Difference between revisions of "Hampden TB Mk I (USSR)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=hp52_hampden_tbmk1_ussr_utk1}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = medium bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Hampden (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=hp52_hampden_tbmk1_ussr_utk1
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{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.'' -->
 +
On 4th September 1942, 32 [[Hampden TB Mk I]] torpedo bombers from 144th Squadron RAF and 455th Squadron RAAF took off from their bases in the Shetlands to take part in Operation Orator, protecting the Murmansk-bound convoy PQ 18. The Hampdens flew over 3,900 km over sea and enemy territory until they arrived in Vayenga. Eight Hampdens were lost en route or damaged beyond repair. The British and Australian crews conducted a few sorties from Vayenga and were supposed to return with their Hampdens to Shetlands; however, strong headwinds prevented this as the Hampdens would not be able to reach their bases.
 +
 
 +
The British instead trained Soviet crews in using the Hampdens and returned home by ship. The Soviet Navy's 24th Mine-Torpedo Aviation Regiment then operated the Hampdens until mid-1943 when lack of replacements and suitable spare parts forced them to withdraw them from service and return back to their original IL-4/DB-3 series bombers.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]], the Hampden TB Mk I UTK-1 features quite an impressive bomb load for its size, being able to destroy more than two bases in Air Realistic Battles at its battle rating. It also has access to the British [[18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)|Mark XII]] torpedo, having slightly higher drop speed than its Soviet [[45-36AN (450 mm)|45-36AN]] counterpart. Unlike its British cousin, the Hampden in Soviet service had its defensive armament strengthened, as the dorsal twin [[Vickers K (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Vickers K]] machine guns were replaced by a single [[Berezin UB (12.7 mm)|12.7 mm Berezin UBT]] heavy machine gun in a rotating turret.
  
 
== 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
 +
| 382 || 366 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 35.4 || 36.0 || 6.9 || 6.9 || rowspan="2" | 326
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 436 || 406 || 32.6 || 34.0 || 14.5 || 9.3
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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 !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 506 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 388 || 359 || 210 || ~5 || ~3
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 315 || < 310 || < 300 || > 200
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of pilot, top of fuselage.
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the dorsal gunner.
 +
 
 +
=== 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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)
 +
 
 +
The Hampden is also armed with single 7.7 mm machine gun in its nose, offering very limited offensive capabilities.
  
 
=== 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.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 6 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,500 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 450 mm 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
 +
* 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (3,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (5,000 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.''
+
{{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|Berezin UB (12.7 mm)|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, dorsal turret (1,200 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, ventral turret (1,350 rpg = 2,700 total)
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
This bomber is strictly that; a bomber. With a mediocre defensive armament and only a single offensive 7.7, engaging enemy aircraft is an absolute last resort. The lack of defensive capabilities, combined with the thin tail and wings, make the Hampden TB a fragile aircraft. Upon spawning, climb at a very shallow angle to increase your speed and altitude at the same time. When the bomb points are in range, level off and drop your load. This will make you significantly lighter and allow you to return to base extremely quickly. During this time, one must take care to avoid aircraft that will now be at your altitude. A shallow dive will allow a boost in speed, and a corkscrew over the airfield will let you drop the remaining altitude without ripping due to speed.
 +
 
 +
====Specific enemies worth noting====
 +
<!--Some concerning vehicles to worry about if playing this plane. (i.e. Japanese fighters will out turn you)-->
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
Any vehicle with an offensive armament of more than machine guns will shred the Hampden. Flak can be very dangerous due to the fragility of the aircraft, and the large glass nose almost always results in your forward gunner dying when engaging enemy units. All in all, avoid any contact with enemy vehicles.
''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).''
+
 
 +
====Counter-tactics====
 +
<!--What to expect, if it would be in command of the enemy and how to counter it. (i.e. They will most likely BnZ, etc.)-->
 +
For its BR, the Hampden is quite fast at altitude. It can turn well at lower speeds, but this feature should not be utilized if you're being engaged. The most effective method of escaping combat is to run, ditching your bombs if absolutely necessary. Its bottom and forward gunners can deal with unarmoured aircraft, but will struggle against anything with a small amount of armour. There is, however, a Berezin UB machine gun in the top rear turret that can effectively deal with most fighters if needed.
 +
 
