Difference between revisions of "Blenheim Mk IV"

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{{Specs-Card|code=blenheim_mkiv}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=blenheim_mkiv
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 +
 
 +
The Blenheim IV is a light bomber, therefore base bombing in Realistic Battles isn't recommended, as the armament of 2 x 500 lbs bombs isn't enough for one or two runs against a base. The Blenheim's advantage over other bombers is its speed, so remembering and implementing this into tactics is vital. Low and fast tactics are normally best, try to avoid flying at medium altitudes or high altitudes, as accuracy will drop and you will be weak against attacks from below. Although the "red-line" speed of the Blenheim is high, dive bombing isn't as accurate as level bombing, so try to fly very low over the target to ensure a hit with the weaker payloads. The front turret guns have been modified to only fire rearwards, so the wing mounted gun which was only intended as a range finder in real life is your only FF weapon, but this can still ground attack un-armoured targets, with time and patience, although the turret method was easier.
 +
 
 +
The plane can also be used as a fighter. This is due to its supreme low-speed turn capabilities. The Blenheim turns into a Spitfire with flaps deployed, and the elevator fully extended. Surprising as it may sound, the frontal armament may prove devastating when used in a correct way. That is, if you load tracers, for not only unlike other ammunition choices it gives you a rough idea where the shells are going, but also it consists of the best shell composition, with a decent chance to light fires. As for the turrets, load universal, again due to its best shell composition.
 +
 
 +
The Blenheim can be absolutely deadly to other early planes, particularly as the biplanes it will be up against are often flown by inexperienced pilots who tend to position themselves right behind bombers at very close range while attacking -- in other words, their planes will be stationary relative to the gunner, and at such a close range that he simply cannot miss. Thus, a single Blenheim bomber picking off large numbers of enemy planes is a common sight. The Blenheim has one forward-firing weapon, but it's mounted far out on the wing, so hitting targets with it effectively requires some practice.
  
 
== 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 3,962 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
 +
| 409 || 395 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.0 || 27.8 || 4.8 || 4.8 || rowspan="2" | 366
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 449 || 428 || 25.1 || 26.0 || 11.3 || 7.6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| 482 <!--{{Specs|destruction|body}}--> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 305 || 289 || 211 || ~11 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 310 || < 310 || < 320 || > 320
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 1 mm Dural - Engine protective plate (one for each engine)
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armoured pilot and co-pilot seats
 +
* 12.7 mm Steel - Armoured gunner's seat
 +
 
 +
=== 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|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (500 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|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb 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|Browning (7.7 mm)|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
== Weaponry ==
+
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
−
=== Offensive weaponry ===
+
* 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, front ventral turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
−
''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 ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''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.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
In order to be successful in shooting down enemy aircraft, one needs to either immediately drop the bomb, or (on small maps like Bastogne, or Essen) dive down, and release on the first target spotted. Then it's just a matter of flying the plane like a Spitfire - turn fighting at low altitude, and sometimes stall fighting, and making all sorts of evasive manoeuvres (though this might seem ridiculous, do not worry, the plane really is capable of supporting such handling). When turning it is important to remember that the plane will rip during sharp turns at speeds exceeding 350 km/h. Obviously, at some point, you will get an enemy on your tail. Then, your defensive gunners come into play. All you need to do is to swing the tail of the aircraft around, and fire at the enemy with either your dorsal or ventral turret. It is also a good idea to first fire off all the ammunition in one of the turrets, and while it is reloading use the second one.
  
−
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
If you are down-tiered, you can use your speed to completely avoid some enemy fighters. At a decent altitude (3,000 m or above works best), biplanes will not be able to catch you and low tier monoplanes will struggle.
−
''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
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Very high speed for its rank
 +
* Great turn time
 +
* Forward-firing machine gun
 +
* Ventral and dorsal turrets on the same aircraft are rare at its tier
 +
* Excellent coverage for ventral and dorsal turrets
 +
* Defensive turrets are excellent against unarmoured aircraft
 +
* Two back facing turrets one on top and one at the bottom so the defensive turrets can fire at a wide angle
 +
* Engine performs at high altitude
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Very vulnerable when the gunner is taken out
−
''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.''
+
* Turrets lack punch, particularly when compared to the Beaufort
 +
* Poor bomb load, even for its tier
 +
* Offensive machine gun lacks any firepower
 +
* No bulletproof glass or armour to protect the pilots from head-on attacks
 +
* Can be very sluggish if an engine goes down
 +
* Poor climb rate
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
Making the first mission of WW2, then the next day, the first bombing raid, the Blenheim Mk IV was a vital part of the RAF's early war effort. It became obsolete in 1942 as newer planes and technology made the Bristol Blenheim outdated.
 +
 
