Difference between revisions of "DB-7 (Great Britain)"

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{{About
 
−
| about = gift British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other versions
 
−
| link = DB-7 (Family)
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=db_7
 
|code=db_7
Line 12: Line 7:
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 premium gift 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 '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift 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. It was a reward for the [[wt:en/news/2598--en|2014 War Thunder birthday]] and was available as a battle trophy vehicle in the Warbond shop from [[wt:en/news/5432-news-how-can-you-get-premium-vehicles-warbonds-en|April 2018]] to [[wt:en/news/5668-news-how-can-you-get-premium-vehicles-warbonds-en|August 2018]] and from the [[Battle Pass: Season I, 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory]] until the end of the [[Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur"]]. It was also a reward of the "10 rare vehicles" event during [[wt:en/news/7945-special-happy-anniversary-war-thunder-en|War Thunder's 10th Anniversary]] in 2022.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 90: Line 85:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
 
* 12.7 mm steel in front of the cockpit
 
* 12.7 mm steel in front of the cockpit
 
* 8 mm steel lower side of the cockpit
 
* 8 mm steel lower side of the cockpit
 
* 9.5mm steel pilots seat
 
* 9.5mm steel pilots seat
−
* 12.7mm steel below, behind and in front of the rear gunner
+
* 12.7 mm steel below, behind and in front of the rear gunner
 
* No armour glazing
 
* No armour glazing
 
* Critical components located in the front and wings of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* Critical components located in the front and wings of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
Line 132: Line 128:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The DB-7 is a very fast aircraft for its rank, it can outrun most aircraft it faces in level flight. The DB-7 has four 7.5 mm light machine guns in the nose that are fixed and controlled by the pilot. Two additional guns are located in turrets facing the rear, one above and one below the fuselage. The upper turret has better coverage than the lower. Although the defensive armament may seem underwhelming, they are more than capable of dealing with planes of a lower BR. They can still be made to work against higher level planes if AP-T or AP belts are used. As always, one should aim for the pursuer's engine.
+
The DB-7 is a very fast aircraft for its rank, as it can outrun most aircraft it faces in level flight. The DB-7 has four 7.5 mm light machine guns in the nose that are fixed and controlled by the pilot. Two additional guns are located in turrets facing the rear, one above and one below the fuselage. The upper turret has better coverage than the lower one. Although the defensive armament may seem underwhelming, they are more than capable of dealing with planes of a lower BR. They can still be made to work against higher BR planes if AP-T or AP belts are used. As always, one should aim for the pursuer's engine.
  
−
The recommended belt for the offensive weaponry is the Tracers belt (IT). For the defensive weaponry, the AP-T belt (IT/AP) is the best choice
+
The recommended belt for the offensive weaponry is the Tracers belt (IT). For the defensive weaponry, the AP-T belt (IT/AP) is the best choice.
  
−
The good level speed allows for hit and run tactics, however, some dedicated fighter pilots may choose to hunt you down regardless. In such cases try to run for allied fighters and drag the enemy behind. Alternatively, the superior climb rate in comparison to other bombers allows climbing above one's allies which subsequently act as meat shield i.e. other bombers are easier targets. Although this can turn into a false sense of security. Stay vigilant.
+
The good level speed allows for hit and run tactics, however, some dedicated fighter pilots may choose to hunt you down regardless. In such cases try to run for allied fighters and drag the enemy behind. Alternatively, the superior climb rate in comparison to other bombers allows climbing above one's allies which subsequently act as meat shield i.e. other bombers are easier targets. However, this can turn into a false sense of security. Stay vigilant.
  
