Difference between revisions of "Ju 88 A-4"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ju-88a-4}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = German bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Ju 88 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ju-88a-4
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|cockpit=cockpit_ju-88a-4.jpg
 +
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 +
 
 +
The Ju 88 A-4 is very diverse with the ability to dive bomb and regularly bomb with large payloads. Its defensive armament is a little disappointing, but the two backwards-facing heavy machine guns can deal with light planes very quickly. However, the front is only covered by a light machine gun. Overall, the Ju 88 A-4 is a decent attack aircraft and fantastic fast medium bomber.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,600 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
 +
| 432 || 416 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.4 || 32.7 || 4.2 || 4.2 || rowspan="2" | 530
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 479 || 455 || 28.7 || 30.0 || 10.2 || 6.8
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 457 || 428 || 280 || ~8 || ~8
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 350 || < 360 || < 370 || > 330
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 58 mm and 60 mm Bulletproof glass around the dorsal turret
 +
* 12 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
 +
* 12 mm Steel plates around the ventral turret
 +
* 20 mm Steel plate behind the cockpit
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== 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.'' -->
 +
{{main|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, nose-mounted (750 rpg)
 +
 
 +
=== 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.'' -->
 +
{{main|SC50JA (50 kg)|SC250JA (250 kg)|SC500K (500 kg)|SC1000L2 (1,000 kg)}}
 +
{{main|PC500 (500 kg)|PC1000 (1,000 kg)|Flam C 250 incendiary|Flam C 500 incendiary}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (500 kg total)
 +
* 28 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (1,400 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
 +
* 4 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 28 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,400 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
 +
* 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 28 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,400 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (1,500 kg total)
 +
* 4 x Flam C 250 incendiary bombs
 +
* 2 x Flam C 500 incendiary bombs
 +
* 2 x 500 kg PC500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 1,000 kg PC1000 bomb + 1 x 500 kg PC500 bomb (1,500 kg total)
 +
 
 +
=== Defensive armament ===
 +
{{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|MG 81 (7.92 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, 2 x dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, ventral turret (900 rpg = 1,800 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).'' -->
 +
The Ju 88 A-4 is a versatile bomber. being able to both dive bomb and do horizontal bombing. The bomber has decent defensive armament and has a single offensive 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, which unfortunately won't really come in handy. You are able to carry up to 2,400 kg of bombs with this plane, making it a formidable bomber.
 +
 
 +
'''Air Battles:'''
 +
 
 +
In Air battles you should either bring the SC50 x28, SC500 x2 payload or the SC50 x28, SC250 x4 payload as they fully use the Ju 88 A-4's potential and will do a great job at damaging enemy bases, airfields and even ground targets. As soon as you spawn in, start climbing to make sure you are safe from enemy fighters. The greatest threats to you will be fighters and interceptors with astonishing climb rates, so remember to always check your surroundings.
 +
 
 +
'''Ground Battles:'''
  
== Weaponry ==
+
In Ground battles you should ignore the 50 kg bombs as they won't do much against tanks and will only add weight to your plane, instead, bring 250 kg bombs, 500 kg bombs or the 1,000 kg bomb, these payloads won't use the Ju 88 A-4's full bomb capacity but they will make it more manoeuvrable and faster. Additionally, it is easier to hit ground targets with dive bombing tactics, so when you approach your target, extend the airbrakes ("H" by default) and reduce throttle if necessary to avoid too much speed which could result in your wings being ripped off.
=== Offensive weaponry ===
 
''Describe the offensive weaponry 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.''
 
  
=== Suspended weaponry ===
+
'''Facing the Ju 88 A-4:'''
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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.''
 
  
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
If you come across a Junkers 88 A-4, you will either be facing its cockpit or its tail most of the time. Attacking the bomber from below is also an option as it does not have any ventral gunners aiming down. If you are facing its cockpit, aim for the pilot as this will cause the plane to instantly be destroyed. If you are facing its tail, however, be careful with the gunners and aim for the engines, bombers won't go far without them. Since the Ju 88 A-4 gets a bomber spawn, it is recommended to use planes with good climb rates.
''Defensive weaponry 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.''
 
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
''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).''
+
{| 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>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
 
 +
 
 +
 
 +
* Fast bomber, can outrun lower-ranked foes
 +
* Extremely manoeuvrable at low speeds (RB & SB)
 +
* Airframe can withstand high speed during a dive and is equipped with air brakes
 +
* Fairly resistant to small calibre bullets (.30 cal)
 +
* High variety of payload
 +
* Defensive armament has a high rate of fire combined with AP-T ammunition that can easily start fires
 +
* One of the few bombers that can reliably destroy enemy airfields at lower rank battles (AB)
 +
* Possesses a large payload (2,400 kg) that doesn't have that much penalty in overall performance
 +
* Very useful in precision bombing
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
 
