Master Argentine Planes in War Thunder: Soaring Guide

Argentine aircraft soaring in War Thunder offer a blend of unique history and surprising performance. Whether you’re a newcomer curious about South American fighters or a veteran looking to diversify your lineup, this guide walks you through the key planes, optimal loadouts, and altitude‑centric tactics that make the Argentine tech tree a hidden gem.

Why Choose the Argentine Tech Tree?

The Argentine lineup is compact but carefully curated. It features the prop‑driven I.Ae. 22 Córdoba, the early jet I.Ae. 27 Pulqui I, and the advanced jet I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II. Each aircraft brings a distinct flight envelope, allowing you to experiment with everything from low‑altitude dogfighting to high‑altitude energy fighting. Their relatively low research costs also mean you can climb the ranks faster than with some of the larger nations.

Getting Started: Research Path and Unlocks

• I.Ae. 22 Córdoba – The entry point. A sturdy biplane with decent maneuverability and a forgiving climb rate, perfect for learning the basics of Argentine handling.
• I.Ae. 27 Pulqui I – Argentina’s first jet, offering a modest thrust-to-weight ratio and a sleek profile that shines in vertical maneuvers.
• I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II – The pinnacle of the line, boasting a swept‑wing design, higher speed, and a respectable armament mix.

Focus on unlocking the Córdoba first; its reliable engine and forgiving stall characteristics provide a safe sandbox for testing altitude tactics without the risk of early‑game crashes.

Altitude Tactics: Making the Most of Soaring

One of the Argentine strengths is the ability to maintain energy at higher altitudes. The Pulqui II, in particular, benefits from thin air, allowing longer bursts of speed when you pull back on the throttle. Here’s how to exploit that:

• Climb, Turn, Dive – Use the Córdoba’s strong climb to gain altitude, then turn sharply to force an opponent into a predictable descent.
• Thermal Riding (Ground Battle) – In maps with warm terrain, climb into rising air columns. Although War Thunder doesn’t simulate real thermals, staying above the ground reduces exposure to anti‑aircraft fire.
• Energy Retention – Keep your speed above 300 km/h when entering a turn. The Pulqui I’s jet engine holds its thrust longer than most prop planes, giving you a smoother exit.

Loadout Recommendations

Choosing the right weapons can turn a decent aircraft into a lethal one. Below are balanced configurations for each Argentine plane.

I.Ae. 22 Córdoba

• Two 7.7 mm machine guns – reliable for close‑range dogfights.
• Optional 20 mm cannon – adds punch if you’re comfortable with recoil.
• External fuel tank – extends climb time for altitude‑centric play.

I.Ae. 27 Pulqui I

• Four 20 mm cannons – ideal for mid‑range bursts.
• Two 37 mm rockets – effective against lightly armored ground targets.
• Reduced weight configuration – improves turn radius at the cost of some ammo.

I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II

• Six 20 mm cannons – a balanced mix of fire rate and damage.
• One under‑wing air‑to‑air missile – gives you a beyond‑visual‑range option on larger maps.
• Optional nose‑mounted 40 mm cannon – devastating in close‑quarters, but watch your speed.

Map Selection and Positioning

Not all War Thunder maps play to Argentine strengths. Open, high‑altitude arenas like “Bakhmut” or “Stalingrad” let you exploit the Pulqui II’s speed ceiling. Conversely, close‑quarters maps such as “Korsun” favor the Córdoba’s nimble turning radius. When you’re unsure, aim for maps with a mix of rolling hills and open sky; they provide both altitude gain and cover.

Team Play: Complementing Other Nations

Argentine jets pair well with high‑damage ground‑attack planes from other nations. While you maintain air superiority from the top, allies can handle low‑level targets. Communicating altitude changes via the in‑game chat helps coordinate “top‑down” attacks, ensuring you don’t waste fuel on unnecessary climbs.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

New pilots often overestimate the Córdoba’s speed, diving too early and losing altitude advantage. Remember, its strength lies in tight turning, not sprinting. With the Pulqui I, the temptation is to stay in a vertical climb forever; however, the engine’s fuel consumption spikes dramatically, leaving you vulnerable. Keep an eye on the fuel gauge and plan a controlled descent before you run dry.

Advanced Tips for Veteran Pilots

If you’ve mastered the basics, try these nuanced strategies:

• Energy Looping – Enter a high‑altitude climb, then perform a 360° loop while maintaining throttle. This can surprise opponents who expect a straight dive.
• Altitude‑Based Baiting – Fly just above the enemy’s line of sight, then roll down quickly, forcing them to overshoot.
• Rocket Timing – Launch rockets from the Pulqui I at the apex of a climb; the reduced air resistance maximizes range.

FAQ

Which Argentine plane is best for pure dogfighting?

The I.Ae. 33 Pulqui II offers the best balance of speed, climb rate, and armament, making it the top choice for air‑to‑air engagements.

Can I use Argentine jets for ground‑attack missions?

Yes. Both the Pulqui I and Pulqui II can carry rockets and, optionally, a 40 mm cannon for soft‑target destruction. Their high altitude also allows you to strike from a safer distance.

How do I speed up research on Argentine aircraft?

Focus on earning experience in the same tier and nation, and use premium aircraft or boosters during high‑XP battles. Completing daily missions that reward Argentine research points also accelerates the process.

Do Argentine planes have any unique handling quirks?

The Córdoba’s low stall speed makes it forgiving at low altitudes, while the Pulqui II’s swept wings can feel “loose” in tight turns, requiring smoother input to avoid overshooting.