Difference between revisions of "Ar 234 C-3"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Visual (beta)Wikitext
(→‎Description)
(→‎Suspended armament: Edits)
 
(30 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Specs-Card|code=arado-234c-3}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
|about=German jet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
|about=German jet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
|usage=the other version
 
|usage=the other version
 
|link=Ar 234 B-2
 
|link=Ar 234 B-2
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=arado-234c-3
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
After constant reliability issues with the Junkers Jumo 004 engine, a test flight was conducted with the BMW 003 engine. Although it had less thrust than the Jumo, it was significantly lighter and helped improve the thrust-to-weight ratio. This led to a variant called the Ar 234 C. The C featured airframe improvements, better cockpit visibility, and most importantly, the addition of four BMW 003 engines, two mounted under each wing. The new engines and airframe improvements greatly increased the top speed to an astounding 857 km/h (535 mph). Unfortunately for Germany, it was in complete disarray and only a handful Ar 234 Cs were produced and even fewer were in active service.  
−
{{Break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German jet bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was introduced in [[Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory"]]. As with all bombers, the Ar 234 C-3 receives a bomber airspawn which is a huge advantage. Unlike the Ar 234 B, the C-3 has two MG 151 cannons mounted near the nose along with ample ammunition. This allows the C-3 to be used rather effectively as a heavy fighter, especially with the air spawn advantage. As a bomber, the Ar 234 C-3 is also good due to its high top speed along with the bomber sight. However, the Ar 234 C-3 is only able to carry up to three bombs, all of which are mounted externally which creates a huge amount of drag. Players should also be careful when diving for bases as the Ar 234 C-3 lacks any airbrake. At higher speeds, the Ar 234 compresses a lot so players using it for bombing or attacking fighters should be wary of going too fast.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
The Ar 234 C-3 is all you need as a jet bomber. Acceleration is decent and maximum speed at 500 m is 850 km/h when stock. When upgraded, acceleration is great, energy retention is nice and can reach up to 900 km/h IAS at 1,000 m.
 
The Ar 234 C-3 is all you need as a jet bomber. Acceleration is decent and maximum speed at 500 m is 850 km/h when stock. When upgraded, acceleration is great, energy retention is nice and can reach up to 900 km/h IAS at 1,000 m.
  
−
Climb rate is great even when stock. Combining the +3,500 m first spawn altitude and nice climb rate, the Arado Ar 234 C-3 is a great choice for bomber players. The dive speed is '''incredible''' and together with perfect energy retention, you can reach very high speeds in a matter of seconds. There is no WEP, however, but that's not very important.
+
Climb rate is great even when stock. Combining the +3,500 m first spawn altitude and nice climb rate, the Arado Ar 234 C-3 is a great choice for bomber players. The dive speed is incredible and together with perfect energy retention, you can reach very high speeds in a matter of seconds. There is no WEP, however, but that's not very important.
  
 
'''How to land?'''
 
'''How to land?'''
Line 32: Line 36:
  
 
* Do not power the engines off. You may need to throttle up and get more stability.
 
* Do not power the engines off. You may need to throttle up and get more stability.
−
* Do not perform hard maneuvers; you're at high speed after a dive so the pilot can lose its control and may lead to a crash.
+
* Do not perform hard manoeuvres; you're at high speed after a dive so the pilot can lose its control and may lead to a crash.
 
* Flaps are really important for landing, so if you don't have them or they're damaged, decrease speed as much as possible.
 
* Flaps are really important for landing, so if you don't have them or they're damaged, decrease speed as much as possible.
 
* The mono-landing gear under cockpit placement is strong enough to sustain hard landing.
 
* The mono-landing gear under cockpit placement is strong enough to sustain hard landing.
 
* Why 0 or negative degree when landing? There's no landing gear at the back. So approaching at a positive degree may cause the tail to touch the ground and cause a lot of damage.
 
