Difference between revisions of "Hampden TB Mk I"
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− | {{ | + | {{About |
− | + | |about= British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | |
+ | |usage= other versions | ||
+ | |link= Hampden (Family) | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | {{Specs-Card | ||
+ | |code=hp52_hampden_tbmk1 | ||
+ | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}} | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
− | <!--''In the description, the first part | + | <!-- ''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}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. | ||
− | + | The Hampden is one of the first few bombers you get in the British tree, and without a doubt defines the style of flying you for the remainder of the tree. Its decent performance combined with all-powerful bomb load can quickly rack your score up into the thousands. On maps like Essen, use your superior speed to bomb the ground targets before any other bombers, then drop your altitude and rearm at the airfield. Then fly low with a bomb delay and hit the remaining targets or bases. | |
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== General info == | == General info == | ||
− | === Flight | + | === Flight performance === |
− | <!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. | + | {{Specs-Avia-Flight}} |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | <!-- ''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 3,962 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,962 m) | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) |
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
− | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
− | ! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! AB | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB |
− | ! RB | ||
− | ! AB | ||
− | ! | ||
− | |||
− | ! RB | ||
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− | ! | ||
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− | ! | ||
− | ! | ||
− | ! | ||
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|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Stock |
− | + | | 405 || 388 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.1 || 28.0 || 5.3 || 5.3 || rowspan="2" | 366 | |
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
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|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | ! Upgraded |
+ | | 459 || 428 || 24.9 || 26.0 || 10.8 || 7.6 | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
− | ====Details==== | + | ==== Details ==== |
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | [[File:Hampton TB MkI AN TRN 26 004.png|350px|thumb|right|Extremely low-level bombing in the {{PAGENAME}}.]] |
+ | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! Combat | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear |
− | ! Take-off | ||
− | ! Landing | ||
− | ! Air brakes | ||
− | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X <!-- ✓ --> | ||
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|} | |} | ||
− | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
− | ! rowspan="2" | Gear | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
− | ! | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! + | + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
− | ! - | ||
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|- | |- | ||
− | + | | 506 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 388 || 359 || 210 || ~5 || ~3 | |
− | ! | ||
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− | | | ||
− | | | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h) |
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|- | |- | ||
− | ! | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
|- | |- | ||
− | + | | < 315 || < 310 || < 300 || > 200 | |
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|- | |- | ||
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|} | |} | ||
=== 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 cockpit on fuselage top. | * 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of cockpit on fuselage top. | ||
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the dorsal gunner. | * 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}} |
− | + | [[File:Hampton TB MkI AN TRN 26 003.png|350px|thumb|right|Rear-facing ventral gunner, critical to protecting the lower rear portion of the bomber.]] | |
− | {{main|Browning | + | <!-- ''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: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
− | * 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 | + | * 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg) |
=== 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}} |
− | {{main| | + | <!-- ''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)|S.A.P. Mk.II (500 lb)|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|A.P. Mk.I (2,000 lb)}} | ||
+ | {{main|18 inch Mark XII (450 mm)}} | ||
− | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following | + | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: |
− | * 6 x 250 lb bombs | + | * 6 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,500 lb total) |
− | * 2 x 500 lb bombs | + | * 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total) |
− | * 4 x 500 lb bombs | + | * 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total) |
− | * 6 x 500 lb bombs | + | * 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total) |
− | * | + | * 1 x 18 inch Mark XII torpedo |
− | * 4 x G.P. | + | * 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (3,000 lb total) |
− | * | + | * 6 x 500 lb S.A.P. Mk.II 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) | ||
+ | * 2 x 2,000 lb A.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 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|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}} | {{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}} | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | ||
− | * 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret ( | + | * 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg) |
− | * 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine | + | * 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, dorsal turret (1,300 rpg = 2,600 total) |
− | * 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine | + | * 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).'' --> | ||
+ | [[File:Hampton TB MkI AN TRN 26 005.png|350px|thumb|right|Light armoured vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery evaporate under the {{PAGENAME}}'s 6 x 250 lb bombs.]] | ||
+ | This bomber is strictly that; a bomber. With a mediocre defensive armament and only a single offensive 7.7 mm machine gun, 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. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Usually, you should avoid enemies, and attempt to stay as fast and as unnoticed as possible. Having an escort helps. | ||
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The below tactics can be used in all games modes: | The below tactics can be used in all games modes: | ||
− | + | '''How to offensively engage an enemy aircraft:''' | |
