Tu-4

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Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
This page is about the Russian heavy bomber Tu-4. For other versions, see B-29/Tu-4 (Family).
tu_4.png
GarageImage Tu-4.jpg
Tu-4
Research:105 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:300 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
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Description

The Tu-4 is a rank V Russian heavy bomber with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB/RB) and 7.7 (SB). This bomber was introduced in Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows". Though it's an almost identical structure copy of the American B-29 bomber, the Tu-4 features an improved 23 mm defensive armament and a very large payload.

Russian engineers reverse engineered an interred B-29 to develop an "exact" copy per Stalin's request. Challenges were met as available materials were developed using the metric system and the B-29 had been developed using the standard imperial system. Equipment had to be retooled and new supplies had to be developed to match the metric version of the imperial standard sizes. In the end, between the two aircraft, the Russian Tu-4 only weighed 340 kg more than the B-29, a difference of less than 1%. So stringent was the bureaucratic process for manufacturing parts and equipment, special permission from a high-level general was required to allow Soviet-made parachutes to be utilized in the Tu-4.

The Tu-4 is a heavy bomber, able to load up to 12,000 kg of bombs. It is able to fully destroy all three bases in one run, while also dealing significant damage to the enemy's airfield. Its defensive armament consists of 5 x turrets with each having 2 x 23 mm cannons (a total of 10 x 23 mm cannons). These guns can annihilate enemy fliers in seconds while covering a wide area, making a Tu-4 tough to approach, let alone attack. However, don't be fooled, it is a huge target and thus nearly impossible to miss. With its battle rating of 8.0 in RB, it faces top rank jet fighters most of the time.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 9 100 m641 km/h
Turn time32 s
Max altitude12 000 m
Engine4 х Shvetsov ASh-73TK
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight64 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 9,100 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 618 604 12000 33.4 35.0 4.7 4.6 1,500
Upgraded 665 641 30.4 32.0 10.5 6.5

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 + -
0 389 340 340 270 ~3 ~1
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 340 < 350 < 290 > 400
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
9,720 m 2,200 hp 2,499 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew7 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear389 km/h
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilots.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates in front of the pilots.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates behind the pilots.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates in front of tail control tractions.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates boxing around rear dorsal gunner and beam gunners.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plate behind the rear ventral turret.
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plate in front of tail gunner.

Do not be fooled of its nickname of "The Russian Death Star". Even with its powerful defensive armament, it does have weak spots.

While playing the Hunter F 1 or the Vautour IIA, it is easy to send this monster of an aircraft back to base with just one burst. Engaging in a head-on is recommended, as the pilots have little protection, usually knocking them both out.

However, the Tu-4 is a monster of an aircraft in terms of its profile and size, making it very easy to hit. Wings and the tail control are weak spots, so hitting the wings will result in severe wing damage on the Tu-4, forcing it to return to base or even sending it back to the hangar.

While flying the Sabres, try to aim for the fuel tanks in the wings. Most of the time, just set the fuel tanks ablaze, or even blowing off the wing, sending the foe back to the hangar.

Do not engage the Tu-4 from the six! Engaging the Tu-4 at its tail, especially from below, is asking for trouble. Always try to engage the Tu-4 from the top, or in head-ons, the fuselage turrets have dead zones when engaging from >~70 degrees.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 054 → 4 104 Sl icon.png
RB10 895 → 14 642 Sl icon.png
SB16 350 → 21 974 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications90 900 Rp icon.png
146 300 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training86 000 Sl icon.png
Experts300 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 700 Ge icon.png
Research Aces720 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 300 / 600 % Sl icon.png
196 / 196 / 196 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
9 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
KD-4
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
KD-3
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 200 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
nr23_turret_belt_pack
Research:
7 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
12 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
nr23_turret_new_gun
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
BD-4
Research:
5 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 500 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (7)
Setup 140 x 100 kg FAB-100sv (forged) bomb
Setup 240 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bomb
Setup 312 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bomb
Setup 420 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bomb
Setup 58 x 1000 kg FAB-1000M-44 bomb
Setup 68 x 1500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bomb
Setup 74 x 3000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bomb
Main article: Suspended armaments

The Tu-4 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 40 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 40 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (10,000 kg total)
  • 12 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (6,000 kg total)
  • 20 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (10,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bombs (8,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 1,500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bombs (12,000 kg total)
  • 4 x 3,000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bombs (12,000 kg total)