  
== Historical part ==
+
* Unfavourable matchmaking in arcade battles
''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.''
+
* .50 calibre and cannon fire will quickly tear it apart
 +
* Take-off from short runways is difficult
 +
* Water-cooled engines and large radiator mean that any shots to the engine in RB or SB will usually result in engine failure
 +
* Cannot reliably fly with one engine
 +
* Big plane, ideal target for SPAAs when flying low
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Ju 88 high-speed horizontal and dive bomber was one of the most versatile aircraft of WWII, and the Ju 88A-4 was the most well-known and highly mass produced of all the variants. Unlike its predecessors, the plane had a new 1,400 PS engine, letting the bomber move around at high speed. After experiencing difficulties in the Battle of Britain, the aircraft received additional metal sheeting in the cockpit walls and floor, as well as an armoured pilot's seat, shielding the pilot's back and sides. New MG 81 belt-fed machine guns replaced the older MG 15s that had previously been fitted. The increased aircraft mass also necessitated stronger landing gear with a bigger wheel diameter.
 +
 
 +
The Ju 88A-4 was used against the Soviet Union in their maiden flights, and remained in the ranks until the end of the war. During WWII, nearly 15,000 Ju 88 bombers were built in different variations.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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=ju-88a-4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
;[[Ju 88 (Family)|Related development]]
 +
 
 +
* [[Ju 88 A-4 (Sweden)]]
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/504133-ju-88a-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Junkers}}
 +
{{Germany bombers}}

Latest revision as of 10:29, 4 November 2023

Rank VII | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
This page is about the German bomber Ju 88 A-4. For other versions, see Ju 88 (Family).
Ju 88 A-4
ju-88a-4.png
GarageImage Ju 88 A-4.jpg
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/8/8c/Cockpit_ju-88a-4.jpg
Ju 88 A-4
AB RB SB
3.0 3.0 2.7
Research:5 600 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:22 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ju 88 A-4 is a rank II German bomber with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/RB) and 2.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Ju 88 A-4 is very diverse with the ability to dive bomb and regularly bomb with large payloads. Its defensive armament is a little disappointing, but the two backwards-facing heavy machine guns can deal with light planes very quickly. However, the front is only covered by a light machine gun. Overall, the Ju 88 A-4 is a decent attack aircraft and fantastic fast medium bomber.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 5 600 m455 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude9 800 m
Engine2 х Junkers Jumo 211J
TypeInline
Cooling systemWater
Take-off weight14 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,600 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 432 416 9800 31.4 32.7 4.2 4.2 530
Upgraded 479 455 28.7 30.0 10.2 6.8

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 310 457 428 280 ~8 ~8
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 350 < 360 < 370 > 330

Survivability and armour

Crew4 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • 58 mm and 60 mm Bulletproof glass around the dorsal turret
  • 12 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
  • 12 mm Steel plates around the ventral turret
  • 20 mm Steel plate behind the cockpit

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB875 → 1 103 Sl icon.png
RB1 425 → 1 796 Sl icon.png
SB2 236 → 2 819 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications10 410 Rp icon.png
13 740 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost750 Ge icon.png
Crew training6 300 Sl icon.png
Experts22 000 Sl icon.png
Aces250 Ge icon.png
Research Aces220 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
60 / 120 / 240 % Sl icon.png
124 / 124 / 124 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_turret_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 50
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 250
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
mg81_turret_new_gun
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 250
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
Flamm C 500
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
620 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_belt_pack
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 500
Research:
650 Rp icon.png
Cost:
860 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg81_new_gun
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 1000
Research:
840 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 100 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: MG 81 (7.92 mm)

The Ju 88 A-4 is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, nose-mounted (750 rpg)

Suspended armament

The Ju 88 A-4 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (500 kg total)
  • 28 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (1,400 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
  • 4 x 250 kg SC250JA bombs + 28 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,400 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 10 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (1,500 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg SC500K bombs + 28 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (2,400 kg total)
  • 1 x 1,000 kg SC1000L2 bomb + 1 x 500 kg SC500K bomb (1,500 kg total)
  • 4 x Flam C 250 incendiary bombs
  • 2 x Flam C 500 incendiary bombs
  • 2 x 500 kg PC500 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 1 x 1,000 kg PC1000 bomb + 1 x 500 kg PC500 bomb (1,500 kg total)

Defensive armament

Main article: MG 81 (7.92 mm)

The Ju 88 A-4 is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, 2 x dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, ventral turret (900 rpg = 1,800 total)

Usage in battles

The Ju 88 A-4 is a versatile bomber. being able to both dive bomb and do horizontal bombing. The bomber has decent defensive armament and has a single offensive 7.92 mm MG 81 machine gun, which unfortunately won't really come in handy. You are able to carry up to 2,400 kg of bombs with this plane, making it a formidable bomber.

