these were still earlier models, just with the newer wings, they often retained their cowl mounted and tail gunner Vickers machine guns. What does this mean? It means it could have 6 forward firing machine guns in total including the 4 under wing Brownings, and still have the tiny amount of protection offered by the tail gunner. Whilst we are talking percentages, it would also be the heaviest Wirraway though.
Top Speed: 354km/hr at 1500m
Initial Rate Of Climb: 9.9m/s
Max Weight: 6595lb/2991kg
Engine: 600hp Australian made Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp
Main Armament: 2x cowl mounted 0.303 Vickers Mk V machine guns, 4x under wing mounted 0.303 Browning Mk II machine guns (optional), 1x 0.303 Vickers GO machine gun in the rear
Secondary Armament: 2x 500lb bombs and 2x 250lb bombs
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://seapower.navy.gov.au/aircraft/cac-ca-16-wirraway
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAC_Wirraway#
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-16-wirraway
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a20b.htm
Beaufort Mk V
Spoiler
Brief: Australian production of Beauforts had a number of changes, including the use of Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasps instead of the original Bristol Taurus, a larger rudder, and different turrets. The Mk V suggested for the tree could also be an early Mk VIII, it wouldn’t matter as the main purpose of this initial model would be to have the earlier 0.303 machine gun armaments (where the later VIIIs had 0.50 M2 Brownings). The Mk VIII we have in game currently is missing armaments, there should be wing mounted machine guns and larger bomb options, as well as under wing bombs. These options are all officially documented and photographed.
Top Speed: 437km/hr at 1981m
Engine: 2x Pratt & Whitney SC34-G, 1200hp each
Armament: 2x 0.303 Browning forward firing machine guns, one in each wing. 2x 0.303 Vickers GO machine guns in dorsal turret, 1x 0.303 Vickers GO machine in beam position, 1x 0.303 Browning machine gun in rear firing chin blister
Secondary Armament: 1x 18in Mk XII torpedo or
4x 250lb GP Mk IV bombs or
2x 500lb GP Mk IV bombs or
2x 500lb SAP Mk II bombs or
1x 2000lb bomb and/or
1x 250lb bomb under each wing
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/research/Beaufort_Matters.pdf
PBY-5a Catalina
Spoiler
Brief: There is nothing special about RAAF Catalinas, they are the same as their USA counterparts as far as I know. Aside from having, IMO, better looking skins. Catalinas were also used by the RNZAF, so there should be unlockable skins for them here. I just really hope the “Black Cat” RAAF skin is available.
Top Speed: 282km/hr @ 2135m
Armament: 1x 0.50 M2 Browning in each beam gun position, 2x 0.303 Browning in nose, 1x 0.303 Browning in tail
Secondary Armament: 14x 100lb bombs or 4x 500lb/1000lb bombs or 2x Mk.13 torpedoes or 4x Type A Mark I mines
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/PBY-5A_Catalina
Sunderland Mk III
Spoiler
Brief: The RAAF Sunderlands were the Mk III model, but not special in any way to my knowledge and should be the same as their UK counterparts.
Top Speed: 394km/hr @ 4267m
Armament: 8x 0.303 Brownings in nose, tail and dorsal turrets
Secondary Armament: 8x250lb bombs or 4x 500lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Sunderland_Mk_IIIa
Hudson Mk IIIA
Spoiler
Brief: Both RAAF and RNZAF used Hudsons, there should be skins unlockable for both here. They are not special in any way to my knowledge, it would be essentially the same as the Mk V already in game as used by UK. There were multiple Marks to choose from, the IIIA seemed like the best option.
Top Speed: 418km/hr @ 1981m
Armament: 2x fixed 0.303 Browning machine guns in nose. 3x 0.303 Brownings in dorsal and ventral turrets
Secondary Armament: 250lb bombs, 100lb bombs, rockets, 1600lb total
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Hudson_Mk_V_(Great_Britain)
Do 24 K-1
Spoiler
Brief: I included this as not only is it a reasonable low tier option for a premium bomber, but we already have a suggestion post for it on the forums made by user @bristrees and if one person wants it, that’s reason enough to me.
Top Speed: 298km/hr @ 1770m
Armament: 1x 20mm Hispano in dorsal turret, 2x 0.303 Brownings in nose and tail turrets
Secondary Armament: 4x 300kg bombs or 12x 50kg bombs
Useful Links: https://forum.warthunder.com/t/dornier-do-24k-1-raaf-under-new-management/49193
Gladiator Mk II
Spoiler
Brief: This is an Article XV Squadron aircraft (see below for details). 3 Squadron RAAF served in the African theatre WW2 with Gladiator Mk IIs and tangled with Italian forces. I have included it as the Australian Demon may not be to everyone’s liking, this is a premium option to bi-pass it if desired.
Top Speed: 414km/hr @ 4420m
Rate of Climb: 15.7m/s
Armament: 4x 0.303 Browning
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Gladiator_Mk_II
Rank 2
Spoiler
Hurricane Mk I/Late
Spoiler
Brief: This is an Article XV Squadron aircraft (see below for details). 3, 450 and 451 squadrons RAAF operated this Hurricane in the African theatre of WW2. I included it to help shore up rank 2 in this line of the tree.
Top Speed: 525km/hr @ 3962m
Rate of Climb: 10.9m/s
Armament: 8x 0.303 Browning
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Hurricane_Mk_I/L
CA-12 Boomerang Mk I
Spoiler
Brief: The famous emergency fighter of Australia, the mighty Boomerang! There’s not much more that can be said about it, we already have it in game. As has been the case in the past, I imagine anyone who owns the UK tree premium already would get to keep it, but at the release of this new tree the premium would be removed from sale forever.
Top Speed: 491km/hr @ 5100m
Rate of Climb: 14.9m/s
Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano, 4x 0.303 Browning
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Boomerang_Mk_I_(Great_Britain)
CA-13 Boomerang Mk II
Spoiler
Brief: The improved Mk II variant of the Boomerang, with the only main notable change in terms of gameplay being the addition of under wing 250lb bombs. Also already in game. As has been the case in the past, I imagine anyone who owns the UK tree premium already would get to keep it, but at the release of this new tree the premium would be removed from sale forever.
Top Speed: 491km/hr @ 5100m
Rate of Climb: 14.9m/s
Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano, 4x 0.303 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 250lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Boomerang_Mk_II_(Great_Britain)
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-13-boomerang
P-39D-BE Airacobra
Spoiler
Brief: The RAAF had P-39Ds and P-39Fs as well as one P-400 for training, the P-39 models had different armor to the P-400 and slightly better performance.
Top Speed: 592km/hr @ 3658m
Rate of Climb: 13.3m/s
Armament: 1x 20mm Hispano, 2x 0.50 M2 Browning, 4x 0.303 Browning
Secondary Armament: 1x500lb bomb
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/P-400
B-339-23 Buffalo
Spoiler
Brief: There were numerous aircraft types headed for the Netherlands East Indies when they fell to Japan and ended up being diverted to Australia. The B-339-23 is one of such types, an export version of the F2A-3.
Top Speed: 518km/hr @ 4491m
Rate of Climb: 16.4m/s
Armament: 4x 0.50 M2 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 100lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/F2A-3
P-40E Kittyhawk IA
Spoiler
Brief: The P-40E, or Kittyhawk IA if you’re not American, saw extensive service with the RAAF. Australia’s highest scoring ace scored most of his kills flying P-40s in Africa. Clive Caldwell was the highest scoring P-40 ace of the entire war, and the highest scoring Allied pilot in the African theatre. P-40s also saw action defending the Australian mainland from Japanese bombing raids and throughout the Pacific theatre. Australian P-40Es are not special in any way though, it is the same as the P-40E we already have in game.
Top Speed: 560km/hr @ 3810m
Rate of Climb: 10.6m/s
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning
Secondary Armament: 1x 500lb bomb, 2x 100lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/P-40E-1
CA-4 Wackett
Spoiler
Brief: Australia’s prototype dive bomber is an interesting one for sure, some unique design features make it quite different to other similar types. The CA-4 has bomb bays housed WITHIN the engine nacelles, remote controlled barbette machine gun turrets on top of the nacelles, and…the wings themselves are the fuel tanks! In addition to this, it could carry two torpedoes instead of the usual one found on most similar types, and it was designed to be able to use either UK or US torpedoes. This initial prototype has a fairly weak armament of just four 0.303 Browning machine guns in the nose. In addition to the weak armament, the wing fuel tanks would be very vulnerable to fires and fuel explosions, as this is indeed the manner in which the prototype was lost. Lessons learned with the CA-4 lead to the improved CA-11.