* Why 0 or negative degree when landing? There's no landing gear at the back. So approaching at a positive degree may cause the tail to touch the ground and cause a lot of damage.
−
* Don't worry about the absence of air brakes, as your brakes work well. Do maneuvers at low engine power in order to lose speed.
+
* Don't worry about the absence of air brakes, as your brakes work well. Do manoeuvres at low engine power in order to lose speed.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 52: Line 56:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 866 || 857 || 28.1 || 29.0 || 33.6 || 28.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 63: Line 67:
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || ✓     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 78: Line 82:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 550 || 550 || 350 || ~11 || ~5
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 527 || 498 || 350 || ~8 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 99: Line 103:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="2" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="2" | BMW 003 || 4
 
| colspan="2" | BMW 003 || 4
−
| colspan="2" | 6,700 kg || colspan="3" | 369 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 6,880 kg || colspan="3" | 372 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br />Weight
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff<br>Weight
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel
+
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 43m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 814 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
+
| 673 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
−
| 7,720 kg || 8,340 kg || 9,115 kg || 9,890 kg || 11,100 kg
+
| 7,810 kg || 8,293 kg || 8,999 kg || 9,980 kg || 11,100 kg
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
+
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
 
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 40m fuel || MTOW
+
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 43m fuel || MTOW
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ''Stationary'' || 801 kgf || N/A
 
| ''Stationary'' || 801 kgf || N/A
−
| 0.42 || 0.38 || 0.35 || 0.32 || 0.29
+
| 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.32 || 0.29
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || 801 kgf<br />(0 km/h) || N/A
+
| ''Optimal'' || 801 kgf<br>(0 km/h) || N/A
−
| 0.42 || 0.38 || 0.35 || 0.32 || 0.29
+
| 0.41 || 0.39 || 0.36 || 0.32 || 0.29
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
  
 
* No armour
 
* No armour
 
* Fuel tanks in the fuselage
 
* Fuel tanks in the fuselage
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{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|MG 151 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|MG 151 (20 mm)}}
Line 143: Line 153:
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}
 
{{main|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}
Line 151: Line 162:
 
* 3 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (1,500 kg total)
 
* 3 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (1,500 kg total)
 
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
 
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)
−
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 2 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
 
  
 
== 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 standard bombs on the Ar 234 C-3 are 3 x 250 kg bombs and 3 x 500 kg bombs. You will have access to them even if your Arado is stock. Additionally, this variant of the Arado possesses 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, so one of the best ways to use your Arado to ensure you can farm RP and SL for your modifications is:
+
The standard bombs on the Ar 234 C-3 are the 3 x 250 kg bombs. You will have access to them even if your Arado is stock. The 3 x 500 kg bombs need to be researched first. Additionally, this variant of the Arado possesses 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, so one of the best ways to use your Ar 234 to ensure you can farm RP and SL for your modifications is:
  
−
1- Equip the 3 x 500 kg bombs and start the match at the air spawn point.
+
1. Equip the 3 x 500 kg bombs and start the match at the air spawn point.
  
−
2- On maps such as Berlin, move to one of the enemy bases and drop your 3 x 500 kg bombs. 1.5 tonnes worth of bombs are enough to destroy a base, so from there you have two options to choose from:
+
2. On maps such as Berlin, move to one of the enemy bases and drop your 3 x 500 kg bombs. 1.5 tonnes worth of bombs is not enough to destroy a base, so from there you have two options to choose from:
 +
 
 +
2.1 Go back to the airfield and get new bombs
  
−
'''2.1 - Go back to the airfield and get new bombs'''<br>
 
 
If you choose to go back to the airfield to get new bombs, be aware that unfortunately, the Arado does not have any air brakes, which is a problem as it has particularly good energy retention and some pilots may find it hard to safely land.
 
If you choose to go back to the airfield to get new bombs, be aware that unfortunately, the Arado does not have any air brakes, which is a problem as it has particularly good energy retention and some pilots may find it hard to safely land.
  
