Hey all, thanks for checking this quick guide out.. I'll be updating this guide with the F14 soon.

Its nothing like the DCS F14, I've put a decent amount of games in with it in WT and there are major difference (to be expected).

Welcome to my guide on US High Tier Aircraft in War Thunder! In this guide, I'll be discussing the various aircraft that make up the US high tier aviation tree, and providing tips and strategies for how to use them effectively in battle.

One of the main advantages of US aircraft is their versatility. They can perform well in a variety of roles, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, and even anti-ship missions. Additionally, US planes often have good speed and maneuverability, making them a formidable force in the skies.

At high tiers, jets become the dominant force on the battlefield, with speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h and advanced weapons systems. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each aircraft and the capabilities of its weapons will be key to success in battles.

In this guide, I'll provide an overview of the US high tier aircraft, including their performance characteristics and recommended modifications. I'll also offer some general tips for flying high tier jets, as well as specific tactics for each aircraft in the tree.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, this guide will provide valuable insights into the US high tier aviation tree and help you improve your performance in battle. So, let's get started!

In high tier jet battles in War Thunder, teamwork and coordination are essential for success. Each aircraft has its strengths and weaknesses, and each player has a specific role to play on their team. Here are some of the roles you can play on your team in high tier jet battles:

Air Superiority Fighter: As an air superiority fighter, your primary role is to engage and eliminate enemy aircraft. Your primary focus is air-to-air combat, take out enemy aircraft.

Ground Attacker: As a ground attacker, your primary role is to attack and destroy enemy ground targets. This can include enemy tanks, vehicles, and air defenses. (New game mode testing to actually have fun per some gaijin announcements and the SEAD event!)

Bomber: As a bomber, your primary role is to attack and destroy enemy bases and ground targets. You should fly at high altitudes and use your bombs to deliver devastating attacks on enemy ground targets. If you can get a friend and have them fly another bomber close or have a friend fly a fighter nearby to help scare off fighters a bit

Fighter-Bomber: As a fighter-bomber, your primary role is to attack both ground and air targets. You should carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons and use them as necessary to complete your objectives. Early-Mid tiers base bombing is a relevant way of grinding, once pulse doppler radar comes into play it becomes extremely difficult to bomb, use the fighter part skip the bombs.



■F4E cockpit right image; F8E cockpit left image
■F14 cockpit bottom image

Energy-conserving turns: Energy-conserving turns are an essential part of dogfighting in high tier aircraft. These turns allow you to maintain your speed and altitude while evading enemy fire. To perform an energy-conserving turn, smoothly and gradually pull the aircraft into a bank while reducing throttle, and use rudder input as necessary to maintain the turn. This allows you to conserve your energy and avoid losing speed or altitude.

Boom and zoom: Boom and zoom is a popular tactic for high speed aircraft, and involves diving down on an enemy target, firing your weapons, and then rapidly climbing back up to altitude to avoid return fire. To perform a boom and zoom maneuver, gain altitude and speed, locate an enemy target, dive down on the target, fire your weapons, and rapidly climb back up to altitude. This tactic allows you to take advantage of your speed and altitude to attack the enemy while avoiding their fire.

Scissor maneuver: The scissor maneuver is an effective way to break an enemy's lock and gain an advantage in dogfights. To perform a scissor maneuver, initiate a turn and then quickly reverse the turn, causing the enemy to overshoot and lose their position. This allows you to outmaneuver the enemy and gain the upper hand in a dogfight.

Barrel roll: The barrel roll is a versatile maneuver that can be used to evade enemy fire, and can also be used to get behind an enemy aircraft in a dogfight. To perform a barrel roll, initiate a turn and then roll the aircraft in the opposite direction of the turn, creating a circular path. This tactic allows you to quickly change direction and avoid enemy fire while also putting you in a better position to attack.

Split-S maneuver: The split-S maneuver is an effective way to quickly reverse direction and evade enemy fire. To perform a split-S maneuver, pull up into a steep climb and then roll the aircraft upside down, diving down and away from the enemy. This tactic allows you to quickly change direction and avoid enemy fire, while also putting you in a position to attack from below.

Edit :
BVR Combat has its own section now!

In War Thunder, high tier missiles are a crucial component of aerial combat. Understanding the differences between US and Russian missiles can give you an edge in combat. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand the differences between all the US high tier missiles and the Russian missiles.

