Difference between revisions of "B.R.20M M1"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Suspended armament)
(Description)
 
(21 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Specs-Card|code=br_20m_m1}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = B.R.20 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=br_20m_m1
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was an important upgrade over the original BR.20 Cicogna, in fact it was the most widely produced variant of this bomber. The upgrades consisted of a redesigned nose with a smaller glass area for the gunner and more glass at the lower section of the nose. It also had a redesigned defensive armament, now introducing access to 12.7 mm HMGs, far superior to the prior 7.7 mm LMGs. The BR.20 was Italy's most predominant bomber during World War II, however it was considered outdated by the time the war started, but even with that in mind, it served with Italy between 1936 and 1945. It also served with Japan, although it was not very well regarded and was retired to training duties in 1941.
{{break}}
+
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]]. Just like its predecessor, the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a very sluggish bomber with poor speed, although it is a very stable airframe in simulator battles. It features a redesigned nose that has minimal effect on the battlefield, but it now also has access to a gunner with a 12.7 mm HMG, far more lethal than the 7.7 mm machine guns. The bomb load is also quite good, being able to carry a little more explosive mass than other bombers at its BR. However, the flight performance and the lack of armour make this bomber very likely to get intercepted at the start of the match and the mediocre defensive armament make it really hard to survive in situations where multiple fighters are targeting you.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
|-
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| 411 || 397 || 7,000 || 32.1 || 33.5 || 2.3 || 2.3 || 750
+
! Stock
|-
+
| 411 || 397 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 32.1 || 33.5 || 2.3 || 2.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
| ??? || ??? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || 750
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 452 || 430 || 30.0 || 31.0 || 7.4 || 4.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
Line 52: Line 49:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! + !! -
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 480 || ~5 || ~3
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 428 || 280 || ~6 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 69: Line 66:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 200 || < 200 || < 270 || > 335
 
| < 200 || < 200 || < 270 || > 335
Line 95: Line 89:
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* No armour protection
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing, 2 in the fuselage)
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
 
 
 
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)|GP 800 (800 kg)}}
 
{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)|GP 800 (800 kg)}}
Line 114: Line 114:
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (350 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, nose turret (500 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
The B.R.20M is an all-round medium bomber with a variety of bombs from 50 kg to 800 kg, making it potent against all manner of targets, even heavy tanks. It is not an attacker, so best not use it as one. Still, it is equally good at attacking tactical as well as strategic targets (just bring a friend as escort).
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 137: Line 146:
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
*
+
* Good payload for its rank
 +
* Fast in a dive
 +
* Good pitch control
 +
* Good all around defences
 +
* Top gun is 12.7 mm, which is unique for rank
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
*
+
* Rolls very badly, poor yaw
 +
* Slow speed
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
Designed by Fiat's Celestino Rosatelli in the mid 1930s and first flying 10 February 1936, the "Bombardiere Rosatelli 20" (B.R.20)  ''Cicogna'' (Stork) was an advanced design with a first for Italy all metal structure of duralumin. The fuselage was a space frame structure with the forward half covered in sheets of aluminum and the rear half fabric covering, including all the tail surfaces. The wing was all clad in metal, but the ailerons were also fabric covered. This may seem unusual compared to better known modern semi-monocoque structure, but it was a very common and effective design for the 1930s.
 +
 
 +
Typical with Italian aircraft was the retractable turrets and wind driven electrical turbine which was also retractable. The engines and propeller were domestic modifications of foreign makes, and the armament was Italian Breda-SAFAT machine guns in Breda designed turrets. Overall it proved to be a successful machine for the Italians and very competitive with foreign types then in service.
 +
 
 +
Early on it was earning awards for long distance and payload competitions and was an easy-to-fly stable platform. During the Spanish Civil War it did well with very few losses. This caught the attention of the Japanese Army, who had an urgent need for bombers, and the B.R.20 was chosen after a cursory review of other candidates. Eventually the Japanese purchased 82 fully equipped bombers, a huge purchase for the time. It served well in China, and was almost as good as the first of the Ki-21s, however the defending fighters were more numerous and better than in Spain and losses mounted.
 +
 