 
When landing the Arado, decrease speed by turning before you reach the airfield (aim to be at 400 km/h or less) then align with the landing strip, activate your flaps and proceed with the landing. If using the landing gear, ensure that you are at extremely low speed before landing or that the landing strip is long enough to stop on. The Arado has extremely good energy retention and is very heavy, so it does take a long time to stop. You can land without gear, which, while obviously dangerous, offers a much better chance to stop in time on shorter landing strips. To do this, land flat on the belly and avoid allowing the wings to touch the ground before you stop moving.
 
When landing the Arado, decrease speed by turning before you reach the airfield (aim to be at 400 km/h or less) then align with the landing strip, activate your flaps and proceed with the landing. If using the landing gear, ensure that you are at extremely low speed before landing or that the landing strip is long enough to stop on. The Arado has extremely good energy retention and is very heavy, so it does take a long time to stop. You can land without gear, which, while obviously dangerous, offers a much better chance to stop in time on shorter landing strips. To do this, land flat on the belly and avoid allowing the wings to touch the ground before you stop moving.
  
−
'''2.2 - Search for enemy targets'''<br>
+
2.2 Search for enemy targets
 +
 
 
Once you have dropped your bombs, you can turn your sights to enemy aircraft; the Arado C-3 is quite capable as a fighter, especially in comparison to other German BR 7.0 jets. It doesn't suffer from the same issues as the Me 262, which lacks in power and once it loses energy, often struggles to regain it, or the Ho 229, which can rip its wings very easily in high-G manoeuvres. With the Arado, you won't encounter these kinds of problems, providing you don't attempt to turn fight. The Arado C-3 has the best climb rate of any BR 7.0 German jet. It also possesses a roll rate to rival the Me 262, so with your 4 powerful engines, you have everything you need to take on other jets. As such, once you've finished your bombing run, turn and climb towards the battlefield, and try to maintain altitude above other jets. Once you're reasonably high, pick vulnerable targets and dive in for a pass, taking a shot at them and then moving away to retain your energy. Avoid exceeding 750 km/h when stock, as the dive can become increasingly hard to slow. Once all modifications have been researched, however, the aircraft provides a reasonable amount of additional leeway before it encounters issues. If everything falls apart and you find yourself with fighters on your tail, try to keep accelerating if possible and try to lure the enemies toward your own teammates so that they can assist you.
 
Once you have dropped your bombs, you can turn your sights to enemy aircraft; the Arado C-3 is quite capable as a fighter, especially in comparison to other German BR 7.0 jets. It doesn't suffer from the same issues as the Me 262, which lacks in power and once it loses energy, often struggles to regain it, or the Ho 229, which can rip its wings very easily in high-G manoeuvres. With the Arado, you won't encounter these kinds of problems, providing you don't attempt to turn fight. The Arado C-3 has the best climb rate of any BR 7.0 German jet. It also possesses a roll rate to rival the Me 262, so with your 4 powerful engines, you have everything you need to take on other jets. As such, once you've finished your bombing run, turn and climb towards the battlefield, and try to maintain altitude above other jets. Once you're reasonably high, pick vulnerable targets and dive in for a pass, taking a shot at them and then moving away to retain your energy. Avoid exceeding 750 km/h when stock, as the dive can become increasingly hard to slow. Once all modifications have been researched, however, the aircraft provides a reasonable amount of additional leeway before it encounters issues. If everything falls apart and you find yourself with fighters on your tail, try to keep accelerating if possible and try to lure the enemies toward your own teammates so that they can assist you.
  
Line 175: Line 187:
  
 
You can use cockpit periscope to check the type of enemy planes from a very high distance.
 
