Difference between revisions of "A-20G-25"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(Added armor stats.)
(Updated image location.)
(7 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card|code=a-20g}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=a-20g}}
 +
{{About
 +
| about = American attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| link = DB-7 (Family)
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''A-20G-25 ''Havoc''''' is a Rank II American attacker with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB) and 3.0 (RB/SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test as the ''A-20G-30'' before being remodeled and renamed in Update 1.47 "Big Guns" to the ''A-20G-25''.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test as the ''A-20G-30'' before being remodelled and renamed in Update 1.47 "Big Guns" to the ''A-20G-25''.
  
The A-20 is classified as an attacker, which carries both good and bad traits when compared to "real" bombers.  The main advantage is it's strong offensive armament (comparable to that of many U.S fighters), which allows it to engage other aircraft or to strafe soft ground targets. Additionally, it carries an excellent defensive armament, with 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns mounted in a dorsal turret, and a single 12.7 mm machine gun in a hatch below the tail. However, in-game attackers are treated differently than bombers, spawning at lower altitude and in Realistic Mode they do not benefit from a bomb-sight.
+
The A-20 is classified as an attacker, which carries both good and bad traits when compared to "real" bombers.  The main advantage is its strong offensive armament (comparable to that of many U.S fighters), which allows it to engage other aircraft or to strafe soft ground targets. Additionally, it carries an excellent defensive armament, with 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns mounted in a dorsal turret, and a single 12.7 mm machine gun in a hatch below the tail. However, in-game attackers are treated differently than bombers, spawning at a lower altitude and in Realistic Mode, they do not benefit from a bomb-sight.
  
Due to its lack of manuverability, turn fighting or energy fighting enemy aircraft is extremely ill-advised, since the A-20G isn't capable of out-turning anything (even heavy fighters), and it's energy retention is very poor. If one must engage an enemy fighter, either make sure to have a significant energy advantage in order to use boom-and-zoom tactics, or try to provoke them into a head-on pass, since not much can compete with the A-20G's armament. If an enemy plane avoids a head on engagement, it is likely better to avoid turning, and use the speed of this plane to either get to help or to allow your gunners to engage the fighters. Often, the best defensive tactic is to stay at very low altitude in to force the enemy into the dorsal turret's coverage area and hope it can deal with it, as the A-20G is hopeless in any kind of combat manuvering otherwise.
+
Due to its lack of manoeuvrability, turn fighting or energy fighting enemy aircraft is extremely ill-advised, since the A-20G isn't capable of out-turning anything (even heavy fighters), and its energy retention is very poor. If one must engage an enemy fighter, either make sure to have a significant energy advantage in order to use boom-and-zoom tactics or try to provoke them into a head-on pass since not much can compete with the A-20G's armament. If an enemy plane avoids a head-on engagement, it is likely better to avoid turning, and use the speed of this plane to either get to help or to allow your gunners to engage the fighters. Often, the best defensive tactic is to stay at very low altitude in to force the enemy into the dorsal turret's coverage area and hope it can deal with it, as the A-20G is hopeless in any kind of combat manoeuvring otherwise.
  
 
== 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.''-->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, 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 25: Line 30:
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 39: Line 44:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 109: Line 114:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 467 m || 2,700 hp || 3,200 hp  
+
| 467 m || 2,700 hp || 3,200 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 117: Line 122:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 2,906 m || 2,500 hp || 3,022 hp  
+
| 2,906 m || 2,500 hp || 3,022 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
Line 125: Line 130:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|- -->
 
|- -->
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 - Fore cockpit armor plate
+
 
* 8 mm Steel - Fore cockpit side armor plate
+
* 12.7 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Fore cockpit side armour plate
 
