Difference between revisions of "Gladiator Mk I (France)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=gladiator_mk1_belgium
 
|code=gladiator_mk1_belgium
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
Being a biplane, the Belgian Gladiator Mk I has excellent maneuverability and can make very tight turns in dogfights with the enemy. Monoplane fighters may find it difficult to get a shot on the Gladiator if they are maneuvering at slow airspeeds. Gladiator Mk I pilots should be aware, however, that some enemy biplanes can be more maneuverable than them, such as the [[Ki-10-I]] which is capable of performing even tighter turns.  
+
Being a biplane, the Belgian Gladiator Mk I has excellent manoeuvrability and can make very tight turns in dogfights with the enemy. Monoplane fighters may find it difficult to get a shot on the Gladiator if they are manoeuvring at slow airspeeds. Gladiator Mk I pilots should be aware, however, that some enemy biplanes can be more manoeuvrable than them, such as the [[Ki-10-I]] which is capable of performing even tighter turns.
  
 
Another concern for Gladiator pilots is that some enemies that may be encountered in battle such as the [[Bf 109 C-1]] and [[G.50 serie 2]] can easily run away from or chase down the Gladiator due to their higher speed.
 
Another concern for Gladiator pilots is that some enemies that may be encountered in battle such as the [[Bf 109 C-1]] and [[G.50 serie 2]] can easily run away from or chase down the Gladiator due to their higher speed.
Line 45: Line 45:
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || ✓ || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 77: Line 77:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
−
There is no armor protection on this vehicle.
+
The Gladiator Mk I has no armour. Even light calibre weapons can do damage to the important components of the Gladiator, such as the engine and controls. The cockpit is also unarmoured, which can lead to the pilot being knocked out even before the aircraft takes significant damage.
  
−
The lack of armor means that light caliber weapons can do damage to the important components of the Gladiator Mk I, such as the engine and controls. The cockpit is also unarmored, which can lead to the pilot being knocked out even before the aircraft takes significant damage.
+
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
−
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
 
The Belgian Gladiator Mk I is a relatively simple aircraft, so pilots may choose what modifications they want to research first according to their preferences. One possible order of research is as follows:
 
The Belgian Gladiator Mk I is a relatively simple aircraft, so pilots may choose what modifications they want to research first according to their preferences. One possible order of research is as follows:
  
 
* '''Weaponry''': These modifications will allow for the selection of different ammunition belts and can increase the lethality of the Gladiator's armament.
 
* '''Weaponry''': These modifications will allow for the selection of different ammunition belts and can increase the lethality of the Gladiator's armament.
−
* '''Flight Performance''': These modifications will help to increase the aircraft's speed and maneuverability, allowing it to catch up to and turnfight enemies more effectively.
+
* '''Flight Performance''': These modifications will help to increase the aircraft's speed and manoeuvrability, allowing it to catch up to and turnfight enemies more effectively.
 
* '''Survivability''': These modifications will increase the durability of the aircraft, strengthening parts against enemy fire.
 
* '''Survivability''': These modifications will increase the durability of the aircraft, strengthening parts against enemy fire.
−
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
The armament of the Belgian Gladiator Mk I is good for the tier, consisting of four reliable [[Browning (7.7 mm)]] machine guns. With two in the nose and two placed fairly close on the wings, these guns will be relatively easy to aim as gun convergence is less of a factor. These guns have decent firerate and damage against light aircraft. However heavier and tougher aircraft, especially those with armor, may need more than a few bursts to be able to take down.{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
+
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 (7.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
Line 100: Line 99:
 
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
 +
The armament of the Belgian Gladiator Mk I is good for the tier, consisting of four reliable [[Browning (7.7 mm)]] machine guns. With two in the nose and two placed fairly close on the wings, these guns will be relatively easy to aim as gun convergence is less of a factor. These guns have decent fire rate and damage against light aircraft. However, heavier and tougher aircraft, especially those with armour, may need more than a few bursts to be able to take down.
  
 
== 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 Belgian Gladiator Mk I is a decent starting aircraft for new players. A stable but maneuverable platform, players will be able to turnfight with enemies quite easily. If encountering enemy aircraft with a significant speed advantage over the Gladiator Mk I, it is recommended to attempt to engage them in a [[Turn & Burn|turnfight]] so that they will be forced to maneuver, reducing their airspeed and allowing the Gladiator to get close.
+
The Belgian Gladiator Mk I is a decent starting aircraft for new players. A stable but manoeuvrable platform, players will be able to turn fight with enemies quite easily. If encountering enemy aircraft with a significant speed advantage over the Gladiator Mk I, it is recommended to attempt to engage them in a [[Turn & Burn|turnfight]] so that they will be forced to manoeuvre, reducing their airspeed and allowing the Gladiator to get close.
  
