Difference between revisions of "Br.693AB2"

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(Description: Updated class)
(Description: Updated class)
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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
|code=br_693_ab2
+
|code=breda_88
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
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== 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.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} French strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.93 "Shark Attack"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' ''"Lince"'' (Italian for Lynx) is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]].
 +
 
 +
Being developed in the mid-'30s the design goal was alike to many other bombers of the period: Use the bigger frame to mount even bigger engines to outrun any fighter. Setting up multiple records the ''Prototype'' Ba.88 exceeded its expectations.<br>
 +
 
 +
But unfortunately, the prototype is NOT the final aircraft the Italian air force ended up with and NOT the version found in War Thunder. For the crucial mistake came when it was time to mount military instruments, self-sealing fuel tanks, weapon pylons, a second pilot, and armament consisting of guns, bullets and bombs. The additional weight from all this hardware turned the Lince effectively into a brick and a less-effective flying one at that. In fact in comparison, the same ranked [[S.M.79 serie 1|SM 79 ''Sparviero'' medium bomber]] is overall a better [[:Category:Attackers|attacker]] than the Breda. While the high weight and streamlined fuselage of the aircraft typically lend this type of aircraft to Boom & Zoom, getting to this point is a chore. Fortunately, the Breda 88 is so low tiered that it will indeed often face slower fighter craft. At the very least the Ba.88's three nose-mounted heavy machine guns are decent with plenty of ammo.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''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, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
The Br.693AB2 has impressive flight characteristics for a plane of its class. The aircraft has a great top speed of almost 500 km/h at higher altitudes when spaded, making it almost as fast as many monoplane fighters of its rank. However, be aware that the aircraft doesn't usually get that high, and is effectively limited to a max speed of 375 km/h in level flight at lower altitudes. The climb rate of this plane is also rather lacklustre, though the plane doesn't typically need to climb for any reason. The aircraft's engines are quite reliable, but will overheat if WEP is applied for too long.
+
With all of the additional necessary gear and equipment added to the first production series after the prototype, the Breda 88 is hopelessly overloaded (137 kg/m² wing-load) and drains any advantage the streamlined design and strong engines grant. In fact on first glance the Lince appears to be quite responsive, featuring late control lock-up speeds and decent roll-rate once spinning. But in this lies the crux of the matter. The aircraft is too heavy, any maneuver pulled must change the momentum of the aircraft, hence any steering and course correction is linked to a loss in speed and/or altitude to compensate. It bleeds speed everywhere thus seriously hampering its ability to Boom & Zoom effectively which one would think the Breda is destined for. Crawling to its ground-level top speed of 410 km/h IAS Boom & Run tactics might work against biplanes...<br>
  
However, the main advantage of this aircraft are its handling characteristics. The Br.693AB2 has a great set of control surfaces that allow it to be very snappy and responsive for a twin-engined aircraft. The plane has a decent roll rate, and moreover, a great turn rate. This means that it may be able to outturn fighters such as the Bf 109 in a turnfight. That said, the plane's energy retention characteristics are mediocre meaning that extended turning engagements are not recommended.
+
Take off ''on empty'' is @ 150 km/h IAS (136 f/s) in 18 s, attempting an Immelmann at top speed will cause the aircraft to stall at its zenith and a Split-S should only be performed with +500 m (1,650 ft.) to spare or else impact with the ground will be a given. When attempting to gain altitude, climbing should be done at ~10° when loaded and @ 12° when empty. These data points were not copied from an Italian medium bomber, but rather are a show of inferiority compared to any other attacker at its battle rating. On the bright side, the difference between full and empty payload is minuscule.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,600 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| 471 || 458 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.8 || 20.5 || 5.4 || 5.4 || rowspan="2" | 350
+
| 476 || 462 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.9 || 30.9 || 6.0 || 5.9 || rowspan="2" | 730
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| 523 || 495 || 18.8 || 19.0 || 11.0 || 7.8
+
| 504 || 490 || 28.1 || 29.0 || 9.3 || 7.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 382 || 320 || 294 || ~10 || ~7
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 388 || 283 || ~9 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
| < 300 || < 300 || < 350 || > 320
+
| < 360 || < 320 || < 400 || > 200
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| 3,400 m || 670 hp || 804 hp
+
| 4,000 m || 1,000 hp || N/A
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
* 10 mm steel seat for pilot
+
Designed to outrun any interceptors, the designers at Breda opted to forego any kind of armour protection. A shame that the Lince ''cannot'' do that. While the central fuselage tank may shield from a few pursuit shots, any frontal attacks are very likely to take out the entire crew in a single burst. This aircraft lacks in manoeuvrability leading to an overall short service life both in real life and game. Though the radial engines are rather resilient, not that it improves the survivability much.
* 10 mm steel in front of gunner
 
