Difference between revisions of "LeO 451 early"

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{{Specs-Card|code=leo_451_early}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = French bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| link = LeO 451 late
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=leo_451_early
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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 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.'' -->
 +
The LeO 451 started development in the early 1930s as the French Air Force wanted to procure a new light bomber for their young bombing branch. The first prototype flew in 1937, with only minor issues, aside from that, it displayed excellent performance, it used a pair of Hispano-Suiza engines. A second prototype was built using different engines with testing in 1938. However, the engines of the second prototype could not be obtained in time for the aircraft's production, but even with this setback, the aircraft's numbers quickly raised before the Invasion of France in May 1940. The aircraft suffered heavy losses against German pilots that had complete air superiority, however it performed much better against Italian forces in southern France.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]]. The LeO 451 is a versatile high-speed medium bomber that is capable of undertaking low-level ground attack strikes against tanks, pillboxes, and other small targets. It also carries a fairly respectable bomb load for its battle rating, and can be used to destroy bases efficiently. The sleek, graceful lines of the LeO 451 represent a complete departure from the very angular, slab-sided Farman F.222.2 and SNCAC NC.223.3 heavy bombers. The LeO 451 sacrifices bombload for high speed, although at a 1,900 kg maximum load it still carries a respectable amount compared to similar bombers like the Petlyakov Pe-2 and the CRDA Cant Z.1007bis Alcione series. It is also quite manoeuvrable for a twin-engine bomber.
  
 
== 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.''
+
{{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" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,250 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 471 || 456 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.3 || 32.2 || 3.3 || 3.3 || rowspan="2" | 550
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 522 || 495 || 28.8 || 30.0 || 9.7 || 5.9
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 385 || 366 || 270 || ~7 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 315 || < 310 || < 350 || > 340
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 12 mm steel plate behind the pilot
 +
* 12 mm steel plate in front of dorsal gunner
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
[[File:LeO_bomber_001.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A LeO 451 bomber with a fatal engine fire, which can be extremely difficult to extinguish before disintegrating.]]
 +
{{main|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, nose-mounted (300 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|G.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg)|No.1 (100 kg)|No.1 (200 kg)|No.2 (500 kg)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 16 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (800 kg total)
 +
* 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (700 kg total)
 +
* 6 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 1 x 100 kg No.1 bomb (1,300 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg No.2 bombs + 4 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 1 x 100 kg No.1 bomb (1,900 kg 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.''
+
{{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|Hispano 404 (20 mm)|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
* 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, dorsal turret (120 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
The LeO 451 can operate as a low-level attacker with relatively decent chances of survival thanks to the 20 mm dorsal gun and its relatively high performance. The LeO 451 is very fast, which is both to its benefit and detriment: it can outrun many enemies, but its wing rip speed is very close to its top speed. A prolonged dive of only 15 degrees, even with 0% throttle, can result in your wings ripping. This wing ripping problem is exacerbated by its good energy retention at high speed, making it harder to lose speed by turning even if combined with dropping throttle.
 +
 
 +
If pursued, it is best to manoeuvre in such a way that the enemy is forced to attack from the rear, which is covered by the 20 mm cannon. Flying at low altitudes also prevents enemies from attacking it from the rear and below, which is only covered by the 7.5 mm ventral gondola machine gun. The LeO 451 is otherwise very vulnerable to attacks from any other angle.
 +
 
 +
Defensive armament is concentrated against rear attackers, featuring a powerful Hispano HS.404 cannon in the dorsal gunner position, with a relatively ineffective 7.5 mm machine gun in the ventral gondola. The historical LeO 451 could retract this gondola to reduce drag; a feature that is sadly not represented in the game, as the lower drag would probably be more useful than the machine gun. The LeO 451 otherwise has no other defensive armament besides a fixed forward-firing 7.5 mm machine gun in the nose. This machine gun is useful for strafing soft targets like vehicles and artillery or taking potshots at aircraft but is generally not very useful otherwise.
 +
 
 +
=== 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 || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Decent maximum bombload (2 x 500 kg, 4 x 200 kg, 1 x 100 kg for 1,900 kg total)
 +
* Powerful dorsal turret with 20 mm cannon
 +
* Relatively fast and manoeuvrable for a bomber
 +
* Fixed 7.5 mm nose machine gun for strafing ground targets or attacking aircraft
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Very limited defensive gun arcs: only the rear is covered
−
''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/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Can only rely on the fixed 7.5 mm machine gun to defend against frontal attacks
 +
* Ventral gunner is not protected by armour and easily knocked out
 +
* Ventral turret armed with only one 7.5 mm machine gun
 +
* Can be too fast, wings rip easily in slight dives even with 0% throttle.
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
[[File:LeO_bomber_002.jpg|400px|thumb|right|A LeO 451 bomber's final moments after a fatal engine fire.]]
 +
Development of the LeO 451 began in the early 1930s, after the newly formed Armée de l'air issued the so called Plan I, intended to increase the number of modern military aircraft available to the French Air Force. As part of this plan, the young Air Force was keen on expanding and developing their strategic bombing branch. However, as the already available bombers, such as the Farman F.221, were considered unsuitable for the needs of the Air Force, a set of specifications was issued for the development of a brand new bomber. Among other aircraft manufacturers, Lioré et Olivier (which would be nationalized as part of SNCASE) also submitted their LeO 45 design. Being a long-time supplier to the French Air Force, Lioré et Olivier had a reputation of building reliable and effective bombers dating back to WW1. Thanks to this, the further development of the LeO 45 was approved. The first prototype (LeO 45-01), powered by a pair of Hispano-Suiza engines, took flight on 16 January 1937. Despite showing some minor issues, the LeO 45 prototype displayed excellent performance. A second prototype, equipped with a pair of Gnome-Rhone engines was also constructed and subsequently designated LeO 451-01. Testing of the 451 prototype began in October 1938.
 +
 