−
Due to the lack of armor, it is recommended to avoid taking damage, especially getting attacked from behind as the pilot is unprotected from enemy fire. The Gladiator Mk I's armament is formidable for its tier. In a head-on attack, however, pilots should be wary as the aircraft's large radial engine is prone to taking damage. It is recommended to engage in a frontal attack early and disengage before the enemy begins firing, maneuvering out of the way to initate a turnfight.  
+
Due to the lack of armour, it is recommended to avoid taking damage, especially getting attacked from behind as the pilot is unprotected from enemy fire. The Gladiator Mk I's armament is formidable for its tier. In a head-on attack, however, pilots should be wary as the aircraft's large radial engine is prone to taking damage. It is recommended to engage in a frontal attack early and disengage before the enemy begins firing, manoeuvring out of the way to initiate a turn fight.
  
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
 
* [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]], [[He 112 (Family)|He 112]], [[He 100 D-1]] - As confirmed in history, these German fighters have a tremendous speed and acceleration advantage against the Gladiator Mk I, which can cause trouble for the Gladiator if they are positioned at a higher altitude. From up high, these aircraft can perform [[Boom & Zoom]] attacks, diving on the Gladiator and then escaping back up to altitude.
 
* [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]], [[He 112 (Family)|He 112]], [[He 100 D-1]] - As confirmed in history, these German fighters have a tremendous speed and acceleration advantage against the Gladiator Mk I, which can cause trouble for the Gladiator if they are positioned at a higher altitude. From up high, these aircraft can perform [[Boom & Zoom]] attacks, diving on the Gladiator and then escaping back up to altitude.
−
* [[Ki-10 (Family)|Ki-10]], [[I-15 (Family)|I-15]] - These biplanes are even more maneuverable than the Gladiator Mk I and can quickly outturn this aircraft at low speeds.
+
* [[Ki-10 (Family)|Ki-10]], [[I-15 (Family)|I-15]] - These biplanes are even more manoeuvrable than the Gladiator Mk I and can quickly outturn this aircraft at low speeds.
 
* [[BV 138 C-1]], [[H6K4]] and other [[:Category:Bombers|Bombers]] - Bombers will often be flying at high altitudes, just out of reach of the Gladiator Mk I. They will often carry defensive gunners which can do significant damage to the aircraft and engine, especially if they are using heavy autocannons. In addition, bombers' airframes will often be tougher than fighter aircraft and feature multiple engines, meaning they can be a challenge to shoot down without using a lot of ammo.
 
* [[BV 138 C-1]], [[H6K4]] and other [[:Category:Bombers|Bombers]] - Bombers will often be flying at high altitudes, just out of reach of the Gladiator Mk I. They will often carry defensive gunners which can do significant damage to the aircraft and engine, especially if they are using heavy autocannons. In addition, bombers' airframes will often be tougher than fighter aircraft and feature multiple engines, meaning they can be a challenge to shoot down without using a lot of ammo.
  
 
=== 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".'' -->'''Pros:'''
+
<!-- ''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".'' -->
  
−
* Good maneuverability and turn rate
+
'''Pros:'''
−
* Relatively rugged airframe
 
−
* Flaps can help to increase rate of turn and assist with takeoff and landing
 
−
* Armament of four machine guns can do significant damage to enemy aircraft
 
−
* Decent ammunition pool
 
  
−
*
+
* Armament is equal to or better than other fighters it typically faces
 +
* Good manoeuvrability in a turn, fantastic turnfighter
 +
* Tracer belts, like all other planes fitted with Browning machine guns, can be deadly
 +
* Has flaps, unlike most other biplane fighters
 +
* Sufficient ammunition prevents frequent reloads or landing to rearm
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Relatively slow, it may be difficult to catch up to or run away from faster aircraft and intercept bombers
+
* Performance deficiencies can make it an easy target for experienced pilots or more difficult adversaries
−
* Lack of armor means that important modules such as the engine and the pilot can get knocked out easily by small-caliber weapons
+
* Not the best climber
−
* Small-caliber armament may not do significant damage against enemy aircraft with armor or tough constructon
+
* Bleeds speed in turns, especially when using flaps
−
* Slightly reduced cockpit visibility in Simulator modes due to wing placement
+
* In Simulator mode, upper wing blocks a significant amount of the forward view
−
 
+
* Extremely weak roll, combined with the lack of rudder authority leads to extreme difficulty aiming
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 137: Line 137:
 
The Gladiator Mk I was a British single engine biplane fighter designed by Gloster, entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1936.
 