Also kinetic energy knowledge is something you should become familiar with as it is what allows these missiles to achieve their maximum potential. (Basic sum up- the higher the speed of the aircraft, the more kinetic energy the missile will have when it fires. By increasing this kinetic energy it will have more energy at the end of its flight path giving it more maneuvering capabilities, and a higher probability of kill)

US High Tier Missiles:

Fox-2 :

AIM-9J Sidewinder: The AIM-9J Sidewinder is a short-range infrared-guided missile that is an improved version of the AIM-9E. It has a slightly longer range and better maneuverability compared to its predecessor.

AIM-9G Sidewinder: The AIM-9G Sidewinder is a short-range infrared-guided missile that is an improved version of the AIM-9D. It has a better seeker head and improved electronics compared to its predecessor.

AIM-9H Sidewinder: The AIM-9H Sidewinder is a short-range infrared-guided missile that is an improved version of the AIM-9G. It has improved sensitivity and better target acquisition compared to its predecessor.

AIM-9L Sidewinder: The AIM-9L Sidewinder is a short-range infrared-guided missile that is an improved version of the AIM-9H. It has improved seeker head sensitivity and better countermeasure resistance compared to its predecessor.

Fox-1 :

AIM-7E Sparrow: The AIM-7E Sparrow is a medium-range air-to-air missile that uses semi-active radar guidance. It has a longer range than the AIM-9 and can be used effectively against enemy aircraft at medium to long ranges.

AIM-7E2 Sparrow: The AIM-7E2 Sparrow is an improved version of the AIM-7E. It has better accuracy and improved electronics compared to its predecessor.

AIM-7F Sparrow: The AIM-7F Sparrow is an improved version of the AIM-7E2. It has improved sensitivity and better countermeasure resistance compared to its predecessor.

AIM-7M Sparrow : The AIM-7M Sparrow is an improved version of the AIM7F including a new seeker and logic to allow it to track even better at a longer range than its previous iteration (15~20km is a comfortable kill distance with a good amount of speed (mach 1+)

Fox-3

AIM120-A- The first medium range ARH+DL missile to be released for the US. These missiles have more mass than the AIM7 series with a launch range of about 50km in most realistic battles, but they use your radar to guide it until it activates it's own seeker head apx 16~ish km from target. 35G overload, no active radar lock required they can be fired in TWS at a head on angle. Rear aspect is around 4~3ish km in battles.

Russian High Tier Missiles:

R-60: The R-60 is a short-range infrared-guided missile that is highly maneuverable and has a high success rate. It is effective against enemy aircraft at close range.

R-60M: The R-60M is an improved version of the R-60. It has improved seeker head sensitivity and better countermeasure resistance compared to its predecessor.

R-23: The R-23 is a medium-range air-to-air missile that uses semi-active radar guidance. It has a longer range than the R-60 and can be used effectively against enemy aircraft at medium ranges.

R-24: The R-24 is an improved version of the R-23. It has better accuracy and improved electronics compared to its predecessor.

R-27: The R-27 is a medium-range air-to-air missile that uses semi-active radar guidance. It has a longer range than the R-23 and can be used effectively against enemy aircraft at medium to long ranges.

R-77: More to come!

By understanding the capabilities and limitations of each missile, you can make informed decisions on which missiles to use in different situations and gain an advantage in combat. Remember to always keep your distance from enemy aircraft and use your missiles effectively to ensure success in high tier aerial combat.

This is the key bind section, set them to whatever you feel is most comfortable for you. I included my personal key binds for reference!

■I recommend turning on fuel time and IAS [Indicated Air Speed]. you Want to start with 15 minutes of flight time, not fuel time. [F4E full tank, F5C 20 minutes, F8E 30 minutes]

■ Key binds needed for radar search/lock : Switch between Radar and IRST (my keybinds : numpad 1), radar IRST/IRST Beyond/IRST within visual range combat(numpad 4), Change radar/IRST search mode (numpad 2), Change radar IRST Search Scale(numpad 3), Lock radar/IRST on target (5), select radar/IRST target to lock(6)


■Pictures show SRC, SRC lock/tracking, ACM radar mode [Automatically locks a target within 10 KM of you], pulse Doppler on the F8E Crusader [currently only tracks, unable to fire AIM9C]

■Key binds for a2a missiles : Switch primary weapons (mouse button 5), switch secondary weapons (mouse button 6), [This will automatically turn on selected weapon mode], turn off selected weapon mode (numpad 0), Fire Secondary Weapons (space bar)

■Axis for Aimed weapons : up (alt+w) down (alt+s) right (alt+d) left (alt+a)

■Flare/Chaff (b)

You now need a reset boresight keybind, radar up, radar down, radar left and right if you want to play fox3 missiles appropriately!

