Difference between revisions of "B-34"
(I have added 2 paragraphs in the Usage in Battles section talking about highlighting the multitude of roles the aircraft can serve. I have also added a historical photo and a video link showing the strengths of the plane.) (Tag: Visual edit) |
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]]. | ||
| − | The B-34 is a typical American bomber in the sense that its decent payload is outdone by its defensive armament. While its maximum payload and the ability to carry a torpedo is nice, it's not necessarily as good as its ability to take and give out damage to other aircraft. Start with base/pillbox bombing, and should an enemy fighter come to engage, give him hell with your turrets. Do slight | + | The B-34 is a typical American bomber in the sense that its decent payload is outdone by its defensive armament. While its maximum payload and the ability to carry a torpedo is nice, it's not necessarily as good as its ability to take and give out damage to other aircraft. Start with base/pillbox bombing, and should an enemy fighter come to engage, give him hell with your turrets. Do slight ''maneuver''s constantly to throw off his shots while trying to put as many shells into his engine/pilot as possible. With any luck he will fall out of the sky in no time. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
| − | ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, | + | ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, maneuverability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' |
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
| Line 109: | Line 109: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | === Survivability and | + | === 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, 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 mm steel - in front of pilot | * 12 mm steel - in front of pilot | ||
* 12 mm steel - behind pilot | * 12 mm steel - behind pilot | ||
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
| + | |||
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total) | * 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total) | ||
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (375 rpg = 750 total) | * 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (375 rpg = 750 total) | ||
| Line 131: | Line 133: | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
| + | |||
* 7 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,750 lb total) | * 7 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,750 lb total) | ||
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,500 lb total) | * 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,500 lb total) | ||
| Line 140: | Line 143: | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | ||
| + | |||
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total) | * 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total) | ||
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, ventral turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total) | * 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, ventral turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total) | ||
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | + | In the hands of an experienced player, the B-34 can be one of, if not the deadliest aircraft of its tier. While being in the bomber line of the tech tree, the B-34 is better suited for use as a frontine bomber, bomber interceptor, and even a heavy fighter in some situations. If played in a bombing role, try to get in low and entice enemy fighters into chasing you while you go for your bombing targets; your powerful 12.7 mm turret will make quick work of most enemy's you'll encounter at its tier. If played as a bomber interceptor, aiming for crucial parts of the target's aircraft (Engine, wings, cockpit, Etc.) with your robust offensive armament will take down enemy bombers quickly and efficiently. Using the B-34 in a heavy fighter role will require the use of your flaps, so make sure to use them when appropriate; as the B-34 has poor energy retention. Head-on's with enemy fighters are ill-advised, as your pilot is quite susceptible to frontal enemy fire as well as your engines that will take damage quite easily. | |
| + | |||
| + | Your deadliest enemies will be aircraft with heavy machine gun or cannon armament (P-400, LaGG-3-8, Spitfire Mk II A, Etc.) It is advised to get familiar with using the 12.7 mm dorsal turret while doing evasive maneuvers using flaps for dealing with them quickly before they can do major damage to your aircraft. If they dive on you and fly in front of you for a bit, try to damage them with your frontal armament. Do not let anyone get under your belly, as it is a huge weak spot that knowledgeable players will exploit. In the hands of a skilled pilot, however, you will have no problem going for engine shutdowns or pilot snipes that will quickly send your foes back to the hangar. | ||
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
| Line 208: | Line 214: | ||
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| + | |||
* Reasonably effective armament consisting of 2 x 7.62 mm Brownings and 2 x 12.7 mm Brownings that are nose mounted | * Reasonably effective armament consisting of 2 x 7.62 mm Brownings and 2 x 12.7 mm Brownings that are nose mounted | ||
* Durable air frame for its BR | * Durable air frame for its BR | ||
| Line 217: | Line 224: | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| + | |||
* The belly of the aircraft is a massive blind spot in the aircraft's defence | * The belly of the aircraft is a massive blind spot in the aircraft's defence | ||