−
It is best to use the plane as a fast attacker. Keep your altitude and proceed to bomb points. Once your payload is delivered, you can engage enemy fighters which should still be climbing to reach your altitude while being careful not to become outnumbered or dive towards friendly forces in order to gain cover. Few are the planes which will be able to keep up with you if you choose the latter. If you are on a map with lots of vital soft targets, you can always engage those. One has to keep in mind that doing so will leave him exposed to enemy interceptors. If you decide to engage enemy fighters, you will find that the DB-7 is quite manoeuvrable for its size. Always keep an eye on your speed and avoid depleting too much of it in case you need to flee from the battle. The DB-7 can soak up a lot on LMG fire and return to base. The radial engines can also take a lot of punishment before going out. If the rest of its fuselage is not damaged, the aircraft can easily fly on one engine. HMGs and canons will quickly render the plane uncontrollable.
+
It is best to use the plane as a fast attacker. Keep your altitude and proceed to bomb points. Once your payload is delivered, you can engage enemy fighters which should still be climbing to reach your altitude while being careful not to become outnumbered or dive towards friendly forces in order to gain cover. Few planes will be able to keep up with you if you choose the latter. If you are on a map with lots of vital soft targets, you can always engage those. One has to keep in mind that doing so will leave one exposed to enemy interceptors. If you decide to engage enemy fighters, you will find that the DB-7 is quite manoeuvrable for its size. Always keep an eye on your speed and avoid depleting too much of it in case you need to flee from the battle. The DB-7 can soak up a lot on LMG fire and return to base. The radial engines can also take a lot of punishment before going out. If the rest of its fuselage is not damaged, the aircraft can easily fly on one engine. HMGs and canons will quickly render the plane uncontrollable.
  
 
While a lot of the above is true, it is much more important to stick with friendly forces since one can easily become outnumbered if on his own near the enemy's spawn point.
 
While a lot of the above is true, it is much more important to stick with friendly forces since one can easily become outnumbered if on his own near the enemy's spawn point.
 +
 +
In mixed ground battles, most SPAAs will not be able to land a deadly hit if the aircraft is going fast and conserving its energy well. After dropping its payload, the aircraft can be effectively used to destroy open-topped vehicles. The speed of the aircraft allows it to flank the map and fly over the battlefield from a direction the enemy didn't expect, which lets it take out SPAAs whilst flying in a straight line to shoot. However, due to the ease of spawning a fighter aircraft in Ground RB, you should always keep an eye out for fighters which will try to take you out whilst you're turning.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 164: Line 162:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Fast for its rank and role.
+
* Fast and manoeuvrable for its size and role
−
* Decent bomb load (4 x 500 lb).
+
* Decent bomb load (4 x 500 lb)
−
* Has offensive armaments (4 x 7.5 mm machine guns).
+
* Has offensive armaments (4 x 7.5 mm machine guns)
−
* Good amount of rounds for the offensive armament (2,000 rounds, 500 per gun).
+
* Good amount of rounds for the offensive armament (2,000 rounds, 500 per gun)
−
* Can soak up damage from and return to base with an engine out.
+
* Can soak up damage from and return to base with an engine out
−
* Can go up to 434 mph or 700 km/h IAS in a dive and maintain control.
+
* Can go up to 700 km/h or 434 mph IAS in a dive and maintain control
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Armament, both offensive and defensive, can become inadequate tougher enemies.
+
* Armament, both offensive and defensive, can become inadequate against tougher enemies
−
* Prone to fires.
+
* Prone to fires
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 Douglas DB-7 was an American-built light bomber and attack aircraft used by the French, American, Soviet and British Commonwealth air forces during WWII. The French air force was the first air force to order the DB-7 (designated Boston at the time): as a result, the French DB-7s were the first to see service, fighting German units during the Battle of France. The DB-7 would later serve in the air forces of multiple air forces as an attacker, bomber and night fighter.
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
The original design of the DB-7 (Douglas Bomber 7) featured a pair of 450 hp engines, but after the Spanish Civil war proved that such an aircraft would be highly underpowered, the design was cancelled. However, in 1938, the Douglas Aircraft Company recommenced the development of the aircraft, now powered by a pair of 1,100 hp Pratt & Whitney twin wasp engines; this aircraft was faster and carried a larger 2,000 lb (900 kg) bomb load. The French immediately took interest to the aircraft and observed the development and testing process; even after a testing crash that killed a French observer, the French buying commission was sufficiently impressed to order 100 aircraft for use with the French Air Force.
 +
 
 +
The 100 DB-7 Bostons ordered by the French Air Force were delivered beginning from October 1939. The French were responsible for delivering the aircraft to France; as a result, the aircraft were shipped to Casablanca, where they were re-assembled and handed over to French units. By the start of the Battle of France, France possessed 70 of the 100 ordered aircraft, enough to equip three squadrons.
 +
 
 +
Following the beginning of the Battle of France, the DB-7 squadrons were relocated to France, where they were used against German units, flying ~70 sorties against German ground forces and losing eight aircraft. With the fall of France looming ahead, the aircraft were transferred back to North Africa to avoid capture by German Forces. For a short time, the aircraft were under the control of Vichy France and flew sorties against Allied forces; after the French forces in Africa rejoined the Allies, the aircraft were relegated to second-line duties, being replaced by B-26 Marauders in the frontline attack role. Several aircraft would be relocated to France in the waning days of the war to fight against the Germans, but most of the French DB-7s would see no further combat service.
 +
 