Several high tier US aircraft in War Thunder are equipped with advanced radar systems that can help you locate and track enemy targets. Here are some tips for using radar effectively:

Understand the basics: The radar in War Thunder displays a radar screen on the bottom right of the HUD that shows the locations of nearby enemy aircraft. The range of the radar is limited, and it may not pick up targets that are too far away or too close.

Know your aircraft: Each aircraft with radar has a different type of radar system, and understanding how your specific radar works is key to using it effectively. For example, the F-14A Tomcat has an advanced AWG-9 radar system that can track multiple targets at once, while the F-16A ADF Fighting Falcon has a simpler AN/APG-66 radar system that is better suited for air-to-air combat.
By understanding how your radar works and using it effectively, you can gain a significant advantage over your opponents in battle.

TWS is your best friend and main settings for launching FOX-3 missiles. track at 70+km then you can shorten it as the targets get closer.

PESA (Pulse Electronic Scan Array) : It updates much quicker, gives target info continuously and tracks other things very well. (This means we will see AESA in the near future)

Track enemies with tws, when they get re illuminated by the radar the missile updates the location through DataLink

I will rewrite this when the plane is worth flying. skip this thing unless you like being food. just buy it to skip lol

The F-5Cs greatest asset is its maneuverability. Take advantage of this by making swift turns and sudden direction changes to dodge enemy fire. In dogfights, use your superior turning speed to get on your opponent's tail and secure a clean shot.

agility comes at the cost of speed and energy loss during sharp turns. Focus on energy-conserving turns and climbs to maintain your speed and altitude. Be cautious not to over-maneuver, as it can leave you vulnerable.

Armed with 2x AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and 2x 20mm M39 cannons, the F-5C can excel in short and medium-range engagements. engines are weak, don't bleed too much speed or it will take a long time to recover.

I love this plane but the compression is crazy. it is beyond hard to fly. I would love to rewrite this part of the guide but straight up unless you like pain do NOT fly an f4 that does NOT have PD radar in the current way, play the f5e or something more competent. It is too heavy with a terrible radar to allow you to get a good A2A match. I can barely hold over a 1:1 kd anymore while other aircraft of mine in the same area have a 2 or near 3 to 1 kdr.

If they update the compression i will update this

if you still want to fly it just literally fly ultra low, live in the multipath, and wait for someone to really make some mistake or fly straight into your super close a2a missile.

The F-5E Tiger II is a formidable upgrade of the F-5C Freedom Fighter, boasting a more powerful engine and superior performance. Here are some tips:

incredibly agile aircraft with impressive speed.

2x AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and 2x 20mm M39 cannons, short and medium-range engagements. Hunt down your prey, close to the ground, and strike with missiles or cannons when they're within range. This plane is quick in most aspects so the enemy aircraft tend to have a very hard time with this.

While the F-5E may not have the firepower of some high-tier aircraft, it compensates with agility. Employ quick turns and direction changes to evade enemy missiles and gunfire. Release flares to throw off enemy missiles and put distance between you and your attacker. also a little bit of chaff for the radar missiles.

One of my favorite phantoms besides the EJ Kai, fast, good missiles, good radar and plenty of countermeasures. Hunt your targets carefully and support other fighters, don't get too aggressive but some aggression is viable. Rewriting this!

This is a paid f4j. Its just premium. It has good modifiers, flies like a phantom, the weapon load out is fair, and has a good radar. on sale may be worthwhile. has agile eagle but also needs the bottom mounted gun for gun kills. The f4j doesn't get the agile eagle so this does have slightly better turn radius but much better.

Gen 3 aircraft are the third generation of military aircraft that were designed and used primarily in the 1960s and 1970s. These aircraft include the F-4 Phantom II, F-5 Freedom Fighter, and A-7 Corsair II. They typically have less advanced avionics and weapons systems compared to Gen 4 aircraft and rely more on pilot skill and tactics.

Gen 4 aircraft, on the other hand, are the fourth generation of military aircraft that were designed and used primarily in the 1980s and 1990s. These aircraft include the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F/A-18 Hornet. They have more advanced avionics and weapons systems, including radar and missile guidance systems, making them more effective in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat.

12.7 is an extremely difficult br. due to compression early gen4s face late gen4s or gen4+s. this aint good if you're flying with fox1s and aim9ls. you can play it but it is rough.
Gen 4 list for US :
F15C/E, 16 A/C, 18 A/C, 14 A/B

BVR is the latest component to WT. I have now flown close to probably 1k fox-3 games between all my aircraft at 13.0 and real/tactics you learned in DCS do work.