I feel this combination of factors will give it an interesting play style for such a low BR. You have pretty good secondary armament options for such a low tier to go after ground and naval targets, not terrible flight performance, and even the defensive armament of 5x 0.303 machine guns will help ward off some fighters. But the offensive armament makes it fairly ineffective for going after fighters, and being shot at is a high probability death sentence with those fuel tanks.
Top Speed: 454km/hr at 4700m
Rate of Climb: 10.6m/s
Engines: 2x Pratty & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasps, 1200hp each
Max Weight: 22,885lb/10,380kg
Main Armament: 4x 0.303 Browning machine guns in the nose, 4x 0.303 Browning machine guns in remote controlled barbettes (two on each engine nacelle), 1x 0.303 Vickers K machine gun in the ventral position
Secondary Armament: 4x 250lb bombs house internally in engine nacelles and
8x 25lb bombs mounted under the outer wings and
4x 500lb bombs under the fuselage or
2x Mk XII, Mk XV or Mk 13 aerial torpedoes under the fuselage or
1x torpedo and 1x 1330L fuel tank under the fuselage
Useful Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFsovxv-ZEY
Vengeance Mk IV
Spoiler
Brief: Australia operated large numbers on the Vengeance in multiple variations. Arguably the best was the Mk IV which is the same as an A-35B which we already have in game. I don’t believe there was anything special about the Australian Vengeance, but my goodness is that RAAF skin so much prettier than the French one.
Top Speed: 485km/hr @ 3650m
Rate of Climb: 7.5m/s
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 500lb and 2x 250lb bombs or 4x 500lb bombs or 1x 1000lb bomb
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/A-35B_(France)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vultee_Vengeance_in_Australian_service
Beaufighter Mk VIc
Spoiler
Brief: Australia operated very large numbers of Beaufighters, the local production Mk 21 had A8 serials, while UK built models had A19 serials. They were used in various Marks, I chose the VIc here as it gives the tree a nice 3.0 option.
Top Speed: 536km/hr @ 5000m
Rate of Climb: 10.5m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano
Secondary Armament: 1x Mk XII torpedo or 2x 250lb bombs or 2x 500lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Beaufighter_Mk_VIc
Sunderland Mk V
Spoiler
Brief: This is an Article XV squadron aircraft (see below for details). No. 10 and 461 Squadrons RAAF operated Sunderlands, and the Mk V had improvements by way of direct input from the Australians, including more powerful engines and increased firepower. There are plenty of incredible stories to read about Sunderland and the RAAF crews.
Top Speed: 401km/hr @ 4267m
Armament: 4x 0.303 Browning fixed in nose, 2x 0.50 M2 Browning in beam positions, 10x 0.303 machine guns in nose, tail, dorsal and additional beam turrets
Secondary Armament: 8x 250lb bombs or 4x 500lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Sunderland_Mk_V
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short_Sunderland
Beaufort Mk VIII
Spoiler
Brief: Australian production of Beauforts had a number of changes, including the use of Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasps instead of the original Bristol Taurus, a larger rudder, and different turrets. Later Mk VIIIs upgraded earlier armaments from 0.303s to 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns (one in each wing) and in the dorsal turret. The under defence gun was removed though. The Mk VIII we have in game currently is missing armaments, there should be wing mounted machine guns and larger bomb options, as well as under wing bombs. These options are all officially documented and photographed.
Top Speed: 437km/hr at 1981m
Engine: 2x Pratt & Whitney SC34-G, 1200hp each
Armament: 2x 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns (one in each wing), 2x 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns in the dorsal turret, 1x 0.303 Vickers GO machine gun in the beam position
Secondary Armament: 1x 18in Mk XII torpedo or
4x 250lb GP Mk IV bombs or
2x 500lb GP Mk IV bombs or
2x 500lb SAP Mk II bombs or
1x 2000lb bomb and/or
1x 250lb bomb under each wing
Useful Links: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C346930
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/research/Beaufort_Matters.pdf
A-20G Havoc
Spoiler
Brief: Australia operated numerous variants of Boston and Havoc bombers, although strangely none were ever ordered or wanted by the RAAF. It started with the fall of the Dutch East Indies and some of their Bostons being diverted to Australia. As aircraft were lost they were often replenished by way of transfers. Because of this and it being surplus to the regular tree, I think it makes a good premium option here.
Top Speed: 510km/hr @ 3048m
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning fixed in nose, 3x 0.50 M2 Browning in dorsal and ventral turrets
Secondary Armament: 4x 500lb bombs, 12x M8 rockets
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/A-20G-25
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a28.htm
P-43D Lancer
Spoiler
Brief: Australia had only a handful of P-43s, however 4 P-43Ds were modified by Australia for the use of under wing drop tanks or 2x 250lb bombs (one under each wing). So not only is Australia the only operator of a P-43 not already in the game, but it brings a unique version to the table as well. Albeit very slightly unique as the engine and flight performance will remain the same. Due to its limited numbers and being surplus to the tech tree requirements, I feel this makes a good premium option.
Top Speed: 566km/hr at 7600m (according to the WT wiki)
Rate of Climb: 13.6m/s
Engine: Pratty & Whitney R-1830-49, 1200hp
Armament: 4x 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns
Secondary Armament: 2x 250lb bombs (one under each wing) or 2x 30 gallon drop tanks
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a56.htm
F4U-1D Corsair
Spoiler
Brief: New Zealand got fairly early access to Corsairs when RNZAF pilots were observed to be performing well in the field. In total they operated 424 Corsairs. They are not special in any way, and since Australia already fills the tech tree around this BR, the RNZAF Corsair makes a solid premium option.
Top Speed: 672km/hr @ 7000m
Rate of Climb: 15.2m/s
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs, 8x HVAR rockets
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/F4U-1D
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzcorsair.htm
CA-14 Boomerang
Spoiler
Brief: The CA-14 was an improved Boomerang prototype, with a turbocharged engine giving it greater speeds at higher altitudes. It was ultimately not required as other aircraft became available and the CA-15 project kicked off. The initial design here was also found to have some areas in need of improvement which lead to the CA-14A. As a result I chose to make the CA-14 a premium while the better CA-14A gets the tech tree.
Top Speed: 570km/hr at 8534m
Rate of Climb: Same as CA-13 Boomerang below 10,000 feet, 7.1m/s at 8500m
Engine: Turbocharged Pratt & Whitney R-1830
Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano and 4x 0.303 Brownings
Secondary Armament: Likely none, the increased weight may have prevented fitting bombs, the prototype at any rate did not have them
Useful Links: Suggestion post
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=164605
SBD-5 Dauntless
Spoiler
Brief: The RNZAF operated the SBD-3, -4 and -5 Dauntless. With Australia already having the CA-4 in this part of the tree, the Kiwis can once again offer a nice premium option. I chose the SBD-5 because it’s the best version, even if the difference is so marginal it probably doesn’t warrant a different BR.
Top Speed: Wikipedia cites a source that says 410km/hr at 4300m, which is slower than WT has the less powerful SBD-3 as
Rate of Climb: 8.6m/s
Engine: Wright R-1820-60 Cyclone, 1200hp
Armament: As SBD-3, 2x 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns in engine cowling, 2x 0.0303 Browning machine guns in the rear turret
Secondary Armament: Same as SBD-3
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/SBD-3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Douglas_SBD_Dauntless#
M.C.205V Veltro
Spoiler
Brief: In War Thunder we often see captured aircraft as premiums. This is the first one I have chosen. There were numerous Italian aircraft captured and flown by Australians in Africa.
Top Speed: 683km/hr @ 7000m
Rate of Climb: 20.4m/s
Armament: 2x 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT, 2x 7.7mm Breda-SAFAT
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/C._205_serie_1
Rank 3
Spoiler
CA-14A Boomerang
Spoiler
Brief: After initial trials with the CA-14, the designers set back to work to make necessary improvements which resulted in the CA-14A. Aerodynamic improvements and engine improvements are present, however flight data is hard to come by. There’s no indication armament would be different to the regular Boomerangs.
Top Speed: >570km/hr at 8534m
Rate of Climb: Same as CA-13 Boomerang below 10,000 feet, >7.1m/s at 8500m
Engine: Turbocharged Pratt & Whitney R-1830
Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano and 4x 0.303 Brownings
Secondary Armament: Likely none, the increased weight may have prevented fitting bombs, the prototype at any rate did not have them
Useful Links: Suggestion post
https://www.australianflying.com.au/news/warbirds-the-turbo-interceptor-boomerang
Spitfire Mk Vc/trop
Spoiler
Brief: Australia operated the Spitfire Vc/trop, the temperate cowls were needed in the Pacific theatre, conditions under which Spitfires did not particularly like by most reports. I have heard some had the 4x20mm armament, but I think most had the 2x 20mm and 0.303 armament.
