Difference between revisions of "IL-4"
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== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
| − | + | <!-- Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle. --> | |
| + | The IL-4, being a development of the previous DB-3B, has similar flight characteristics as it's predecessor. The aircraft has decidedly mediocre maneuverability and overall flight performance, which is to be expected considering it's bomber role. The aircraft has a low top speed of ~400 km/h at higher altitudes, and absolutely horrible acceleration to go with it. The aircraft's climb rate is also mediocre, and will suffer greatly when carrying larger loads. On the plus side, the aircraft's engines don't have major overheating issues, and can use WEP power continuously for long periods of time. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The aircraft's maneuverability on a whole is rather undesirable. The control surfaces are sluggish, which is to be expected due to the aircraft's role. As well, note that the aircraft's control surfaces experience severe lockup at high speeds - above ~500 km/h (a speed you will only ever obtain in dives), the elevator loses most of it's deflection ability which could prevent you from pulling out of a dive. One plus is that the aircraft's wings break at a relatively high speed of 600 km/h IAS - this is a speed you'll never obtain unless you're in a steep dive, and in that case your elevator lockup will prevent you from getting out of it anyways. | ||
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
| Line 152: | Line 155: | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | + | <!-- Describe the tactics of playing in an 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 IL-4 should be played similarly to it's predecessor, the [[DB-3B|DB-3B.]] The aircraft's main advantage is it's large collection of suspended armaments, meaning that it can be used quite effectively in multiple roles. In Air Battles, the IL-4 should be used as a fast bomber, delivering it's payload to bases then retreating to avoid interception. The aircraft could also be used, in a niche role, as a torpedo bomber - as one of the few Soviet aircraft capable of carrying torpedoes, the IL-4 can easily destroy naval vessels in both Air and Naval battles. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The IL-4 can be used as an effective bomber in Air battles. In this role, the most effective load is the 1000kg + 2 x 500kg bomb load. This load will allow you to take out at least one base, and potentially damage another. At the start of each battle, simply fly straight towards the enemy bases - you could side climb too, but it isn't advised as the bomb load will make the IL-4's climb rate almost completely nonexistent. After dropping bombs, immediately fly back towards friendly airspace, potentially in a slight dive. This ensures that the IL-4 won't be intercepted by pursueing fighters, most of which can tear it's airframe to bits. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The IL-4 is unique in that it is the only USSR tech-tree aircraft that is capable of carrying a torpedo - that is, the Soviet 450mm [[45-36AN (450 mm)|45-36AN]] torpedo. However useful the load may be, the Torpedo's effectiveness is severely limited by it's slow drop speed. In naval battles, this torpedo is best used against early destroyers, which are large, bulky and (for the most part) lack effective anti-aircraft armament. Make sure to slow to the torpedo drop speed of 248 km/h, lead the target and drop the torpedo. Keep in mind that the IL-4 is a large bulky target; it may be wise to drop the torpedo early, to ensure survival. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If being pursued by enemy fighters, the best strategy is to simply run towards friendly airspace. The IL-4 lacks an effective defensive armament suite, and also cannot outspeed most fighters at it's BR. If an engagement cannot be avoided, bait the fighters to your tail, and slightly above; this is where the aircraft's only 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun is located. Despite being of a lower calibre, the machine gun is accurate and highly effective, capable of setting enemy aircraft's engines on fire. You may even get some pilot-snipes, with enough accuracy. | ||
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
| Line 216: | Line 226: | ||
* The only researchable propeller torpedo bomber in the USSR tech tree | * The only researchable propeller torpedo bomber in the USSR tech tree | ||
| + | * Decent payload options, including bombs of up to 1000 kilograms | ||
| + | * Gets a bomber airspawn allowing it to reach the battlefield faster | ||
| + | * Engines are reliable and don't overheat much in RB | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
* The torpedo's drop requirements and performance is poor compared to other nations' torpedoes | * The torpedo's drop requirements and performance is poor compared to other nations' torpedoes | ||
| + | * Defensive armament is lacklustre when compared to contemporaries such as the [[B-34]] (which actually gets twice as many guns!) | ||
| + | * Lacklustre top speed and acceleration, will be outspeeded and outmaneuvered by most fighter at it's BR | ||