* Poor climb rate and energy retention | * Poor climb rate and energy retention | ||
| Line 222: | Line 230: | ||
* Steel construction makes this plane particularly heavy, and a small payload limits this plane's ability to be used as a tactical or strategic bomber. | * Steel construction makes this plane particularly heavy, and a small payload limits this plane's ability to be used as a tactical or strategic bomber. | ||
* The elevator can be shot off by an enemy plane easily. This can cause it to become uncontrollable in certain situations. However, it can still be controlled by operating flaps or adjusting engine power. | * The elevator can be shot off by an enemy plane easily. This can cause it to become uncontrollable in certain situations. However, it can still be controlled by operating flaps or adjusting engine power. | ||
| − | * Poor | + | * Poor maneuverability |
== History == | == History == | ||
| Line 229: | Line 237: | ||
== Media == | == Media == | ||
| − | + | [[File:Ventura LOC 8e01506u.jpg|thumb|232x232px]] | |
| + | Video from Bo Time Gaming showing the strengths of the B-34: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF2VBZIVaHQ&t=614s | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:'' | ||
| + | |||
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | * ''reference to the series of the aircraft;'' | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' | ||
| Line 238: | Line 248: | ||
== External links == | == 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;'' | ||
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;'' | * ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;'' | ||
Revision as of 17:44, 5 April 2020
Contents
| This page is about the American bomber B-34. For the navalised gift version, see PV-2D. |
Description
The B-34 is a rank II American bomber
with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB/SB) and 3.3 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".
The B-34 is a typical American bomber in the sense that its decent payload is outdone by its defensive armament. While its maximum payload and the ability to carry a torpedo is nice, it's not necessarily as good as its ability to take and give out damage to other aircraft. Start with base/pillbox bombing, and should an enemy fighter come to engage, give him hell with your turrets. Do slight maneuvers constantly to throw off his shots while trying to put as many shells into his engine/pilot as possible. With any luck he will fall out of the sky in no time.
General info
Flight performance
Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, maneuverability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.
| Characteristics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 4,572 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 510 | 497 | 9500 | 28.3 | 29.3 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 480 |
| Upgraded | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 4,572 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 573 | 539 | 9500 | 25.8 | 27.0 | 16.7 | 12 | 480 |
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
| Limits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flaps (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
| + | - | |||
| 340 | ~6 | ~3 | ||
| Optimal velocities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
| < 260 | < 290 | < 320 | > 337 |
| Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Setting 1 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 1,615 m | 1,600 hp | 1,984 hp |
| Setting 2 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 4,023 m | 1,450 hp | 1,798 hp |
Survivability and Armour
- 12 mm steel - in front of pilot
- 12 mm steel - behind pilot
- 12 mm steel - bulkhead behind cockpit
- 12 mm steel - tail bulkhead
- 20 mm steel - front of dorsal turret
Armaments
Offensive armament
The B-34 is armed with:
- 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
- 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (375 rpg = 750 total)
Suspended armament
The B-34 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 7 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (1,750 lb total)
- 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,500 lb total)
- 1 x Mk.13/44 torpedo
Defensive armament
The B-34 is defended by:
- 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
- 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, ventral turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
Usage in battles
In the hands of an experienced player, the B-34 can be one of, if not the deadliest aircraft of its tier. While being in the bomber line of the tech tree, the B-34 is better suited for use as a frontine bomber, bomber interceptor, and even a heavy fighter in some situations. If played in a bombing role, try to get in low and entice enemy fighters into chasing you while you go for your bombing targets; your powerful 12.7 mm turret will make quick work of most enemy's you'll encounter at its tier. If played as a bomber interceptor, aiming for crucial parts of the target's aircraft (Engine, wings, cockpit, Etc.) with your robust offensive armament will take down enemy bombers quickly and efficiently. Using the B-34 in a heavy fighter role will require the use of your flaps, so make sure to use them when appropriate; as the B-34 has poor energy retention. Head-on's with enemy fighters are ill-advised, as your pilot is quite susceptible to frontal enemy fire as well as your engines that will take damage quite easily.