Top Speed: 592km/hr @ 3963m
Rate of Climb: 19.5m/s
Armament: Either 4x 20mm Hispano Mk II or 2x 20mm Hispano and 4x 0.303 Browning
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Spitfire_Mk_Vc/trop
Spitfire HF Mk VIII
Spoiler
Brief: Many people are unaware that the Spitfire Mk VIII was actually the best Merlin Spitfire, better than the Mk IX. The Mk IX was a stopgap measure with the new engines while the Mk VIII was still being developed. As a result of aerodynamic improvements, the VIIIs were in fact faster. My BR estimate is however based on the fact that Australia did not use 150 octane fuel.
Top Speed: 669km/hr at 8000m
Engine: Rolls Royce Merlin 70, 1710hp
Primary Armament: 2x20mm Hispano Mk II, 4x 0.303 Browning machine guns
Secondary Armament: 1x500lb bomb centre fuselage, 2x 250lb bombs (one under each wing)
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire_(late_Merlin-powered_variants)
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii
http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spitfire-VIII.html
P-40N-40 Kittyhawk IV
Spoiler
Brief: The P-40N was not only the most produced P-40 variant, it was the best one with numerous improvements over the E model currently in game. They were lighter, more powerful, more aerodynamically refined. I hope the USA tech tree also gets this P-40, but Australia and New Zealand both operated them, so hopefully we get unlockable skins for both. The -40 model suggested here has the more powerful V-1710-115 engine with 1360hp, while still have 6x 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns.
Australia’s highest scoring ace scored most of his kills flying P-40s in Africa. Clive Caldwell was the highest scoring P-40 ace of the entire war, and the highest scoring Allied pilot in the African theatre. P-40s also saw action defending the Australian mainland from Japanese bombing raids and throughout the Pacific theatre.
Top Speed: ~600km/hr at 5000m
Engine: Allison V-1710-115, 1360hp
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns, hopefully as this is a later P-40 variant it will have access in game to the AP-I belts
Secondary Armament: One rack under each wing, one under fuselage, 3x 500lb bombs
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a29.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss_P-40_Warhawk_variants
http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/P-40/P-40.html
CA-17 Mustang Mk 20
Spoiler
Brief: The first CAC Mustang was assembled from kits brought in from America. They also had a less powerful engine than the later versions that were built from scratch in Australia. So the CA-17 would have to be considered slightly worse than the P-51D-5 in game.
Engine: Packard Merlin V-1650-3
Top Speed: <698km/hr @ 7620m
Rate of Climb: <18.0m/s
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 1,000lb bombs or 2x 500lb incendiary bombs, 10 x HVAR rockets
Useful Links: Later Mk 23 Suggestion Post
CA-18 Mustang Mk 23 Merlin 70
Spoiler
Brief: The Mk 23 Mustangs are built from scratch in Australia and use an actual Rolls Royce Merlin engine, as opposed to a Packard. They had either a Merlin 66, the low altitude engine found in Spitfire LF Mk VIII and IX, or the Merlin 70, the high altitude version found in the Spitfire HF Mk VIII and IX. The Merlin 70 version here would be interesting as it would have higher altitude capabilities than any P-51D in the game. Although Australia never used 150 octane fuel, so while this would be better than a P-51D 20 in game, it would still be worse than a P-51D 30. In addition, we all know the current meta is low altitude performance, so while the Merlin 70 would generally be considered better in real world conditions, in WT it would likely play worse than the Merlin 66.
Top Speed: >700km/hr @ ~8000m
Rate of Climb: ~20m/s
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 1,000lb bombs or 2x 500lb incendiary bombs, 10 x HVAR rockets
Useful Links: Suggestion post for Merlin 66 powered version
CA-18 Mustang Mk 23 Merlin 66
Spoiler
Brief: Brief: The Mk 23 Mustangs are built from scratch in Australia and use an actual Rolls Royce Merlin engine, as opposed to a Packard. They had either a Merlin 66, the low altitude engine found in Spitfire LV Mk VIII and IX, or the Merlin 70, the high altitude version found in the Spitfire HF Mk VIII and IX. From what I have read, the V-1650-7 in most P-51Ds is equivalent roughly to the Merlin 66, the Merlin 66 powered version being the one suggested here. Although Australia never used 150 octane fuel, so while this would be better than a P-51D 20 in game, it would still be worse than a P-51D 30. In addition, we all know the current meta is low altitude performance, so while the Merlin 70 would generally be considered better in real world conditions, in WT it would likely play worse than the Merlin 66.
Top Speed: >700km/hr @ 6400m
Rate of Climb: ~20m/s
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 1,000lb bombs or 2x 500lb incendiary bombs, 10 x HVAR rockets
Useful Links: https://forum.warthunder.com/t/cac-ca-18-mustang-mk-23-merlin-66/40077
Mosquito FB Mk.40
Spoiler
Brief: Australia built a few hundred Mosquito aircraft locally. The Fighter Bomber version was designated the FB 40, or FB Mk.40. Initially using Merlin 31s, many were upgraded to Merlin 33s. I still need to do more research on Australian production. One thing is for certain, the Merlin 33 is slightly less powerful than the Mosquito Mk VI’s engines as found in game currently, so a slight BR drop was expected.
Engines: Rolls Royce Merlin 33, 1400hp
Top Speed: ~600km/hr
Rate of Climb: ~8.0m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk II, 4x 0.303 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 250lb bombs or 2x 500lb bombs or 8x RP-3 rockets
Useful Links: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=164628
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a52.htm
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=25871363
Beaufighter Mk 21
Spoiler
Brief: Australia produced 365 of their local Mk 21 variant of the Beaufighter. There’s not much else to say as we have already had it in game a long time. Probably my favourite plane to fly in ground rb.
Top Speed: 520km/hr @ 5000m
Rate of Climb: 10.1m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk II, 4x 0.50 M2 Browning, 1x 0.303 dorsal turret
Secondary Armament: 1x Mk XII torpedo or 2x 1000lb bombs or 4x 500lb bombs or 4x 250lb bombs or 8x RP-3 rockets
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Beaufighter_Mk_21
CA-11A Woomera
Spoiler
Brief: The Woomera took lessons from the CA-4 Wackett prototype and improved its shortcomings. Most notably, a new tail section, replacement of two 0.303 nose guns with 2x 20mm Hispanos, conventional self sealing fuel tanks and a new canopy design with a special sight for the tail gunner. The only difference between the CA-11 and CA-11A was an engine upgrade from 1200hp to 1350hp.
Top Speed: Slightly above 454km/hr at 4700m (CA-4 and CA-11 quoted performance)
Rate of Climb: Slightly above 10.6m/s (CA-4 and CA-11 quoted performance)
Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasps, 1350hp each
Main Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano Mk II, 2x 0.303 Browning machine guns in the nose, 4x 0.303 Browning machine guns in remote controlled barbettes (two on each engine nacelle), 1x 0.303 Vickers K machine gun in the ventral position
Secondary Armament: 4x 250lb bombs house internally in engine nacelles and
8x 25lb bombs mounted under the outer wings and
4x 500lb bombs under the fuselage or
2x Mk XII, Mk XV or Mk 13 aerial torpedoes under the fuselage or
1x torpedo and 1x 1330L fuel tank under the fuselage
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRgTlRHHYHM
Firefly FR Mk V
Spoiler
Brief: The Royal Australian Navy operated a few variants of the Firefly off their aircraft carriers. Since we already have a Mk V in the game, it seemed most logical to make it the one selected.
Top Speed: 554km/hr @ 5181m
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 16x RP-3 rockets, 2x 250lb/500lb bombs with 8 rockets
Useful Links: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/aircraft/fairey-firefly-as5as6
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Firefly_FR_Mk_V
B-25J Mitchell
Spoiler
Brief: Australia operated a total of 50 B-25s, most redirected to Australia from the NEI, some direct from USA. We already have B-25Js in the game, and Australian ones weren’t modified in any way that I know of.
Top Speed: 444km/hr @ 3049m
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browning fixed in nose, 7x 0.50 M2 Browning in nose, tail, dorsal and beam turrets
Secondary Armament: 12x 100lb bombs or 8x 250lb bombs or 4x 500lb bombs or 3x 1000lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/B-25J-20
Mosquito FB Mk.42
Spoiler
Brief: This is a tricky one, I have included it but it’s so hard to find any information on! Basically, one Australian Mk.40 was converted to a prototype using much more powerful Merlin 69 engines. The official De Havilland (BAE Systems) website mentions it, and I have found an Australian document supporting the presence of Merlin 69s for the Mosquito program. I can only assume that Mosquitos were declared obsolete before this variant entered production. Given its elusive nature and being a one off no matter what, I added it as a premium. Being slightly more powerful than the Mk VI in game, a slight increase BR went with it.