== 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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable). --> | |
=== In-game description === | === In-game description === | ||
| Line 230: | Line 245: | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
| − | + | <!-- Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos. --> | |
| + | |||
| + | == 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. --> | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Related Development === | ||
| + | |||
| + | * [[DB-3B]] | ||
| + | * [[DB-3A (China)|DB-3A]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era === | ||
| − | + | * [[B-34]] | |
| − | + | * [[Ju 88 A-4]] | |
| + | * [[Wellington (Family)|Wellington]] | ||
| − | + | == External links ==<!-- Paste links to sources and external resources, such as: | |
| − | |||
| − | + | topic on the official game forum; | |
| − | + | encyclopedia page on the aircraft; | |
| + | other literature. --> | ||
| − | * | + | * [[wikipedia:Ilyushin_Il-4|Wikipedia page]] |
| − | |||
| − | |||
{{AirManufacturer Ilyushin}} | {{AirManufacturer Ilyushin}} | ||
{{USSR bombers}} | {{USSR bombers}} | ||
Revision as of 15:45, 11 December 2020
Contents
Description
The IL-4 is a rank II Russian bomber
with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/SB) and 2.7 (RB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
General info
Flight performance
The IL-4, being a development of the previous DB-3B, has similar flight characteristics as it's predecessor. The aircraft has decidedly mediocre maneuverability and overall flight performance, which is to be expected considering it's bomber role. The aircraft has a low top speed of ~400 km/h at higher altitudes, and absolutely horrible acceleration to go with it. The aircraft's climb rate is also mediocre, and will suffer greatly when carrying larger loads. On the plus side, the aircraft's engines don't have major overheating issues, and can use WEP power continuously for long periods of time.
The aircraft's maneuverability on a whole is rather undesirable. The control surfaces are sluggish, which is to be expected due to the aircraft's role. As well, note that the aircraft's control surfaces experience severe lockup at high speeds - above ~500 km/h (a speed you will only ever obtain in dives), the elevator loses most of it's deflection ability which could prevent you from pulling out of a dive. One plus is that the aircraft's wings break at a relatively high speed of 600 km/h IAS - this is a speed you'll never obtain unless you're in a steep dive, and in that case your elevator lockup will prevent you from getting out of it anyways.
| Characteristics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 6,250 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 389 | 375 | 9400 | 35.0 | 35.9 | 7 | 7 | 326 |
| Upgraded | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 6,250 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 428 | 409 | 9400 | 33.0 | 33.8 | 12.7 | 9.7 | 326 |
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| X | X | ✓ | X | X |
| Limits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flaps (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
| + | - | |||
| 600 | 320 | 480 | ~5 | ~2 |
| Optimal velocities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
| < 280 | < 240 | < 300 | > 270 |
| Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Setting 1 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 4,000 m | 1,100 hp | 1,274 hp |
| Setting 2 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 6,000 m | 1,000 hp | 1,158 hp |
Survivability and armour
- 6mm steel behind pilot
- 6mm Steel plate in the tail
- Self-sealing fuel tanks, with neutral gas pressurization system (3 in each wing)
Armaments
Suspended armament
The IL-4 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 10 x 50 kg FAB-50 bombs (500 kg total)
- 10 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (1,000 kg total)
- 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (500 kg total)
- 2 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs + 10 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (1,500 kg total)
- 2 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
- 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb (1,000 kg total)
- 1 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bomb + 2 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (2,000 kg total)
- 1 x 45-36AN torpedo
Defensive armament
The IL-4 is defended by:
- 1 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun, dorsal turret (200 rpg)
- 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
- 1 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
Usage in battles
The IL-4 should be played similarly to it's predecessor, the DB-3B. The aircraft's main advantage is it's large collection of suspended armaments, meaning that it can be used quite effectively in multiple roles. In Air Battles, the IL-4 should be used as a fast bomber, delivering it's payload to bases then retreating to avoid interception. The aircraft could also be used, in a niche role, as a torpedo bomber - as one of the few Soviet aircraft capable of carrying torpedoes, the IL-4 can easily destroy naval vessels in both Air and Naval battles.