 +
However, due to various production issues associated with the Gnome-Rhone engine, production of the LeO 451 was delayed, beginning only in late 1938. Although the Armée de l'air only fielded a handful of operational LeO 451 bombers at the outbreak of WW2, their number would rise up prior to the Invasion of France in May 1940. During this chapter of WW2, the LeO 451 saw wide use against both advancing German forces on the east and Italian forces on the south. While the aircraft suffered great losses at the hands of Luftwaffe's superior fighters and the Wehrmacht's relentless anti-air guns, it fared a lot better on the southern front against Italian forces. Nonetheless, the LeO 451 did eventually retire in September 1957 as the final pre-war French aircraft to leave active duty.
 +
 
 +
''- From [[wt:en/news/5128-development-leo-451-early-catch-me-if-you-can-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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=leo_451_early Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read 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;''
 
* ''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.''
+
 
 +
* [[LeO 451 late]] - Late variant of the LeO 451
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [[wt:en/news/5128-development-leo-451-early-catch-me-if-you-can-en|[Devblog] LeO 451 Early: Catch Me If You Can!]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/385682-leo-451-early/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer LeO}}
 +
{{France bombers}}

Latest revision as of 14:26, 4 January 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the French bomber LeO 451 early. For the other version, see LeO 451 late.
LeO 451 early
leo_451_early.png
GarageImage LeO 451 early.jpg
ArtImage LeO 451 early.jpg
LeO 451 early
France flag.png France
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 3.0
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The LeO 451 started development in the early 1930s as the French Air Force wanted to procure a new light bomber for their young bombing branch. The first prototype flew in 1937, with only minor issues, aside from that, it displayed excellent performance, it used a pair of Hispano-Suiza engines. A second prototype was built using different engines with testing in 1938. However, the engines of the second prototype could not be obtained in time for the aircraft's production, but even with this setback, the aircraft's numbers quickly raised before the Invasion of France in May 1940. The aircraft suffered heavy losses against German pilots that had complete air superiority, however it performed much better against Italian forces in southern France.

It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France". The LeO 451 is a versatile high-speed medium bomber that is capable of undertaking low-level ground attack strikes against tanks, pillboxes, and other small targets. It also carries a fairly respectable bomb load for its battle rating, and can be used to destroy bases efficiently. The sleek, graceful lines of the LeO 451 represent a complete departure from the very angular, slab-sided Farman F.222.2 and SNCAC NC.223.3 heavy bombers. The LeO 451 sacrifices bombload for high speed, although at a 1,900 kg maximum load it still carries a respectable amount compared to similar bombers like the Petlyakov Pe-2 and the CRDA Cant Z.1007bis Alcione series. It is also quite manoeuvrable for a twin-engine bomber.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 250 m495 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude10 500 m
EngineGnome Rhone 14N-38
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,250 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 471 456 10500 31.3 32.2 3.3 3.3 550
Upgraded 522 495 28.8 30.0 9.7 5.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
550 340 385 366 270 ~7 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 315 < 310 < 350 > 340

Survivability and armour

Crew4 people
Speed of destruction
Structural550 km/h
Gear340 km/h
  • 12 mm steel plate behind the pilot
  • 12 mm steel plate in front of dorsal gunner
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (2 in each wing)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB633 → 868 Sl icon.png
RB1 017 → 1 395 Sl icon.png
SB1 675 → 2 298 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 410 Rp icon.png
9 420 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces180 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 90 / 160 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
340 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
340 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
400 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
400 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS(a)
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
400 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_belt_pack
Research:
340 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
hispano_mk5_turret_belt_pack
Research:
340 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
100 GPs
Research:
340 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mac39_new_gun
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
200 GPs
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_turret_belt_pack
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
400 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
hispano_mk5_turret_new_gun
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
400 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500 GPs
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
400 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
mac39_turret_new_gun
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 17.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition300 rounds
Fire rate1 350 shots/min
A LeO 451 bomber with a fatal engine fire, which can be extremely difficult to extinguish before disintegrating.
Main article: MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The LeO 451 early is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 116 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50
Setup 27 x 100 kg No.1
Setup 36 x 200 kg No.1
1 x 100 kg No.1
Setup 44 x 200 kg No.1
1 x 100 kg No.1
2 x 500 kg No.2
Main articles: G.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg), No.1 (100 kg), No.1 (200 kg), No.2 (500 kg)