 +
{{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'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
Originally developed as a prototype fast civilian transport aircraft, the Bristol Blenheim was a British light bomber widely used during the early days of the Second World War. The Blenheim was the first British all-metal aircraft and one of the first with a retractable landing gear, an electric defensive turret and a variable pitch propeller. Conversion from fixed-gear biplane bombers with fixed-pitch propellers to Blenheims, with their modern features, proved troublesome for some squadrons. Large numbers of levers, often poorly positioned, had great potential to cause confusion in critical stages of flight. For example, the landing gear lever was close to the flap lever, which sometimes led to retraction of flaps together with landing gear at takeoff, causing an immediate loss of lift. Improper prop pitch setting at takeoff often led to an overly long takeoff run and passing the runway threshold without becoming airborne.
 +
 
 +
The Blenheim Mk IV was not, as is often thought, a variant of the Mk I. Rather it was based on the Type 149 variant, based on the 11/36 requirement for a coastal reconnaissance/light bomber to replace the Avro Anson. During flight trials the Mk IV reached a top speed of 266 mph; faster than the Mk I. However, the data was misleading as the speed was reached at 12,000 ft, whereas the Mk I was tested at sea level, where it reached 239 mph - the Mk I was slightly faster at altitude. Unfortunately, this became obvious in combat, when Mk IVs fared no better against Luftwaffe fighters than the Mk I. It quickly became clear that Blenheims needed fighter escorts.
 +
 
 +
Whilst certainly one of the world's fastest aircraft during the prototype phase in 1935, the Blenheim did not have the speed to compete with enemy fighters by 1939. This, combined with its poor defensive armament and light payload made it an unsuccessful bomber, but tragically for the crews of RAF Bomber Command, it was available in large numbers. The Blenheim squadron losses up to 1941 were amongst the worst suffered by the RAF during the entire war. A modification of the Blenheim MkI did, however, have some notable successes as a pioneering night fighter until more suitable aircraft were developed in that role.
 +
{{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=blenheim_mkiv Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|u5714dpuDDo|'''The Shooting Range #176''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 04:02 discusses the Blenheim.}}
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[File:Germany flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Bf 110 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:IJA flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Ki-45 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Potez 630 (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:France flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Br.693AB2|Bréguet 693 AB.2]]
 +
* [[File:Britain flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Beaufighter (Family)]]
 +
* [[File:Netherlands flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Fokker G.IA (France)|Fokker G.IA]]
 +
* [[File:USSR flag.png|30px|link=]] [[Yak-2 KABB]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [[wt:en/news/3435--en|[Profile] The Blenheim Mk.IV, a reliable British classic]]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Bristol}}
 +
{{Britain bombers}}

Latest revision as of 18:32, 27 September 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
Blenheim Mk IV
blenheim_mkiv.png
GarageImage Blenheim Mk IV.jpg
ArtImage Blenheim Mk IV.png
Blenheim Mk IV
Britain flag.png Britain
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.7
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Blenheim Mk IV is a rank I British bomber with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB/RB) and 1.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

The Blenheim IV is a light bomber, therefore base bombing in Realistic Battles isn't recommended, as the armament of 2 x 500 lbs bombs isn't enough for one or two runs against a base. The Blenheim's advantage over other bombers is its speed, so remembering and implementing this into tactics is vital. Low and fast tactics are normally best, try to avoid flying at medium altitudes or high altitudes, as accuracy will drop and you will be weak against attacks from below. Although the "red-line" speed of the Blenheim is high, dive bombing isn't as accurate as level bombing, so try to fly very low over the target to ensure a hit with the weaker payloads. The front turret guns have been modified to only fire rearwards, so the wing mounted gun which was only intended as a range finder in real life is your only FF weapon, but this can still ground attack un-armoured targets, with time and patience, although the turret method was easier.

The plane can also be used as a fighter. This is due to its supreme low-speed turn capabilities. The Blenheim turns into a Spitfire with flaps deployed, and the elevator fully extended. Surprising as it may sound, the frontal armament may prove devastating when used in a correct way. That is, if you load tracers, for not only unlike other ammunition choices it gives you a rough idea where the shells are going, but also it consists of the best shell composition, with a decent chance to light fires. As for the turrets, load universal, again due to its best shell composition.

The Blenheim can be absolutely deadly to other early planes, particularly as the biplanes it will be up against are often flown by inexperienced pilots who tend to position themselves right behind bombers at very close range while attacking -- in other words, their planes will be stationary relative to the gunner, and at such a close range that he simply cannot miss. Thus, a single Blenheim bomber picking off large numbers of enemy planes is a common sight. The Blenheim has one forward-firing weapon, but it's mounted far out on the wing, so hitting targets with it effectively requires some practice.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 962 m428 km/h
Turn time26 s
Max altitude8 310 m
Engine2 х Bristol Mercury-XV
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t
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 409 395 8310 27.0 27.8 4.8 4.8 366
Upgraded 449 428 25.1 26.0 11.3 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 + -
482 236 305 289 211 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 310 < 310 < 320 > 320

Survivability and armour

Crew3 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear236 km/h
  • 1 mm Dural - Engine protective plate (one for each engine)
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armoured pilot and co-pilot seats
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Armoured gunner's seat