 +
''Note: while this aircraft is in the Great Britain aircraft tree, it is actually a French DB-7 with French markings.''
 +
 
 +
{{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}}
 
The Douglas DB-7 (DB-7B3) was a twin-engine light bomber/ground-attack aircraft of all metal construction. Jack Northrop started to develop this aircraft as early as 1936, on his own personal initiative. When, in 1937, the United States Army Air Corps command formulated its requirements for a next-generation ground-attack aircraft/bomber, the draft design of the Model 7A multi-purpose aircraft (which would combine the functions of a light bomber, a ground-attack aircraft, and a reconnaissance aircraft) was already complete.
 
The Douglas DB-7 (DB-7B3) was a twin-engine light bomber/ground-attack aircraft of all metal construction. Jack Northrop started to develop this aircraft as early as 1936, on his own personal initiative. When, in 1937, the United States Army Air Corps command formulated its requirements for a next-generation ground-attack aircraft/bomber, the draft design of the Model 7A multi-purpose aircraft (which would combine the functions of a light bomber, a ground-attack aircraft, and a reconnaissance aircraft) was already complete.
  
Line 191: Line 200:
  
 
The American aircraft were designated DB-7B3 (B3 meaning "three-seat bomber") by the French Air Force. In the summer of 1940, DB-7s participated in combat operations in Southern France, where they suffered serious losses assaulting German tank columns without fighter cover. After the French surrender, these aircraft were used in the service of the Vichy French government who collaborated with Nazi Germany. In November 1942 the same aircraft were used to strike the British-American landing forces in Algeria during Operation Torch.
 
The American aircraft were designated DB-7B3 (B3 meaning "three-seat bomber") by the French Air Force. In the summer of 1940, DB-7s participated in combat operations in Southern France, where they suffered serious losses assaulting German tank columns without fighter cover. After the French surrender, these aircraft were used in the service of the Vichy French government who collaborated with Nazi Germany. In November 1942 the same aircraft were used to strike the British-American landing forces in Algeria during Operation Torch.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, 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=db_7 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|cxkPq8ICn3Y|'''The Shooting Range #25''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 00:42 discusses the DB-7.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|cxkPq8ICn3Y|'''The Shooting Range #25''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 00:42 discusses the DB-7.}}
  
Line 200: Line 216:
 
* ''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.'' -->
 +
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
 +
 +
* Douglas [[DB-7 (Family)|DB-7]]
 
* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26]] Invader
 
* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26]] Invader
  
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 
* Bristol [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]]
 
* Bristol [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]]
 
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 110 (Family)|Bf 110]]
 
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 110 (Family)|Bf 110]]
Line 212: Line 232:
 
<!-- ''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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 13:19, 1 October 2023

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
▄DB-7
db_7.png
GarageImage DB-7 (Great Britain).jpg
▄DB-7
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.3 2.3 2.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
Show in game
MARKET

Description

The ▄DB-7 is a premium gift rank II British bomber with a battle rating of 2.3 (AB/RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It was a reward for the 2014 War Thunder birthday and was available as a battle trophy vehicle in the Warbond shop from April 2018 to August 2018 and from the Battle Pass: Season I, 75th Anniversary of the Great Victory until the end of the Battle Pass: Season IV, "Fearless Voltigeur". It was also a reward of the "10 rare vehicles" event during War Thunder's 10th Anniversary in 2022.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 2 895 m491 km/h
Turn time28 s
Max altitude7 200 m
Engine2 х Pratt & Whitney S3CG
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight8 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 2,896 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 476 462 7200 28.9 29.7 9.5 9.4 550
Upgraded 505 491 27.2 28.0 13.5 11.5

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 + -
665 296 428 406 296 ~8 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 260 < 320 < 300 > 320
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,090 m 1,050 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

