Difference between revisions of "M.B.174A-3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=mb_174_a3}}
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{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=mb_174_a3
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|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}} French bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
 +
 
 +
The M.B.174 is a fast bomber made for ground attack. Like a twin-engine strike aircraft, it is able to drop bombs with high accuracy in a ground attack role and use its speed to get away from any return fire.
  
 
== 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.''-->
 +
The M.B.174A-3 is rather manoeuvrable flying in a straight line since the aircraft can roll pretty well and has acceptable elevator motion. When in a combat situation, this changes considerably as the plane is difficult to handle in dives and turns. Trying to approach a bombing target in a diving turn, the M.B.174 is very slow to turn around and the bow keeps pointing way off the line of flight. Even using full rudder control, the bow of the plane just does not follow the turn, making it likely that the bombs will miss their target. In addition, the M.B.174 does not conserve energy well and trying to climb will reduce speed to under 200 km/h, in which case the pilot can expect to be an easy score for any enemy.
 +
 
 +
But like all aircraft at this BR, the best solution for air combat is not getting caught in the first place. The M.B.174 however can run away better than its peers because it is blazing fast; it easily outruns all but the fastest fighters and any strike aircraft trying to intercept you bites the dust in a chase. The speed is definitely something which the M.B.174 has over other single-engined strike aircraft, as it has two 1,073 HP engines which easily outpower anything at the BR it is in.
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,780 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
 +
| 511 || 497 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.9 || 20.6 || 8.2 || 8.2 || rowspan="2" | 450
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 566 || 537 || 18.7 || 19.0 || 16.4 || 11.6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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 !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 330 || 317 || 260 || ~12 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 325 || < 200 || < 480 || > 180
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot's head.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
The stock configuration gives you largely ineffective 50 kg bombs, so researching the 500 kg bomb is imperative to the plane's success.
  
 
== 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}}
 +
<!-- ''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|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
 
 +
The two machine guns are arranged with one mounted in each wing. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty. The problem with using your frontal armament is that you will have a hard time lining up on your target considering the sluggish turn time and the rapid energy bleeding which comes with moving your plane in ways it was never designed for: hitting anything with your two rifle-calibre MGs is also hard because the guns are mounted on the wings, very far away from the centre of the aircraft, making gun convergence a huge factor in aiming.
  
 
=== 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}}
 +
<!-- ''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.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg)|No.2 (500 kg)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 8 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (400 kg total)
 +
* 1 x 500 kg No.2 bomb (500 kg 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|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
* 2 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
 +
* 3 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,500 total)
 +
 
 +
The defensive armament of two MGs on the back of the cockpit does not amount to much, although if you can move your plane into directly lining up with the enemy on your six you can unleash the three bottom-mounted MGs too which might suffice in taking down the pursuer.
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
With its heaviest and most effective bombload being a single 500 kg bomb held by bomb locks, the M.B.174 can effectively dive bomb. The recommended strategy is basically to dive on targets to secure a kill with a low number of high-weight bombs; a playstyle similar to the [[Ju 87 B-2]] or the [[TBF-1C]]. The only limitation to this strategy is that you cannot drop bombs while making a diving turn due to your twin-engine configuration. However, considering those engines provide you with a near-unmatched speed this is a worthwhile tradeoff.
 +
 
 +
Tactics should be focused on bombing ground targets with a straight line approach and a clear exit away from the enemy. The 50 kg bombs are not effective against any ground target. In attack mode, the 7.5 mm MG don't make much of a dent on enemies, and since ammo runs out quickly, any attack must be carefully planned. Attacking bombers at higher altitude is not advisable. Fighters busy in turn fights can be attacked if you have an altitude advantage and a line of exit. After bombing the target, by turning away from the enemy and descending at the same time you will probably be able either to outrun or keep up with most of the enemy fighters at this BR.
 +
 
