Difference between revisions of "Blenheim Mk IV"

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(Added basic information and tables.)
Line 2: Line 2:
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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 screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
  
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British light bomber {{Battle-rating|3}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
 +
 +
The Blenheim IV is a light bomber, therefore base bombing in Realistic Battles isn't recommended, as the armament of 2 x 500 lbs bombs isn't enough for one or two runs against a base. The Blenheim's advantage over other bombers is its speed, so remembering and implementing this into tactics is vital. Low and fast tactics are normally best, try to avoid flying at medium altitudes or high altitudes, as accuracy will drop and you will be weak against attacks from below. Although the "red-line" speed of the Blenheim is high, dive bombing isn't as accurate as level bombing, so try to fly very low over the target to ensure a hit with the weaker payloads. The front turret guns are excellent for the "drive-by" method of attack against un-armoured targets- this is an advised tactic to carry through to the [[Beaufort Mk VIII|Beaufort]] - the wing mounted gun was intended as a range finder in real life, but can ground attack un-armoured targets, with time and patience, although the turret method is easier.
 +
 +
The plane can also be used as a fighter. This is due to its supreme low-speed turn capabilities. The Blenheim turns into a Spitfire with flaps deployed, and the elevator fully extended. Surprising as it may sound, the frontal armament may prove devastating when used in a correct way. That is, if you load tracers, for not only unlike other ammunition choices it gives you a rough idea where the shells are going, but also it consists of the best shell composition, with a decent chance to light fires. As for the turrets, load universal, again due to its best shell composition.
 +
 +
The Blenheim can be absolutely deadly to other early planes, particularly as the biplanes it will be up against are often flown by inexperienced pilots who tend to position themselves right behind bombers at very close range while attacking -- in other words, their planes will be stationary relative to the gunner, and at such a close range that he simply cannot miss. Thus, a single Blenheim bomber picking off large numbers of enemy planes is a common sight. The Blenheim has one forward-firing weapon, but it's mounted far out on the wing, so hitting targets with it effectively requires some practice.
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,692 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
 +
|-
 +
| 404 || 393 || 8,310 || 27.3 || 27.7 || 2.3? || 4.1 || 366
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,692 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 453 || 428 || 8,310 || 24.8 || 26.0 || 15.4 || 7.6 || 366
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| 550 || 225 || 401 || ~4 || ~2
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 315 || < 310 || < 350 || > 250
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 4,000 m || 1,660 hp || 2,137 hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
<!--''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
 +
* 1 mm Dural - Engine protective plate (one for each engine)
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armored pilot and co-pilot seats
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armored gunner's seat
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
''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.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
 +
{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine gun, left wing-mounted (500 rpg)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
''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.''-->
 +
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x G.P 250 lb Mk IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x G.P 500 lb Mk IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  
 
=== 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.''
+
<!--''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|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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 an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->
 +
In order to be successful in shooting enemy aircraft, one needs to either immediately drop the bomb, or (on small maps like Bastogne, or Essen) dive down, and release on the first target spotted. Then it's just a matter of flying a plane like a Spitfire - turn fighting at low altitude, and sometimes stall fighting, and making all sorts of evasive maneuvers (though this might seem ridiculous, do not worry, the plane really is capable of supporting such handling). When turning it is important to remember that the plane will rip during sharp turns at speeds exceeding 350 kph. Obviously, at some point you will get an enemy on your tail. Then, your defensive gunners come into play. All you need to do is to swing the tail of the aircraft around, and fire at the enemy with either your top or bottom turret. It is also a good idea to first fire off all the ammunition in one of the turrets, and while it is reloading use the second one.
 +
 
 +
If you are down tiered, you can use your speed to completely avoid some enemy fighters. At a decent altitude (3,000 m or above works best), biplanes will not be able to catch you and low tier monoplanes will struggle.
 +
 
 +
One last thing about the turrets: they both have a 360 degrees firing arch. This means, that you may also use them offensively (especially when engaging bombers, with whom you may exchange broadsides, or when the offensive armament has run out of ammunition).
 +
===Manual Engine Control===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" |Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 +
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 +
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 +
!colspan = "3"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| MBC-B
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| Turret 7 mm
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 +
|
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
* Very high speed for its rank
 +
* Great turn time
 +
* Forward-firing machine gun
 +
* Ventral and dorsal turrets on the same aircraft are rare at its tier
 +
* Excellent coverage for ventral and dorsal turrets
 +
* Defensive turrets are excellent against unarmoured aircraft
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
* Very vulnerable when the gunner is taken out
 +
* Turrets lack punch, particularly when compared to the Beaufort
 +
* Poor bomb load, even for its tier
 +
* Offensive machine gun lacks any firepower
 +
* No bulletproof glass or armour to protect the pilots from head on attacks
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!--''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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
  
 +
Making the first mission of WW2, then the next day, the first bombing raid, the Blenheim mk4 was a vital part of the RAF's early war effort. It became obsolete in 1942 as newer planes and technology made the Bristol Blenheim outdated. 
 +
Dimensions :
 +
Length: 13.00 m
 +
Width: 17.17 m
 +
Height: 3.91 m
 +
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
 
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
Line 43: Line 264:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
''ETC.''
+
<!--''ETC.''-->
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 271:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{Britain bombers}}

Revision as of 01:50, 9 December 2018

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Blenheim Mk IV
blenheim_mkiv.png
Blenheim Mk IV
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage Blenheim Mk IV.jpg


The Blenheim Mk IV is a Rank I British light bomber with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB/RB) and 1.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.