− | If you happen to see an enemy aircraft, you should not engage. Only in cases that he is the last enemy player should you dare to attack him. Try and climb above him then dive to get in front of him. Then use your four 7.7 machine guns to tear into his cockpit and knock out his pilot, engines and forward gunners. | + | If you happen to see an enemy aircraft, you should not engage. Only in cases that he is the last enemy player should you dare to attack him. Try and climb above him then dive to get in front of him. Then use your four 7.7 mm defensive machine guns to tear into his cockpit and knock out his pilot, engines and forward gunners. |
− | + | '''How to perform defensive fighting:''' | |
− | Should an enemy fighter move to engage you, do not try to | + | Should an enemy fighter move to engage you, do not try to outmanoeuvre him. Simply dive and go as low as you safely can while in gunner view and aim for his engine. Try and damage it or give him some nasty leaks to scare him off. If you're lucky he will burst into flames and fall to the ground. |
− | + | The planes to be feared are usually those that carry cannons or 12.7 mm machine guns. Those planes will easily shred this plane with no problems as it does not react well to damage. Flak will normally result in a pilot snipe, and then a kill, and has a tendency to tear the engines to pieces. | |
− | The planes to be feared are usually those that carry cannons or 12.7 mm machine guns. Those planes will easily shred this plane with no problems as it does not react well to damage. | ||
− | ===Manual Engine Control=== | + | === Manual Engine Control === |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="7" | MEC elements | ! colspan="7" | MEC elements | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | ! rowspan="2" |Mixer | + | ! rowspan="2" | Mixer |
− | ! rowspan="2" |Pitch | + | ! rowspan="2" | Pitch |
− | ! colspan="3" |Radiator | + | ! colspan="3" | Radiator |
− | ! rowspan="2" |Supercharger | + | ! rowspan="2" | Supercharger |
− | ! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger | + | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger |
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− | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type | |
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|- | |- | ||
− | | | + | | 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 |
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
− | <!--''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle | + | <!-- ''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".'' --> |
+ | [[File:Hampton TB MkI AN TRN 26 001.png|350px|thumb|right|]] | ||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
− | * Carries the largest payload of its | + | * Carries the largest payload of its contemporaries (the maximum payload knocks out two bases) |
− | * Has a nose mounted fixed machine gun for pilot usage | + | * Has a nose-mounted fixed machine gun for pilot usage |
− | * Rear gunners make short | + | * Rear gunners make short work of chasing biplanes |
− | * Decent | + | * Decent manoeuvrability and speed for a bomber |
− | * Fuselage is sleek, making it a smaller target | + | * Fuselage is sleek, making it a smaller target |
− | * Very thin rear section | + | * Very thin rear section which is hard to hit, especially when under fire from its rear gunner |
− | * Ability to carry | + | * Ability to carry torpedoes |
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
− | * Terrible roll rate | + | * Terrible roll rate |
− | * Rear gunners' arc is very limited | + | * Rear gunners' arc is very limited in side-to-side range and elevation |
− | * Blind spot between turrets due to the tail- you'll only be able to get one on target at any given time | + | * Blind spot between turrets due to the tail - you'll only be able to get one on target at any given time |
* No armour or bulletproof glass | * No armour or bulletproof glass | ||
− | * | + | * Decent dive performance, poor energy retention |
− | * Very vulnerable in a head-on engagement | + | * Very vulnerable in a head-on engagement |
− | |||
* Very hard to land due to the easily-broken tail and tail section | * Very hard to land due to the easily-broken tail and tail section | ||
− | * Possibility to face planes with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns and | + | * Possibility to face planes with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns and 20 mm cannons |
− | * Carrying the largest payload option will slow the plane to a crawl | + | * Carrying the largest payload option will slow the plane to a crawl |
− | * Has a tendency to ' | + | * Has a tendency to 'buck' when using the heaviest payload after dropping all the 1,000 lbs bombs |
− | * Hits to the wings can start fuel tank fires due to all the fuel tanks being internally mounted in the wings | + | * Hits to the wings can start fuel tank fires due to all the fuel tanks being internally mounted in the wings |
− | * Does not like to take battle damage | + | * Does not like to take battle damage |
== 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 | + | <!-- ''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 "trio" during the | + | [[File:Hampton TB MkI AN TRN 26 002.png|350px|thumb|right|]] |
+ | The Handley Page Hampden was the last and fastest twin-engined bomber of the "trio" during the Phoney War. It was 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 powered by Napier Sabre Dagger engines, but switched to the more powerful Bristol Pegasus radial engines. Originally the Hampden had two Vickers K guns in ventral and dorsal positions, which proved to be inadequate for daylight defence. This was then switched to two Vickers K guns with modifications. The Hampden had many nicknames, because of the slim, compact and cramped fuselage. It was nicknamed the "Flying Suitcase". It was oddly similar in role and appearance to the German fast day-bomber Do 17, nicknamed 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 | + | 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 == | ||
− | '' | + | <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' --> |
− | == | + | ;Images |
+ | <gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200"> | ||
+ | File:ArtImage Hampden TB Mk I.png | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
− | + | ;Skins | |
− | * [ | + | * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hp52_hampden_tbmk1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] |
− | |||
− | + | ;Videos | |
− | '' | + | {{Youtube-gallery|Lec0mwCN81I|'''The Shooting Range #84''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 10:41 discusses the Hampden TB Mk I.}} |
+ | == 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 | ||
+ | * [[Hampden (Family)]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ||
+ | * Dornier [[Do 17 E-1|Do 17]] | ||
+ | * Junkers [[Ju 88 (Family)|Ju 88]] | ||
+ | * Lioré et Olivier [[LeO 451 early|LeO 45]] | ||
+ | * Martin [[B-10B|B-10]] | ||
+ | * Yokosuka [[P1Y1 mod. 11|P1Y]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | == External links == | ||
+ | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
− | * '' | + | * ''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}} | ||
{{Britain bombers}} | {{Britain bombers}} |
Latest revision as of 20:13, 20 September 2024
This page is about the British bomber Hampden TB Mk I. For other versions, see Hampden (Family). |
Contents
Description
The Hampden TB Mk I is a rank I British bomber with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".