Defensive armament

3 х Turret2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannon
Ammunition550 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Turret2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannon
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Turret2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannon
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: NR-23 (23 mm)

The Tu-4 is defended by:

  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, front dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, front ventral turret (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, rear dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, rear ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, tail turret (275 rpg = 550 total)

Usage in battles

The below tactics can be used in all games modes:

Like most planes of its class, the Tu-4 relies on its defensive turrets for aerial combat. A few good hits from its 10 x 23 mm guns can send an attacker back to base, with critical damage or, if not, credit the player with the victory. Maxing out the crew stats is a good idea, it will allow the player to focus more on flying while the AI does the gunning. Don't get too arrogant, remember, the Tu-4 is a huge plane. It is easy to hit, and as mentioned above, especially when the opponents could be jets.

All in all, pay attention to the aircraft's surroundings. The Tu-4 can easily net the team a win so don't let the feeling of invincibility get imbued, or the only reward will be a fiery end.

With this bomber's high battle rating, you should be actively looking out for enemy vehicles. It is possible for an attacker to have a relative closing speed of over 1000 km/h. Relying solely on the spotting system will allow some fighters to get so close it will be impossible for you to react. It is especially common for the enemy to approach either in a 30° cone straight ahead or to trail behind and below you, generally outside gun range before pulling up sharply.

When first starting with this aircraft, the payload option is 40 x 100 kg bombs which are able to destroy numerous bases. One of the best ways to maximize the payload's effectiveness, 15 x 100 kg bombs are needed for one base. The A.I. gunners will be able to defend the plane as bombs are dropped from the bombsight until switching back to the pilot seat, ready to head to next objective. The best option for base bombing is the 8 x 1500 kg payload. A single bomb will be enough to destroy a base, provided you do not miss.

Once the Tu-4's bombing run is complete, start descending towards the friendly airfield; enemy fighters will be hunting for the Tu-4, so be more alert. The Tu-4 has a very powerful defensive system installed with 5 turrets, each with two 2 x 23 mm cannons, so the Tu-4 should be able to defend itself reasonably well. If you believe that landing would be putting the aircraft in grave danger, it is worth considering to instead stay high and shoot down approaching fighters, calling out your position will often lower the stigma associated with this action.

Do not rely on the AI gunners. Most of the time the Tu-4 will face top rank jets including Hunter F 1s and F2 Sabres. These adversaries are usually experienced and will not foolishly tail the bomber for long and try to engage at ranges greater than 1 km or engage in a head-on pass. These manoeuvres render the AI gunners largely useless. Laying down a stream of 23 mm rounds is recommended, but beware of jamming. Hits can be scored within 1.5 - 2 km, if somebody is tailing the Tu-4 or engaging in a head-on pass, they can also occur at greater ranges. Combine the turret shooting with a defensive style of flying to utilize it to its full potential; the Tu-4 offers good handling for its size. Be very careful when putting the Tu-4 into a dive. It is just as prone as any other aircraft to suffering structural damage if its limitations are exceeded. Do not rely on flaps to slow down, their weak construction will let you down.

The two most dangerous opponents of the Tu-4 are the S.O.4050 Vautour IIA and the Hunter F 1. With their 30mm cannons, one burst will be devastating against the Tu-4. The F-86F-2 is also a dangerous opponent, with four 20 mm cannons with a very high velocity and rate of fire.

When down tiered, the most dangerous opponents are the Me 163 B, the Me 262 C-2b and the R2Y2 KAIs. All equipped with 30 mm cannons, they are able to send the Tu-4 back to the hangar within one burst. The 163's and KI-200 extreme mobility are something to be wary of. It isn't uncommon for bomber pilots to lose track of the attacker after a fly by.

Don't underestimate the other Sabres, such as the F-86F-40 and the CL-13A. Their 12.7 mm machine guns can do a lot of damage, crippling or setting the Tu-4 afire, which could end the match for the plane there.