 +
=== 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
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || 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:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Carries a large payload for rank I aircraft
 +
* Offensive machine gun can be useful for killing soft ground targets and fighters
 +
* Top rear gunner makes short work of low tier planes
 +
* Good speed and overall manoeuvrability for a bomber
 +
* Can carry a torpedo for anti-shipping runs
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* Roll rate is to be expected of a fast bomber
''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.''
+
* Cannons obliterate the airframe easily
 +
* Vickers K machine guns lack accuracy
 +
* British torpedoes require a low drop speed
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
The Handley Page Hampden was the last and fastest twin-engined bomber of the aircraft designed to meet Air Ministry Specification B.9/32. Which called for a faster, heavier, and more powerful bomber that would replace the existing Bristol Blenheim and the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. The designer, G.V Vokert, designed an interesting prototype, designated HP.52. This plane was originally equipped with Napier Sabre Dagger engines, but switched to the more powerful Bristol Pegasus radial engines. Originally the Hampden had two Vickers K gun in ventral and dorsal positions, which proved to be inadequate for daylight defense. This was then switched to two Vickers K gun with modifications. The Hampden had many nicknames because of the slim, compact, and cramped fuselage. It was often nicknamed the "Flying Suitcase". Oddly similar in role and appearance to the German fast day-bomber Do 17, which had the nickname the "Flying Pencil".
 +
 
 +
RAF Squadron No.49 was the first to receive their new Hampdens. Bearing the brunt of early bombing raids on Europe, the Hampden proved no match for Luftwaffe fighters. It was subsequently switched to various night time operations, such as mine-laying, bombing raids on German soil, propaganda, and torpedo bombing. Despite having great speed and manoeuvrability, the Hampden was declared obsolete and retired from service in 1942.
  
 
== 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=hp52_hampden_tbmk1_ussr_utk1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|Lec0mwCN81I|'''The Shooting Range #84''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 10:41 discusses the Hampden TB Mk I (USSR).}}
 +
 
 +
== See 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;''
 
* ''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.''
 
  
== Sources ==
+
;Related development
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[Hampden (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/342039-handley-page-hampden-mk-1-tb-1-tb-1-utk/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Handley}}
 +
{{USSR bombers}}
 +
{{USSR premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 20:44, 4 July 2024

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the medium bomber Hampden TB Mk I (USSR). For other versions, see Hampden (Family).
▂Hampden TB Mk I
hp52_hampden_tbmk1_ussr_utk1.png
GarageImage Hampden TB Mk I (USSR).jpg
▂Hampden TB Mk I
Purchase:1 370 Specs-Card-Eagle.png
Show in game

Description

On 4th September 1942, 32 Hampden TB Mk I torpedo bombers from 144th Squadron RAF and 455th Squadron RAAF took off from their bases in the Shetlands to take part in Operation Orator, protecting the Murmansk-bound convoy PQ 18. The Hampdens flew over 3,900 km over sea and enemy territory until they arrived in Vayenga. Eight Hampdens were lost en route or damaged beyond repair. The British and Australian crews conducted a few sorties from Vayenga and were supposed to return with their Hampdens to Shetlands; however, strong headwinds prevented this as the Hampdens would not be able to reach their bases.

The British instead trained Soviet crews in using the Hampdens and returned home by ship. The Soviet Navy's 24th Mine-Torpedo Aviation Regiment then operated the Hampdens until mid-1943 when lack of replacements and suitable spare parts forced them to withdraw them from service and return back to their original IL-4/DB-3 series bombers.

Introduced in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai", the Hampden TB Mk I UTK-1 features quite an impressive bomb load for its size, being able to destroy more than two bases in Air Realistic Battles at its battle rating. It also has access to the British Mark XII torpedo, having slightly higher drop speed than its Soviet 45-36AN counterpart. Unlike its British cousin, the Hampden in Soviet service had its defensive armament strengthened, as the dorsal twin 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns were replaced by a single 12.7 mm Berezin UBT heavy machine gun in a rotating turret.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 250 m406 km/h
Turn time34 s
Max altitude9 400 m
Engine2 х Bristol Pegasus XVIII
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 382 366 9400 35.4 36.0 6.9 6.9 326
Upgraded 436 406 32.6 34.0 14.5 9.3

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 + -
506 225 388 359 210 ~5 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 315 < 310 < 300 > 200

Survivability and armour

Crew4 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear225 km/h
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of pilot, top of fuselage.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the dorsal gunner.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB212 Sl icon.png
RB318 Sl icon.png
SB548 Sl icon.png
Crew training1 400 Sl icon.png
Experts9 000 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces270 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 30 / 60 / 110 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-B
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC mk.III
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
vikkersK_turret_new_gun
Mods ammo.png
ub_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
TSC mk.II
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
ub_turret_new_gun
Mods torpedo bomb.png
SBC mk.II

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition300 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Hampden TB Mk I (USSR) is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)

The Hampden is also armed with single 7.7 mm machine gun in its nose, offering very limited offensive capabilities.