 +
In conclusion; the M.B.174 is a twin-engine strike aircraft disguised as a bomber, with a superb speed and reasonable manoeuvrability. It however lacks sufficient defensive armament and the frontal armament is only effective against unaware open-topped vehicles. The bomb load is comparable to other strike aircraft of the BR, though the stock loadout is largely ineffective. All things considered it is definitely a good plane to have in your ground RB lineup, considering it can drop the 500 kg bomb pretty precisely and evade any AA or pursuers after securing a kill. In air battles, the plane is largely overshadowed in the bomber role by the [[N.C.223.3]] and in the twin-engine strike role by the [[Potez 631]].
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Superb speed for a bomber
 +
* Extremely manoeuvrable for a bomber
 +
* Has offensive armament which despite its weakness makes it relatively unique to other bombers
 +
* Can drop a very forgiving bomb with high precision in a ground attack role
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Extremely weak stock payload
−
''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.''
+
* Poor defensive armament
 +
* Has little purpose in air battles
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
Evolution of the MB.170, this new model definitively abandoned the belly turret and the crew's typical layout was revised. The cockpit and front-end glazing were again modified, however, the MB.170-02's tail was retained. Intended specifically for reconnaissance with a secondary bombing mission, the prototype took the air on 5 January 1939 in Villacoublay piloted by René Le Bail with 14M-20/21 Gnome & Rhône engines of 1,030 hp. Six pre-production aircraft were ordered to activate the development of the twin-engine aircraft, but this aircraft proved to be very fast and easy to fly from the first tests, manoeuvrable even at very high altitude and an order for 50 serial copies was notified on 1 February 1939. Intended to replace the Potez 63.11 of the war, they were to receive 14M-48/49 Gnome & Rhône engines of 1,100 hp, but the first tests carried out with the pre-series aircraft revealed cooling problems. It was, therefore, necessary to reduce the diameter of the propeller pans in order to increase the airflow on the cylinder heads. Finally, just before the commissioning it was decided to increase the armament, which was finally attached to two 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns in the wings and three mounted in removable ventral fairings pulling forward, a dorsal machine gun and a ventral weapon of the same type pulling backwards. The belly compartment allowed 400 kg of bombs to be carried, but in its initial version, its capacity was in fact limited to 8 x 40 kg bombs which was clearly insufficient in most operations. The production was launched in November 1939 at the SNCASO plant in Bordeaux-Mérignac, but because of the modifications made to the planes during their development the first 20 MB.174 were accepted by the air force only in February 1940 and put into service in March 1940 to the strategic reconnaissance group GR II/33. 56 copies were delivered until June 22, 1940. In operations, this twin-engine aircraft was able to outrun the best German fighters then in service and only 4 MB.174 were lost to the enemy during the Battle of France.
 +
 
 +
During Battle of France on May 1940, the famous French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery flew a Bloch M. B 174 with the Groupe de reconnaissance II/33 in a squadron of Armée de l'Air. On 23rd May of 1940, he made a recon mission above the city of Arras during the German invasion and his plane was heavily damaged by Flak and attacked by fighters however he managed to get back at his airfield and save his crew. Due to this heroic action, he was awarded of Croix de Guerre (Iron Cross) on 2nd June 1940. This mission inspired him a book named Pilote de Guerre. (Flight to Arras)
  
 
== 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=mb_174_a3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
== Read 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 ==
+
== 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/385697-bloch-mb-174-a3/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Dassault}}
 +
{{France bombers}}

Latest revision as of 15:32, 2 January 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
M.B.174A-3
mb_174_a3.png
GarageImage M.B.174A-3.jpg
ArtImage M.B.174A-3.png
M.B.174A-3
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:3 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The M.B.174A-3 is a rank I French bomber with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB) and 2.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France".

The M.B.174 is a fast bomber made for ground attack. Like a twin-engine strike aircraft, it is able to drop bombs with high accuracy in a ground attack role and use its speed to get away from any return fire.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 780 m537 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude10 300 m
Engine2 х Gnome Rhone 14N-48
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t

The M.B.174A-3 is rather manoeuvrable flying in a straight line since the aircraft can roll pretty well and has acceptable elevator motion. When in a combat situation, this changes considerably as the plane is difficult to handle in dives and turns. Trying to approach a bombing target in a diving turn, the M.B.174 is very slow to turn around and the bow keeps pointing way off the line of flight. Even using full rudder control, the bow of the plane just does not follow the turn, making it likely that the bombs will miss their target. In addition, the M.B.174 does not conserve energy well and trying to climb will reduce speed to under 200 km/h, in which case the pilot can expect to be an easy score for any enemy.