Engines: 2x Rolls Royce Merlin 69, 1710hp each
Top Speed: 656km/hr
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk II, 4x 0.303 Browning
Secondary Armament: 2x 250lb bombs or 2x 500lb bombs or 8x RP-3 rockets
Useful Links: https://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/de-havilland-mosquito
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=164628
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a52.htm
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=25871363
A-25A Shrike
Spoiler
Brief: The Shrike is basically a land based version of the SB2C Helldiver with all the naval equipment removed. Australia ordered 150 of these…and took delivery of just ten. They did test flights with one, but at this point dive bombing was becoming obsolete and the remaining 140 were cancelled. Although one of the other 140 was flown by the USA in RAAF scheme and photographed. It’s hard to find a reliable source for performance of the A-25A, I can imagine it might be fractionally lighter than an SB2C without the naval gear, but I imagine performance would basically just be the same.
Top Speed: 459km/hr @ 4998m
Rate of Climb: ~6.5m/s
Armament: 2x 20mm AN/M2, 2x 0.303 Browning rear gunner
Secondary Armament: 4x 0.50 M2 Browning gun pods or bombs up to 2000lb or 8x HVAR rockets
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curtiss_SB2C_Helldiver#Australian_service
https://wiki.warthunder.com/SB2C-5_(France)
A6M5 Model 52
Spoiler
Brief: A captured Zero by Australian forces, and actually flown at the time. It even has RAAF roundels slapped on it. Makes for a solid premium option and a reminder of Australia’s involvement in the Pacific Theatre.
Top Speed: 565km/hr @ 6000m
Rate of Climb: 15.6m/s
Armament: 2x 20mm Type 99 Model 2, 2x 7.7mm Type 97
Secondary Armament: 2x 60kg bombs or 1x 250kg bomb
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/A6M5
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/zero.htm
BF 109 G-2
Spoiler
Brief: A handful of 109s made their way in to Australian hands. A 109 G-2 makes a solid premium option. Depending on what other premiums make it in to the game though, such as named aces’ planes etc. a different 109 could be used depending on best fit.
Top Speed: 682km/hr @ 6500m
Rate of Climb: 19.0m/s
Armament: 1x 20mm MG 151, 2x 7.92mm MG 17
Secondary Armament: 4x 50kg bombs, 1x 250kg bomb or 2x 20mm MG 151
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/me109.htm
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Bf_109_G-2_(Sweden)
CA-11 Woomera
Spoiler
Brief: The Woomera took lessons from the CA-4 Wackett prototype and improved its shortcomings. Most notably, a new tail section, replacement of two 0.303 nose guns with 2x 20mm Hispanos, conventional self sealing fuel tanks and a new canopy design with a special sight for the tail gunner. The only difference between the CA-11 and CA-11A was an engine upgrade from 1200hp to 1350hp. With my choice to use the more powerful CA-11A in the tech tree, I figured why not have the CA-11 as a premium.
Top Speed: 454km/hr at 4700m
Rate of Climb: 10.6m/s
Engines: 2x Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasps, 1200hp each
Main Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano Mk II, 2x 0.303 Browning machine guns in the nose, 4x 0.303 Browning machine guns in remote controlled barbettes (two on each engine nacelle), 1x 0.303 Vickers K machine gun in the ventral position
Secondary Armament: 4x 250lb bombs house internally in engine nacelles and
8x 25lb bombs mounted under the outer wings and
4x 500lb bombs under the fuselage or
2x Mk XII, Mk XV or Mk 13 aerial torpedoes under the fuselage or
1x torpedo and 1x 1330L fuel tank under the fuselage
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRgTlRHHYHM
Rank 4
Spoiler
Spitfire LF Mk VIII
Spoiler
Brief: Many people are unaware that the Spitfire Mk VIII was actually the best Merlin Spitfire, better than the Mk IX. The Mk IX was a stopgap measure with the new engines while the Mk VIII was still being developed. As a result of aerodynamic improvements, the VIIIs were in fact faster. My BR estimate is however based on the fact that Australia did not use 150 octane fuel. And while the HF may have been considered better in real world conditions, the LF being higher in BR here is because of the current WT low altitude meta.
Top Speed: 650km/hr at 6400m
Engine: Rolls Royce Merlin 66, 1710hp
Primary Armament: 2x20mm Hispano Mk II, 4x 0.303 Browning machine guns
Secondary Armament: 1x500lb bomb centre fuselage, 2x 250lb bombs (one under each wing)
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire_(late_Merlin-powered_variants)
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii
http://www.spitfireperformance.com/spitfire-VIII.html
CA-15 Kangaroo 0.50cal
Spoiler
Brief: The CA-15 Kangaroo is going to be to some people the crown jewel of this tech tree. Australia’s own super prop design never saw production due to some bad luck, but it was by all reports a terrific aircraft. The suggestion post linked below is well constructed by @bristrees if you’d like to read more about it. In War Thunder, given it has the same engine and almost identical overall climb rate, I think it would climb just like a Spitfire Mk XIV.
The wing design shares clear technological links with a P-51D, and the CA-15 has a similar weight to a P-51D but larger wings giving it lower wing loading so I expect it would turn a bit better than a P-51D. It also has a fair bit more horsepower than a P-51D so retention would undoubtedly be better. However it has higher wing loading and less WEP power than a P-51H so one would expect the H is still a better aircraft in most respects. Rip speed is definitely in excess of 808km/hr as this speed was achieved in the real aircraft in a shallow dive. Additionally, the design allowed for 3 different armament options, so I have given this tree a similar situation to what Japan has with the Ki-84, 3 identical aircraft at different BRs differing only in their guns. This one has the 6x 0.50cal machine guns.
Engine: Rolls Royce Griffin Mk 61, 2035hp
Top Speed: 720km/hr at 8047m, 592km/hr at sea level
Rate of Climb: 24.9m/s
Armament: 6x 0.50 M2 Browing machine guns, 3 in each wing, 250 rounds per gun
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 2x 500lb bombs or 10x 5" T64 Rockets (HVAR)
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAkY3YG9Nhw
CA-15 Kangaroo 0.50cal/20mm
Spoiler
Brief: The CA-15 Kangaroo is going to be to some people the crown jewel of this tech tree. Australia’s own super prop design never saw production due to some bad luck, but it was by all reports a terrific aircraft. The suggestion post linked below is well constructed by @bristrees if you’d like to read more about it. In War Thunder, given it has the same engine and almost identical overall climb rate, I think it would climb just like a Spitfire Mk XIV.
The wing design shares clear technological links with a P-51D, and the CA-15 has a similar weight to a P-51D but larger wings giving it lower wing loading so I expect it would turn a bit better than a P-51D. It also has a fair bit more horsepower than a P-51D so retention would undoubtedly be better. However it has higher wing loading and less WEP power than a P-51H so one would expect the H is still a better aircraft in most respects. Rip speed is definitely in excess of 808km/hr as this speed was achieved in the real aircraft in a shallow dive. Additionally, the design allowed for 3 different armament options, so I have given this tree a similar situation to what Japan has with the Ki-84, 3 identical aircraft at different BRs differing only in their guns. This one has the 2x 0.50cal machine guns and 2x 20mm cannons.
Engine: Rolls Royce Griffin Mk 61, 2035hp
Top Speed: 720km/hr at 8047m, 592km/hr at sea level
Rate of Climb: 24.9m/s
Armament: 2x 0.50 M2 Browing machine guns, 1 in each wing, 250 rounds per gun, and 2x 20mm Hispano Mk II
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 2x 500lb bombs or 10x 5" T64 Rockets (HVAR)
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAkY3YG9Nhw
CA-15 Kangaroo 20mm
Spoiler
Brief: The CA-15 Kangaroo is going to be to some people the crown jewel of this tech tree. Australia’s own super prop design never saw production due to some bad luck, but it was by all reports a terrific aircraft. The suggestion post linked below is well constructed by @bristrees if you’d like to read more about it. In War Thunder, given it has the same engine and almost identical overall climb rate, I think it would climb just like a Spitfire Mk XIV.
The wing design shares clear technological links with a P-51D, and the CA-15 has a similar weight to a P-51D but larger wings giving it lower wing loading so I expect it would turn a bit better than a P-51D. It also has a fair bit more horsepower than a P-51D so retention would undoubtedly be better. However it has higher wing loading and less WEP power than a P-51H so one would expect the H is still a better aircraft in most respects. Rip speed is definitely in excess of 808km/hr as this speed was achieved in the real aircraft in a shallow dive. Additionally, the design allowed for 3 different armament options, so I have given this tree a similar situation to what Japan has with the Ki-84, 3 identical aircraft at different BRs differing only in their guns. This one has the 4x 20mm cannons.
