War Thunder is a simulation of military battles. Users can fight in the air, on water, or on land. Among the game’s advantages is the recreation of images of military equipment of different countries in the virtual world.
Also, We advise you to read a helpful article: Best Swedish Planes By Tier in War Thunder
In the section dedicated to aviation, there are samples of military equipment of different types – from helicopters to fighter-bombers. Players with experience have already chosen their favorites in any category. Next, let’s take a look at the best French airplanes in 2024!
Tier I – M.B.174A-3
The airplane is the result of French experiments on creating a universal airplane for the battlefield: it performs the functions of a scout, light bomber, attack aircraft, and heavy fighter. It has excellent flying characteristics for bombing but cannot confidently hit enemy ground vehicles and bases, as its bomb load is too modest.
Advantages:
- Good speed;
- Maneuverability;
- Able to continue flying on one motor.
Disadvantages:
- Small bomb load;
- Lack of defensive armament;
- Unsuccessful installation of directional weapons;
- When maneuvering in combat, flaps must be operated vigorously.
Tier II – V.G.33C-1
A light fighter that can be used as a high-speed interceptor. In the game, it is a maneuverable aircraft with low ground speed so that any monoplane fighter can overtake it. At altitude, it is effective at chasing most opponents.
Advantages:
- Machine gun ammunition is enough for 4-5 enemies;
- Maneuverable vertically and horizontally, picks up speed quickly;
- In afterburner mode, the motor takes a long time to heat and cool down quickly.
Disadvantages:
- Near the ground, speed is slow;
- No armor;
- Cannon ammunition is small;
- Flaps have no fighting position.
Tier III – SB2C-5
French bombers were designed for defense and effective combat and not intended for surveillance or other non-combat missions—quick to accelerate and gain altitude, two-person crew. Maximum speed is 459 km/h.
Tier IV – F8F-1B
A six-ton deck fighter with one man on board (pilot only) accelerates quickly and turns quickly. Its maximum speed is 708 km/h. It rises to an altitude of 10,900 meters. The take-off weight is 6 tons.
Tier V – F-84G-26-RE
This is a serial modification of the American fighter bomber, in which, against the background of other changes, under the wing are added points of illumination for HVAR missiles. The airplane has a high maximum speed and suspended armament in the game. It cannot gain speed quickly, so it is difficult to evade pursuit.
Advantages:
- High rate of climb;
- Dynamic acceleration;
- Various outboard armament;
- Powerful directional armament.
Disadvantages:
- Poor maneuverability;
- Suspended armament and fuel load are not changed at the airfield.
Tier VI – Super Mystere B2
A multi-purpose aircraft used by the French Air Force has demonstrated its effectiveness in fighting rival ground and air forces. It is equipped with a powerful engine, afterburner, and different types of armament. It is characterized by increased maneuverability but demands pilot skills. It is sufficiently vulnerable to various damages.
Advantages:
- High rate of climb, maximum speed, and maneuverability;
- A variety of outboard and powerful directional weapons.
Disadvantages:
- Low HP;
- High energy consumption;
- Weak acceleration dynamics.
Tier VII – F-8E(FN)
A French air fleet aircraft with excellent flight characteristics, improved by Matra Magic, differs from its American counterpart in its inability to carry countermeasures, making the aircraft vulnerable to missile attacks. At altitude, the maximum speed exceeds 2000 km/h, but it drops by half closer to the land surface. The crew consists of one person.
Advantages:
- Good top speed and excellent rate of climb, maneuverability;
- Increased survivability;
- Powerful directional armament;
- Full view from the cockpit in simulator mode.
Disadvantages:
- A small set of outboard armament, lack of attack armament;
- Airplane structure is fragile;
- High fuel consumption.
Tier VIII – Mirage 2000-5F
It is equipped with air-to-air missiles and has excellent maneuverability at low speeds. It is capable of carrying a variety of assault weapons. The DAMOCLES suspended container combines a laser target designation system and a thermal imaging sight and is used for ground target search and guidance.
