Difference between revisions of "B-34"

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{{Specs-Card|code=b_34}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=b_34}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
|about=aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = American bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage=the navalized gift version
+
| usage = the navalised gift version
|link=PV-2D
+
| link = PV-2D
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} USA bombers {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update_1.65_"Way_of_the_Samurai"|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 it's decent payload is outdone by its defensive armament. While it's maximum payload and the ability to carry a torpedo is nice, it's not necessarily as good as it's 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.
+
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, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
''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 29: Line 28:
 
! 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 !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
|508||497|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||28.6|| 29.3 ||8.5||8.5||480
+
| 510 || 497 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 28.3 || 29.3 || 8.5 || 8.5 || 480
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,572 m)
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (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 (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
|573||539|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||25.4||27.0||19.8||12.0||480
+
| 573 || 539 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.8 || 27.0 || 16.7 || 12 || 480
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
! Take-off flap
 
! Landing flap
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || 340 || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 340 || ~6 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 113: Line 97:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 1,615 m || 1,600 hp || 1,984 hp  
+
| 1,615 m || 1,600 hp || 1,984 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 121: Line 105:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 4,023 m || 1,450 hp || 1,798 hp  
+
| 4,023 m || 1,450 hp || 1,798 hp
 
|-
 
|-
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
| ?,??? 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, 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
Line 144: Line 120:
 
== 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.'' -->
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 2 × 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, cheek-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 × 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
+
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (375 rpg = 750 total)
  
 
=== 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|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|Mk.13/44}}
 
{{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|Mk.13/44}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is able to be equipped with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* 7 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs
+
* 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
+
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 4 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,500 lb total)
* 1 x 2216 lbs Mk. 13/44 torpedo
+
* 1 x Mk.13/44 torpedo
  
 
=== 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)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
+
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
* 2 × 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, tail 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 ==
''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).''
+
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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).''-->
 +
 
 +
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 ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 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 !! Type
! Water
 
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" |Combined|| rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
|
 
|Turret 7 mm
 
 
|
 
|
|Offensive 7 mm
+
| Turret 7 mm
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 7 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
|New 7 mm MGs (turret)
+
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
|ITC mk.III
+
| ITC mk.III
|New 7 mm MGs
+
| New 7 mm MGs
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|
 
|Turret 12 mm
 
 
|
 
|
|Offensive 12 mm
+
| Turret 12 mm
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 12 mm
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
|  
+
|
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
|New 12 mm MGs (turret)
+
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
|SBC-17
+
| SBC-17
|New 12 mm MGs
+
| New 12 mm MGs
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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. 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".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise 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:'''
  
* Reasonably effective armament consisting of 2 x 7.62 Brownings and 2 x 12.7mm 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 it's BR
+
* Durable air frame for its BR
 
* Reasonably effective defensive armament with good coverage on the rear section of the plane.
 
* 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
 
* The dorsal turret can swivel 360 degrees and even fire at targets the nose of the plane
Line 249: Line 227:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* The belly of the aircraft is a massive blind spot in the aircraft's defense
+
* 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
* 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 unmaneuverable for any real dog fighting of any kind.
+
* 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.
 
* 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 maneuverability
 
* Poor maneuverability
  
 
== 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 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).-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
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.
  
In the beginning of the war, the British was looking for a medium-ranged anti-submarine warfare and patrol aircraft to support the existing Avro Anson. The Lockheed company sent a drawing of thier model 144 civillian 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 7.7mm 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 PV-2 Harpoon.(V because Vega aircraft division of Lockheed made the Harpoon.) In British service it was simply called the Lockheed Ventura.
+
== Media ==
 +
<!--''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''-->
  
== Media ==
+
[[File:Ventura LOC 8e01506u.jpg|thumb|232x232px]]
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
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 271: Line 252:
 
== 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;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Lockheed}}
 
{{USA bombers}}
 
{{USA bombers}}

Revision as of 20:10, 6 April 2020

Rank IV USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Tu-1 Pack
B-34
b_34.png
B-34
AB RB SB
2.7 3.3 2.7
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American bomber B-34. For the navalised gift version, see PV-2D.

Description

GarageImage B-34.jpg


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
Export / License  A-29 · ▄Hudson Mk V
  ␗P-38L-1
  ␗F-104A · ▀F-104G · ␗F-104G · ▅F-104J · ▄F-104S
See Also  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"