You can use cockpit periscope to check the type of enemy planes from a very high distance.
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| ETC 1001 I
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 20 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 20 mm cannons
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
Line 214: Line 193:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Incredibly fast with good acceleration
+
* Great overall fight performance, with high top speed and acceleration
−
* Stock payload is very versatile
+
* Very good climb rate, handling, and energy retention when fully upgraded, capable of dogfighting when needed
−
* Can destroy up to 3 medium tank/4 armoured vehicles/1 pillbox + a strategic base with 2 x 250 kg and 1000 kg
+
* Landing gear can handle speeds up to 400 km/h
−
* Very good at destroying individual ground units in AB
 
−
* 2 x MG 151 20 mm cannons provide decent air to air performance with Air target belts as cannons take a while to jam and have a good rate of fire
 
−
* Very good climb rate
 
−
* Gear can handle speeds up to 400km/h
 
 
* Durable flaps that can be used at speeds lower than 550 km/h, even in the landing flap configuration
 
* Durable flaps that can be used at speeds lower than 550 km/h, even in the landing flap configuration
 
* Four engines provides the much-needed speed increase from the previous model
 
* Four engines provides the much-needed speed increase from the previous model
−
* Air spawn at 3,500 meters
+
* 2 x MG 151 20 mm cannons provide decent air-to-air performance
−
* Very good energy retention
+
* Has periscope gunsight at top-right of the cockpit, aids in more effective targeting, helps you identify enemy aircraft types sooner
−
* Has periscope gunsight at top-right of the cockpit, aids in more effective targeting
 
−
* Periscope gunsight helps you identify enemy aircraft types sooner
 
−
* Small target compared to American (B-57s) and British (Canberra) competitors.
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* While stock, is hard to recover from dives in speeds beyond 750 km/h
+
* Atrocious stock grind; very low stock bomb load, and the default 20 mm belt has very poor damage output
 +
* 20 mm has low muzzle velocity for a jet, can be difficult to aim while turning or at range
 +
* Generally mediocre flight performance while stock; sluggish handling and acceleration, and it is hard to recover from dives in speeds beyond 750 km/h
 
* Pilot can be easily knocked out
 
* Pilot can be easily knocked out
−
* Can't carry many bombs, which means that you only can destroy 1 enemy base per bomb load
+
* Low overall payload, which means that you only can destroy 1 enemy base with the heaviest payload
 
* Doesn't have air brakes, which when combined with the plane's very good energy retention can make landing potentially very dangerous
 
* Doesn't have air brakes, which when combined with the plane's very good energy retention can make landing potentially very dangerous
 
* No gunsight in the non-scoped cockpit, you have to rely on perception to aim
 
* No gunsight in the non-scoped cockpit, you have to rely on perception to aim
−
* Stock build aircraft handling feels heavy at high altitudes
 
−
* Worse turn rate than the previous model
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
After successful tests were completed, the BMW 003 engine was deemed to be an improvement over the unreliable Junkers Jumo 004. The new generation of the Ar 234, the Ar 234 C, would be fitted with four BMW 003 engines with two mounted under each wing. In addition to the engine upgrade, the Ar 234 C also featured better cockpit visibility and better aerodynamics. This greatly increased the top speed and range of the 234 C over the B variant.
 +
 
 +
Despite the significant improvements, the Arado 234 C was built in very small numbers. Only around 14 Ar 234 Cs variants were built before the main production plant for Arado had to be destroyed. Fuel shortages, allied air supremacy, and more meant that only a mere handful of Ar 234s were even able to take to the skies. Out of the over 200 Ar 234s produced and delivered, less than 25% were in active service by the time the war was over. The Ar 234, especially the C variant, arrived far too late in the war to have any significant impact.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=arado-234c-3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|GnkZaXRnPPI|'''Arado 234 C-3: Bullying Fighters''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|k-HKFXvopL8|'''Arado Blitz''' - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|GnkZaXRnPPI|'''Arado 234 C-3: Bullying Fighters''' - ''Napalmratte''}}
  
 
== 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.''
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/262864-arado-ar-234-c-3/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Arado}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Arado}}
 
{{Germany jet aircraft}}
 
{{Germany jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 05:09, 13 November 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the German jet bomber Ar 234 C-3. For the other version, see Ar 234 B-2.
Ar 234 C-3
arado-234c-3.png
GarageImage Ar 234 C-3.jpg
Ar 234 C-3
Germany flag.png Germany
V Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
8.0 7.3 7.3
Class:
Research:48 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

After constant reliability issues with the Junkers Jumo 004 engine, a test flight was conducted with the BMW 003 engine. Although it had less thrust than the Jumo, it was significantly lighter and helped improve the thrust-to-weight ratio. This led to a variant called the Ar 234 C. The C featured airframe improvements, better cockpit visibility, and most importantly, the addition of four BMW 003 engines, two mounted under each wing. The new engines and airframe improvements greatly increased the top speed to an astounding 857 km/h (535 mph). Unfortunately for Germany, it was in complete disarray and only a handful Ar 234 Cs were produced and even fewer were in active service.