Suspended armament

List of setups (7)
Setup 16 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 22 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 34 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 44 x 1000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb
Setup 51 x 18 inch Mark XII torpedo (1548 lbs)
Setup 66 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 72 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
4 x 1000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb

The Hampden TB Mk I (USSR) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 6 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 450 mm 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
  • 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (5,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Turret12.7 mm Berezin UBT machine gun
Ammunition1200 rounds
Fire rate1027 shots/min
Turret7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min
2 х Turret7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition1350 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min

The Hampden TB Mk I (USSR) is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, dorsal turret (1,200 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, ventral turret (1,350 rpg = 2,700 total)

Usage in battles

This bomber is strictly that; a bomber. With a mediocre defensive armament and only a single offensive 7.7, engaging enemy aircraft is an absolute last resort. The lack of defensive capabilities, combined with the thin tail and wings, make the Hampden TB a fragile aircraft. Upon spawning, climb at a very shallow angle to increase your speed and altitude at the same time. When the bomb points are in range, level off and drop your load. This will make you significantly lighter and allow you to return to base extremely quickly. During this time, one must take care to avoid aircraft that will now be at your altitude. A shallow dive will allow a boost in speed, and a corkscrew over the airfield will let you drop the remaining altitude without ripping due to speed.

Specific enemies worth noting

Any vehicle with an offensive armament of more than machine guns will shred the Hampden. Flak can be very dangerous due to the fragility of the aircraft, and the large glass nose almost always results in your forward gunner dying when engaging enemy units. All in all, avoid any contact with enemy vehicles.

Counter-tactics

For its BR, the Hampden is quite fast at altitude. It can turn well at lower speeds, but this feature should not be utilized if you're being engaged. The most effective method of escaping combat is to run, ditching your bombs if absolutely necessary. Its bottom and forward gunners can deal with unarmoured aircraft, but will struggle against anything with a small amount of armour. There is, however, a Berezin UB machine gun in the top rear turret that can effectively deal with most fighters if needed.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Combined Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Carries a large payload for rank I aircraft
  • Offensive machine gun can be useful for killing soft ground targets and fighters
  • Top rear gunner makes short work of low tier planes
  • Good speed and overall manoeuvrability for a bomber
  • Can carry a torpedo for anti-shipping runs

Cons:

  • Roll rate is to be expected of a fast bomber
  • Cannons obliterate the airframe easily
  • Vickers K machine guns lack accuracy
  • British torpedoes require a low drop speed

History

The Handley Page Hampden was the last and fastest twin-engined bomber of the aircraft designed to meet Air Ministry Specification B.9/32. Which called for a faster, heavier, and more powerful bomber that would replace the existing Bristol Blenheim and the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. The designer, G.V Vokert, designed an interesting prototype, designated HP.52. This plane was originally equipped with Napier Sabre Dagger engines, but switched to the more powerful Bristol Pegasus radial engines. Originally the Hampden had two Vickers K gun in ventral and dorsal positions, which proved to be inadequate for daylight defense. This was then switched to two Vickers K gun with modifications. The Hampden had many nicknames because of the slim, compact, and cramped fuselage. It was often nicknamed the "Flying Suitcase". Oddly similar in role and appearance to the German fast day-bomber Do 17, which had the nickname the "Flying Pencil".

RAF Squadron No.49 was the first to receive their new Hampdens. Bearing the brunt of early bombing raids on Europe, the Hampden proved no match for Luftwaffe fighters. It was subsequently switched to various night time operations, such as mine-laying, bombing raids on German soil, propaganda, and torpedo bombing. Despite having great speed and manoeuvrability, the Hampden was declared obsolete and retired from service in 1942.

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Handley Page Limited
Bombers  Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I · Halifax B Mk IIIa
Export  ▂Hampden TB Mk I

USSR bombers
SB and Ar  SB 2M-100 · SB 2M-103 · SB 2M-103 MV-3 · SB 2M-103U · SB 2M-103U MV-3 · SB 2M-105 · Ar-2
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Yer-2 (diesel)  Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (e) · Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (l)
Tu  Tu-2 · Tu-2S · Tu-2S-44 · Tu-2S-59 · Tu-4
Pe  Pe-2-1 · Pe-2-31 · Pe-2-83 · Pe-2-110 · Pe-2-205 · Pe-2-359 · Pe-8
IL  DB-3B · IL-4
Po  Po-2 · Po-2M
Other  MBR-2-M-34 · TB-3M-17-32 · Yak-4 · Be-6
Lend-Lease  ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30

USSR premium aircraft
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  ▂Hurricane Mk IIB · ▂Spitfire Mk IXc · ▂Fw 190 D-9
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Bombers  Po-2M · Be-6 · MBR-2-M-34 · Pe-2-205 · TB-3M-17-32
  ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30