 +
After war in Europe broke out and France was defeated, Italy sent a contingent of B.R.20s with fighter escorts to attack England with Germany. There the age of the ''Cicogna'' was apparent as losses were extremely heavy. Not even 4 years old, these bombers where clearly vulnerable to and rapidly being outclassed by new aircraft like the Ju 88 and A-20. Unfortunately the Italians were slow to make a better replacement, and the B.R.20 had to soldier on.
 +
 
 +
For the last few years of Italian belligerence, the B.R.20 was used in less active theatres, avoiding strong defences and managing to eke out some success in the Mediterranean and East Europe until the Italians surrendered. After the Italian Armistice the 67 remaining aircraft were used for mundane duties and training. The last was retired in 1946, none were preserved, only dusty photos and a few scattered parts remain.
 +
 
 +
This model, the "M", was improved over the original with lightly longer nose, more powerful engines, and the top turret replacing the 7.7 mm with a single 12.7 mm retractable powered turret.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=br_20m_m1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|mZ4JVMgNWaA|'''{{PAGENAME}}. Spade Review. An Average plane''' - ''Joseph 2000''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;[[B.R.20 (Family)|Related development]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[B.R.20DR]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/364957-br20/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* [[wikipedia:Fiat_BR.20|[Wikipedia] Fiat BR.20]]
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Fiat}}
 
{{Italy bombers}}
 
{{Italy bombers}}

Latest revision as of 09:26, 11 May 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Italian bomber B.R.20M M1. For other versions, see B.R.20 (Family).
br_20m_m1.png
GarageImage B.R.20M M1.jpg
ArtImage B.R.20M M1.png
B.R.20M M1
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:3 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The B.R.20M M1 was an important upgrade over the original BR.20 Cicogna, in fact it was the most widely produced variant of this bomber. The upgrades consisted of a redesigned nose with a smaller glass area for the gunner and more glass at the lower section of the nose. It also had a redesigned defensive armament, now introducing access to 12.7 mm HMGs, far superior to the prior 7.7 mm LMGs. The BR.20 was Italy's most predominant bomber during World War II, however it was considered outdated by the time the war started, but even with that in mind, it served with Italy between 1936 and 1945. It also served with Japan, although it was not very well regarded and was retired to training duties in 1941.

It was introduced in Update 1.93 "Shark Attack". Just like its predecessor, the B.R.20M M1 is a very sluggish bomber with poor speed, although it is a very stable airframe in simulator battles. It features a redesigned nose that has minimal effect on the battlefield, but it now also has access to a gunner with a 12.7 mm HMG, far more lethal than the 7.7 mm machine guns. The bomb load is also quite good, being able to carry a little more explosive mass than other bombers at its BR. However, the flight performance and the lack of armour make this bomber very likely to get intercepted at the start of the match and the mediocre defensive armament make it really hard to survive in situations where multiple fighters are targeting you.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 000 m430 km/h
Turn time31 s
Max altitude7 000 m
Engine2 х Fiat A80 RC.41
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight14 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,000 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 411 397 7000 32.1 33.5 2.3 2.3 750
Upgraded 452 430 30.0 31.0 7.4 4.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
675 310 N/A 428 280 ~6 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 200 < 200 < 270 > 335
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,100 m 1,000 hp 1,163 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew5 people
Speed of destruction
Structural675 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • No armour protection
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing, 2 in the fuselage)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB306 → 426 Sl icon.png
RB448 → 624 Sl icon.png
SB614 → 855 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 950 Rp icon.png
4 540 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost410 Ge icon.png
Crew training1 800 Sl icon.png
Experts6 300 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces135 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 60 / 120 % Sl icon.png
106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
breda_turret_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP100
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_turret_belt_pack
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP250
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
safat7_turret_new_gun
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP500
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
safat12_turret_new_gun
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP800
Research:
390 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (5)
Setup 112 x 50 kg GP 50 bomb
Setup 212 x 100 kg GP 100T bomb
Setup 34 x 250 kg GP 250 bomb
Setup 42 x 500 kg GP 500 bomb
Setup 52 x 800 kg GP 800 bomb

The B.R.20M M1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (600 kg total)
  • 12 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (1,200 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 800 kg GP 800 bombs (1,600 kg total)

Defensive armament

Turret12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition350 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
2 х Turret7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min

The B.R.20M M1 is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (350 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, nose turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

Usage in battles

The B.R.20M is an all-round medium bomber with a variety of bombs from 50 kg to 800 kg, making it potent against all manner of targets, even heavy tanks. It is not an attacker, so best not use it as one. Still, it is equally good at attacking tactical as well as strategic targets (just bring a friend as escort).