The Ar 234 C-3 was introduced in Update 1.49 "Weapons of Victory". As with all bombers, the Ar 234 C-3 receives a bomber airspawn which is a huge advantage. Unlike the Ar 234 B, the C-3 has two MG 151 cannons mounted near the nose along with ample ammunition. This allows the C-3 to be used rather effectively as a heavy fighter, especially with the air spawn advantage. As a bomber, the Ar 234 C-3 is also good due to its high top speed along with the bomber sight. However, the Ar 234 C-3 is only able to carry up to three bombs, all of which are mounted externally which creates a huge amount of drag. Players should also be careful when diving for bases as the Ar 234 C-3 lacks any airbrake. At higher speeds, the Ar 234 compresses a lot so players using it for bombing or attacking fighters should be wary of going too fast.

General info

Flight performance

Drogue parachute
Reduces braking distance when landing on any runway
Max speed
at 0 m857 km/h
Turn time29 s
Max altitude13 000 m
Engine4 х BMW 003
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t

The Ar 234 C-3 is all you need as a jet bomber. Acceleration is decent and maximum speed at 500 m is 850 km/h when stock. When upgraded, acceleration is great, energy retention is nice and can reach up to 900 km/h IAS at 1,000 m.

Climb rate is great even when stock. Combining the +3,500 m first spawn altitude and nice climb rate, the Arado Ar 234 C-3 is a great choice for bomber players. The dive speed is incredible and together with perfect energy retention, you can reach very high speeds in a matter of seconds. There is no WEP, however, but that's not very important.

How to land?

Landing is not hard, but a is little dangerous. You can land after a dive, as well as when slow. Landing at low speeds is really easy, but here are the steps when landing after a dive:

  1. Decrease throttle to 0%, go up at 90° and lose speed.
  2. After falling down, open combat flaps, then take-off flaps. Throttle must be about 30%.
  3. Open landing gear and landing flaps to lose more speed, landing with negative or 0 degrees is recommended (see the notes for why). Landing gear will extend really fast.
  4. You can land at about 300 km/h as well as lower speeds, so don't worry about it.
  5. Use brakes and the recoil of your two 20 mm cannons to complete your landing!

Some notes:

  • Do not power the engines off. You may need to throttle up and get more stability.
  • Do not perform hard manoeuvres; you're at high speed after a dive so the pilot can lose its control and may lead to a crash.
  • Flaps are really important for landing, so if you don't have them or they're damaged, decrease speed as much as possible.
  • The mono-landing gear under cockpit placement is strong enough to sustain hard landing.
  • Why 0 or negative degree when landing? There's no landing gear at the back. So approaching at a positive degree may cause the tail to touch the ground and cause a lot of damage.
  • Don't worry about the absence of air brakes, as your brakes work well. Do manoeuvres at low engine power in order to lose speed.
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 847 840 13000 30.2 31.0 23.9 22.4 700
Upgraded 866 857 28.1 29.0 33.6 28.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ X X ✓
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1000 400 527 498 350 ~8 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 500 < 500 < 650 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
BMW 003 4 6,880 kg 372 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 43m fuel
673 kg Axial-flow turbojet 7,810 kg 8,293 kg 8,999 kg 9,980 kg 11,100 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 43m fuel MTOW
Stationary 801 kgf N/A 0.41 0.39 0.36 0.32 0.29
Optimal 801 kgf
(0 km/h) 		N/A 0.41 0.39 0.36 0.32 0.29