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (3 in each wing)
 
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''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|Hispano 404 (20 mm)|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
+
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 1 x 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon, nose-mounted (90 rpg)
+
* 3 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (375 rpg top + 425 rpg middle + 450 rpg bottom = 1,250 total)
* 2 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
+
 
 +
The three heavy machine guns are arranged and located in the nose of the aircraft. Usually, the slow firing Breda HMGs are a lacklustre affair, but the addition of a third gun elevates the firepower to just mediocre. Each is armed with different amounts of ammunition, which when firing will run empty at different times. Using tracer belts with one of the guns is a very handy visual feedback in Simulator Battles and a neat visual gimmick in other [[:Category:Game modes|game modes]].<br>
 +
 
 +
Both "Air Targets" and "Stealth" belts are great against aircraft with their IAI-bullets (high explosive rounds), albeit their fuses may not trigger on the canvas skins of biplanes. Against ground targets, the API-T only "Tracer" belt is recommended.
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''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|G.A. MMN. 50 (50 kg)}}
+
{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* Without load
 
* Without load
* 8 x 50 kg G.A. MMN. 50 bombs (400 kg total)
+
* 3 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (150 kg total)
 +
* 3 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (300 kg total)
 +
 
 +
In Realistic and Simulator battles the outer bomb pair drops first with a second drop available for the central third bomb. Due to the aircraft's slow change of momentum, any dive bombing attempt below 600 m (2,000 ft) may result in unplanned self-destruction. Unfortunately, no bombsight with this attacker is available, nor does it feature a floor window for target acquisition. The plane's handling hardly changes with the payloads so the triple 100 kg one is always recommended.
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 
<!-- ''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|MAC 1934T (7.5 mm)}}
+
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934T machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.5 mm MAC 1934T machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
 
  
Note: Both turrets are operated by the same gunner, so both turrets become disabled if the single gunner is knocked out. As well, the ventral turret cannot rotate at all meaning that it is essentially useless in rear defence.
+
Provides rear cover from enemy fighters which will try to knock you out. The 7.7 mm has a limited firing arc. However, controlling the aircraft allows it to be compensated for. It is best to aim for the engine and fight deck of the enemy fighter to knock it out.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the 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).'' -->
The Br.693AB2 is an excellent starting attacker with forgiving flight characteristics. It can be used for a variety of missions depending on the pilot's needs. The aircraft can be employed as a traditional attacker, destroying softer ground targets. It can also be used as a bomber-hunter or air-defence fighter, making use of its great handling and heavy frontal armament. However, take note that the frontal armament is angled slightly downwards making it slightly harder to aim against air targets. In general, there are two main playstyles / approaches for this aircraft, highlighted below:
 
 
'''Ground attack / CAS:'''
 