The Gladiator Mk I was a British single engine biplane fighter designed by Gloster, entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1936.
  
−
The type would be exported to multiple countries including Belgium, who ordered twenty-two aircraft. The first batch would be built by Gloster, while the second batch would be produced by SABCA locally in Belgium. The Gladiators would be put into service with the 1st Escadrille de Chasse 'La Comète' in 1937.  
+
The type would be exported to multiple countries including Belgium, who ordered twenty-two aircraft. The first batch would be built by Gloster, while the second batch would be produced by SABCA locally in Belgium. The Gladiators would be put into service with the 1st Escadrille de Chasse 'La Comète' in 1937.
  
−
Several Gladiators of the Belgian Army Air Forces were damaged or destroyed in accidents before WWII, including Gladiator 'G-30' which crashed during a snowstorm in Namur, Belgium in 1938.  
+
Several Gladiators of the Belgian Army Air Forces were damaged or destroyed in accidents before WWII, including Gladiator 'G-30' which crashed during a snowstorm in Namur, Belgium in 1938.
  
−
During the Invasion of Belgium in 1940, the Belgian Gladiators engaged in combat for the first time following a suprise bombing raid by the German Luftwaffe on Schaffen Air Base. Unfortunately, as experienced by other operators of the type, it was found that the Gladiator was hopelessly outdated against the new German fighter types such as the Bf 109. Belgium surrendered just eighteen days after the invasion and the entire Belgian Gladiator fleet had been effectively destroyed.
+
During the Invasion of Belgium in 1940, the Belgian Gladiators engaged in combat for the first time following a surprise bombing raid by the German Luftwaffe on Schaffen Air Base. Unfortunately, as experienced by other operators of the type, it was found that the Gladiator was hopelessly outdated against the new German fighter types such as the Bf 109. Belgium surrendered just eighteen days after the invasion and the entire Belgian Gladiator fleet had been effectively destroyed.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->[[File:Gladiator Mk I (France) in combat.png|alt=Belgian Gladiator Mk I in combat|left|thumb|Belgian Gladiator Mk I in combat]]
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
[[File:Gladiator Mk I (France) crashed in snow.png|alt=Belgian Gladiator crashed in snow|none|thumb|Gladiator Mk I crashed in snow]]
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
−
 
 
 
== 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;''
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
Other aircraft of the same series:
+
;Related Development:
−
 
 
 
* [[Gladiator (Family)]]
 
* [[Gladiator (Family)]]
 
** [[Gladiator Mk I (China)]] (other export Gladiator Mk Is)
 
** [[Gladiator Mk I (China)]] (other export Gladiator Mk Is)
 +
 +
;Planes of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 +
* Polikarpov [[I-15 (Family)|I-15]]
 +
* Heinkel [[He 51 (Family)|He 51]]
 +
* Fiat [[CR.32 (Family)|CR.32]]
 +
* Fiat [[CR.42 (Family)|CR.42]]
 +
* Kawasaki [[Ki-10 (Family)|Ki-10]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 161: Line 167:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
−
* [[wt:en/news/8919-development-dutch-and-belgian-aircraft-are-joining-the-french-tree-en|[Devblog] Dutch and Belgian Aircraft are Joining the French Tree!]]
+
* [https://www.belgian-wings.be/gloster-gladiator <nowiki>[Belgian Wings]</nowiki> Gloster Gladiator]
−
* https://www.belgian-wings.be/gloster-gladiator
+
* [https://mirage5.be/en/2nd-squadron/ <nowiki>[Mirage 5 Pilots Association]</nowiki> The Comète and the 2 squadron]
−
* http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/gladiator_belgium.htm
 
−
* https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/279811
 
−
* https://www.baesystems.com/en/heritage/gloster-gladiator
 
−
* https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Gloster_Gladiator_operators#Belgium
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Gloster}}
 