Engine: Rolls Royce Griffin Mk 61, 2035hp
Top Speed: 720km/hr at 8047m, 592km/hr at sea level
Rate of Climb: 24.9m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk II
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 2x 500lb bombs or 10x 5" T64 Rockets (HVAR)
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAkY3YG9Nhw
Sea Fury FB.11
Spoiler
Brief: The Royal Australian Navy operated the Sea Fury FB.11 from their aircraft carriers. Aside from having some really nice skin options, these are no different than the Sea Fury already in game. I have always wondered about that flight model for such a well touted aircraft.
Top Speed: 724km/hr @ 6096m
Rate of Climb: 22.0m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 8x RP-3 Rockets
Useful Links: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/aircraft/hawker-sea-fury-mark-11
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Sea_Fury_FB_11
Strikemaster Mk.88
Spoiler
Brief: The RNZAF Strikemaster is already in game by way of a battle pass reward. It’s quite capable for its BR. Here it moves to a regular tech tree.
Top Speed: 776km/hr @ 6096m
Rate of Climb: 26.0m/s
Armament: 2x 7.62mm FN 60.30
Secondary Armament: Bombs, rockets, gun pods, please refer wiki link below for details
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Strikemaster_Mk.88
P2V-5 Neptune
Spoiler
Brief: I very nearly overlooked the Neptune thinking it was a turretless maritime patrol and ASW aircraft with no useful armament for War Thunder. Thankfully I double checked it and found I was very wrong. Although somewhat oddly, one could argue it lost effectiveness in-game with later models and mid-life upgrades. Gun turrets were all eventually removed on the P2V-5s and never installed to begin with on the P2V-7. And with the introduction of jet engines as supplemental propulsion it lost 8 of its 16 rockets. So this tech tree suggestion is the early P2V-5 as introduced. The most comparable aircraft currently in game is possibly the A-26C or Tu-2S. Compared to the A-26C, speed is similar, the defensive guns and payload are stronger, but it doesn’t have all those 50cal for ground pounding and catching people off guard. I could be quite wrong about the BR here, but with pros and cons I gave it the same BR as the A-26C. I might also be wrong about the turrets, for sure the nose was 20mm, the tail and/or dorsal turrets may have been 50cal or 20mm, or both at differing times.
Top Speed: I found the top speed for early versions without the jet engine, and now I can’t find it again. I will update this if I find it again.
Engines: 2x Wright R-3350-26WA, 3200hp each
Armament: 2x 20mm cannon in nose turret, 2x 20mm cannon in tail turret, 2x 20mm cannon in dorsal turret
Secondary Armament: 16x HVAR rockets under wings, Up to 8000lb of bombs, torpedoes, depth charges or mines in bomb bay
Useful Links: https://hars.org.au/lockheed-p2h-p2v-7-neptune/
https://radschool.org.au/magazines/Vol8/Page4.htm
https://www.warbirdsonline.com.au/2018/12/04/lockheed-neptune-a89-302-hars-parkes-aviation-museum/
B-24D/J/L/M Liberator
Spoiler
Brief: Australia operated D, J, L and M models of the Liberator. They have some pros and cons to them, but any model would be representative for the sake of the tech tree. I do quite like the bare aluminum look with the RAAF roundels, very clean.
Top Speed: 494km/hr @ 7620m
Armament: 11x 0.50 M2 Browning in nose, dorsal, ventral, tail and beam turrets
Secondary Armament: Up to 8000lb worth of 100/500/1000/2000lb bombs
Useful Links: https://wiki.warthunder.com/B-24D-25-CO
http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a72.htm
GAF Lincoln Mk.30A
Spoiler
Brief: Post war saw Australia produce its own Lincoln bombers. Initially the Mk.30, later production improvements to structural strength and locally made Rolls Royce Merlin 102s were designated the Mk.30A. The improvements would not really be noticed in game, this Lincoln might fly fractionally different but really would perform the same as the Mk II already in game.
Engines: 4x Rolls Royce Merlin 102, 1780hp each
Top Speed: 513km/hr @ 5791m
Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano Mk V in dorsal turret, 4x 0.50 M2 Browning in nose and tail turrets
Secondary Armament: Up to 14000lb worth of 250/500/1000lb bombs
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a73.htm
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Lincoln_B_Mk_II
GAF Lincoln Mk.31 MR
Spoiler
Brief: Australia produced a number of “long nose” Lincolns, a local derivative for use in maritime roles. The Mk.31 MR is a specialized Maritime Patrol model modified for anti submarine warfare and anti surface warfare. Unless the depth charges have more explosive mass than a 1000lb bomb, the newly available weapons might not have much use in War Thunder currently. The Mk.34 anti submarine homing torpedo is very slow and has a small explosive mass. I imagine it could be used against surface vessels but would be fairly ineffective. It does at least gain access to RP-3 rockets like a Shackleton has.
In addition, it is still a Lincoln operated by the same RAAF, I see no reason the equipment to mount the standard bombs wouldn’t still be available to it as well. And as we’ve seen in the past, custom weapon loadouts can give rise to loadouts not commonly if ever used in real life on aircraft. The specs list the same existing 15 stations in the bomb bay, with recommendations for a typical sortie. In WT it may be possible to load all the stations with the desired weapons.
Engines: 4x Rolls Royce Merlin 102, 1780hp each
Top Speed: 513km/hr @ 5791m
Armament: 2x 20mm Hispano Mk V in the dorsal turret, 2x 0.50 M2 Browning machine guns in the tail turret
Secondary Armament: 16x RP-3 rockets, 8 under each outer wing, and 15 stations in bomb bay, stations can use-
Depth charges, 1 station (stations 2 and 13 can mount two charges)
Standard bombs
Mk 34 homing torpedoes, 2 stations
It may have also been capable of carrying mines, I’m not sure if this was done
Useful Links: https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=164778 (Page 142 in particular)
Lancaster B Mk III
Spoiler
Brief: This is an Article XV Squadron vehicle (see description below). 460, 463 and 467 squadrons RAAF operated Lancasters in the European theatre. I may be pushing my luck hoping for a 12,000lb bomb carrying Lancaster to be a premium, but maybe it could also be a Squadron Vehicle. It would never the less be nice to see a Lancaster in recognition of the Australian crews that served in them.
Top Speed: 462km/hr @ 3048m
Armament: 2x 0.50 M2 Browning in tail turret, 4x 0.303 Browning in nose and dorsal turrets
Secondary Armament: 14000lb bombs in 250/500/1000/4000/8000/12000lb
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/lancaster.htm
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Lancaster_B_Mk_III
Sea Hornet F.20
Spoiler
Brief: One Sea Hornet F.20 was brought on charge in the RAAF for trials under serial A83-1. The Sea Hornet had a few modifications from the Hornet we have in game. Different flaps might improve low speed handling, but overall it’s heavier, slower and less powerful. So a lower BR corresponded. Given its limited time with the RAAF, I made it a premium. Tech tree wouldn’t be required or make sense.
Top Speed: 746km/hr at 6400m
Engines: Rolls Royce Merlin 133/134, 2030hp each
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 8x RP-3 rockets
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a83.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Hornet#Sea_Hornet_F.20,_NF.21_and_PR.22
Rank 5
Spoiler
Vampire F.30
Spoiler
Brief: The Vampire was the first jet to enter Australian service. Local production began with the F.30 model. Australian Vampires were different to UK Vampires in that they used a more powerful Rolls Royce Nene engine. The additional power provided greater climb and acceleration however did not improve top speed due to mach limitations of the airframe. Due to the Nene engine requiring more air to feed it, additional intakes were placed on top of the fuselage, but this disrupted airflow to the elevator at high speeds, I believe this would manifest in War Thunder as more severe high speed compression compared to an FB.5. Additionally, the F.30 originally did not have the strengthened clipped wings of later FB models, so it has no access to secondary armament. Many F.30s were refitted as FB.31s later in life
Top Speed: 880km/hr or Mach 0.76
Rate of Climb: Please help me find this, I have searched and searched
Engine: Rolls Royce Nene 2-VH (CAC licensed production), 5,000lb thrust
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Vampire
https://www.radschool.org.au/magazines/Vol58/Page16.htm
Vampire FB.31
Spoiler
Brief: The Vampire FB.31 had improvements over the F.30 that included the “Fighter Bomber” strengthened clipped wings, allowing the use of bombs and rockets, and the moving of the dorsal air intakes to underneath the fuselage resolving the issues of airflow to the elevator. It still retained the Rolls Royce Nene engine. The FB.5 game is already quite a high BR for the what the airframe can offer, and the FB.31, while having greater climb and acceleration from the more powerful engine, is also slightly heavier, so I estimate it would be introduced at the same BR.
Top Speed: 880km/hr or mach 0.76
Rate of Climb: Please help me find this, I have searched and searched
Engine: Rolls Royce Nene 2-VH (CAC licensed production), 5,000lb thrust
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 8x RP-3 rockets
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Vampire
Meteor F Mk 8
Spoiler
Brief: The RAAF operated a number of Meteor F Mk 8, and the type saw action in the Korean War. They were not modified in any way that I know of, this would be the same as the Mk 8 already in game.