  
This strategy utilises the aircraft's strong main armament and secondary bomb payload to destroy enemy targets. Note that the aircraft doesn't carry large bombs or rockets. This is a major limitation, making hard-target destruction impossible unless you have an insane level of accuracy. This means that the aircraft is ideal for destroying softer targets such as AA guns and armoured cars. To attack these, the bombs can be a good option - simply drop 1-2 to destroy a target, and remember to set a bomb fuse timer. The 20 mm Hispano 404 cannon is also quite effective against ground targets, which further increases the lethality of the aircraft.
+
The Breda Ba.88 (P.XI) should be used to attack ground targets, for aerial manoeuvres it simply lacks the grace or flying ability necessary. Yet even ground strafing can be difficult due to sluggishness and even deadly as the pilot is extremely vulnerable. Try to avoid enemy planes if possible, as any enemy that engages on its own accords may prove to be fatal. Also note the Ba.88 can carry bombs but does not have air brakes or bombsights, so one must manually slow down and estimate the payload release on target.<br>
  
In mixed battles, the aircraft can be utilised in the same way. However, the 50 kg bombs are quite ineffective against any hard targets, meaning it would be wise to target softer targets such as SPAAs or SPGs. Just remember to avoid taking too much flak, as the aircraft's fuselage isn't too strong.
+
Few viable ways of engaging enemy aircraft exist and all rely on surprising the hostile vehicle. Gaining altitude and diving on the enemy ("Boom") and then either climbing ("Zoom") or running away in level flight are recommended. Albeit this heavy fighter will greatly lose speed in any manoeuvre hence any correction for leading the target should be avoided. Bombers and other aircraft with defensive armament should be avoided entirely.
 
 
'''Anti-Air / Bomber hunter:'''
 
 
 
This strategy utilises the aircraft's airspawn, good agility and frontal armament to destroy enemy air targets. At the start of a match, immediately start climbing to reach the highest altitude possible. At that point, start looking for potential targets to engage. Often times, the aircraft's climb rate will prevent you from reaching higher altitudes in time, but lower-flying attackers and bombers are all good targets.
 
 
 
When flying this aircraft in an anti-air role, make sure to fly defensively. Watch for any fighters who look like they might try to Boom & Zoom on you, as the aircraft's airframe isn't too strong and won't be able to tank too much damage. Against early fighters and biplanes, a B & Z strategy works well as the aircraft can attain high speeds in dives. Against faster monoplanes, a more defensive approach must be taken. Some turning can occur but '''never''' get into an extended turn fight as the plane will lose energy quite rapidly in extended turns.
 
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Offensive guns are nose-mounted meaning that convergence isn't an issue
+
* Tremendous fuel load (33 minutes of fuel is the minimum)
** Take note that the guns are tilted slightly downwards, which can take some getting used to in air combat, but makes shooting ground targets easier.
+
* Reasonable armament with a high chance of igniting fuel tanks
* Has surprisingly responsive controls and good manoeuvrability for a twin-engined fighter
+
* Payloads have almost no performance penalty
* Main armament is relatively hard-hitting and can also carry some bombs for ground-attack
 
* Has a dorsal defensive turret with strong firing angles, and a fixed ventral machine gun
 
* Gets an Airspawn in Realistic battles
 
  
'''Cons'''
+
'''Cons:'''
  
