F6F-5N Nightfighter

[Cunctator]

With over 1000 built the F6F-5N Nightfighter was no exotic, but the USNs main carrier based nightfighter. Unlike previous WW2 sims, DCS actually models Radar, a potential that would be sad if unused. I am not aware that any accurate simulation of a WW2 nightfighter was ever done before. 

A Radar equipped variant would add another level of possibilities and make out most of the limited plane set of nascent DCS WW2 Pacific.

 

 

[WinterH]

If we can get this as an additional variant it would be very, very cool indeed. If however, we'd just get one variant, I'd conversely very much prefer it not to be this one.

[Doughguy]

Would be nice, however, the AI would be a major PITA as it would fly just like during the day.

[westr]

this would be cool

[Silver_Dragon]

Reliable and available info to build that specialized version will be a handicap (on fact, ED dont make yet a Nightfighter fighter/escort/intercept yet). Other problem will be simulate the use, tactics and perfomance required to simulate night operations.

My info about F6F (with Nightfighter variant).
F6F-5 Hellcat Fighter
Man Rtng: 3.5/2.5 Damage Value: 16
Size: Small Bombsight: Manual

Sensors: 1944 - 150 F6F-3N night fighters with APS-6

Throttle Setting/Speed in knots
Altitude Rng Cruise Full Power
Low: 160 325
Med: 180 355
High: -- 330
Ceiling: 11369 m Engine Type: RP
Cruise Range: 720 nm Int Fuel: 685 kg

Additional Fuel Fuel Wt. Range Add.
150 USG drop tank 410 kg 425 nm
100 USG drop tank 275 kg 285 nm
Universal 150 USG Drop Tank 370 kg* 385 nm*

Ordnance Loadouts: Payload: 1220/2270 kg
Off Guns: 6 M2 .50 cal. (1.8)
Escort Carrier Loadouts (max payload 1220 kg)
• 1 150 USG drop tank, 2 100 USG drop tank
• 2 500 lb or 1000 lb bombs, 1 150 USG drop tank
• 6 5” HVAR, 2 100 USG drop tank, 1 150 USG drop tank
• 6 5” HVAR, 2 500lb bombs, 1 150 USG drop tank
• 6 5” HVAR, 2 11.75” Tiny Tim rockets
• 6 5” HVAR, 3 250 lb or 500 lb bombs
• 3 250 lb or 500 lb bombs
Fleet Carrier Loadouts (max payload 2270 kg)
• Any escort carrier loadout
• 2 2000 lb bomb, 1 150 USG drop tank
• 1 Mk13 torpedo, 2 100 USG drop tank
• 6 5” HVAR, 2 2000 lb bomb, 1 150 USG drop tank
• 6 5” HVAR, 2 11.75” Tiny Tim rockets
• 6 5” HVAR, 1 Mk13 torpedo, 2 100 USG drop tank
Remarks: In Svc: Apr 44
• *The universal 150 USG drop tank was useable on any US Navy aircraft from July 1945 onward. On the Hellcat, however. it caused more drag than the Hellcat 150 USG tank. The universal tank’s actual fuel capacity is 410 kg, but for game purposes this is reduced to denote the extra drag from its poor installation on Hellcat. Other aircraft had no drag issues with this drop tank. This is the only 150 USG droptank available starting in Jan 1947.
• Mk13 torpedo wa not used operationally due to testing taking longer than anticipated. All large Japanese ships were sunk by July 1945, when this weapon would have entered service. The F6F-5 could not carry bombs while carrying the torpedo.
• Due to their short deck length, the F6F-5 could not take off from escort carriers with a full 2270 kg payload.
• Note: Performance is based on aircraft with calibrated instruments. Most F6F Hellcat’s instruments understate the maximum speed. These erroneous speeds are still reported in
most books.
• Very rarely carried bombs of sizes other than 1000 lb.
• Many, but not all, F6F-5N aircraft were fitted with 4 0.50 Cal M2 mgs and 2 20mm M2 cannon with an Offensive Gun rating of 2.4.
• Post-WWII variants include the F6F-5P photo recon with standard gun armament.