But like all aircraft at this BR, the best solution for air combat is not getting caught in the first place. The M.B.174 however can run away better than its peers because it is blazing fast; it easily outruns all but the fastest fighters and any strike aircraft trying to intercept you bites the dust in a chase. The speed is definitely something which the M.B.174 has over other single-engined strike aircraft, as it has two 1,073 HP engines which easily outpower anything at the BR it is in.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,780 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 511 497 10300 19.9 20.6 8.2 8.2 450
Upgraded 566 537 18.7 19.0 16.4 11.6

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 + -
680 280 330 317 260 ~12 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 325 < 200 < 480 > 180

Survivability and armour

Crew3 people
Speed of destruction
Structural680 km/h
Gear280 km/h
  • 8 mm Steel plate behind the pilot's head.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB355 → 447 Sl icon.png
RB616 → 776 Sl icon.png
SB925 → 1 166 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 940 Rp icon.png
4 480 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost410 Ge icon.png
Crew training1 800 Sl icon.png
Experts6 300 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces135 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 50 / 100 % Sl icon.png
106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_belt_pack
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mac39_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
500 GPs
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_turret_belt_pack
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
mac39_turret_new_gun
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png

The stock configuration gives you largely ineffective 50 kg bombs, so researching the 500 kg bomb is imperative to the plane's success.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition1 000 rounds
Fire rate1 350 shots/min
Main article: MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The M.B.174A-3 is armed with:

  • 2 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, wing-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

The two machine guns are arranged with one mounted in each wing. Each is armed with the same amount of ammunition, which means that all guns will fire with each other until empty. The problem with using your frontal armament is that you will have a hard time lining up on your target considering the sluggish turn time and the rapid energy bleeding which comes with moving your plane in ways it was never designed for: hitting anything with your two rifle-calibre MGs is also hard because the guns are mounted on the wings, very far away from the centre of the aircraft, making gun convergence a huge factor in aiming.

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 18 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50
Setup 21 x 500 kg No.2
Main articles: G.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg), No.2 (500 kg)

The M.B.174A-3 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 8 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (400 kg total)
  • 1 x 500 kg No.2 bomb (500 kg total)

Defensive armament

Turret2 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Fire rate1350 shots/min
Turret3 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition1500 rounds
Fire rate1350 shots/min
Main article: MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The M.B.174A-3 is defended by:

  • 2 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 3 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,500 total)

The defensive armament of two MGs on the back of the cockpit does not amount to much, although if you can move your plane into directly lining up with the enemy on your six you can unleash the three bottom-mounted MGs too which might suffice in taking down the pursuer.

Usage in battles

With its heaviest and most effective bombload being a single 500 kg bomb held by bomb locks, the M.B.174 can effectively dive bomb. The recommended strategy is basically to dive on targets to secure a kill with a low number of high-weight bombs; a playstyle similar to the Ju 87 B-2 or the TBF-1C. The only limitation to this strategy is that you cannot drop bombs while making a diving turn due to your twin-engine configuration. However, considering those engines provide you with a near-unmatched speed this is a worthwhile tradeoff.

Tactics should be focused on bombing ground targets with a straight line approach and a clear exit away from the enemy. The 50 kg bombs are not effective against any ground target. In attack mode, the 7.5 mm MG don't make much of a dent on enemies, and since ammo runs out quickly, any attack must be carefully planned. Attacking bombers at higher altitude is not advisable. Fighters busy in turn fights can be attacked if you have an altitude advantage and a line of exit. After bombing the target, by turning away from the enemy and descending at the same time you will probably be able either to outrun or keep up with most of the enemy fighters at this BR.

In conclusion; the M.B.174 is a twin-engine strike aircraft disguised as a bomber, with a superb speed and reasonable manoeuvrability. It however lacks sufficient defensive armament and the frontal armament is only effective against unaware open-topped vehicles. The bomb load is comparable to other strike aircraft of the BR, though the stock loadout is largely ineffective. All things considered it is definitely a good plane to have in your ground RB lineup, considering it can drop the 500 kg bomb pretty precisely and evade any AA or pursuers after securing a kill. In air battles, the plane is largely overshadowed in the bomber role by the N.C.223.3 and in the twin-engine strike role by the Potez 631.

