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War Thunder: FR-1 Fireball Devblog - A Peculiar Jet/Prop Hybrid Arrives for the USA! And it's Premium!
In this video, we'll take a look at the FR-1 Fireball, which will be newly added to War Thunder. The FR-1 Fireball is a Rank 3 premium aircraft to be added to the US tech tree, a unique hybrid aircraft that uses both a jet engine and a propeller engine. It provides information on the aircraft's historical background, in-game performance, and armament configuration, and expresses disappointment that it is being released as a premium aircraft.
1. 🚀 The History of the FR-1 Fireball: Background and Design Flaws of the US Navy's Jet/Prop Hybrid Fighter Development
- ✅ In the early 1940s, the US Navy sought to develop jet aircraft that could operate from aircraft carriers.
- ✅ At the time, jet aircraft were deemed unsuitable for aircraft carrier operations due to their long takeoff distances, so it was decided to develop a hybrid fighter combining a propeller engine and a jet engine.
- ✅ Ryan was involved in the development of the FR-1 Fireball and was adopted, but had design flaws such as a weak wing structure that caused frequent accidents.
- ⚠️ The FR-1 Fireball did not participate in actual combat because it met the end of the war just before being put into actual combat.
00:10 - 02:22
1. 🚀 The History of the FR-1 Fireball: Background and Design Flaws of the US Navy's Jet/Prop Hybrid Fighter Development
- ✅ In the early 1940s, the US Navy sought to develop jet aircraft that could operate from aircraft carriers.
- ✅ At the time, jet aircraft were deemed unsuitable for aircraft carrier operations due to their long takeoff distances, so it was decided to develop a hybrid fighter combining a propeller engine and a jet engine.
- ✅ Ryan was involved in the development of the FR-1 Fireball and was adopted, but had design flaws such as a weak wing structure that caused frequent accidents.
- ⚠️ The FR-1 Fireball did not participate in actual combat because it met the end of the war just before being put into actual combat.
02:23 - 03:29
2. 💥 Structural Defects and Discontinuation of Operation of FR-1 Fireball
- ⚠️ The FR-1 Fireball had frequent mid-air breakup accidents due to defects in the wing structure.
- ⚠️ It was operated until 1947, but was eventually retired due to successive accidents and the discovery of structural defects.
03:30 - 05:28
3. 🎮 FR-1 Fireball Gameplay in War Thunder: Stable Versatile Platform
- ✅ In War Thunder, it is implemented as a stable combat platform, unlike its actual history.
- ✅ It can be used as a versatile aircraft suitable for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
| Armament | Description |
|---|---|
| .50 Caliber Machine Gun | Equipped with 4 guns, late belts available |
| Bomb | Can be equipped with 2 500lb or 1,000lb bombs |
| Mine | Can be equipped with 2 1,000lb mines |
| HVAR Rocket | Can be equipped with 4 rockets |
05:29 - 06:41
4. ⚙️ Mixed Propulsion System and Speed Comparison: Will it be as annoying as the Wyvern?
- ✅ It uses a mixed propulsion system that combines a Cyclone R1820-72W engine (1,350 horsepower) and a General Electric J31 jet engine (1,600lb thrust).
- ✅ The top speed is about 650km/h.
- ⚠️ There are concerns that it could become an overly powerful presence in the game, like the Wyvern with a similar propulsion system.
06:42 - 07:59
5. 💡 Importance of US Aircraft Design at the End of World War II
- ✅ The FR-1 Fireball, along with the F8F and F7F, is a prime example of the development of American aviation technology at the end of World War II.
- ✅ If the war had lasted longer, the technological gap between the United States and other countries would have widened even further.
08:00 - 08:36
6. 😂 Fun Fact: FR-1 Fireball Pilots' Engine Shut-Off Pranks
- ✅ FR-1 Fireball pilots used to fly on jet engines alone and approach other friendly aircraft with the propeller engine off, making it look like they were broken down.
08:37 - 09:31
7. 🤔 Disappointment that a unique aircraft is being released as a premium
- ⚠️ Expresses disappointment that a unique aircraft like the FR-1 Fireball is being released as a premium.
- ⚠️ It is the opinion that these aircraft should be included in the regular tech tree so that all players can access them.