Air Battles:

In Air battles you should either bring the SC50 x28, SC500 x2 payload or the SC50 x28, SC250 x4 payload as they fully use the Ju 88 A-4's potential and will do a great job at damaging enemy bases, airfields and even ground targets. As soon as you spawn in, start climbing to make sure you are safe from enemy fighters. The greatest threats to you will be fighters and interceptors with astonishing climb rates, so remember to always check your surroundings.

Ground Battles:

In Ground battles you should ignore the 50 kg bombs as they won't do much against tanks and will only add weight to your plane, instead, bring 250 kg bombs, 500 kg bombs or the 1,000 kg bomb, these payloads won't use the Ju 88 A-4's full bomb capacity but they will make it more manoeuvrable and faster. Additionally, it is easier to hit ground targets with dive bombing tactics, so when you approach your target, extend the airbrakes ("H" by default) and reduce throttle if necessary to avoid too much speed which could result in your wings being ripped off.

Facing the Ju 88 A-4:

If you come across a Junkers 88 A-4, you will either be facing its cockpit or its tail most of the time. Attacking the bomber from below is also an option as it does not have any ventral gunners aiming down. If you are facing its cockpit, aim for the pilot as this will cause the plane to instantly be destroyed. If you are facing its tail, however, be careful with the gunners and aim for the engines, bombers won't go far without them. Since the Ju 88 A-4 gets a bomber spawn, it is recommended to use planes with good climb rates.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:


  • Fast bomber, can outrun lower-ranked foes
  • Extremely manoeuvrable at low speeds (RB & SB)
  • Airframe can withstand high speed during a dive and is equipped with air brakes
  • Fairly resistant to small calibre bullets (.30 cal)
  • High variety of payload
  • Defensive armament has a high rate of fire combined with AP-T ammunition that can easily start fires
  • One of the few bombers that can reliably destroy enemy airfields at lower rank battles (AB)
  • Possesses a large payload (2,400 kg) that doesn't have that much penalty in overall performance
  • Very useful in precision bombing

Cons:

  • Unfavourable matchmaking in arcade battles
  • .50 calibre and cannon fire will quickly tear it apart
  • Take-off from short runways is difficult
  • Water-cooled engines and large radiator mean that any shots to the engine in RB or SB will usually result in engine failure
  • Cannot reliably fly with one engine
  • Big plane, ideal target for SPAAs when flying low

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Ju 88 high-speed horizontal and dive bomber was one of the most versatile aircraft of WWII, and the Ju 88A-4 was the most well-known and highly mass produced of all the variants. Unlike its predecessors, the plane had a new 1,400 PS engine, letting the bomber move around at high speed. After experiencing difficulties in the Battle of Britain, the aircraft received additional metal sheeting in the cockpit walls and floor, as well as an armoured pilot's seat, shielding the pilot's back and sides. New MG 81 belt-fed machine guns replaced the older MG 15s that had previously been fitted. The increased aircraft mass also necessitated stronger landing gear with a bigger wheel diameter.

The Ju 88A-4 was used against the Soviet Union in their maiden flights, and remained in the ranks until the end of the war. During WWII, nearly 15,000 Ju 88 bombers were built in different variations.


Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links


Junkers Aircraft and Motor Works (Junkers Flugzeug- und Motorenwerke Aktiengesellschaft)
Fighters  Ju 88 C-6 · Ju 388 J
Strike Aircraft 
Ju 87  Ju 87 G-1 · Ju 87 G-2
Bombers  Ju 88 A-1 · Ju 88 A-4 · Ju 188 A-2 · Ju 288 C
Ju 87  Ju 87 B-2 · Ju 87 D-3 · Ju 87 D-5 · Ju 87 R-2 · Ju 87 R-2 Libya
Export  ▄Ju 87 D-3 · ▄Ju 87 R-2 · ▄Ju 88 A-4

Germany bombers
Arado  Ar 196 A-3
Blohm & Voss  BV 138 C-1 · BV 238
Dornier  Do 17 E-1 · Do 17 Z-2 · Do 217 E-2 · Do 217 E-4 · Do 217 K-1 · Do 217 M-1
Focke-Wulf  Fw 189 A-1 · Fw 200 C-1
Henschel  Hs 123 A-1
Heinkel  He 111 H-3 · He 111 H-6 · He 111 H-16 · He 115 C-1 · He 177 A-3 · He 177 A-5
Junkers  Ju 87 B-2 · Ju 87 R-2 · Ju 87 R-2 Libya · Ju 87 D-3 · Ju 87 D-5 · Ju 88 A-1 · Ju 88 A-4 · Ju 188 A-2 · Ju 288 C
Messerschmitt  Me 264
Savoia-Marchetti  ▀S.M.79 serie 1 · ▀S.M.79 B · ▀S.M.79 serie 4 · ▀S.M.79 serie 8
  ▀S.M.79 AS · ▀S.M.79 bis/N · ▀S.M.79 bis/T.M
Trophies  ▀Wellington Mk Ic