The Hampden is one of the first few bombers you get in the British tree, and without a doubt defines the style of flying you for the remainder of the tree. Its decent performance combined with all-powerful bomb load can quickly rack your score up into the thousands. On maps like Essen, use your superior speed to bomb the ground targets before any other bombers, then drop your altitude and rearm at the airfield. Then fly low with a bomb delay and hit the remaining targets or bases.
General info
Flight performance
Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 3,962 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
Stock | 405 | 388 | 8310 | 27.1 | 28.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 | 366 |
Upgraded | 459 | 428 | 24.9 | 26.0 | 10.8 | 7.6 |
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
- 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of cockpit on fuselage top.
- 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the dorsal gunner.
Modifications and economy
Armaments
Offensive armament
The Hampden TB Mk I is armed with:
- 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)
Suspended armament
The Hampden TB Mk I 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 18 inch Mark XII torpedo
- 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (3,000 lb total)
- 6 x 500 lb S.A.P. Mk.II 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)
- 2 x 2,000 lb A.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
Defensive armament
The Hampden TB Mk I is defended by:
- 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg)
- 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, dorsal turret (1,300 rpg = 2,600 total)
- 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 mm machine gun, 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.
Usually, you should avoid enemies, and attempt to stay as fast and as unnoticed as possible. Having an escort helps.
The below tactics can be used in all games modes:
How to offensively engage an enemy aircraft:
If you happen to see an enemy aircraft, you should not engage. Only in cases that he is the last enemy player should you dare to attack him. Try and climb above him then dive to get in front of him. Then use your four 7.7 mm defensive machine guns to tear into his cockpit and knock out his pilot, engines and forward gunners.
How to perform defensive fighting:
Should an enemy fighter move to engage you, do not try to outmanoeuvre him. Simply dive and go as low as you safely can while in gunner view and aim for his engine. Try and damage it or give him some nasty leaks to scare him off. If you're lucky he will burst into flames and fall to the ground.
The planes to be feared are usually those that carry cannons or 12.7 mm machine guns. Those planes will easily shred this plane with no problems as it does not react well to damage. Flak will normally result in a pilot snipe, and then a kill, and has a tendency to tear the engines to pieces.
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 the largest payload of its contemporaries (the maximum payload knocks out two bases)
- Has a nose-mounted fixed machine gun for pilot usage
- Rear gunners make short work of chasing biplanes
- Decent manoeuvrability and speed for a bomber
- Fuselage is sleek, making it a smaller target
- Very thin rear section which is hard to hit, especially when under fire from its rear gunner
- Ability to carry torpedoes
Cons:
- Terrible roll rate
- Rear gunners' arc is very limited in side-to-side range and elevation
- Blind spot between turrets due to the tail - you'll only be able to get one on target at any given time
- No armour or bulletproof glass
- Decent dive performance, poor energy retention
- Very vulnerable in a head-on engagement
- Very hard to land due to the easily-broken tail and tail section
- Possibility to face planes with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns and 20 mm cannons
- Carrying the largest payload option will slow the plane to a crawl
- Has a tendency to 'buck' when using the heaviest payload after dropping all the 1,000 lbs bombs
- Hits to the wings can start fuel tank fires due to all the fuel tanks being internally mounted in the wings
- Does not like to take battle damage
History
The Handley Page Hampden was the last and fastest twin-engined bomber of the "trio" during the Phoney War. It was 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 powered by Napier Sabre Dagger engines, but switched to the more powerful Bristol Pegasus radial engines. Originally the Hampden had two Vickers K guns in ventral and dorsal positions, which proved to be inadequate for daylight defence. This was then switched to two Vickers K guns with modifications. The Hampden had many nicknames, because of the slim, compact and cramped fuselage. It was nicknamed the "Flying Suitcase". It was oddly similar in role and appearance to the German fast day-bomber Do 17, nicknamed 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
- Images
- Skins
- Videos
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
Handley Page Limited | |
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Bombers | Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I · Halifax B Mk IIIa |
Export | ▂Hampden TB Mk I |
Britain bombers | |
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Torpedo | Swordfish Mk I · Swordfish Mk II · ▄Avenger Mk II |
Dive | V-156-B1 |
Hydroplanes | ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk V |
Light | Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII · ▄Hudson Mk V · Brigand B 1 |
Based on A20 | ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7 |
Hampden | Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I |
Wellington | Wellington Mk Ic · Wellington Mk Ic/L · Wellington Mk III · Wellington Mk X |
Halifax | Halifax B Mk IIIa |
Stirling | Stirling B Mk I · Stirling B Mk III |
Lancaster | Lancaster B Mk I · Lancaster B Mk III |
Lincoln | Lincoln B Mk II |
Shackleton | Shackleton MR.Mk.2 |