Crew4 people
Speed of destruction
Structural665 km/h
Gear296 km/h
  • 12.7 mm steel in front of the cockpit
  • 8 mm steel lower side of the cockpit
  • 9.5mm steel pilots seat
  • 12.7 mm steel below, behind and in front of the rear gunner
  • No armour glazing
  • Critical components located in the front and wings of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 095 Sl icon.png
RB4 224 Sl icon.png
SB864 Sl icon.png
Crew training2 300 Sl icon.png
Experts15 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 170 / 180 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS(a)
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
7_5mm_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mac39_new_gun
Mods turret gun.png
mac39_turret_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate1 350 shots/min
Main article: MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The DB-7 (Great Britain) is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 14 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb
Main article: AN-M64A1 (500 lb)

The DB-7 (Great Britain) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

2 х Turret7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate1350 shots/min
Main article: MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)

The DB-7 (Great Britain) is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

Usage in battles

The DB-7 is a very fast aircraft for its rank, as it can outrun most aircraft it faces in level flight. The DB-7 has four 7.5 mm light machine guns in the nose that are fixed and controlled by the pilot. Two additional guns are located in turrets facing the rear, one above and one below the fuselage. The upper turret has better coverage than the lower one. Although the defensive armament may seem underwhelming, they are more than capable of dealing with planes of a lower BR. They can still be made to work against higher BR planes if AP-T or AP belts are used. As always, one should aim for the pursuer's engine.

The recommended belt for the offensive weaponry is the Tracers belt (IT). For the defensive weaponry, the AP-T belt (IT/AP) is the best choice.

The good level speed allows for hit and run tactics, however, some dedicated fighter pilots may choose to hunt you down regardless. In such cases try to run for allied fighters and drag the enemy behind. Alternatively, the superior climb rate in comparison to other bombers allows climbing above one's allies which subsequently act as meat shield i.e. other bombers are easier targets. However, this can turn into a false sense of security. Stay vigilant.

It is best to use the plane as a fast attacker. Keep your altitude and proceed to bomb points. Once your payload is delivered, you can engage enemy fighters which should still be climbing to reach your altitude while being careful not to become outnumbered or dive towards friendly forces in order to gain cover. Few planes will be able to keep up with you if you choose the latter. If you are on a map with lots of vital soft targets, you can always engage those. One has to keep in mind that doing so will leave one exposed to enemy interceptors. If you decide to engage enemy fighters, you will find that the DB-7 is quite manoeuvrable for its size. Always keep an eye on your speed and avoid depleting too much of it in case you need to flee from the battle. The DB-7 can soak up a lot on LMG fire and return to base. The radial engines can also take a lot of punishment before going out. If the rest of its fuselage is not damaged, the aircraft can easily fly on one engine. HMGs and canons will quickly render the plane uncontrollable.

While a lot of the above is true, it is much more important to stick with friendly forces since one can easily become outnumbered if on his own near the enemy's spawn point.

In mixed ground battles, most SPAAs will not be able to land a deadly hit if the aircraft is going fast and conserving its energy well. After dropping its payload, the aircraft can be effectively used to destroy open-topped vehicles. The speed of the aircraft allows it to flank the map and fly over the battlefield from a direction the enemy didn't expect, which lets it take out SPAAs whilst flying in a straight line to shoot. However, due to the ease of spawning a fighter aircraft in Ground RB, you should always keep an eye out for fighters which will try to take you out whilst you're turning.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fast and manoeuvrable for its size and role
  • Decent bomb load (4 x 500 lb)
  • Has offensive armaments (4 x 7.5 mm machine guns)
  • Good amount of rounds for the offensive armament (2,000 rounds, 500 per gun)
  • Can soak up damage from and return to base with an engine out
  • Can go up to 700 km/h or 434 mph IAS in a dive and maintain control

Cons:

  • Armament, both offensive and defensive, can become inadequate against tougher enemies
  • Prone to fires

History

The Douglas DB-7 was an American-built light bomber and attack aircraft used by the French, American, Soviet and British Commonwealth air forces during WWII. The French air force was the first air force to order the DB-7 (designated Boston at the time): as a result, the French DB-7s were the first to see service, fighting German units during the Battle of France. The DB-7 would later serve in the air forces of multiple air forces as an attacker, bomber and night fighter.

The original design of the DB-7 (Douglas Bomber 7) featured a pair of 450 hp engines, but after the Spanish Civil war proved that such an aircraft would be highly underpowered, the design was cancelled. However, in 1938, the Douglas Aircraft Company recommenced the development of the aircraft, now powered by a pair of 1,100 hp Pratt & Whitney twin wasp engines; this aircraft was faster and carried a larger 2,000 lb (900 kg) bomb load. The French immediately took interest to the aircraft and observed the development and testing process; even after a testing crash that killed a French observer, the French buying commission was sufficiently impressed to order 100 aircraft for use with the French Air Force.