Do not consider any enemy bomber or attacker as a neutral or even friendly party. It is quite common for Canberra's or even B-57's to try and engage you if the opportunity presents itself.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • This aircraft currently has the highest payload in the game of up to 12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
  • Very strong and fast climber once flight performance modifications have been purchased (compressor, engine, and engine injection)
  • Offers effective defensive turrets that have very few dead zones
  • Lots of ammo for defensive armaments
  • Almost identical to the B-29 in terms of performance
  • All payload options are internal and has next to no effect on flight performance
  • Gunners are located separately from the gun turret with the exception of the tail turret
  • Multiple Tu-4s single-handedly win games, if left ignored by the enemy team
  • Stock-friendly grind
  • Rewarding experience, if plane survives the match
  • With a good gunner crew, this aircraft can defend itself from most fighters coming to attack it, due to its 23 mm turrets
  • Easy to learn, similar learning curve as the B-29
  • A good game can be extremely rewarding in Silver Lions, especially if using a booster.

Cons:

  • Usually will lose Silver Lions after playing the Tu-4 due to the immense repair costs
  • Does not offer any payload modification immediately, unlike the B-29
  • Prone to fires and wing damage
  • Will be ripped to shreds by cannons with the calibre of/larger than 20 mm, especially the MK 108 and the ADEN/DEFA 541
  • Matchmaking will make this aircraft face top rank jets such as the Sabre, Hunter and the Vautour
  • Unable to reliably defend itself from multiple opponents attacking at once from multiple directions
  • Huge aircraft, making it easy to spot from distance and making it close to impossible to miss
  • Has a low dive top-speed
  • Takes a while to reach an optimal altitude
  • Having altitude doesn't do much because jets can reach you in a matter of minutes
  • Landing gear takes a long time to deploy and retract
  • Wings are considered weak spots, damaged wings will hinder the plane's control
  • Flaps are one piece, making it frequent for a wing to lose the whole piece at once. This can affect lift significantly.
  • Can be hard to handle during landing, especially on short runways.
  • Takes a while to reach the ground (in one piece)
  • Against missiles you are hopeless
  • You face against jets with missiles almost every game

History

The Soviet Tu-4 strategic bomber is a copy of the B-29 with more powerful engines and armament. The USSR did not possess strategic aviation capacity in 1945 while having a great requirement for it as the Cold War was about to begin. A group of B-29 accidentally flew into Soviet territory and the B-29 plane was captured. The B-29's that ended up in the hands of Soviet engineers seemed to be a technological miracle and a vast gap between the long-range bomber technologies of the US and the USSR was soon discovered. This lead to a hurried cloning effort while created the Tu-4, a Soviet copy of the American bomber with a few modifications. The Soviets copied the bomber so closely that some Tu-4 had bullet hole patches from the B-29 that weren't meant to be there.

Media

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


Tupolev Design Bureau (Ту́полев Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Bombers  TB-3M-17-32 · SB 2M-100 · SB 2M-103 MV-3 · SB 2M-103 · SB 2M-103U · SB 2M-103U MV-3 · SB 2M-105
  Tu-2 · Tu-2S · Tu-2S-44 · Tu-2S-59 · Tu-4
Arkhangelsky Bomber  Ar-2*
Strike Aircraft  Tu-1
Jet Bomber  Tu-14T
Export  ␗SB 2M-103U · ␗Tu-2S-44 · ␗Tu-4
  ◔Tu-2S-59
  * While Andrei Tupolev was imprisoned, Alexander Arkhangelsky, second in command at Tupolev OKB was able to append his name to the final production series of the SB bomber.

USSR bombers
SB and Ar  SB 2M-100 · SB 2M-103 · SB 2M-103 MV-3 · SB 2M-103U · SB 2M-103U MV-3 · SB 2M-105 · Ar-2
Yer-2 (petrol)  Yer-2 (M-105) · Yer-2 (M-105) TAT · Yer-2 (M-105R) TAT · Yer-2 (M-105R) LU
Yer-2 (diesel)  Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (e) · Yer-2 (ACh-30B) (l)
Tu  Tu-2 · Tu-2S · Tu-2S-44 · Tu-2S-59 · Tu-4
Pe  Pe-2-1 · Pe-2-31 · Pe-2-83 · Pe-2-110 · Pe-2-205 · Pe-2-359 · Pe-8
IL  DB-3B · IL-4
Po  Po-2 · Po-2M
Other  MBR-2-M-34 · TB-3M-17-32 · Yak-4 · Be-6
Lend-Lease  ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▂Hampden TB Mk I · ▂A-20G-30 · ▂B-25J-30