* Doesn't carry heavy weapons meaning that it is much more difficult to destroy harder targets
+
* Flying brick of an attacker
** Cannot carry rockets or bombs over 50 kg
+
** Poor roll rate, turn time, rate of climb, top speed and anything really
* Lacking climb rate prevents it from getting to bomber altitude in a timely manner
+
** Will absolutely get murdered in a turn fight
* Ventral machine gun is fixed-firing meaning that the bottom quadrant is virtually unprotected
+
* Lack of any armour for protection
 +
* Plane is prone to pilot snipe
 +
* Poor defensive armament
 +
* Does not have bombsight
 +
* Deadweight in the line-up
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
Originally designed in response to a 1934 requirement for a three-seat heavy fighter, the Bréguet Bre.690C.3 (C.3 signifying it was a fighter manned by a 3-man crew) was rejected in favour of the Potez 630C.3 as Bréguet had chosen to ignore weight specifications that it found impossible to meet, instead proposing it to the French military as a multi-purpose aircraft. Following this rejection, Bréguet then revised it as a two-seat attack aircraft, with the navigator's position deleted and replaced by a bomb bay capable of holding 460 kg of bombs, and a revised armament of one fixed forward-firing 20 mm cannon supplemented by 2 forward firing 7.5 mm machine guns, one fixed rearward-firing 7.5 mm machine gun in a ventral position, and one flexible 7.5 mm machine gun manned by the rear gunner.
+
The Breda Ba.88 was an Italian heavy fighter bomber that was made for the Regia Aeronautica's 1936 requirement for a twin-engine heavy fighter capable of 329 mph, 2000 km range, and capable of carrying 20 mm cannons. It made its debut around late 1936 to 1937 and during its evaluation, it was a promising design. Standard firepower of the plane was three 12.7 mm Breda SAFAT machine guns in the nose and a gunner in the dorsal turret with a 7.7 mm Breda SAFAT machine gun. The prototype aircraft flew with two Isotta-Fraschini K14 series while production models of the plane had two Piaggio P.XI RC.40 "Stella" 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engines capable of 1,000 hp each, setting several new world speed records in 1937, with speeds in the 550 km/h range. By 1938-39 the Breda Ba.88 came into production but it would be retired in 1941 with only 149 made, after only brief service in Libya in the summer of 1940. The plane was found to perform much more poorly with an operational bombload and unsuitable for the designated role of heavy fighter/assault.
  
The revised Bre.691AB.2 (AB.2 signifying it was an assault bomber manned by a 2-man crew) first flew in March 1938, leading to a production run of 78 aircraft with Hispano-Suiza 14 engines. Planned production for the Bre.692AB.2 with Gnome-Rhòne 14N engines never went ahead; instead 254 Bre.693AB.2s with Gnome-Rhòne 14M engines were built. Due to a perceived shortage of Gnome-Rhòne engines, Bréguet was also ordered to adapt the design so it could be powered by imported US-built engines: this led to a production run of 50 Bre.695AB.2s powered by Pratt & Whitney R-1830-SB4G Twin Wasp engines. Other projected variants were the Bre.694R.2 reconnaissance version; the Bre.696B.2 bomber version, which had been cancelled in favour of the Bre.693AB.2; and the Bre.697C.2 heavy fighter prototype.
+
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
Unfortunately, the Bréguet 690 family saw its career cut short by the Battle of France (May 10 - June 22 1940). France had been late to start the rearmament of its military, originally keeping itself to the strict disarmament treaties of the 1920s, and then finding itself unable to acquire modern military designs due to the economic crisis of the early 1930s. At the time of the German invasion, only 75 of the Bre.691s, 128 of the Bre.693s and 8 of the Bre.695s had been delivered; of these, 119 would go on to be lost during the hectic days of May and June 1940.
+
;Skins
  
While the Bréguet Bre 690 family had been a technically sound design, it was based on an outdated concept: it had been conceived as a low-level, level bomber as the French military did not believe in dive bombers, and thought that tree-top level strafing and bombing of enemy targets gave a better survivability. This was entirely based on the then-current French Army's mobile air defences, which on the one hand consisted of hand-held light calibre machine guns, and on the other hand of World War I vintage slow-firing cannons. By the time the Bre.690 family had started entering service, the French military itself had remedied this defensive gap by the purchase of heavy calibre machine guns and quick-firing cannons; on the German side the Flak 38 had emerged as a potent threat to this flawed tactic, yet despite this no changes were made to the tactical thinking behind the Bréguet Bre.693.
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/714836/en/ Skin: Semi-historical  7° Stormo camouflage - by ''_IronSun_'']
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/718856/en/ Skin: Fictional Navy camouflage - ''_IronSun_'']
  