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural1 000 km/h
Gear400 km/h
  • No armour
  • Fuel tanks in the fuselage

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 287 → 4 144 Sl icon.png
RB11 858 → 14 952 Sl icon.png
SB16 673 → 21 024 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications80 000 Rp icon.png
130 800 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
9 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 500
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Research:
9 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 1000
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
21 000 Sl icon.png
500 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: MG 151 (20 mm)

The Ar 234 C-3 is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, chin-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: SC250JA (250 kg), SC500K (500 kg), SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)

The Ar 234 C-3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 3 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (750 kg total)
  • 3 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (1,500 kg total)
  • 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb (1,000 kg total)

Usage in battles

The standard bombs on the Ar 234 C-3 are the 3 x 250 kg bombs. You will have access to them even if your Arado is stock. The 3 x 500 kg bombs need to be researched first. Additionally, this variant of the Arado possesses 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, so one of the best ways to use your Ar 234 to ensure you can farm RP and SL for your modifications is:

1. Equip the 3 x 500 kg bombs and start the match at the air spawn point.

2. On maps such as Berlin, move to one of the enemy bases and drop your 3 x 500 kg bombs. 1.5 tonnes worth of bombs is not enough to destroy a base, so from there you have two options to choose from:

2.1 Go back to the airfield and get new bombs

If you choose to go back to the airfield to get new bombs, be aware that unfortunately, the Arado does not have any air brakes, which is a problem as it has particularly good energy retention and some pilots may find it hard to safely land.

When landing the Arado, decrease speed by turning before you reach the airfield (aim to be at 400 km/h or less) then align with the landing strip, activate your flaps and proceed with the landing. If using the landing gear, ensure that you are at extremely low speed before landing or that the landing strip is long enough to stop on. The Arado has extremely good energy retention and is very heavy, so it does take a long time to stop. You can land without gear, which, while obviously dangerous, offers a much better chance to stop in time on shorter landing strips. To do this, land flat on the belly and avoid allowing the wings to touch the ground before you stop moving.

2.2 Search for enemy targets

Once you have dropped your bombs, you can turn your sights to enemy aircraft; the Arado C-3 is quite capable as a fighter, especially in comparison to other German BR 7.0 jets. It doesn't suffer from the same issues as the Me 262, which lacks in power and once it loses energy, often struggles to regain it, or the Ho 229, which can rip its wings very easily in high-G manoeuvres. With the Arado, you won't encounter these kinds of problems, providing you don't attempt to turn fight. The Arado C-3 has the best climb rate of any BR 7.0 German jet. It also possesses a roll rate to rival the Me 262, so with your 4 powerful engines, you have everything you need to take on other jets. As such, once you've finished your bombing run, turn and climb towards the battlefield, and try to maintain altitude above other jets. Once you're reasonably high, pick vulnerable targets and dive in for a pass, taking a shot at them and then moving away to retain your energy. Avoid exceeding 750 km/h when stock, as the dive can become increasingly hard to slow. Once all modifications have been researched, however, the aircraft provides a reasonable amount of additional leeway before it encounters issues. If everything falls apart and you find yourself with fighters on your tail, try to keep accelerating if possible and try to lure the enemies toward your own teammates so that they can assist you.

Baiting:

The Ar 234 C-3 is a great jet bomber. With its 3,500 m spawn altitude, nice acceleration, energy retention and dive speed, you can easily become bait and set up enemies to be downed by your allies. To do so, climb to 4,000 m, en route to the enemy location, drop your bombs to lighten your load. Once in the vicinity of the enemy start to dive on them. The goal is to keep the enemy aircraft busy chasing you, however, if you happen to get behind one, don't be shy about introducing them to your cannons.

