F-20A

USA · Rank VIII · Fighter

Acquisition Type: Premium
Air RB battle rating: 12.3Observed October 8, 2026

Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.

War Thunder Wiki · Gaijin

Aircraft overview

F-20A has a radar-missile option in the AIM-7F Sparrow. Set up the shot where you can support it without ignoring the return fire. If the enemy forces you defensive, saving the aircraft comes before holding the lock.

How to fly it

Set up the first engagement
Accelerate and approach beside the friendly push. Let the first contacts show you where the enemy team is committing before you close.
Make the attack count
Attack an occupied opponent from a crossing angle. If the shot misses, check whether staying gives the next enemy an easy approach before turning again.
Know when to break off
Leave when more enemies arrive, the target draws you away from support, or another turn costs the speed you need to escape. A teammate nearby is more useful than a duel you cannot finish.

Common mistakes

Forcing the original plan. Following the same target after the first opportunity has gone and the surrounding fight has changed.
Ignoring the next attacker. Look outside the target chase between attacks. The enemy arriving from behind is often the one who decides whether you get home.

Strengths & limitations

Strengths

Use the supported radar shot

AIM-7F Sparrow gives you a radar-guided attack to work with. Choose a contact you can keep track of while still watching the threats coming toward you.

Make the first burst count

With 2 × 20 mm M39A3 cannon, line up the shot before you close. Fire a short burst as the target crosses the sight, then look outside the gunsight before deciding to follow.

Limitations

A missed shot can cost the next fight

If the first attack becomes a slow chase, another enemy gets time to line up. Check above and behind before spending more speed on the original target.

The lock competes with your defense

A semi-active radar shot needs support. Break it off if maintaining the engagement would carry you through an incoming missile or into several enemies.

Recommended Air RB loadouts

AIM-7F Sparrow

Use this semi-active radar option when you have a workable radar track and room to support the attack. Do not keep the nose committed once an incoming threat makes that unsafe.

AIM-9L Sidewinder

Use the infrared option against a target with little time to react. Judge the angle, closure and countermeasures before firing; a seeker lock alone is not a good reason to launch.

Leave the strike load behind

Take the air-combat fit with the missiles you intend to use when you are hunting aircraft. Bombs and rockets add weight; carry them for a planned ground attack rather than on every sortie.

Radar & defenses

Look outside the radar display

Find and track contacts with the radar modes this aircraft provides. Keep the selected weapon in mind when choosing the mode. Once you close, check the sky between looks at the display; the next attacker may not be the contact you are tracking.

React to warnings in time

A radar warning matters even when you nearly have your own shot. Make room to defend, and keep looking for infrared launches that the RWR cannot announce.

Check the countermeasure fit

Fit the available countermeasures for the threats you expect. For an infrared attack, cut afterburner if in use, flare and change the missile’s view of the aircraft. For radar threats, combine the appropriate defensive turn with chaff where fitted.

Ground attack & CAS

AGM-65B air-to-ground missile

Identify the target through the TV sight, get the lock and launch. If you cannot pick the target out on the approach, turn away and set up again instead of flying straight at the defenses while searching.

Choose the target before diving

For 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bomb, choose the target before the run and allow room to pull out clear of the blast. Turn away after release; watching the hit leaves you flying a predictable line over the target.

Set the sight before the run

Select the fitted weapon and its supported impact or release cue before entering the target area. Make the correction on the approach; do not circle over the target trying to work out the controls.

Handling & fuel

Keep speed for the next decision

Ease off the pull when the shot is gone. Recover speed and separation before deciding to turn back; holding maximum input through every reversal leaves fewer options.

Plan the return

Check fuel after the opening fight, especially if you have spent the approach on high power. Allow for the flight back and landing rather than using the hangar endurance as an afterburner timer.

Battle Rating History

Observed Air RB ratings
Observation	Battle rating
October 8, 2026 · Archive	12.3

Unchanged on October 14, 2026. Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 12.3.