SB2C-4

SB2C-4

SB2C-1C

PBJ-1J

SB2C-4

SB2C-1C

PBJ-1J

USA

II Rank

Battle rating:

AB	RB	SB
3.7	3.7	3.7

Class:

Bomber

Dive bomber

Naval aircraft

Torpedo bomber

Research:6 900

Purchase:32 000

Show in game

Description

The SB2C-4 Helldiver is a Rank III American dive bomber with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 3.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.53 "Firestorm".

The SB2C-4 is an upgrade from the earlier SB2C-1c dive bomber at Rank II, having a more powerful engine and the ability to mount more payloads, including HVAR rockets. However, this version faces tougher and more deadly aircraft due to a higher Battle Rating.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed (km/h at 4,998 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
438	426	8,230	24.4	24.8	2.3	3.6	300
Upgraded
Max Speed (km/h at 4,998 m)		Max altitude (meters)	Turn time (seconds)		Rate of climb (meters/second)		Take-off run (meters)
AB	RB		AB	RB	AB	RB
484	459	8,230	21.2	22.3	12.5	6.9	300

Details

Features
Combat flap	Take-off flap	Landing flap	Air brakes	Arrestor gear
✓	✓	✓	✓	✓

Limits
Wing-break speed (km/h)	Gear limit (km/h)	Combat flap (km/h)	Max Static G
			+	-
656	333	520	~8	~4

Optimal velocities
Ailerons (km/h)	Rudder (km/h)	Elevators (km/h)	Radiator (km/h)
< 257	< 350	< 380	> 250

Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
975 m	1,750 hp	1,878 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude	100% Engine power	WEP Engine power
4,572 m	1,450 hp	?,??? hp

Survivability and armour

• 8.5 mm Steel - Armor plate, underside of engine cowling
• 6.35 mm Steel - Cockpit/Instrument panel protection plate
• 11.11 mm Steel - Behind pilot's seat
• 6.35 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner protection plate
• 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Front windscreen

Armaments

Offensive armament

The SB2C-4 is armed with:

• 2 x 20 mm AN/M2 cannon, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

Suspended armament

The SB2C-4 can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

• 2 x 250 lb AN-M57 bomb (500 lb total)
• 1 x Mk.13 torpedo
• 1 x Mk.13/44 torpedo
• 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
• 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (2,000 lb total)
• 1 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
• 1 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb, 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bomb (2,000 lb total)
• 8 x 127 mm HVAR rocket

Defensive armament

The SB2C-4 is defended by:

• 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, rear turret (2,000 rpg = 4,000 total)

Usage in the battles

The SB2C-4 is, like it's earlier model in game, is a dive bomber/attacker, capable of wrecking havoc to both soft and hard ground targets and enemy bases. Despite it's capability to carry rockets and under-wing bombs and be used as an attacker, do not attempt to do so, unless you are sure a nearby fighter does not immediately single you out as a target - you have fairly good maneuverability, but you cannot become a fighter and try scoring a kill - in any case, you will be the kill. However, this does not mean you cannot defend yourself in dire times. A distinct advantage of this aircraft is it's firepower - more than enough to bring down any pilot with some skill - however, it's instability in coming out of rough turns can cause problems on getting guns on target difficult. Moreover, due to it's firepower and airspawn, being a bomber hunter is no problem either - but don't use it as this plane's main niche - you will be vulnerable to enemy gunners. This plane's niche as fast bomber is further reinforced compared to the SB2C-1c - it carries double the bomb load (2000 lb/ 907 kg) - you will survive long enough with your firepower to defend yourself and can be a considerable drain to the enemy's ticket counter. Overall, this aircraft is a solid performer in Arcade battles - a delightful blend of defensive/offensive firepower, speed (not fighter-like though), maneuverability, and bombing capability for a dive bomber. A recommended aircraft to take out in tier 3 battles and as a silver lions factory! }} {{rb_tab|text= In RB, the SB2C-4 excels at the ground attack role. Use the bombs and rockets against hard targets (such as heavy pillboxes and tanks), and the 20 mm cannons for taking out soft targets and light pillboxes. Even the universal ammo belt with 50/50 HEF and AP can take out light pillboxes when aiming for the roof, but belts with more AP will make it easier. However, its use doesn't end there. The SB2C is surprisingly maneuverable for a dive bomber, which combined with its high bomber spawn, effective armament, and dive brakes, means it can be used to dive on enemy fighters and bombers, and can even hold its own in a dogfight, especially if the enemy underestimates the plane's maneuverability. These characteristics are also good tactics for defending yourself, markedly since the tail gunner is lackluster. Unfortunately, this does not apply well when at a low energy state (ex: ground attacking at low level). The SB2C has poor climb rate and acceleration, and experienced pilots will boom and zoom you and leave you few options to defend yourself (trying to get guns on target after an overshoot, forcing a head on, etc). Instead, try to stay above the battle and go for enemy aircraft, and once your team has a numerical advantage, go to ground level and ground attack, preferably under cover of fighters.

If you come across a SB2C-4, attack from its unprotected bottom which is easy to hit due to planes low speed and pilots rarely looking below their planes. Avoid attacking it when it is in a dive.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer	Pitch	Radiator			Supercharger	Turbocharger
		Oil	Water	Type
Controllable	Not controllable	Not controllable	Not controllable	Separate	Not ontrollable	Not controllable

Modules

Tier	Flight performance		Survivability	Weaponry
I	Fuselage Repair	Radiator		ITC mk.3	DGP 1	Offensive 12 mm
II		Compressor	Airframe	Improved Torpedo	Turret 7 mm	New 12 mm MGs
III	Wings Repair	Engine		SBC mk.1	New 7 mm MGs (turret)	Offensive 20 mm
IV		Engine Injection	Cover	MBC mk.I	FRC mk.2	New 20 mm Cannons

Pros and cons

Pros:

• Very effective cannon armament
• Very agile for a dive bomber
• Good ground attack payload options
• Has air brakes

Cons

• No belly gunner
• Catches fire relatively easily
• Poor climb rate
• Fairly slow
• Tail gun is ineffective at long range
• Any asymmetrical wing damage makes it very difficult to turn
• Extreme negatively static longitudinal stability for joystick at low speeds (e.g. the aircraft doesn't want to take off, but a slight bump makes the aircraft want to stall and harsh nose-down is required)
• 20 mm shells can almost instantly down your plane

History

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Media

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Read also

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• reference to the series of the aircraft;
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Sources

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