On April 22, 2025, the “Jet Power” update pushed BR5 aerial combat into a new era. Following the patch, almost all BR5 propeller fighters vanished from player lineups instantly.
Why did props drop out of the meta so rapidly? I think it can be summarized as following reasons:
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Superior Ordnance:
Jets usually carry heavier bomb loads than BR5 propeller fighters that share the same squad slot. -
Speed Advantage:
The high speed of jets enables highly efficient CAS loops and provides superior survivability when pursued. -
Lack of Top-Tier Props:
Several nations lack true top-tier propeller aircraft. Players are forced to use jets just to counter enemy jets.
Imo the third point is the main issue.
The absolute performance gap cannot be bridged by pilot skill, leading directly to severe power creep. As a result, whoever gets jet will switch to jet if possible, which is sad because it’s killing the diversity of BR5 matches.
My Solution
Introducing “Superprops” to bridge the performance gap between props and jets in Enlisted, so players can have functional propeller planes in BR5 and therefore curb jet usage.
You can see my superprop suggestions below.
Btw I’m not a formatting master so please check WT wiki links for aircraft specifications.
USSR (Soviet Union)
VVS doctrine heavily prioritized pure air-to-air roles for most propeller fighters. However, based on La-7 and I-185 (M-82) currently available in Enlisted, we can find suitable upgraded variants in War Thunder.
La-7B-20
Detailed Stats: [La-7B-20 | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: Compared to the standard La-7, La-7B-20 adds a third 20mm cannon at the cost of a minor performance penalty. The maximum payload remains identical to the La-7, carrying two 100 kg bombs.
I-185 (M-71)
Detailed Stats: [I-185 (M-71) | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: Another prototype variant in I-185 series. This model used a larger M-71 engine for increased horsepower. The maximum payload is identical to the I-185 (M-82), carrying two 250 kg bombs.
Yak-3U
Detailed Stats: [Yak-3U | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: An improved variant of Yak-3 series that completely lacks ground-attack options. The modification was successful, but it never entered mass production because it completely a few days after the war.
Allies
Allied aircraft balance at BR5 is terrible. While the Allies have access to the Meteor, the strongest tech tree jet, they completely lack a useable BR5 propeller fighter because F4U-1C is obviously overtiered. This gap forced everyone to spam Meteor. After the Meteor got nerfed, F-80A simply took its place.
Here are my picks to resolve this issue:
P-51H-5-NA
Detailed Stats: [P-51H-5-NA | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: The ultimate evolution of BR3 P-51D-5 and the absolute pinnacle of propeller fighter. A total of 555 units were built before the end of the war. They were originally planned for Operation Downfall, which never occurred. (See the poll below for payload options)
Spitfire F Mk 22
Detailed Stats:[Spitfire F Mk 22 | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: The most advanced Spitfire variant developed before the end of WWII. It features redesigned new wing with powerful Griffon engine, providing a massive performance boost alongside capable ground attack options. (See the poll below for payload options)
Axis
The Bf 109K-4 is Germany’s best propeller fighter in Enlisted, but it struggles to compete against the Me 262. Fortunately, Italian aircraft designers produced several masterpieces that caught RLM’s attention.
G.56
Detailed Stats: [G.56 | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: A further development of BR4 G.55, featuring upgraded firepower and a larger DB-603A engine. RLM evaluated this aircraft to potentially replace Bf 109s, but various constraints blocked production. Its maximum payload matches the G.55, carrying two 100 kg bombs.
Re.2005 (VDM)
Detailed Stats: [Re.2005 (VDM) | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: An experimental variant of Re.2005 equipped with VDM propeller and DB-605AM engine with MW50 system. The top speed may be average, but its excellent maneuverability and impressive bomb load compensates for it. (See the poll below for payload options)
Japan
Japanese propeller fighters have maintained a presence in the intense BR5 meta thanks to their excellent maneuverability. Players using Ki-84 are still a common sight in Japanese lineups. However, there is still room for upgrades.
Ki-84 Hei
Detailed Stats: [Ki-84 Hei | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: An experimental firepower upgrade version of oeiginal Ki-84. The nose-mounted 12.7mm Ho-103 guns are replaced with 20mm Ho-5 cannons, and the wing-mounted 20mm Ho-5 cannons are upgraded to 30mm Ho-155 cannons. All other performance characteristics remain identical to Ki-84 Ko, including the ground-attack payload of two 250 kg bombs.
J6K1
Detailed Stats: [J6K1 | War Thunder Wiki]
Overview: A land-based fighter designed by Kawanishi for IJNAS. Originally planned as a high performance fighter. However, the development was repeatedly delayed by changing requirements, and it was eventually passed over for the more mature N1K2-J. Its ground payload consists of two 250 kg bombs.
Note: No prototypes of J6K1 were built or test-flown; the project only reached wooden mock-up review phase.
Any suggestions are welcomed, and don’t forget to check the polls below!
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Yes, I believe in propeller supremacy
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No, I think jets are still the meta
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I-185 (M-71) (I love big bombs)
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La-7B-20 (La-7 but cooler)
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Yak-3U (Low altitude UFO without bombs)
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P-51H-5 NA (I’m a Mustang lover)
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Spitfire F MK 22 (I’m a Spitfire lover)
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G.56 (Performance matters)
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Re.2005 (VDM) (Payload matters)
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Ki-84 Hei (I stand for Nakajima aircraft company)
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J6K1 (I stand for Kawwanishi aircraft company)
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6xHVAR rocket+2x250lb bomb (Precision CAS enjoyer)
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2x500lb bomb (Bomb enjoyer)
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6xRP-3 rocket+2x250lb M.C. bomb (Precision CAS enjoyer)
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1x500lb+2x250lb M.C. bomb (Bomb enjoyer)
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1x500kg bomb (I love big bomb)
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1x250kg+2x100kg bomb (I love bombs)
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1x500kg+2x100kg bomb (Let Allies taste their own medicine)