Your deadliest enemies will be aircraft with heavy machine gun or cannon armament (P-400, LaGG-3-8, Spitfire Mk II A, Etc.) It is advised to get familiar with using the 12.7 mm dorsal turret while doing evasive maneuvers using flaps for dealing with them quickly before they can do major damage to your aircraft. If they dive on you and fly in front of you for a bit, try to damage them with your frontal armament. Do not let anyone get under your belly, as it is a huge weak spot that knowledgeable players will exploit. In the hands of a skilled pilot, however, you will have no problem going for engine shutdowns or pilot snipes that will quickly send your foes back to the hangar.
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 | Controllable 2 gears |
Not controllable |
Modules
| Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Fuselage repair | Radiator | Turret 7 mm | Offensive 7 mm | ||
| II | Compressor | Airframe | New 7 mm MGs (turret) | ITC mk.III | New 7 mm MGs | |
| III | Wings repair | Engine | Turret 12 mm | Offensive 12 mm | ||
| IV | Engine injection | Cover | New 12 mm MGs (turret) | SBC-17 | New 12 mm MGs | |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reasonably effective armament consisting of 2 x 7.62 mm Brownings and 2 x 12.7 mm Brownings that are nose mounted
- Durable air frame for its BR
- Reasonably effective defensive armament with good coverage on the rear section of the plane.
- The dorsal turret can swivel 360 degrees and even fire at targets the nose of the plane
- Can provide initial cover for other bombers until fighters reach their altitude.
- Blazing fast top speed compared to other medium bombers
- Reasonably large payload capacity.
Cons:
- The belly of the aircraft is a massive blind spot in the aircraft's defence
- Poor climb rate and energy retention
- For the most part, the offensive armament will only be useful in attacking enemy bombers, ground targets, or engaging fighters head-on, as the plane is too unmanoeuvrable for any real dog fighting of any kind.
- Steel construction makes this plane particularly heavy, and a small payload limits this plane's ability to be used as a tactical or strategic bomber.
- The elevator can be shot off by an enemy plane easily. This can cause it to become uncontrollable in certain situations. However, it can still be controlled by operating flaps or adjusting engine power.
- Poor maneuverability
History
In the beginning of the war, the British were looking for a medium-ranged anti-submarine warfare and patrol aircraft to support the existing Avro Anson. The Lockheed company sent a drawing of their model 144 civilian airliner. The British Purchasing Commission saw the design and asked Lockheed to make modifications to the model 14, also known as the Lockheed Super Electra. Modifications include two fixed forward-firing Browning 7.7 mm machine guns in the nose. There was also the installation of Boulton Paul dorsal gun turrets with two Browning machine guns. Some models had beam guns installed, other had different engines or propellers. They called it the Hudson, eventually it needed a replacement. So Lockheed made it bigger and heavier and introduced it as the B-34 Lexington. It went under the US Army as the B-34, and the Navy as the PV-2 Harpoon (V because Vega aircraft division of Lockheed made the Harpoon). In British service it was simply called the Lockheed Ventura.
Media
Video from Bo Time Gaming showing the strengths of the B-34: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF2VBZIVaHQ&t=614s
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
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
- other literature.
| Lockheed Corporation | |
|---|---|
| Fighters | XP-38G · P-38E · P-38G-1 · P-38J-15 · Bong's P-38J-15 · P-38K · P-38L-5-LO · YP-38 |
| Bombers | B-34 · PV-2D |
| Jet Fighters | F-80A-5 · F-80C-10 |
| F-104A · F-104C | |
| Strike Aircraft | F-117 |
| Export / License | A-29 · ▄Hudson Mk V |
| ␗P-38L-1 | |
| ␗F-104A · ▀F-104G · ␗F-104G · ▄F-104G · ▅F-104J · ▄F-104S | |
| The Lockheed Corporation merged with Martin Marietta Corporation in 1995 to form Lockheed Martin Corporation. | |
| See Also | SABCA · Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Fiat Aviation |
| USA bombers | |
|---|---|
| Dive | SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4 |
| Torpedo | TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1 |
| Medium | B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B |
| Heavy | B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN |
| Hydroplanes | OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner" |