The LeO 451 early can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 16 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (800 kg total)
  • 7 x 100 kg No.1 bombs (700 kg total)
  • 6 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 1 x 100 kg No.1 bomb (1,300 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg No.2 bombs + 4 x 200 kg No.1 bombs + 1 x 100 kg No.1 bomb (1,900 kg total)

Defensive armament

Turret20 mm Hispano 404 cannon
Ammunition120 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
Turret7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate1350 shots/min
Main articles: Hispano 404 (20 mm), MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The LeO 451 early is defended by:

  • 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, dorsal turret (120 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

Usage in battles

The LeO 451 can operate as a low-level attacker with relatively decent chances of survival thanks to the 20 mm dorsal gun and its relatively high performance. The LeO 451 is very fast, which is both to its benefit and detriment: it can outrun many enemies, but its wing rip speed is very close to its top speed. A prolonged dive of only 15 degrees, even with 0% throttle, can result in your wings ripping. This wing ripping problem is exacerbated by its good energy retention at high speed, making it harder to lose speed by turning even if combined with dropping throttle.

If pursued, it is best to manoeuvre in such a way that the enemy is forced to attack from the rear, which is covered by the 20 mm cannon. Flying at low altitudes also prevents enemies from attacking it from the rear and below, which is only covered by the 7.5 mm ventral gondola machine gun. The LeO 451 is otherwise very vulnerable to attacks from any other angle.

Defensive armament is concentrated against rear attackers, featuring a powerful Hispano HS.404 cannon in the dorsal gunner position, with a relatively ineffective 7.5 mm machine gun in the ventral gondola. The historical LeO 451 could retract this gondola to reduce drag; a feature that is sadly not represented in the game, as the lower drag would probably be more useful than the machine gun. The LeO 451 otherwise has no other defensive armament besides a fixed forward-firing 7.5 mm machine gun in the nose. This machine gun is useful for strafing soft targets like vehicles and artillery or taking potshots at aircraft but is generally not very useful otherwise.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Decent maximum bombload (2 x 500 kg, 4 x 200 kg, 1 x 100 kg for 1,900 kg total)
  • Powerful dorsal turret with 20 mm cannon
  • Relatively fast and manoeuvrable for a bomber
  • Fixed 7.5 mm nose machine gun for strafing ground targets or attacking aircraft

Cons:

  • Very limited defensive gun arcs: only the rear is covered
  • Can only rely on the fixed 7.5 mm machine gun to defend against frontal attacks
  • Ventral gunner is not protected by armour and easily knocked out
  • Ventral turret armed with only one 7.5 mm machine gun
  • Can be too fast, wings rip easily in slight dives even with 0% throttle.

History

A LeO 451 bomber's final moments after a fatal engine fire.

Development of the LeO 451 began in the early 1930s, after the newly formed Armée de l'air issued the so called Plan I, intended to increase the number of modern military aircraft available to the French Air Force. As part of this plan, the young Air Force was keen on expanding and developing their strategic bombing branch. However, as the already available bombers, such as the Farman F.221, were considered unsuitable for the needs of the Air Force, a set of specifications was issued for the development of a brand new bomber. Among other aircraft manufacturers, Lioré et Olivier (which would be nationalized as part of SNCASE) also submitted their LeO 45 design. Being a long-time supplier to the French Air Force, Lioré et Olivier had a reputation of building reliable and effective bombers dating back to WW1. Thanks to this, the further development of the LeO 45 was approved. The first prototype (LeO 45-01), powered by a pair of Hispano-Suiza engines, took flight on 16 January 1937. Despite showing some minor issues, the LeO 45 prototype displayed excellent performance. A second prototype, equipped with a pair of Gnome-Rhone engines was also constructed and subsequently designated LeO 451-01. Testing of the 451 prototype began in October 1938.

However, due to various production issues associated with the Gnome-Rhone engine, production of the LeO 451 was delayed, beginning only in late 1938. Although the Armée de l'air only fielded a handful of operational LeO 451 bombers at the outbreak of WW2, their number would rise up prior to the Invasion of France in May 1940. During this chapter of WW2, the LeO 451 saw wide use against both advancing German forces on the east and Italian forces on the south. While the aircraft suffered great losses at the hands of Luftwaffe's superior fighters and the Wehrmacht's relentless anti-air guns, it fared a lot better on the southern front against Italian forces. Nonetheless, the LeO 451 did eventually retire in September 1957 as the final pre-war French aircraft to leave active duty.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

External links


Lioré et Olivier (SNCASE)
Bombers  LeO 451 early · LeO 451 late

France bombers
Farman  F.222.2 · N.C.223.3
Latécoère  Late 298D
Potez  Potez 633
Liore et Olivier  LeO 451 early · LeO 451 late
Bloch  M.B.174A-3 · M.B.162 · M.B.175T
American  V-156-F · Martin 167-A3 · ▄A-35B · ▄SB2C-5 · B-26C · ▄PBY-5A Late · ▄PB4Y-2
British  Lancaster MR.7

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