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:

  • Superb speed for a bomber
  • Extremely manoeuvrable for a bomber
  • Has offensive armament which despite its weakness makes it relatively unique to other bombers
  • Can drop a very forgiving bomb with high precision in a ground attack role

Cons:

  • Extremely weak stock payload
  • Poor defensive armament
  • Has little purpose in air battles

History

Evolution of the MB.170, this new model definitively abandoned the belly turret and the crew's typical layout was revised. The cockpit and front-end glazing were again modified, however, the MB.170-02's tail was retained. Intended specifically for reconnaissance with a secondary bombing mission, the prototype took the air on 5 January 1939 in Villacoublay piloted by René Le Bail with 14M-20/21 Gnome & Rhône engines of 1,030 hp. Six pre-production aircraft were ordered to activate the development of the twin-engine aircraft, but this aircraft proved to be very fast and easy to fly from the first tests, manoeuvrable even at very high altitude and an order for 50 serial copies was notified on 1 February 1939. Intended to replace the Potez 63.11 of the war, they were to receive 14M-48/49 Gnome & Rhône engines of 1,100 hp, but the first tests carried out with the pre-series aircraft revealed cooling problems. It was, therefore, necessary to reduce the diameter of the propeller pans in order to increase the airflow on the cylinder heads. Finally, just before the commissioning it was decided to increase the armament, which was finally attached to two 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns in the wings and three mounted in removable ventral fairings pulling forward, a dorsal machine gun and a ventral weapon of the same type pulling backwards. The belly compartment allowed 400 kg of bombs to be carried, but in its initial version, its capacity was in fact limited to 8 x 40 kg bombs which was clearly insufficient in most operations. The production was launched in November 1939 at the SNCASO plant in Bordeaux-Mérignac, but because of the modifications made to the planes during their development the first 20 MB.174 were accepted by the air force only in February 1940 and put into service in March 1940 to the strategic reconnaissance group GR II/33. 56 copies were delivered until June 22, 1940. In operations, this twin-engine aircraft was able to outrun the best German fighters then in service and only 4 MB.174 were lost to the enemy during the Battle of France.

During Battle of France on May 1940, the famous French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupery flew a Bloch M. B 174 with the Groupe de reconnaissance II/33 in a squadron of Armée de l'Air. On 23rd May of 1940, he made a recon mission above the city of Arras during the German invasion and his plane was heavily damaged by Flak and attacked by fighters however he managed to get back at his airfield and save his crew. Due to this heroic action, he was awarded of Croix de Guerre (Iron Cross) on 2nd June 1940. This mission inspired him a book named Pilote de Guerre. (Flight to Arras)

Media

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See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Dassault Aviation
WW2* 
Fighters  M.B.152C1 · M.B.157
Bombers  M.B.162 · M.B.174A-3 · M.B.175T
Jet Aircraft 
M.D 450  M.D.450B Barougan · M.D.450B Ouragan
Mystère  M.D.452 IIA · M.D.452 IIC · Mystere IVA
Super Mystère  Super Mystere B2
Étendard  Etendard IVM
Super Étendard  Super Etendard
Alpha Jet  Alpha Jet E**
Mirage 
Mirage III  Mirage IIIC · Mirage IIIE · Milan
Mirage V  Mirage 5F
Mirage F1  Mirage F1C · Mirage F1C-200 · Mirage F1CT
Mirage 2000  Mirage 2000-5F · Mirage 2000C-S4 · Mirage 2000C-S5 · Mirage 2000D-R1
Mirage 4000  Mirage 4000
Export 
M.D 450  M.D.450B Ouragan
Mystere  Mystere IVA
Super Mystère  Sambad · Sa'ar***
Mirage  Shahak · ▄Mirage 5BA
  *The company was named "Société des Avions Marcel Bloch" before being renamed in 1947
  **Jointly manufactured with Dornier Flugzeugwerke
  ***Israeli Super Mystère refitted with new avionics and an American engine
See also  SABCA

France bombers
Farman  F.222.2 · N.C.223.3
Latécoère  Late 298D
Potez  Potez 633
Liore et Olivier  LeO 451 early · LeO 451 late
Bloch  M.B.174A-3 · M.B.162 · M.B.175T
American  V-156-F · Martin 167-A3 · ▄A-35B · ▄SB2C-5 · B-26C · ▄PBY-5A Late · ▄PB4Y-2
British  Lancaster MR.7

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