* 9.5 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
 
* 9.5 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
* 12.7 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner's fore and aft armor plating
+
* 12.7 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner's fore and aft armour plating
* 12.7 mm Steel - Ventral gunner's belly armor plating
+
* 12.7 mm Steel - Ventral gunner's belly armour plating
* 12.7 mm Steel - Ventral gunner's rear armor plating
+
* 12.7 mm Steel - Ventral gunner's rear armour plating
* No armour glazing
 
* Critical components located at front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
[[File:A-26G-25_Psithurism_001.png|450px|thumb|right|Bombing run on two destroyers in the Green Mountains Gulf]]
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
Line 152: Line 156:
  
 
=== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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|Bombs|Rockets}}
+
{{main|M8|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* Without load (not an option with this aircraft)
 
 
* 12 x M8 rockets
 
* 12 x M8 rockets
 
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
  
Line 170: Line 173:
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, ventral turret (400 rpg)
 
* 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, ventral turret (400 rpg)
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
<!--''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).''-->
+
<!-- ''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 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 A-20G-25 possesses a fairly standard loadout of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns like many regular fighters in the U.S tech tree. However unlike the fighters, the machine guns on the A-20 are mounted solely in the nose. This allows for a much more focused cone of fire at range since convergence is not a significant factor, meaning that the A-20G will have an easier time hitting targets, but hardened ground targets like light and medium tanks will be easier to kill due to the fact that bullets are not converging from an angle, increasing penetration.
+
The A-20G-25 possesses a fairly standard loadout of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns like many regular fighters in the U.S tech tree. However, unlike the fighters, the machine guns on the A-20 are mounted solely in the nose. This allows for a much more focused cone of fire at range since convergence is not a significant factor, meaning that the A-20G will have an easier time hitting targets, but hardened ground targets like light and medium tanks will be easier to kill due to the fact that bullets are not converging from an angle, increasing penetration.
  
 
In general, either stealth or universal belts are recommendable for most situations. While the ground targets belt does make it feasible to kill medium tanks with the 12.7 mm machine guns, the angles required for dealing damage are so specific, you end up putting a fairly unmanoeuvrable plane at risk of crashing.
 
In general, either stealth or universal belts are recommendable for most situations. While the ground targets belt does make it feasible to kill medium tanks with the 12.7 mm machine guns, the angles required for dealing damage are so specific, you end up putting a fairly unmanoeuvrable plane at risk of crashing.
Line 181: Line 184:
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 197: Line 200:
 
===Modules===
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Fuselage Repair
 
| Radiators
 
| Radiators
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
| Offensive 12 mm
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
| New 12 mm MGs
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
 
| Wings Repair
 
| Wings Repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|  
+
|
 
| Turret 12 mm
 
| Turret 12 mm
 
| Rocket Launcher M10
 
| Rocket Launcher M10
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
|
 
| Engine Injection
 
| Engine Injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
 
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
 
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
|  
+
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarize 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:'''
 +
 
* Great armament consisting of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns that are all mounted in the nose
 
* Great armament consisting of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns that are all mounted in the nose
 
* Defensive armament
 
* Defensive armament
Line 244: Line 248:
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Poor turn rate
 
* Poor turn rate
 
* Poor climb rate
 
* Poor climb rate
Line 254: Line 259:
  
 
== 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 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/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
In 1936 a design team from Douglas Aircraft set out to create a light bomber. The design would be based around a high mounted wing and tricycle landing gear. It was to be powered by a pair of 450 hp Pratt & Whitney engines. It was know as the Douglas Model 7A. The projected was shelved with design work nearly half way completed. Based on information from the Spanish Civil War, the U.S. Army put of a specification for a new airplane. The requirements was a cruising speed of 200 mph and a range of 1200 miles. It was to also consist of a 1,200 lb bomb load. Douglas then revised the design to meet these requirements. It was knows as the Douglas Model 7B.
+
In 1936 a design team from Douglas Aircraft set out to create a light bomber. The design would be based around a high mounted wing and tricycle landing gear. It was to be powered by a pair of 450 hp Pratt & Whitney engines. It was known as the Douglas Model 7A. The projected was shelved with design work nearly halfway completed. Based on information from the Spanish Civil War, the U.S. Army put out a specification for a new aeroplane. The requirements was a cruising speed of 200 mph and a range of 1200 miles. It was to also consist of a 1,200 lb bomb load. Douglas then revised the design to meet these requirements. It was known as the Douglas Model 7B.
 +
 