The IL-4 can be used as an effective bomber in Air battles. In this role, the most effective load is the 1000kg + 2 x 500kg bomb load. This load will allow you to take out at least one base, and potentially damage another. At the start of each battle, simply fly straight towards the enemy bases - you could side climb too, but it isn't advised as the bomb load will make the IL-4's climb rate almost completely nonexistent. After dropping bombs, immediately fly back towards friendly airspace, potentially in a slight dive. This ensures that the IL-4 won't be intercepted by pursueing fighters, most of which can tear it's airframe to bits.
The IL-4 is unique in that it is the only USSR tech-tree aircraft that is capable of carrying a torpedo - that is, the Soviet 450mm 45-36AN torpedo. However useful the load may be, the Torpedo's effectiveness is severely limited by it's slow drop speed. In naval battles, this torpedo is best used against early destroyers, which are large, bulky and (for the most part) lack effective anti-aircraft armament. Make sure to slow to the torpedo drop speed of 248 km/h, lead the target and drop the torpedo. Keep in mind that the IL-4 is a large bulky target; it may be wise to drop the torpedo early, to ensure survival.
If being pursued by enemy fighters, the best strategy is to simply run towards friendly airspace. The IL-4 lacks an effective defensive armament suite, and also cannot outspeed most fighters at it's BR. If an engagement cannot be avoided, bait the fighters to your tail, and slightly above; this is where the aircraft's only 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine gun is located. Despite being of a lower calibre, the machine gun is accurate and highly effective, capable of setting enemy aircraft's engines on fire. You may even get some pilot-snipes, with enough accuracy.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Controllable | Controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Separate | Controllable 2 gears |
Not controllable |
Modules
| Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Fuselage repair | Radiator | Turret 7 mm | ||
| II | Compressor | Airframe | New 7 mm MGs (turret) | Der-19 | |
| III | Wings repair | Engine | Turret 12 mm | Der-20 | |
| IV | 95 octane fuel usage | Engine injection | Cover | New 12 mm MGs (turret) | T-18 |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The only researchable propeller torpedo bomber in the USSR tech tree
- Decent payload options, including bombs of up to 1000 kilograms
- Gets a bomber airspawn allowing it to reach the battlefield faster
- Engines are reliable and don't overheat much in RB
Cons:
- The torpedo's drop requirements and performance is poor compared to other nations' torpedoes
- Defensive armament is lacklustre when compared to contemporaries such as the B-34 (which actually gets twice as many guns!)
- Lacklustre top speed and acceleration, will be outspeeded and outmaneuvered by most fighter at it's BR
History
In-game description
The IL-4 long-range bomber was one of the most famous Soviet bombers of WWII. With thousands of IL-4s built, the aircraft took part in all the important battles of the Eastern Front, including long-range bombing raids of Axis industrial targets. A large number of books, including both memoirs and technical publications, focus on the IL-4.
It was a twin-engine long-range bomber, a further development of the Ilyushin DB-3 bomber, with a redesigned cockpit, redesigned wings, pneumatic landing gear and a new fuselage designed for faster mass production, based on DC-3 / Li-2 production methods. The aircraft was designated IL-4 in March 1942. Combined with the DB-3, over 6,800 bombers of the DB-3/IL-4 family were built, 5,256 of them the IL-4. One of the most celebrated accomplishments for the type was a long-range bombing raid on Berlin in 1941.
Media
See also
Related Development
Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era
External links
| Ilyushin Design Bureau (Илью́шинa Опытное конструкторское бюро) | |
|---|---|
| Bombers | DB-3B · IL-4 |
| Jet Bombers | IL-28* · IL-28Sh |
| Strike Aircraft | IL-8 (1944) |
| Il-2 | IL-2 (1941) · IL-2 (1942) · IL-2M type 3 · IL-2M "Avenger" · IL-2M (1943) · IL-2-37 · IL-2 M-82 |
| Il-10 | IL-10 · IL-10 (1946) |
| Export/Captured | |
| Bombers | ␗DB-3A · ◊IL-28 · ◔IL-28 |
| Strike Aircraft | ▀IL-2 (1942) · ␗IL-10 (1946) · ◔IL-10 |
| * The Chinese Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation built unlicensed copies of the Il-28 known as the H-5. | |
| 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 |
| Yer-2 (petrol) | Yer-2 (M-105) · Yer-2 (M-105) TAT · Yer-2 (M-105R) TAT · Yer-2 (M-105R) LU |
| 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 |