The 100 DB-7 Bostons ordered by the French Air Force were delivered beginning from October 1939. The French were responsible for delivering the aircraft to France; as a result, the aircraft were shipped to Casablanca, where they were re-assembled and handed over to French units. By the start of the Battle of France, France possessed 70 of the 100 ordered aircraft, enough to equip three squadrons.

Following the beginning of the Battle of France, the DB-7 squadrons were relocated to France, where they were used against German units, flying ~70 sorties against German ground forces and losing eight aircraft. With the fall of France looming ahead, the aircraft were transferred back to North Africa to avoid capture by German Forces. For a short time, the aircraft were under the control of Vichy France and flew sorties against Allied forces; after the French forces in Africa rejoined the Allies, the aircraft were relegated to second-line duties, being replaced by B-26 Marauders in the frontline attack role. Several aircraft would be relocated to France in the waning days of the war to fight against the Germans, but most of the French DB-7s would see no further combat service.

Note: while this aircraft is in the Great Britain aircraft tree, it is actually a French DB-7 with French markings.


Archive of the in-game description

The Douglas DB-7 (DB-7B3) was a twin-engine light bomber/ground-attack aircraft of all metal construction. Jack Northrop started to develop this aircraft as early as 1936, on his own personal initiative. When, in 1937, the United States Army Air Corps command formulated its requirements for a next-generation ground-attack aircraft/bomber, the draft design of the Model 7A multi-purpose aircraft (which would combine the functions of a light bomber, a ground-attack aircraft, and a reconnaissance aircraft) was already complete.

In the meantime, the small Northrop Aviation Corporation was taken over by the Douglas Aircraft Company. Since the USAAC had not made their final choice about their main bomber, the Douglas Aircraft Company continued working on the aircraft, despite having no guarantee of its profitability. The first Model 7B prototype conducted its first test flight on October 26th 1938.

The French Purchasing Commission took an interest in the new aircraft and placed an order for a total of 100 aircraft in February 1939. The Model 7B prototype aircraft was altered at the customer's request: the modified aircraft, designated the DB-7 (Douglas Bomber 7), made its first flight on August 17th 1939. The first production bomber was delivered to the French in October 1939.

The production DB-7 was equipped with 1,000 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-SC3-G radial air-cooled engines with Hamilton Standard Hydromatic 23E50 three-bladed variable-pitch metal propellers.

The aircraft's defensive armament consisted of six 7.5 mm Chatellerault MAC 1934 machine guns of French manufacture. Four of these belt-fed machine guns, with 500 rounds each, were located in the nose section on each side of the navigator's glazed cockpit. One machine gun was mounted in the radio operator/gunner's cockpit in the rear upper gun position, and another one in the lower hatch. Both machine guns had 500 rounds each (5 pan magazines with 100 rounds). The DB-7 had an enlarged bomb bay, with its payload increased to an 800 kg capacity.

The American aircraft were designated DB-7B3 (B3 meaning "three-seat bomber") by the French Air Force. In the summer of 1940, DB-7s participated in combat operations in Southern France, where they suffered serious losses assaulting German tank columns without fighter cover. After the French surrender, these aircraft were used in the service of the Vichy French government who collaborated with Nazi Germany. In November 1942 the same aircraft were used to strike the British-American landing forces in Algeria during Operation Torch.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #25 - Pages of History section at 00:42 discusses the DB-7.

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Douglas Aircraft Company
Strike Aircraft  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
Bombers  TBD-1 · B-18A · SBD-3 · BTD-1 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT
Turboprops  A2D-1
Jet Aircraft  F3D-1 · F4D-1
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4B · A-4E Early
Export  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7 · ▂A-20G-30 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · Ayit · A-4E
  The Douglas Aircraft Company merged with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas.

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

Britain premium aircraft
Fighters  Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II · ▄D.520
  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA
  Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  Typhoon Mk Ib · MB.5
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Whirlwind P.9
Jet fighters  Attacker FB.2 · Hunter FGA.9 · Lightning F.53 · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · ▄MiG-21 Bison
Strike aircraft  ▄Wirraway · Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Wyvern S4
  Harrier GR.1 · Strikemaster Mk.88
Bombers  ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▄DB-7 · ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Hudson Mk V · Swordfish Mk II

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