 +
A French purchasing commission touring U.S. aircraft companies was informed of the new design. They received permission from the U.S. government to spectate the performance trials. The commission was impressed with the aeroplane and received further permission to participate in the flight test. The French placed an order for 100 aircraft and was quickly increased to 270. They also requested changes to the aircraft's design including better range, payload, additional armour, and french specific equipment. This new design was designated DB-7. France was defeated before a majority of the aircraft could be delivered. The remaining aircraft order was diverted to the British and was designated the Boston.
 +
 
 +
The U.S. Army Air Corps ordered the aircraft in June of 1939. The army requested several changes. The primary change was new engines with superchargers. The aircraft was designated A-20. The original order was for 63 aircraft, with 60 aircraft delivered. The follow on order was for the A-20A without the superchargers, 140 ordered. The A-20G was the first solid nose A-20. Originally armed with 4 x 20 mm cannons, they were later changed for the M2 Browning. This was also the first A-20 with a powered turret. A total of 2,850 A-20Gs were built.
 +
 
 +
The US, France, Britain, and Russia all made extensive use of the A-20. Used in France and Russia as low-level attackers, the A-20 was considered overpowered, easy to fly, and easy to care for, even by inexperienced and lightly trained crews. The A-20 saw combat in all theatres of World War II. This aircraft filled many roles including Bomber, Fighter, Recon, Attacker, and Night Fighter.
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
  
A French purchasing commission touring U.S. aircraft companies was informed of the new design. They received permission from the U.S. government to spectate the performance trials. The commission was impressed with the airplane and received further permission to participate in the flight test. The French placed a order for 100 aircraft and was quickly increased to 270. They also requested changes to the aircraft's design including: better range, payload, additional armor, and french specific equipment. This new design was designated DB-7. France was defeated before a majority of the aircraft could be delivered. The remaining aircraft order was diverted to the British and was designated the Boston.  
+
"Douglas A-20 Havoc / DB-7 Boston was a family of twin-engine aircraft which included attack aircraft, light bomber and night fighter variants and which served with US, British, Soviet and other air forces during WWII. Allied air forces designated the bomber variants Boston and the night fighter variants Havoc. The US Army Air Force accepted the aircraft known as the A-20 Havoc.
  
The U.S. Army Air Corps ordered the aircraft in June of 1939. The army requested several changes. The primary change were new engines with superchargers. The aircraft was designated A-20. The original order was for 63 aircraft, with 60 aircraft delivered. The follow on order was for the A-20A without the superchargers, 140 ordered. The A-20G was the first solid nose A-20. Originally armed with 4 x 20 mm cannons, they were later changed for the M2 Browning. This was also the first A-20 with a powered turret. A total of 2,850 A-20Gs were built.
+
The first production variants ordered by the RAF were the DB-7B, designated Boston Mk III; the same designation was given to the DB-73, previously ordered by France. These aircraft, mainly used as light bombers, were equipped with the same engines as the DB-7A and had larger fuel tanks which increased their range, a weak spot on the Boston Mk I / Mk II which the British wished to address.
  
The US, France, Britain, and Russia all made extensive use of the A-20. Used in France and Russia as low level attackers, the A-20 was considered overpowered, easy to fly, and easy to care for, even by inexperienced and lightly trained crews. The A-20 saw combat in all theaters of World War II. This aircraft filled many roles including: Bomber, Fighter, Recon, Attacker, and Night Fighter.  
+
A total of 780 Boston Mk III were ordered by Great Britain. However, a few were lost during transport and a large number were then sent to the Soviet Union."
  