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB224 → 284 Sl icon.png
RB316 → 401 Sl icon.png
SB478 → 608 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 450 Rp icon.png
2 670 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 40 / 80 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-B
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Research:
200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
120 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
vikkersK_turret_new_gun
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg303_turret_new_gun
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 17.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Blenheim Mk IV is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, wing-mounted (500 rpg)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 14 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 22 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 32 x 500 LB S.A.P. Mk.II bomb
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)

The Blenheim Mk IV can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 4 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Turret2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition2000 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min
Turret2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition2000 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Main articles: Browning (7.7 mm), Vickers K (7.7 mm)

The Blenheim Mk IV is defended by:

  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, front ventral turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

Usage in battles

In order to be successful in shooting down enemy aircraft, one needs to either immediately drop the bomb, or (on small maps like Bastogne, or Essen) dive down, and release on the first target spotted. Then it's just a matter of flying the plane like a Spitfire - turn fighting at low altitude, and sometimes stall fighting, and making all sorts of evasive manoeuvres (though this might seem ridiculous, do not worry, the plane really is capable of supporting such handling). When turning it is important to remember that the plane will rip during sharp turns at speeds exceeding 350 km/h. Obviously, at some point, you will get an enemy on your tail. Then, your defensive gunners come into play. All you need to do is to swing the tail of the aircraft around, and fire at the enemy with either your dorsal or ventral turret. It is also a good idea to first fire off all the ammunition in one of the turrets, and while it is reloading use the second one.

If you are down-tiered, you can use your speed to completely avoid some enemy fighters. At a decent altitude (3,000 m or above works best), biplanes will not be able to catch you and low tier monoplanes will struggle.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very high speed for its rank
  • Great turn time
  • Forward-firing machine gun
  • Ventral and dorsal turrets on the same aircraft are rare at its tier
  • Excellent coverage for ventral and dorsal turrets
  • Defensive turrets are excellent against unarmoured aircraft
  • Two back facing turrets one on top and one at the bottom so the defensive turrets can fire at a wide angle
  • Engine performs at high altitude

Cons:

  • Very vulnerable when the gunner is taken out
  • Turrets lack punch, particularly when compared to the Beaufort
  • Poor bomb load, even for its tier
  • Offensive machine gun lacks any firepower
  • No bulletproof glass or armour to protect the pilots from head-on attacks
  • Can be very sluggish if an engine goes down
  • Poor climb rate

History

Making the first mission of WW2, then the next day, the first bombing raid, the Blenheim Mk IV was a vital part of the RAF's early war effort. It became obsolete in 1942 as newer planes and technology made the Bristol Blenheim outdated.


Archive of the in-game description

Originally developed as a prototype fast civilian transport aircraft, the Bristol Blenheim was a British light bomber widely used during the early days of the Second World War. The Blenheim was the first British all-metal aircraft and one of the first with a retractable landing gear, an electric defensive turret and a variable pitch propeller. Conversion from fixed-gear biplane bombers with fixed-pitch propellers to Blenheims, with their modern features, proved troublesome for some squadrons. Large numbers of levers, often poorly positioned, had great potential to cause confusion in critical stages of flight. For example, the landing gear lever was close to the flap lever, which sometimes led to retraction of flaps together with landing gear at takeoff, causing an immediate loss of lift. Improper prop pitch setting at takeoff often led to an overly long takeoff run and passing the runway threshold without becoming airborne.

The Blenheim Mk IV was not, as is often thought, a variant of the Mk I. Rather it was based on the Type 149 variant, based on the 11/36 requirement for a coastal reconnaissance/light bomber to replace the Avro Anson. During flight trials the Mk IV reached a top speed of 266 mph; faster than the Mk I. However, the data was misleading as the speed was reached at 12,000 ft, whereas the Mk I was tested at sea level, where it reached 239 mph - the Mk I was slightly faster at altitude. Unfortunately, this became obvious in combat, when Mk IVs fared no better against Luftwaffe fighters than the Mk I. It quickly became clear that Blenheims needed fighter escorts.

Whilst certainly one of the world's fastest aircraft during the prototype phase in 1935, the Blenheim did not have the speed to compete with enemy fighters by 1939. This, combined with its poor defensive armament and light payload made it an unsuccessful bomber, but tragically for the crews of RAF Bomber Command, it was available in large numbers. The Blenheim squadron losses up to 1941 were amongst the worst suffered by the RAF during the entire war. A modification of the Blenheim MkI did, however, have some notable successes as a pioneering night fighter until more suitable aircraft were developed in that role.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #176 - Pages of History section at 04:02 discusses the Blenheim.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Bristol Aeroplane Company
Strike Aircraft  Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Beaufighter Mk VIc · Beaufighter Mk X · Beaufighter Mk 21*
Bombers  Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII* · Brigand B 1
  * License-produced in Australia by Department of Aircraft Production.

Britain bombers
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

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