{{France fighters}}
 
{{France fighters}}

Latest revision as of 10:37, 24 June 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
▄Gladiator Mk I
gladiator_mk1_belgium.png
GarageImage Gladiator Mk I (France).jpg
ArtImage Gladiator Mk I (France).jpg
▄Gladiator Mk I
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.0 1.0 1.0
Class:
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ▄Gladiator Mk I was part of an aeronautical modernization plan by the Belgian government to keep up with other nations, primarily Germany. This plan involved upgrading the Fairey Firefly IIMs of the 2nd Regiment (I/2Aé). The 1st Squadron 'Thistle' (2/I/2Aé) was upgraded to Hawker Hurricanes, while the 2nd Squadron 'Comet' (1/I/2Aé) received Gloster Gladiators. A total of 22 Gladiators were ordered, with 15 delivered from Gloster and an additional 7 to be assembled by the domestic Belgian aerial industry, SABCA. The Gladiators were primarily used for training in preparation for WWII. During the Phoney War, a Gladiator shot down a He 111. However, six Gladiators were lost due to attrition, and one was kept unarmed as a personal aircraft (G-38) by General Hiernaux. This left 16 Gladiators serviceable by the start of the German Blitzkrieg on May 10, 1940. Most Gladiators were lost during taxiing and take-off at the start of the battle by an air raid of Do 17s of JG 77. The remaining Gladiators faced off against the superior Bf 109s of I./JG 1, suffering heavy losses. The last two surviving Gladiators, both severely damaged, retreated to Beauvechain. On the afternoon of the next day, May 11, 1940, I./JG 1 returned and strafed the airfield with twelve Bf 109s, dealing the final blow to I/2 Aé, which had just lost the last aircraft of its force composed of Hurricanes and Gladiators.

This aircraft's specific camouflage represents Gladiator 'G-30' of the 2nd Squadron 'La Comète' (1/I/2Aé) of the Belgian Air Force. G-30 was acquired in the second batch of September 1937 but crashed in a snowstorm at Rognée (near Namur) on February 11, 1938.

It was introduced in Update "Seek & Destroy". The Belgian Gladiator Mk I is the first aircraft available for players in the BeNeLux subtree. Its playstyle and performance is practically identical to the other aircraft of the Gladiator (Family), so pilots who have flown other aircraft of this type in the British, Chinese and Swedish tech trees will already be familiar with it. For beginners, the Belgian Gladiator Mk I offers a reliable platform which excels in turnfighting.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 420 m414 km/h
Turn time15 s
Max altitude10 211 m
EngineBristol Mercury-IX
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight2 t

Being a biplane, the Belgian Gladiator Mk I has excellent manoeuvrability and can make very tight turns in dogfights with the enemy. Monoplane fighters may find it difficult to get a shot on the Gladiator if they are manoeuvring at slow airspeeds. Gladiator Mk I pilots should be aware, however, that some enemy biplanes can be more manoeuvrable than them, such as the Ki-10-I which is capable of performing even tighter turns.

Another concern for Gladiator pilots is that some enemies that may be encountered in battle such as the Bf 109 C-1 and G.50 serie 2 can easily run away from or chase down the Gladiator due to their higher speed.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 4,420 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 400 387 10211 16.7 17.4 13.4 13.4 232
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

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 + -
0 560 ___ ___ ___ ~__ ~__
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< ___ < ___ < ___ > ___

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear560 km/h

The Gladiator Mk I has no armour. Even light calibre weapons can do damage to the important components of the Gladiator, such as the engine and controls. The cockpit is also unarmoured, which can lead to the pilot being knocked out even before the aircraft takes significant damage.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB97 → 121 Sl icon.png
RB149 → 186 Sl icon.png
SB90 → 112 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications2 960 Rp icon.png
885 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost190 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 Sl icon.png
Experts1 000 Sl icon.png
Aces20 Ge icon.png
Research Aces96 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 20 / 80 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
65 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
145 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
65 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
145 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
60 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
65 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png

The Belgian Gladiator Mk I is a relatively simple aircraft, so pilots may choose what modifications they want to research first according to their preferences. One possible order of research is as follows:

  • Weaponry: These modifications will allow for the selection of different ammunition belts and can increase the lethality of the Gladiator's armament.
  • Flight Performance: These modifications will help to increase the aircraft's speed and manoeuvrability, allowing it to catch up to and turnfight enemies more effectively.
  • Survivability: These modifications will increase the durability of the aircraft, strengthening parts against enemy fire.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Gladiator Mk I (France) is armed with:

  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (600 rpg = 1,200 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (400 rpg = 800 total)

The armament of the Belgian Gladiator Mk I is good for the tier, consisting of four reliable Browning (7.7 mm) machine guns. With two in the nose and two placed fairly close on the wings, these guns will be relatively easy to aim as gun convergence is less of a factor. These guns have decent fire rate and damage against light aircraft. However, heavier and tougher aircraft, especially those with armour, may need more than a few bursts to be able to take down.