The type saw its first combat on May 12th 1940, when 18 aircraft of the GBA II/54 and I/51 were deployed against German columns advancing through Belgium; the mission quickly revealed the flaws in the level bomber tactic, as the aircraft were easy targets to the quick-firing Flak 38s that were providing cover to the German troops. Out of 18 aircraft, 10 were lost with the loss of 11 crew taken prisoner and 4 crew killed. The disaster prompted the French high command to switch roles of the Bre.690 to that of shallow dive-bomber, a role for which it never had been built: the aircraft lacked a dive-bombing sight and dive brakes, and while the dive-bombing attacks did decrease vulnerability to AA fire, it increased the inaccuracy of its bombing, and made the type more vulnerable to enemy fighters. As a result, 119 of 211 Bréguet 691, 693 and 695s delivered to the French Air Force were lost during the Battle of France with a further 14 too heavily damaged to be repaired.
+
;Videos
 
+
{{Youtube-gallery|ry8QOqpVzFs|'''"War Thunder Realistic: Breda 88 (P.XI) <nowiki>[</nowiki>Fun Times<nowiki>]</nowiki>"''' by ''Jengar''|yVnlvK4kcJI|'''"Breda Ba.88 - <<The Sky Police!>>"''' by ''Bo Time Gaming''}}
When defeat became inevitable, the French military started evacuating numerous aircraft to its North African territories in the hope they could continue the fight against Germany from there, but when it came to the Bréguets this proved impossible as they did not have the range to make it across the Mediterranean. The survivors (plus the remainder of the aircraft not yet completed at the time of the French surrender) were pressed into service with the French Vichy Air Force or used as trainers by the Luftwaffe.
 
 
 
Other users of the Bre.690 series were the Italian Regia Aeronautica, which received a small number of Bre.693s as trainers in 1943, and Belgium, which had ordered 32 Bre.694s, and of which the first completed aircraft was undergoing trials in France at the time of the Battle of France. Sweden had placed an order for 12 Bre.694s, to be completed as S10 reconnaissance aircraft, but France fell before any could be built and the order was cancelled as a result.
 
 
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
 
 
;Images
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="150px">
 
File:Bréguet 693 WTWallpaper 001.jpg
 
File:Bréguet 693 WTWallpaper 002.jpg
 
File:Bréguet 693 WTWallpaper 003.jpg
 
File:Bréguet 693 WTWallpaper 004.jpg
 
File:Bréguet 693 WTWallpaper 005.jpg
 
</gallery>
 
  
 
== 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;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* [[Ba.65 (K.14) L]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Yak-2 KABB]]
 +
* [[Br.693AB2]]
 +
* [[J1N1]]
 +
* [[Do 17 Z-7]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 222: Line 213:
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* [[wt:en/news/6430-development-br%C3%A9guet-693a-b2-french-flavoured-ground-attack-en|[Development] Bréguet 693A-B2: French Flavoured Ground Attack]]
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/363495-breda-ba88-lince/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>WT Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Breda Ba.88 discussion thread]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/364960-breda-88-pxi/ <nowiki>[</nowiki>WT Forum<nowiki>]</nowiki> Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Breda_Ba.88|<nowiki>[</nowiki>Wikipedia<nowiki>]</nowiki> Breda Ba.88]]
 +
* [[wt:en/news/4696-development-ba-88-lince-a-wild-spirit-en|[Devblog] Breda Ba.88 Lince: A Wild Spirit]]
  
{{AirManufacturer Breguet}}
+
{{AirManufacturer Breda}}
{{France twin-engine fighters and attackers}}
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{{Italy strike aircraft}}

Revision as of 12:12, 20 March 2021

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Breda 88 (P.XI)
breda_88.png
GarageImage Br.693AB2.jpg
Breda 88 (P.XI)
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 2.0
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Breda 88 (P.XI) "Lince" (Italian for Lynx) is a rank I Italian strike aircraft with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/RB) and 2.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica".