Top Speed: 962km/hr @ sea level
Rate of Climb: 40.2m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 8x RP-3 rockets
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/gloster-meteor-f8
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Meteor_F_Mk_8_G.41K
https://www.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/Meteor%20A77-871.pdf
Sea Venom FAW.53
Spoiler
Brief: The Royal Australian Navy operated the Sea Venom from 1956-1966. The FAW.53 is an Australian model but still built by UK. Compared to the FAW.20 currently in game, the FAW.53 has a more powerful engine and access to secondary armament.
Top Speed: 927km/hr at sea level
Rate of Climb: 30m/s
Engine: De Havilland Ghost 105, 5,300lb thrust
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V, 150 rounds per gun
Secondary Armament: 2x 1000lb bombs or 8x RP-3 Rockets
Useful Links: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/aircraft/de-havilland-sea-venom-faw-mk-53
Venom FB.1
Spoiler
Brief: In 1955 during the Malayan Emergency, the RNZAF took on board a strength of Venom FB.1 as part of their contribution. The FB.1 is very similar to the FB.4 currently in game, however had an earlier rudder design and did not yet have hydraulically power ailerons, so it could be expected that rudder and roll performance will be slightly worse.
Top Speed: 1030km/hr @ sea level
Rate of Climb: 34m/s
Engine: De Havilland Ghost 103, 4,850lb thrust
Armament: 4x20mm Hispano Mk V
Secondary Armament: 2x1000lb bombs or 8xRP-3 rockets
Useful Links: https://airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/rumble-in-the-jungle-the-rnzaf-in-the-malayan-emergency/
https://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/dh112-venom-sea-venom
P-3K2 Orion
Spoiler
Brief: The P-3K2 is an upgraded P-3C for New Zealand. An anti submarine and maritime patrol aircraft, the armaments available to it will lend itself well to War Thunder in air, naval or ground battles. While P-3C specifications are readily available for USA Orions, I found it difficult to find exactly what the RNZAF used on it. I think it’s important to consider what weaponry New Zealand had in their inventory. I have listed below what I believe the Orions had access to from various web pages I have read.
While considering its BR, I compared it to two other bombers without defensive armament, the Ar 234 B and the Canberra. The Orion is in between these two in terms of speed but with a much larger payload. Due to some of the weaponry, I suspect it would have a higher BR in ground and naval battles.
Top Speed: 760km/hr at 4600m
Engines: 4 x Allison T56-A-14 turboprop, 4600hp each
Rate of climb: 16m/s
Armament: 10 wing stations (3 under each wing, 2 under each wing root) and 8 internal bomb bay stations, total capacity 20,000lb
Capable of using 500lb Mk 82 bombs, 1000lb Mk 83 bombs, AGM-65 Maverick, Mk 46 torpedoes, depth charges, AGM-84 Harpoon anti ship missiles
Useful Links: https://www.seaforces.org/marint/New-Zealand-Navy/P-3K2-Orion.htm
https://www.contactairlandandsea.com/2018/11/09/kiwi-orion-on-bombing-runs-with-video/
https://www.nzdf.mil.nz/nzdf/our-equipment/aircraft/p-3k2-orion/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_P-3_Orion#
GAF Canberra Mk 20
Spoiler
Brief: Australia was the first export customer for the Canberra bomber, hence why it is named after our capital city. Government Aircraft Factory undertook production in Australia for the RAAF models. The type would see service in the Malayan Emergency and Vietnam. The Mk 20 is the Australian model designation, and is basically the same as a B Mk 2 we already have in game save for some local modifications like additional fuel tanks.
Top Speed: 880km/hr @ 3000m
Armament: 9x 500lb bombs or 6x 1000lb bombs
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/english-electric-canberra
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Canberra_B_Mk_2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Electric_Canberra#
Canberra B(I).12
Spoiler
Brief: The Canberra B(I).12 is a B(I).8 modified slightly (autopilot and nav equipment) for New Zealand. And since the B(I).8 itself is a modified B(I).6, the performance/stats will be the same in game.
Top Speed: 880km/hr @ 3000m
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Secondary Armament: 5x 500/1000lb bombs
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzcanberra.htm
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Canberra_B_(I)_Mk_6
Hawker P.1081
Spoiler
Brief: The Hawker P.1081 was built to a specification requested by the Australian government and was allocated serial numbers A86 but ultimately was not taken up. The fighter was even occasionally referred to as “The Australian Fighter”. So even though this is a British aircraft, it could see use as an Australian premium.
Top Speed: 1120km/hr @ sea level
Rate of Climb: 31m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk V
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a86.htm
Suggestion Post
Meteor F Mk 3
Spoiler
Brief: The RNZAF had one Meteor F Mk 3 which was used to train pilots on jet aircraft. This was the first jet in New Zealand service, however being a one off used for training I have used it as a premium here.
Top Speed: 755km/hr @ 6096m
Rate of Climb: 22.5m/s
Armament: 4x 20mm Hispano Mk II
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/nz-serials/nzmeteor.htm
https://airforcemuseum.co.nz/blog/meteoric-rise-new-zealands-first-jet-flight/
https://wiki.warthunder.com/Meteor_F_Mk_3
Rank 6
Spoiler
Mirage IIIO (F)
Spoiler
Brief: The Mirage IIIO was the replacement in Australian service for the Sabre and their first supersonic aircraft in level flight. The “O” humorously stands for “Ostralia”, while the (F) stands for Fighter. The version being suggested here is the IIIO (F) as introduced in the 1960s. The first couple examples were built in France, production of components gradually shifted to Australia until the Mirages were being built entirely here.
Top Speed: Mach 1.14 (1390km/hr) at sea level, Mach 2.2 (2350km/hr) at 10,973m
Engine: SNECMA Atar 9C, 13,670lb thrust with afterburner
Armament: 2x30mm DEFA 552 cannon
Secondary Armament: 2x AIM-9B Sidewinder, one under each wing, and 1x Matra 530 under the fuselage. Up to 6x 500lb Mk 82 bombs
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/A3-Dassault%20Mirrage%20III-%20%20pp418-423.pdf
http://adf-serials.com.au/CMS/raaf3/3a3
CA-27 Sabre Mk 30
Spoiler
Brief: The CAC Sabre was an Australian production and modification of the North American F-86. It featured a more powerful Rolls Royce Avon engine that required a significant redesign of the fuselage. Notably it also had 2x 30mm ADEN cannons significantly improving the hitting power. The Mk 30 has the original Sabre wing design with leading edge slats for low speed maneuverability and only two hardpoints.
Top Speed: 1126km/hr
Rate of Climb: 61m/s
Engine: 1x Rolls-Royce/CAC RA.7 Avon Mk.26 axial flow turbojet, 7500lb thrust
Armament: 2x 30mm ADEN cannons
Secondary Armament: 2 underwing hardpoints capable of carrying AIM-9B Sidewinders, 24x HVAR rockets, bombs up to 1000lb, fuel drop tanks
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a94intro.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAC_Sabre
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-27-sabre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKfSG2RZkiI
CA-27 Sabre Mk 31
Spoiler
Brief: The CAC Sabre was an Australian production and modification of the North American F-86. It featured a more powerful Rolls Royce Avon engine that required a significant redesign of the fuselage. Notably it also had 2x 30mm ADEN cannons significantly improving the hitting power. The Mk 31 has the updated 6/3 Sabre wing design with leading edge slats removed and wing fences added and only two hardpoints. This wing design provided better performance at high speed.
Top Speed: 1126km/hr
Rate of Climb: 61m/s
Engine: 1x Rolls-Royce/CAC RA.7 Avon Mk.26 axial flow turbojet, 7500lb thrust
Armament: 2x 30mm ADEN cannons
Secondary Armament: 2 underwing hardpoints capable of carrying AIM-9B Sidewinders, 24x HVAR rockets, bombs up to 1000lb, fuel drop tanks
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a94intro.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAC_Sabre
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-27-sabre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKfSG2RZkiI
CA-27 Sabre Mk 32
Spoiler
Brief: The CAC Sabre was an Australian production and modification of the North American F-86. It featured a more powerful Rolls Royce Avon engine that required a significant redesign of the fuselage. Notably it also had 2x 30mm ADEN cannons significantly improving the hitting power. The Mk 32 has an updated 6/3 Sabre wing design now with 4 underwing hardpoints. Since the Mk 32 offers no tangible performance improvement over the Mk 31 save for additional hardpoints, I gave it the same BR as the Mk 31. Sabres are arguably over tiered as it is, but CAC Sabres are better than any Sabre in the game so they had to be a higher BR.