The Blenheim IV is a light bomber, therefore base bombing in Realistic Battles isn't recommended, as the armament of 2 x 500 lbs bombs isn't enough for one or two runs against a base. The Blenheim's advantage over other bombers is its speed, so remembering and implementing this into tactics is vital. Low and fast tactics are normally best, try to avoid flying at medium altitudes or high altitudes, as accuracy will drop and you will be weak against attacks from below. Although the "red-line" speed of the Blenheim is high, dive bombing isn't as accurate as level bombing, so try to fly very low over the target to ensure a hit with the weaker payloads. The front turret guns are excellent for the "drive-by" method of attack against un-armoured targets- this is an advised tactic to carry through to the Beaufort - the wing mounted gun was intended as a range finder in real life, but can ground attack un-armoured targets, with time and patience, although the turret method is easier.

The plane can also be used as a fighter. This is due to its supreme low-speed turn capabilities. The Blenheim turns into a Spitfire with flaps deployed, and the elevator fully extended. Surprising as it may sound, the frontal armament may prove devastating when used in a correct way. That is, if you load tracers, for not only unlike other ammunition choices it gives you a rough idea where the shells are going, but also it consists of the best shell composition, with a decent chance to light fires. As for the turrets, load universal, again due to its best shell composition.

The Blenheim can be absolutely deadly to other early planes, particularly as the biplanes it will be up against are often flown by inexperienced pilots who tend to position themselves right behind bombers at very close range while attacking -- in other words, their planes will be stationary relative to the gunner, and at such a close range that he simply cannot miss. Thus, a single Blenheim bomber picking off large numbers of enemy planes is a common sight. The Blenheim has one forward-firing weapon, but it's mounted far out on the wing, so hitting targets with it effectively requires some practice.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,692 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
404 393 8,310 27.3 27.7 2.3? 4.1 366
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,692 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
453 428 8,310 24.8 26.0 15.4 7.6 366

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
550 225 401 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 315 < 310 < 350 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,000 m 1,660 hp 2,137 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 1 mm Dural - Engine protective plate (one for each engine)
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armored pilot and co-pilot seats
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armored gunner's seat

Armaments

Offensive armament

The Blenheim Mk IV is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine gun, left wing-mounted (500 rpg)

Suspended armament

      Main article: Bombs

The Blenheim Mk IV can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

  • 4 x G.P 250 lb Mk IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x G.P 500 lb Mk IV bombs (1,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

The Blenheim Mk IV is defended by:

  • 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Usage in the battles

In order to be successful in shooting enemy aircraft, one needs to either immediately drop the bomb, or (on small maps like Bastogne, or Essen) dive down, and release on the first target spotted. Then it's just a matter of flying a plane like a Spitfire - turn fighting at low altitude, and sometimes stall fighting, and making all sorts of evasive maneuvers (though this might seem ridiculous, do not worry, the plane really is capable of supporting such handling). When turning it is important to remember that the plane will rip during sharp turns at speeds exceeding 350 kph. Obviously, at some point you will get an enemy on your tail. Then, your defensive gunners come into play. All you need to do is to swing the tail of the aircraft around, and fire at the enemy with either your top or bottom turret. It is also a good idea to first fire off all the ammunition in one of the turrets, and while it is reloading use the second one.

If you are down tiered, you can use your speed to completely avoid some enemy fighters. At a decent altitude (3,000 m or above works best), biplanes will not be able to catch you and low tier monoplanes will struggle.

One last thing about the turrets: they both have a 360 degrees firing arch. This means, that you may also use them offensively (especially when engaging bombers, with whom you may exchange broadsides, or when the offensive armament has run out of ammunition).

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not ontrollable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator MBC-B
II Compressor Airframe Turret 7 mm New 7 mm MGs Offensive 7 mm
III Wings Repair Engine New 7 mm MGs (turret)
IV Engine Injection Cover New 7 mm MGs (turret)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very high speed for its rank
  • Great turn time
  • Forward-firing machine gun
  • Ventral and dorsal turrets on the same aircraft are rare at its tier
  • Excellent coverage for ventral and dorsal turrets
  • Defensive turrets are excellent against unarmoured aircraft

Cons:

  • Very vulnerable when the gunner is taken out
  • Turrets lack punch, particularly when compared to the Beaufort
  • Poor bomb load, even for its tier
  • Offensive machine gun lacks any firepower
  • No bulletproof glass or armour to protect the pilots from head on attacks

History

Making the first mission of WW2, then the next day, the first bombing raid, the Blenheim mk4 was a vital part of the RAF's early war effort. It became obsolete in 1942 as newer planes and technology made the Bristol Blenheim outdated. Dimensions : Length: 13.00 m Width: 17.17 m Height: 3.91 m

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

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.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • other literature.


Britain bombers
Torpedo  Swordfish Mk I · Swordfish Mk II · ▄Avenger Mk II
Dive  V-156-B1
Hydroplanes  ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk V
Light  Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII · ▄Hudson Mk V · Brigand B 1
Based on A20  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7
Hampden  Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I
Wellington  Wellington Mk Ic · Wellington Mk Ic/L · Wellington Mk III · Wellington Mk X
Halifax  Halifax B Mk IIIa
Stirling  Stirling B Mk I · Stirling B Mk III
Lancaster  Lancaster B Mk I · Lancaster B Mk III
Lincoln  Lincoln B Mk II
Shackleton  Shackleton MR.Mk.2