Being developed in the mid-'30s the design goal was alike to many other bombers of the period: Use the bigger frame to mount even bigger engines to outrun any fighter. Setting up multiple records the Prototype Ba.88 exceeded its expectations.

But unfortunately, the prototype is NOT the final aircraft the Italian air force ended up with and NOT the version found in War Thunder. For the crucial mistake came when it was time to mount military instruments, self-sealing fuel tanks, weapon pylons, a second pilot, and armament consisting of guns, bullets and bombs. The additional weight from all this hardware turned the Lince effectively into a brick and a less-effective flying one at that. In fact in comparison, the same ranked SM 79 Sparviero medium bomber is overall a better attacker than the Breda. While the high weight and streamlined fuselage of the aircraft typically lend this type of aircraft to Boom & Zoom, getting to this point is a chore. Fortunately, the Breda 88 is so low tiered that it will indeed often face slower fighter craft. At the very least the Ba.88's three nose-mounted heavy machine guns are decent with plenty of ammo.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 5 600 m490 km/h
Turn time29 s
Max altitude9 800 m
Engine2 х Piaggio P.XI. R.C. 40
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t

With all of the additional necessary gear and equipment added to the first production series after the prototype, the Breda 88 is hopelessly overloaded (137 kg/m² wing-load) and drains any advantage the streamlined design and strong engines grant. In fact on first glance the Lince appears to be quite responsive, featuring late control lock-up speeds and decent roll-rate once spinning. But in this lies the crux of the matter. The aircraft is too heavy, any maneuver pulled must change the momentum of the aircraft, hence any steering and course correction is linked to a loss in speed and/or altitude to compensate. It bleeds speed everywhere thus seriously hampering its ability to Boom & Zoom effectively which one would think the Breda is destined for. Crawling to its ground-level top speed of 410 km/h IAS Boom & Run tactics might work against biplanes...

Take off on empty is @ 150 km/h IAS (136 f/s) in 18 s, attempting an Immelmann at top speed will cause the aircraft to stall at its zenith and a Split-S should only be performed with +500 m (1,650 ft.) to spare or else impact with the ground will be a given. When attempting to gain altitude, climbing should be done at ~10° when loaded and @ 12° when empty. These data points were not copied from an Italian medium bomber, but rather are a show of inferiority compared to any other attacker at its battle rating. On the bright side, the difference between full and empty payload is minuscule.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 5,600 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 476 462 9800 29.9 30.9 6.0 5.9 730
Upgraded 504 490 28.1 29.0 9.3 7.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
712.5 262 N/A 388 283 ~9 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 320 < 400 > 200
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,000 m 1,000 hp N/A

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural713 km/h
Gear262 km/h

Designed to outrun any interceptors, the designers at Breda opted to forego any kind of armour protection. A shame that the Lince cannot do that. While the central fuselage tank may shield from a few pursuit shots, any frontal attacks are very likely to take out the entire crew in a single burst. This aircraft lacks in manoeuvrability leading to an overall short service life both in real life and game. Though the radial engines are rather resilient, not that it improves the survivability much.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB167 → 222 Sl icon.png
RB206 → 275 Sl icon.png
SB426 → 568 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 430 Rp icon.png
2 690 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 30 / 60 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_belt_pack
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP50
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
safat12_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
breda_turret_belt_pack
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP100
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
safat7_turret_new_gun
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition1 250 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Main article: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)

The Br.693AB2 is armed with:

  • 3 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, nose-mounted (375 rpg top + 425 rpg middle + 450 rpg bottom = 1,250 total)

The three heavy machine guns are arranged and located in the nose of the aircraft. Usually, the slow firing Breda HMGs are a lacklustre affair, but the addition of a third gun elevates the firepower to just mediocre. Each is armed with different amounts of ammunition, which when firing will run empty at different times. Using tracer belts with one of the guns is a very handy visual feedback in Simulator Battles and a neat visual gimmick in other game modes.