TWS and Fox3s-This is the main mode you will be using early to early mid game to launch your arh missiles. The goal is to keep the enemy illuminated as long as possible until your seeker takes over. IF you break off early, the missile only flies to the aircrafts last known location until it can go into ARH, which will significantly decrease the risk of hit. HMD is amazing for targets within 19~ km to ensure you have that one. just keep them locked for a bit longer for the arh to kick in.

Watch the lines. if they are moving directly at you the chance of hit is higher. if they begin notching and cranking and the line of their aircraft is moving quite a bit on the radar they are defensive. the goal is to launch on aircraft coming directly at you so when the ARH takes over and actively locks them they won't have as much time to react.

1.) Speed+Altitude=life. Fox3s don't carry their energy as well going up into the air, especially with a launch point in low, thick air. The drag is quite high at low altitudes causing under-performance of all fox 3s with the exception of the MICA (50g Fox-3, France). This does work when you are evading but you don't want to lose your altitude if at all possible.

2.) Kinetic energy makes the dream work- The faster your aircraft is moving, the closer you can engage before going defensive and the more situational awareness you carry will matter drastically. To engage aircraft at long range you want to be moving as fast as you can get your aircraft at around 20k+ if possible. The higher you are, the thinner the air, less air resistance, the further and faster it will fly. By launching these missiles at any point with a higher speed than your opponent you are increasing the odds of hit significantly.

3.) Defensive. After you've fired off maybe 2-3 fox 3s if possibe or if not, its time to get defensive. Chaff is your best friend here. Going greater than 90 degrees from the enemy aircraft to force you into a more rear aspect; shutting off the radar and going cold, as well as ground masking are all viable techniques.

More to come!

Strengths:

Long-range capabilities: The AN/AWG-9 radar system and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles give the F-14A Tomcat excellent long-range engagement capabilities, making it effective against multiple targets at once.

Versatility: The F-14A Tomcat is a highly versatile aircraft that can be used for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and even anti-ship missions.

Durability: The F-14A Tomcat is a tough aircraft with excellent armor and survivability, allowing it to withstand significant damage and keep flying.

Weaknesses:

While the F-14A Tomcat is a highly capable aircraft, it also has some weaknesses:

Maneuverability: The F-14A Tomcat is a heavy aircraft that can be less maneuverable than some other high tier aircraft, making it vulnerable in close-range dogfights.

Radar vulnerability: The AN/AWG-9 radar system is good, but the RWR can't pick up a lot of planes noticeably or newer missiles. fly more cautiously.

Tactics:

Long-range engagements: Take advantage of the radar system and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles to engage targets at long range, capitalizing on the target tracking capabilities at the BR. Use TWS, high altitude **HIGH SPEED** Greater than mach 1.0, the further it needs to go the faster you need to be. hold targets in TWS to assist. On the radar is a line that tells you when the seeker is active.

Defensive maneuvers: Use energy-conserving turns and climbs to maintain your speed and altitude, and deploy flares to distract incoming missiles.


Maneuvers:

Energy-conserving turns: Make smooth, energy-conserving turns to maintain your speed and altitude while evading enemy fire. if you turn hard it will bleed speed relatively quickly and doesn't have the larger engines of the 14B

Overview:
16 A/ADF : Early model f16s with no HMD radar, both have incredible flight performance
16 C : carries 6 fox3s, literally amazing for any play style at 13.7, has hmd

Pros : Fast, strong radar, strong loadouts
cons : low counter measures

F 16 ADF : 2 radar guided aim7Ms with 4 aim7Ls at max, I like 25 mins of fuel with a drop tank since the 16s eat a lot of gas

F16A : the ground pounder, it has an awesome ground loadout. a little harder in air modes because it only has the 9Ls, but, it rips.


Both have a play style of towards the ground fighting, the 16adf is good for usually 1-2 headons. the 7ms can make 15km kills but you have to be moving quick

9ls get flared pretty easily, as with other planes the main goal is to catch them off guard

VoiceAttack is a third-party program that allows you to control your computer with voice commands. it allows you to execute in-game actions quickly with your voice

Going through and setting up voice binds if you like it can make things easier. I still tend to use it as a habit from dcs as it does make it easier than flipping keybinds sometimes.

Stream deck : good for extra binds with nice tags to know which button does what. also cool icons.