You can use cockpit periscope to check the type of enemy planes from a very high distance.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great overall fight performance, with high top speed and acceleration
  • Very good climb rate, handling, and energy retention when fully upgraded, capable of dogfighting when needed
  • Landing gear can handle speeds up to 400 km/h
  • Durable flaps that can be used at speeds lower than 550 km/h, even in the landing flap configuration
  • Four engines provides the much-needed speed increase from the previous model
  • 2 x MG 151 20 mm cannons provide decent air-to-air performance
  • Has periscope gunsight at top-right of the cockpit, aids in more effective targeting, helps you identify enemy aircraft types sooner

Cons:

  • Atrocious stock grind; very low stock bomb load, and the default 20 mm belt has very poor damage output
  • 20 mm has low muzzle velocity for a jet, can be difficult to aim while turning or at range
  • Generally mediocre flight performance while stock; sluggish handling and acceleration, and it is hard to recover from dives in speeds beyond 750 km/h
  • Pilot can be easily knocked out
  • Low overall payload, which means that you only can destroy 1 enemy base with the heaviest payload
  • Doesn't have air brakes, which when combined with the plane's very good energy retention can make landing potentially very dangerous
  • No gunsight in the non-scoped cockpit, you have to rely on perception to aim

History

After successful tests were completed, the BMW 003 engine was deemed to be an improvement over the unreliable Junkers Jumo 004. The new generation of the Ar 234, the Ar 234 C, would be fitted with four BMW 003 engines with two mounted under each wing. In addition to the engine upgrade, the Ar 234 C also featured better cockpit visibility and better aerodynamics. This greatly increased the top speed and range of the 234 C over the B variant.

Despite the significant improvements, the Arado 234 C was built in very small numbers. Only around 14 Ar 234 Cs variants were built before the main production plant for Arado had to be destroyed. Fuel shortages, allied air supremacy, and more meant that only a mere handful of Ar 234s were even able to take to the skies. Out of the over 200 Ar 234s produced and delivered, less than 25% were in active service by the time the war was over. The Ar 234, especially the C variant, arrived far too late in the war to have any significant impact.

Media

Skins
Videos
Arado Blitz - War Thunder Official Channel
Arado 234 C-3: Bullying Fighters - Napalmratte

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Arado Aircraft Corporation (Arado Flugzeugwerke)
Bombers  Ar 196 A-3
Jet Bombers  Ar 234 B-2 · Ar 234 C-3
Export  ▄Ar 196 A-5

Germany jet aircraft
Germany flag.png  Luftwaffe
He 162  He 162 A-1 · He 162 A-2
Me 163  Me 163 B · Me 163 B-0
Ho 229  Ho 229 V3
Ar 234  Ar 234 B-2 · Ar 234 C-3
Me 262  Me 262 A-1a · Me 262 A-1a/Jabo · Me 262 A-1a/U1 · Me 262 A-1/U4 · Me 262 A-2a
  Me 262 C-1a · Me 262 C-2b
GDR flag.png  LSK
Fighters  ◊MiG-15bis · ◊Lim-5P · ◊MiG-19S
  ◊MiG-21MF · ◊MiG-21bis-SAU · ◊MiG-21 "Lazur-M"
  ◊MiG-29
Attackers  ◊MiG-23BN · ◊MiG-23MF · ◊MiG-23MLA
  ◊Su-22UM3K · ◊Su-22M4
  ◊IL-28
FRG flag.png  Luftwaffe
F-84  ◄F-84F
F-86  ◄CL-13A Mk 5 · ◄CL-13B Mk.6 · ◄F-86K
F-104  ◄F-104G
F-4  ◄F-4F Early · ◄F-4F · ◄F-4F KWS LV
G.91  ◄G.91 R/3 · ◄G.91 R/4
Tornado  ◄Tornado IDS WTD61 · ◄Tornado IDS MFG · ◄Tornado IDS ASSTA1
Other  Alpha Jet A · ◄Sea Hawk Mk.100
Ex-LSK  ◄MiG-21 SPS-K · ◄MiG-29G · ◄Su-22M4 WTD61
Switzerland flag.png  Swiss Air Force
  ◌Hunter F.58 · FFA P-16

Retrieved from "https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Ar_234_C-3&oldid=194905"