Both "Air Targets" and "Stealth" belts are great against aircraft with their IAI-bullets (high explosive rounds), albeit their fuses may not trigger on the canvas skins of biplanes. Against ground targets, the API-T only "Tracer" belt is recommended.

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 13 x 50 kg GP 50 bomb
Setup 23 x 100 kg GP 100T bomb

The Br.693AB2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 3 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (150 kg total)
  • 3 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (300 kg total)

In Realistic and Simulator battles the outer bomb pair drops first with a second drop available for the central third bomb. Due to the aircraft's slow change of momentum, any dive bombing attempt below 600 m (2,000 ft) may result in unplanned self-destruction. Unfortunately, no bombsight with this attacker is available, nor does it feature a floor window for target acquisition. The plane's handling hardly changes with the payloads so the triple 100 kg one is always recommended.

Defensive armament

Turret7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)

The Br.693AB2 is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)

Provides rear cover from enemy fighters which will try to knock you out. The 7.7 mm has a limited firing arc. However, controlling the aircraft allows it to be compensated for. It is best to aim for the engine and fight deck of the enemy fighter to knock it out.

Usage in battles

The Breda Ba.88 (P.XI) should be used to attack ground targets, for aerial manoeuvres it simply lacks the grace or flying ability necessary. Yet even ground strafing can be difficult due to sluggishness and even deadly as the pilot is extremely vulnerable. Try to avoid enemy planes if possible, as any enemy that engages on its own accords may prove to be fatal. Also note the Ba.88 can carry bombs but does not have air brakes or bombsights, so one must manually slow down and estimate the payload release on target.

Few viable ways of engaging enemy aircraft exist and all rely on surprising the hostile vehicle. Gaining altitude and diving on the enemy ("Boom") and then either climbing ("Zoom") or running away in level flight are recommended. Albeit this heavy fighter will greatly lose speed in any manoeuvre hence any correction for leading the target should be avoided. Bombers and other aircraft with defensive armament should be avoided entirely.

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 Not controllable
1 gear
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Tremendous fuel load (33 minutes of fuel is the minimum)
  • Reasonable armament with a high chance of igniting fuel tanks
  • Payloads have almost no performance penalty

Cons:

  • Flying brick of an attacker
    • Poor roll rate, turn time, rate of climb, top speed and anything really
    • Will absolutely get murdered in a turn fight
  • Lack of any armour for protection
  • Plane is prone to pilot snipe
  • Poor defensive armament
  • Does not have bombsight
  • Deadweight in the line-up

History

The Breda Ba.88 was an Italian heavy fighter bomber that was made for the Regia Aeronautica's 1936 requirement for a twin-engine heavy fighter capable of 329 mph, 2000 km range, and capable of carrying 20 mm cannons. It made its debut around late 1936 to 1937 and during its evaluation, it was a promising design. Standard firepower of the plane was three 12.7 mm Breda SAFAT machine guns in the nose and a gunner in the dorsal turret with a 7.7 mm Breda SAFAT machine gun. The prototype aircraft flew with two Isotta-Fraschini K14 series while production models of the plane had two Piaggio P.XI RC.40 "Stella" 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engines capable of 1,000 hp each, setting several new world speed records in 1937, with speeds in the 550 km/h range. By 1938-39 the Breda Ba.88 came into production but it would be retired in 1941 with only 149 made, after only brief service in Libya in the summer of 1940. The plane was found to perform much more poorly with an operational bombload and unsuitable for the designated role of heavy fighter/assault.

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

External links


Italian Society Ernesto Breda (Società Italiana Ernesto Breda)
Attackers  Ba.65 (K.14) L · Breda 88 (P.XI)

Italy strike aircraft
  Ba.65 (K.14) L · Breda 88 (P.XI) · F.C.20 Bis · P.108A serie 2
  Ro.57 Quadriarma · SM.91 · SM.92
Hungary  ◐Bf 110 G-4 · ◔IL-10
Romania  Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)