Top Speed: 1126km/hr
Rate of Climb: 61m/s
Engine: 1x Rolls-Royce/CAC RA.7 Avon Mk.26 axial flow turbojet, 7500lb thrust
Armament: 2x 30mm ADEN cannons
Secondary Armament: 4 underwing hardpoints capable of carrying AIM-9B Sidewinders, 24x HVAR rockets, bombs up to 1000lb, fuel drop tanks
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/2a94intro.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAC_Sabre
https://www.airforce.gov.au/community/event-participation/air-force-heritage-aircraft-fleet/ca-27-sabre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKfSG2RZkiI
Suggestion Post
A-4G Skyhawk
Spoiler
Brief: The Australian version of the A-4 Skyhawk was modified to be capable of carrying 4 Sidewinders instead of the usual 2, to operate in the fleet defense role. It would not however have access to guided AGMs like other Skyhawks in the game.
Top Speed: 1085km/hr at sea level
Engine: Pratt & Whitney J52-P8A, 9300 lbs thrust
Armament: 2x 20mm Colt Mk 12 cannons
Secondary Armament: 5 hardpoints, 2 under each wing and 1 under the fuselage, up to 8500lb total. Capable of using 4x AIM-9B Sidewinder, 4x 127mm Zuni rocket pods (each with 4 rockets), FFAR rocket pods, Mk 80 series bombs up to 1000lb
Useful Links: https://seapower.navy.gov.au/aircraft/douglas-a4g-skyhawk
https://www.faaaa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Skyhawk-v2.pdf
Aermacchi MB-339CB
Spoiler
Brief: The MB-339CB was acquired by the RNZAF in the early 1990s to replace their Strikemasters in the jet trainer role. It retains the ability to operate as a strike aircraft with some ordinance options.
Top Speed: 902km/hr @ sea level
Engine: Rolls Royce Viper 680-43, 4,400lb thrust
Secondary Armament: 6x hardpoints capable of AIM-9L, 2x 12.7mm gunpods, Mk 82 500lb bombs, CRV7 rockets in 6-shot LAU 5002 pods
Useful Links: https://uniforce-sog.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Aermacchi-MB339C-1-Flight-Manual.pdf
https://aeropedia.com.au/content/macchi-mb-339cb/
A-4K Skyhawk Kahu
Spoiler
Brief: The A-4K Kahu is a late life upgrade program for the RNZAF’s Skyhawk fleet. It was a comprehensive upgrade to its avionics and weapons suite, while also refreshing the airframes.
Top Speed: 1085km/hr at sea level
Engine: Pratt & Whitney J52-P8A, 9300 lbs thrust
Armament: 2x 20mm Colt Mk 12 cannons
Secondary Armament: 5 hardpoints, 2 under each wing and 1 under the fuselage, up to 8500lb total. Capable of using 4x AIM-9L Sidewinder, 4x 127mm Zuni rocket pods (each with 4 rockets), FFAR rocket pods, Mk 80 series bombs up to 1000lb, 2x AGM-65B Maverick, GBU-16 Paveway II laser guided bombs
Useful Links: https://redkiwi.weebly.com/project-kahu.html
CA-27 Sabre Blue Jay
Spoiler
Brief: A CA-27 Sabre Mk.30 was used for the acceptance trials of the Blue Jay missile (production name Firestreak). This trials aircraft would therefore be the same as the tech tree Mk.30 except instead of AIM-9Bs, it would have 2x Firestreaks.
Top Speed: 1126km/hr
Rate of Climb: 61m/s
Engine: 1x Rolls-Royce/CAC RA.7 Avon Mk.26 axial flow turbojet, 7500lb thrust
Armament: 2x 30mm ADEN cannons
Secondary Armament: 2 underwing hardpoints capable of carrying Firestreaks, 24x HVAR rockets, bombs up to 1000lb, fuel drop tanks
Useful Links: A94-915
Mirage IIIC City of Hobart
Spoiler
Brief: During the marketing of the Mirage to Australia, a Mirage IIIC prototype was built with a Rolls Royce Avon engine as it was felt the Australians would be more interested if it had an engine they were already familiar with. Named “City of Hobart”, with a 36" afterburner it actually had better flight performance than a standard Atar 9C engined Mirage. Unfortunately the Atar engine was selected on grounds of initial cost. Although it has been postulated that this was a bad decision in hindsight. It’s important to remember this is an early 1960s prototype, it will not get access to the Matra 550 Magic.
Engine: 1x Rolls Royce Avon Mk 67 with 36" afterburner
Top Speed: 2160km/hr
Rate of Climb: >140m/s
Armament: 2x 30mm DEFA 552 cannon
Secondary Armament: 1x Matra 530, 2x AIM-9B Sidewinder, or 6x 500lb bombs
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=3185251
Rank 7
Spoiler
Mirage IIIO (A)
Spoiler
Brief: The Mirage IIIO was the replacement in Australian service for the Sabre and their first supersonic aircraft in level flight. The “O” humorously stands for “Ostralia”, while the (A) stands for Attacker. The version being suggested here is the IIIO (A). Out of the 100 Mirage IIIOs built, the second 50 were built to this standard which included an upgraded radar and instrumentation for use in the ground attack role and nearly all of the original 50 were upgraded to this standard. In addition, they gained access to the new Matra 550 Magic later in life, and could use 3x GBU-12 laser guided bombs (though I’m not sure if they could aim these themselves?).
Top Speed: Mach 1.14 (1390km/hr) at sea level, Mach 2.2 (2350km/hr) at 10,973m
Engine: SNECMA Atar 9C, 13,670lb thrust with afterburner
Armament: 2x30mm DEFA 552 cannon
Secondary Armament: 2x AIM-9B Sidewinder or 2x Matra 550 Magic, one under each wing, and 1x Matra 530 under the fuselage. Up to 6x 500lb Mk 82 bombs or 3x GBU-12 Paveway bombs
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/A3-Dassault%20Mirrage%20III-%20%20pp418-423.pdf
http://adf-serials.com.au/CMS/raaf3/3a3
F-4E Phantom II
Spoiler
Brief: When Australia’s order for the F-111 was delayed due to concerns with the F-111 design and delays in its development, USA offered the F-4E to the RAAF as an interim measure. 24 served with the RAAF for 3 years when they were returned.
Top Speed: 2140km/hr
Rate of Climb: 190m/s
Armament: 1x 20mm M61A1
Secondary Armament: Bombs, rockets, AA missiles, please refer wiki link below
Useful Links: http://www.adf-serials.com.au/3a69.htm
https://wiki.warthunder.com/F-4E_Phantom_II
BAE Hawk 127
Spoiler
Brief: The BAE Hawk 127 jet trainer is also capable as a combat aircraft. It is the current jet trainer for the RAAF pilots before jumping in Hornets and F-35s.
Top Speed: 1065km/hr in level flight (Never exceed Mach 1.2)
Engine: 1x Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 871
Armament: 1x 30mm ADEN
Secondary Armament: 5 hardpoints capable of using 4x AIM-9M Sidewinder, conventional and laser guided bombs
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/hawk-127
F-111C Early
Spoiler
Brief: The F-111C is Australia’s version of the F-111, and during its lifetime achieved cultural icon status in our country. One primary difference is that it had longer wings from an F-111B. I have done a suggestion post on this aircraft before linked below. The version here in the tree is the Early version. Different to an F-111A but overall very similar in capability.
Top Speed: Mach 2.4
Engine: 2 × Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-103, 9,800 lbf thurst dry, 18,500 lbf with afterburner
Armament: (Optional) 1x20mm M61A1 in weapons bay
Secondary Armament: 9 hardpoints able to use AIM-9B Sidewinders, Mk 82/84 general purpose bombs, 31,500lb total
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/F111%20A8-142.pdf
F-111C Late
Spoiler
Brief: The F-111C is Australia’s version of the F-111, and during its lifetime achieved cultural icon status in our country. One primary difference is that it had longer wings from an F-111B. I have done a suggestion post on this aircraft before linked below. The version here in the tree is the Late version, with many upgrades to the weaponry and engines.
Top Speed: Mach 2.4
Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-109 with 20,840lbf thrust with afterburner
Armament: (Optional) 1x20mm M61A1 in weapons bay
Secondary Armament: 9 hardpoints able to use AIM-9M Sidewinders, Mk 82/84 general purpose bombs, AGM-142 Popeye, AGM-84 Harpoon, Paveway II laser-guided bombs, GBU-15 glide bombs, 31,500lb total
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/F111%20A8-142.pdf
F-111G Aardvark
Spoiler
Brief: Australia acquired 15 F-111Gs to reduce the flight hour demand on their existing F-111C fleet. As far as I know, most of its capability was brought in line with the F-111C. If the RAAF F-111G in service has a difference that would be noticeable in game, I’d like to hear about it. But since it exists and is very similar to the F-111C Late, it becomes a premium offering in the vein of other nations’ strike aircraft premiums.