Usage in battles

The Belgian Gladiator Mk I is a decent starting aircraft for new players. A stable but manoeuvrable platform, players will be able to turn fight with enemies quite easily. If encountering enemy aircraft with a significant speed advantage over the Gladiator Mk I, it is recommended to attempt to engage them in a turnfight so that they will be forced to manoeuvre, reducing their airspeed and allowing the Gladiator to get close.

Due to the lack of armour, it is recommended to avoid taking damage, especially getting attacked from behind as the pilot is unprotected from enemy fire. The Gladiator Mk I's armament is formidable for its tier. In a head-on attack, however, pilots should be wary as the aircraft's large radial engine is prone to taking damage. It is recommended to engage in a frontal attack early and disengage before the enemy begins firing, manoeuvring out of the way to initiate a turn fight.

Enemies worth noting:

  • Bf 109, He 112, He 100 D-1 - As confirmed in history, these German fighters have a tremendous speed and acceleration advantage against the Gladiator Mk I, which can cause trouble for the Gladiator if they are positioned at a higher altitude. From up high, these aircraft can perform Boom & Zoom attacks, diving on the Gladiator and then escaping back up to altitude.
  • Ki-10, I-15 - These biplanes are even more manoeuvrable than the Gladiator Mk I and can quickly outturn this aircraft at low speeds.
  • BV 138 C-1, H6K4 and other Bombers - Bombers will often be flying at high altitudes, just out of reach of the Gladiator Mk I. They will often carry defensive gunners which can do significant damage to the aircraft and engine, especially if they are using heavy autocannons. In addition, bombers' airframes will often be tougher than fighter aircraft and feature multiple engines, meaning they can be a challenge to shoot down without using a lot of ammo.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Armament is equal to or better than other fighters it typically faces
  • Good manoeuvrability in a turn, fantastic turnfighter
  • Tracer belts, like all other planes fitted with Browning machine guns, can be deadly
  • Has flaps, unlike most other biplane fighters
  • Sufficient ammunition prevents frequent reloads or landing to rearm

Cons:

  • Performance deficiencies can make it an easy target for experienced pilots or more difficult adversaries
  • Not the best climber
  • Bleeds speed in turns, especially when using flaps
  • In Simulator mode, upper wing blocks a significant amount of the forward view
  • Extremely weak roll, combined with the lack of rudder authority leads to extreme difficulty aiming

History

The Gladiator Mk I was a British single engine biplane fighter designed by Gloster, entering service with the Royal Air Force in 1936.

The type would be exported to multiple countries including Belgium, who ordered twenty-two aircraft. The first batch would be built by Gloster, while the second batch would be produced by SABCA locally in Belgium. The Gladiators would be put into service with the 1st Escadrille de Chasse 'La Comète' in 1937.

Several Gladiators of the Belgian Army Air Forces were damaged or destroyed in accidents before WWII, including Gladiator 'G-30' which crashed during a snowstorm in Namur, Belgium in 1938.

During the Invasion of Belgium in 1940, the Belgian Gladiators engaged in combat for the first time following a surprise bombing raid by the German Luftwaffe on Schaffen Air Base. Unfortunately, as experienced by other operators of the type, it was found that the Gladiator was hopelessly outdated against the new German fighter types such as the Bf 109. Belgium surrendered just eighteen days after the invasion and the entire Belgian Gladiator fleet had been effectively destroyed.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Related Development
Planes of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Gloster Aircraft Company, Limited
Fighters  Gladiator Mk II · Sea Gladiator Mk I · Gladiator Mk IIF · Gladiator Mk IIS · Tuck's Gladiator Mk II
Jet Fighters  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
Export  J8A · Iacobi's J8A · ␗Gladiator Mk I · ▄Gladiator Mk I
  ▄Meteor F Mk.8 · Meteor F.8 · Meteor NF.13
See Also  Fokker

France fighters
Dewoitine  D.371 · D.371 H.S.9 · D.373 · D.500 · D.501 · Pallier's D.510 · D.520
Morane-Saulnier  M.S.405C1 · M.S.406C1 · M.S.410
Arsenal  V.G.33C-1
Bloch  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Caudron  C.R.714
Sud-Ouest  S.O.8000 Narval
American  H-75A-1 · H-75A-4 · ▄P-39Q-25 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · ▄P-47D-22-RE · ▄P-63C-5 · F-6C-10-NA
  ▄F6F-5 · ▄F6F-5N · F4U-7 · ▄F8F-1B
Other countries  ▄Seafire LF Mk.III · ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · NC.900
Belgium  ▄Gladiator Mk I · ▄Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
Netherlands  ◘Sea Fury FB 51

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