FR-1 Fireball: A Name Too Fitting

This unique mixed-propulsion fighter will be making its way to the US air tree as a premium in the next major update for War Thunder!

Vehicle History

After jet-powered aircraft began to be tested in Europe, the U.S. Navy wanted to explore the possibility of operating jet-powered aircraft from carriers. However, flight data from the British jet-powered Gloster E28/39 Whittle showed that jet aircraft would be incapable of carrier operations, a presumption that was further confirmed by tests of the Bell P-59 in 1942, which demonstrated that the long take-off runs required would make jet aircraft unfit for carriers. Due to this, the Navy investigated alternatives, as they correctly identified that jet aircraft would be the future of aviation and did not want to be left out of the running.

After much deliberation, the Navy eventually decided to pursue the production of a composite fighter, with both a propeller and jet engine. In late 1942 Admiral John McCain presented the proposal to nine aircraft manufacturers, one of which was Ryan whose design was accepted. After a long period of wind tunnel tests, modifications, and test flights, the FR-1 Fireball showed promise, but alongside many issues. The core performance of the aircraft was impressive, with the mixed propulsion system mitigating the forecasted issues of operating jet aircraft from carriers. However, the construction was fragile and resulted in many accidents. Several Fireballs crashed or broke apart in the air as a result of the fairly weak wing structure which would falter when compressed.

The development and testing cycle of the Fireball was undeniably hasty, with aircraft being supplied to operational squadrons before testing had been completed, as the Navy were desperate for an aircraft that could reliably intercept the Japanese Ohka. The first Fireballs arrived at naval squadrons in March 1945, but never ended up seeing combat. In the following months pilots trained with the Fireball onboard carriers, but several more accidents occurred, and by the time pilots were qualified to operate the aircraft, the Japanese surrendered. The remaining Fireball orders were canceled on VJ Day. The Fireballs still in service continued to operate until 1947, but following even more crashes and accidents, an inspection of the remaining Fireballs uncovered almost universal structural failures on each aircraft. This caused all Fireballs to be withdrawn by August 1947.

Introducing the FR-1 Fireball!

While the Fireball did not have the best reputation in real life, it’s set to become a very interesting and effective addition to War Thunder in the next major update as a premium! There’s a lot of aspects to cover, so let’s get into it!

So, firstly let’s talk about the engines. The Fireball is the first aircraft in the game with mixed-propulsion, powered by both a propeller and jet engine at the same time. In the front is a Wright Cyclone R-1820-72W with 1350 HP, and towards the rear is the General Electric J31 with 1600 lb of thrust (the same engine used in the P-59). These two engines don’t push the Fireball to jet-like speeds, but they do ensure that speed in general remains high and consistent. The Fireball has a max speed of around 650 km/h, and can maintain a speed of around 600 km/h in a straight line at average engagement altitudes, which is fairly impressive. It also features a good climb rate and solid agility overall. Maneuverability is hard to describe concretely as it is dependent on many factors, but the Fireball will feel reminiscent of mid-war Bf 109s or early Griffon Spitfires, not the best, but still very competitive.

Interesting: There are many reports of Fireball pilots playing a joke on friendly aircraft. As the Fireball can turn off its prop engine with the jet engine still running, many pilots enjoyed pulling up next to and keeping pace with friendly aircraft with the front engine visibly off. This often left many pilots awestruck, believing that their own aircraft had to be faulty, before the Fireball would reengage the front engine and zoom off like a rocket.

Moving on from flight performance, armament is a little less impressive, very similar to the early Bearcat. The Fireball is equipped with four 12.7 mm M2 .50 caliber guns with 300 rounds per gun. The wide intakes required for the jet engine along the wing drastically limited internal space, so the armament of the Fireball is relatively light. Though, as it is still equipped with more powerful late-war ammunition, it will still be able to bring down fighters with an accurate burst.

You’ll also be able to equip a small but respectable amount of suspended ordnance. Due to the low internal fuel reserves, you can equip two external fuel tanks, along with up to four HVAR rockets, a pair of 500 or 1000 lb bombs, or a pair of 1000 lb mines. While the loadout is limited, the great speed and maneuverability of the Fireball makes it a solid pick for combined battles as well, where it can accurately deliver its payload, and then effectively fulfill fighter duties as well.

Fast, unique, but lightly armed, this curious naval fighter will soon have its chance to burn as bright as its namesake (hopefully only in the metaphorical sense) in the next major update! It’ll be arriving to the US air tree as a mid-rank premium, classic fun. Thank you for reading today’s blog, we still have more to come, so check back in soon for more!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.