 
== 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.''
  
== Read 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.''-->
<!--''ETC.''-->
+
 
 +
;Related development
  
== Sources ==
+
* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26]] Invader
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 
 +
* Bristol [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]]
 +
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 110 (Family)|Bf 110]]
 +
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
 +
* Petlyakov [[Pe-2 (Family)|Pe-2]]
 +
 
 +
== 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 aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
 
{{USA attackers}}
 
{{USA attackers}}

Revision as of 23:10, 17 February 2020

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
A-20G-25
a-20g.png
A-20G-25
AB RB SB
2.7 2.7 3.0
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American attacker A-20G-25. For other uses, see DB-7 (Family).

Description

GarageImage A-20G-25.jpg


The A-20G-25 Havoc is a rank II American attacker with a battle rating of 2.7 (AB/RB) and 3.0 (SB). It was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test as the A-20G-30 before being remodelled and renamed in Update 1.47 "Big Guns" to the A-20G-25.

The A-20 is classified as an attacker, which carries both good and bad traits when compared to "real" bombers. The main advantage is its strong offensive armament (comparable to that of many U.S fighters), which allows it to engage other aircraft or to strafe soft ground targets. Additionally, it carries an excellent defensive armament, with 2 x 12.7 mm machine guns mounted in a dorsal turret, and a single 12.7 mm machine gun in a hatch below the tail. However, in-game attackers are treated differently than bombers, spawning at a lower altitude and in Realistic Mode, they do not benefit from a bomb-sight.

Due to its lack of manoeuvrability, turn fighting or energy fighting enemy aircraft is extremely ill-advised, since the A-20G isn't capable of out-turning anything (even heavy fighters), and its energy retention is very poor. If one must engage an enemy fighter, either make sure to have a significant energy advantage in order to use boom-and-zoom tactics or try to provoke them into a head-on pass since not much can compete with the A-20G's armament. If an enemy plane avoids a head-on engagement, it is likely better to avoid turning, and use the speed of this plane to either get to help or to allow your gunners to engage the fighters. Often, the best defensive tactic is to stay at very low altitude in to force the enemy into the dorsal turret's coverage area and hope it can deal with it, as the A-20G is hopeless in any kind of combat manoeuvring otherwise.

General info

Flight Performance

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,048 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
491 476 7,224 35.6 36.2 6.1 7.7 604
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,048 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
532 510 7,224 32.6 34.0 15.5 10.1 604

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
633 450  ??? ~9 ~?3
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 260 < 320 < 320 > 200
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
467 m 2,700 hp 3,200 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,906 m 2,500 hp 3,022 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 12.7 mm Steel - Fore cockpit armour plate
  • 8 mm Steel - Fore cockpit side armour plate
  • 9.5 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Dorsal gunner's fore and aft armour plating
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Ventral gunner's belly armour plating
  • 12.7 mm Steel - Ventral gunner's rear armour plating

Armaments

Offensive armament

File:A-26G-25 Psithurism 001.png
Bombing run on two destroyers in the Green Mountains Gulf
Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The A-20G-25 is armed with:

  • 4 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (350 rpg = 1,400 total)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, chin-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: M8, AN-M64A1 (500 lb)

The A-20G-25 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x M8 rockets
  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning M2 (12.7 mm)

The A-20G-25 is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, ventral turret (400 rpg)

Usage in battles

The A-20G-25 possesses a fairly standard loadout of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns like many regular fighters in the U.S tech tree. However, unlike the fighters, the machine guns on the A-20 are mounted solely in the nose. This allows for a much more focused cone of fire at range since convergence is not a significant factor, meaning that the A-20G will have an easier time hitting targets, but hardened ground targets like light and medium tanks will be easier to kill due to the fact that bullets are not converging from an angle, increasing penetration.

In general, either stealth or universal belts are recommendable for most situations. While the ground targets belt does make it feasible to kill medium tanks with the 12.7 mm machine guns, the angles required for dealing damage are so specific, you end up putting a fairly unmanoeuvrable plane at risk of crashing.