Top Speed: Mach 2.4
Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney TF30-P-109 with 20,840lbf thrust with afterburner
Armament: (Optional) 1x20mm M61A1 in weapons bay
Secondary Armament: 9 hardpoints able to use AIM-9M Sidewinders, Mk 82/84 general purpose bombs, AGM-142 Popeye, AGM-84 Harpoon, Paveway II laser-guided bombs, GBU-15 glide bombs, 31,500lb total
Useful Links: Suggestion Post
https://www.airforce.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/F111%20A8-142.pdf
Rank 8
Spoiler
F/A-18A Hornet
Spoiler
Brief: The Hornet was the replacement to the Mirage in Australian service. The majority of them were built in Australia. The initial specification however was almost identical to the USA Hornets. This Hornet in the tech tree is the A model, as introduced in the mid 80s.
Top Speed: 1915km/hr at 12000m (Mach 1.8)
Rate of Climb: 250m/s
Armament: 20mm M61A1 cannon, 578 rounds
Secondary Armament: 9 hardpoints (2 wingtip missile rails, 4 underwing, 3 under fuselage), able to use AIM-9M Sidewinder (underwing hardpoints with double racks, for 10 total Sidewinders), 2x AIM-7M Sparrow, Mk 80 Series general purpose bombs, Paveway II laser guided bombs, 1200L drop tanks
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet_in_Australian_service
F/A-18A Hornet HUG 2.4
Spoiler
Brief: HUG (Hornet Upgrade Program) saw countless improvements to the Australian F/A-18A fleet. This latest of Hornets is similar in capability to an American F/A-18C. The AIM-9Ms have been replaced by ASRAAMs (unique to the Australian Hornets as other models would continue on with later model Sidewinders), and the AIM-7Ms have been replaced by AIM-120 AMRAAMs. AGM-158 JASSM and AGM-84 Harpoon Block II anti-ship missile have also been integrated. Improved radars, countermeasure systems, HMD and the addition of LITENING targeting pods are all now present as well.
Top Speed: 1915km/hr at 12000m (Mach 1.8)
Rate of Climb: 250m/s
Armament: 20mm M61A1 cannon, 578 rounds
Secondary Armament: 9 hardpoints (2 wingtip missile rails, 4 underwing, 3 under fuselage), able to use ASRAAM, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Mk 80 Series general purpose bombs, Paveway II laser guided bombs, 1200L drop tanks, AGM-158 JASSM, AGM-84 Harpoon Block II, AN/AAQ-28(v) LITENING targeting pod
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet_in_Australian_service
F/A-18F Super Hornet
Spoiler
Brief: Australia selected the two seat F/A-18F Super Hornet to replace its F-111s. Physically larger with more ordinance capacity than the classic Hornet, it is more targeted to multi-role use. For this reason and to help balance out the tree, I have put it in my strike aircraft line.
Top Speed: 1960km/hr (Mach 1.6)
Rate of Climb: 228m/s
Armament: 1x 20mm M61A2, 412 rounds
Secondary Armament: 11 total (2 wingtip missile rails, 6 under wings, 3 under fuselage) capable of using AIM-9X Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, JDAM bombs, Mk 80 series general purpose bombs, Paveway II laser guided bombs, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-84 Harpoon
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/18f-super-hornet
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_F/A-18E/F_Super_Hornet#
E/A-18G Growler
Spoiler
Brief: The Growler is an electronic warfare specialist version of the Super Hornet. Australia operates 12 of them making them the only current operator outside of USA. While much of the Super Hornets’ weapons suite is gone, what the Growler does have is easy to imagine these aircraft being very powerful in ground battles and useful in air battles. The Australian Growler is slightly unique in that it retains the capability to use AIM-9X Sidewinders
Top Speed: 1960km/hr (Mach 1.6)
Armament: ALQ-99 low band (centre hardpoint) and high band (mid-board hardpoint) jamming pods, ALQ-218 detection pods on wingtips
Secondary Armament: 2x AIM-120 AMRAAM on remaining fuselage hardpoints, and either AIM-9X or AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles on remaining 4 underwing hardpoints
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/ea-18g-growler
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_EA-18G_Growler#
F/A-18B Hornet
Spoiler
Brief: The Hornet was the replacement to the Mirage in Australian service. The majority of them were built in Australia. The initial specification however was almost identical to the USA Hornets. This Hornet is the B model, as introduced in the mid 80s. The B is a two seat trainer version of the A model but retains all of its combat capability. It makes a nice premium option for this rank.
Top Speed: 1915km/hr at 12000m (Mach 1.8)
Rate of Climb: 250m/s
Armament: 20mm M61A1 cannon, 578 rounds
Secondary Armament: 9 hardpoints (2 wingtip missile rails, 4 underwing, 3 under fuselage), able to use AIM-9M Sidewinder (underwing hardpoints with double racks, for 10 total Sidewinders), 2x AIM-7M Sparrow, Mk 80 Series general purpose bombs, Paveway II laser guided bombs, 1200L drop tanks
Useful Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet_in_Australian_service
Rank 9
Spoiler
I tried looking at the aircraft we currently have at rank 8 in the game and projected out quickly in my head what is still to come. I decided that very late 4.5 gen aircraft will likely constitute a rank 9 before 5th gen stealth lads appear at rank 10. It might be possible the Super Hornet and Growler appear at rank 9, but that’s hard to say. So for now, this sub-tree has nothing at rank 9.
Rank 10
Spoiler
F-35A Lightning II
Spoiler
Brief: And so we come to Australia’s current and most capable military jet fighter, the F-35A. Naturally a lot of the F-35’s full capability is top secret and I would not expect stealth 5th gen fighters in War Thunder for a very VERY long time. So its inclusion here is purely representative.
Top Speed: 1960km/hr (Mach 1.6)
Armament: 25mm GAU-22/A cannon
Secondary Armament: AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, GBU-31 JDAM bombs, Paveway II laser guided bombs
Useful Links: https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/f-35a-lightning-ii
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Great write-up. I quite like this.
I think the recent addition of the F-111C makes this idea less likely to happen in War Thunder sadly, but as a small opinion piece to stir some ideas, here is a list of entirely unique aircraft Canada could add:
- FDB-1
- CF-100 Mk 3
- CF-100 Mk 4
- CF-100 Mk 5M
- CF-105
- CT-114G
Plus all the unique Canadian versions of British abd American aircraft, some of which are already in the game.
I believe people are working on a Canadian air tree. Australia and Canada together would still work nicely, but there are other ideas around that could also work. Foldered/alternate tab tech trees for existing nations, a new Pacific Nations tech tree, lots of ways it could be done.
Of course, my suggestion here is purely for the AU/NZ sub tree component.
And sorry I haven’t made the new additions yet/last weekend like I hoped. I will do it as soon as I can though.
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That list is still missing a number of domestic things. Canada has 7 domestic airframes(16 possible aircraft between them) that could become 9 airframes(21 aircraft) depending on how lenient you are, that is WT possible.
But GTP_Paulie is right the Canadian air tree project is something myself and a few others are working on. Well, making a joint Canada-ANZAC tree is one of the better possibilities for the three nations, it doesn’t make sense to attach Canadian stuff to a suggestion for Australia and New Zealand.
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NZ has never used Pilatus aircraft. It uses Beachcraft Texan II/Harvard II airframes along with the RCAF, RAF and USAF.
I actually built Airtrainers while doing my apprenticeship at PAC. They all have hardpoints whether used or not by the RAAF, RNZAF and RTAF.
Sorry this took so long, but I finally got some time off work so I have spent some time to update the tree with the following:
NZ MB-339CB
Blue Jay missile trials Sabre as a squadron vehicle
NZ Venom FB.1
And I realized the egregious error I made having the Hawk 127 in rank 6 with AIM-9Ms so I moved it up to rank 7.
If anyone can find more specific information on the secondary armament in the RNZAF MB-339CB I’d like to hear it. New Zealand aircraft specific information is extremely difficult to find sometimes. I somehow doubt that New Zealand had 30mm gun pods like other MB-339s. I could not even find exactly what types of bombs or rockets they could carry. Some sites mention Maverick capability, but I also found nothing concrete about that.
This pictures shows a gun pod, if anyone can ID it.
Rocket pods:
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I found a photo of NZ6463 pre-delivery to the RNZAF carrying the 30mm pods, so at least they could carry them.
Also found what I think are the NZ manuals (document PI 1T-MB339C-1), too busy to look through them right now, but someone else might find something.
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That appears to have the 30mm gun pods and the 12.7mm gun pods equipped at the same time along with what ever air to air missile that is. That’s cool.
That manual actually tells us a lot, Mk 82 bombs, CRV7 rockets, assuming it is all applicable to the RNZAF. I will update the specs with this info tomorrow.