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Not controllable
1 gear
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good payload for its rank
  • Fast in a dive
  • Good pitch control
  • Good all around defences
  • Top gun is 12.7 mm, which is unique for rank

Cons:

  • Rolls very badly, poor yaw
  • Slow speed

History

Designed by Fiat's Celestino Rosatelli in the mid 1930s and first flying 10 February 1936, the "Bombardiere Rosatelli 20" (B.R.20) Cicogna (Stork) was an advanced design with a first for Italy all metal structure of duralumin. The fuselage was a space frame structure with the forward half covered in sheets of aluminum and the rear half fabric covering, including all the tail surfaces. The wing was all clad in metal, but the ailerons were also fabric covered. This may seem unusual compared to better known modern semi-monocoque structure, but it was a very common and effective design for the 1930s.

Typical with Italian aircraft was the retractable turrets and wind driven electrical turbine which was also retractable. The engines and propeller were domestic modifications of foreign makes, and the armament was Italian Breda-SAFAT machine guns in Breda designed turrets. Overall it proved to be a successful machine for the Italians and very competitive with foreign types then in service.

Early on it was earning awards for long distance and payload competitions and was an easy-to-fly stable platform. During the Spanish Civil War it did well with very few losses. This caught the attention of the Japanese Army, who had an urgent need for bombers, and the B.R.20 was chosen after a cursory review of other candidates. Eventually the Japanese purchased 82 fully equipped bombers, a huge purchase for the time. It served well in China, and was almost as good as the first of the Ki-21s, however the defending fighters were more numerous and better than in Spain and losses mounted.

After war in Europe broke out and France was defeated, Italy sent a contingent of B.R.20s with fighter escorts to attack England with Germany. There the age of the Cicogna was apparent as losses were extremely heavy. Not even 4 years old, these bombers where clearly vulnerable to and rapidly being outclassed by new aircraft like the Ju 88 and A-20. Unfortunately the Italians were slow to make a better replacement, and the B.R.20 had to soldier on.

For the last few years of Italian belligerence, the B.R.20 was used in less active theatres, avoiding strong defences and managing to eke out some success in the Mediterranean and East Europe until the Italians surrendered. After the Italian Armistice the 67 remaining aircraft were used for mundane duties and training. The last was retired in 1946, none were preserved, only dusty photos and a few scattered parts remain.

This model, the "M", was improved over the original with lightly longer nose, more powerful engines, and the top turret replacing the 7.7 mm with a single 12.7 mm retractable powered turret.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Related development

External links


Fiat Aviation (Fiat Aviazione)
Fighters  CR.32 · CR.32 bis · CR.32 quater
  CR.42 · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · ▀Marcolin's C.R.42 CN
  G.50 serie 2 · G.50 AS serie 7
  G.55 sottoserie 0 · G.55 serie 1 · G.55S
  G.56
Jet fighters  G.91 pre-serie · G.91 R/1 · G.91 Y · G.91 YS
  ▄F-86K*
  ▄F-104G* · F-104S* · F-104S.ASA* · ▄F-104S TAF*
Strike aircraft  F.C.20 Bis
Bombers  B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1
Export/Captured  J11 · ▀CR.42
  ▀G.50 serie 2 · ▀G.50 AS serie 7
  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4 · G.91 R/4
  *Licensed
See also  North American Aviation · Lockheed Martin

Italy bombers
Fiat  B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1
Savoia-Marchetti  S.81 · S.M.79 serie 1 · S.M.79 B · S.M.79 serie 8 · S.M.79 AS · S.M.79 bis/T.M
CANT  Z.1007 bis serie 3 · Z.1007 bis serie 5
Piaggio  P.108B serie 1 · P.108B serie 2
  Foreign:
Germany  ▄Ju 87 R-2 · ▄Ju 87 D-3
Hungary  ◔Tu-2S-59