Manual Engine Control

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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiators Offensive 12 mm
II Compressor Airframe New 12 mm MGs
III Wings Repair Engine Turret 12 mm Rocket Launcher M10
IV Engine Injection Cover New 12 mm MGs (turret)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great armament consisting of 6 x 12.7 mm machine guns that are all mounted in the nose
  • Defensive armament
  • Decent acceleration and speed
  • Decent protection
  • Can take a lot of damage from similarly tiered planes before going down
  • Powerful payload

Cons:

  • Poor turn rate
  • Poor climb rate
  • Large target
  • Poor energy retention
  • Bazooka rocket positioning makes direct hits difficult
  • Despite having largely superior flight characteristics compared to other bombers, it will still get outperformed by any fighter in a dogfight
  • Performing a barrel roll in level flight, will fuel starve your engines
  • Pulling negative G's will starve the engines in realistic battle mode

History

In 1936 a design team from Douglas Aircraft set out to create a light bomber. The design would be based around a high mounted wing and tricycle landing gear. It was to be powered by a pair of 450 hp Pratt & Whitney engines. It was known as the Douglas Model 7A. The projected was shelved with design work nearly halfway completed. Based on information from the Spanish Civil War, the U.S. Army put out a specification for a new aeroplane. The requirements was a cruising speed of 200 mph and a range of 1200 miles. It was to also consist of a 1,200 lb bomb load. Douglas then revised the design to meet these requirements. It was known as the Douglas Model 7B.

A French purchasing commission touring U.S. aircraft companies was informed of the new design. They received permission from the U.S. government to spectate the performance trials. The commission was impressed with the aeroplane and received further permission to participate in the flight test. The French placed an order for 100 aircraft and was quickly increased to 270. They also requested changes to the aircraft's design including better range, payload, additional armour, and french specific equipment. This new design was designated DB-7. France was defeated before a majority of the aircraft could be delivered. The remaining aircraft order was diverted to the British and was designated the Boston.

The U.S. Army Air Corps ordered the aircraft in June of 1939. The army requested several changes. The primary change was new engines with superchargers. The aircraft was designated A-20. The original order was for 63 aircraft, with 60 aircraft delivered. The follow on order was for the A-20A without the superchargers, 140 ordered. The A-20G was the first solid nose A-20. Originally armed with 4 x 20 mm cannons, they were later changed for the M2 Browning. This was also the first A-20 with a powered turret. A total of 2,850 A-20Gs were built.

The US, France, Britain, and Russia all made extensive use of the A-20. Used in France and Russia as low-level attackers, the A-20 was considered overpowered, easy to fly, and easy to care for, even by inexperienced and lightly trained crews. The A-20 saw combat in all theatres of World War II. This aircraft filled many roles including Bomber, Fighter, Recon, Attacker, and Night Fighter.

In-game description

"Douglas A-20 Havoc / DB-7 Boston was a family of twin-engine aircraft which included attack aircraft, light bomber and night fighter variants and which served with US, British, Soviet and other air forces during WWII. Allied air forces designated the bomber variants Boston and the night fighter variants Havoc. The US Army Air Force accepted the aircraft known as the A-20 Havoc.

The first production variants ordered by the RAF were the DB-7B, designated Boston Mk III; the same designation was given to the DB-73, previously ordered by France. These aircraft, mainly used as light bombers, were equipped with the same engines as the DB-7A and had larger fuel tanks which increased their range, a weak spot on the Boston Mk I / Mk II which the British wished to address.

A total of 780 Boston Mk III were ordered by Great Britain. However, a few were lost during transport and a large number were then sent to the Soviet Union."

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

Related development
  • Douglas A-26 Invader
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


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.

USA strike aircraft
Douglas  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · A2D-1 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
North American  A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J
Other  AM-1 · AU-1 · XA-38