Difference between revisions of "F.222.2"

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== 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_F.222.2.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_F.222.2.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French bomber {{Battle-rating|1}}. This bomber was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} French bomber {{Battle-rating}}. This bomber was introduced in [[Update 1.73 "Vive la France"]].
  
The Farman F.222.2 is the first French bomber in the tech tree lineup. Most nations in War Thunder start with small to medium two-engined bombers which can drop a few bombs, and the Italians step it up with a three-engined S.81 bomber; however, this does not come close to the French. To dominate the early ground-pounding scene, the F.222.2 shows up as the biggest, heaviest, least manoeuvrable and hardest hitting bomber early in the game at a measly battle rating of {{Specs|br|ab}}. This massive bomber’s empty weight is more substantial than the Italian S.81’s loaded weight!  
+
The Farman F.222.2 is the first French bomber in the tech tree lineup. Most nations in War Thunder start with small to medium two-engined bombers which can drop a few bombs, though the Italians step it up with the three-engined S.81 bomber; however, this does not come close to the French. Showing up to dominate the early ground-pounding scene, the F.222.2 is the biggest, heaviest, least manoeuvrable, and hardest hitting bomber early in the game, at a measly battle rating of {{Specs|br|ab}}. This massive bomber’s empty weight is more substantial than the Italian S.81's loaded weight!  
  
The F.222.2 features a parasol wing setup with four radial engines set up in a push-pull configuration. This engine setup allows the pulling engines to turbocharge the wind passing through the pushing engines adding needed horsepower, this also, unfortunately, concentrates the engines into close quarters making it easier for enemy fighters to hit them. While this aircraft has the potential to soak up a lot of 7.5 mm bullets (even some 20 mm) the wings potentially provide an Achilles heel of the aircraft. Each wing contains eight massive fuel tanks which do not self-seal when hit and are prone to catch on fire. A burning F.222.2 will not last long before structural fatigue sets in and the wings buckle.
+
The F.222.2 features a parasol wing setup with four radial engines set up in a push-pull configuration. This engine setup allows the pulling engines to turbocharge the wind passing through the pushing engines adding needed horsepower. This also, unfortunately, concentrates the engines into close quarters, making it easier for enemy fighters to hit them. While this aircraft has the potential to soak up a lot of 7.5 mm bullets (even some 20 mm), the wings potentially provide an Achilles heel of the aircraft. Each wing contains eight massive fuel tanks which do not self-seal when hit, and they are prone to catch on fire. A burning F.222.2 will not last long before structural fatigue sets in and the wings buckle.
  
While a huge target for incoming fighters to attack, the F.222.2 is not without any defences. This bomber is protected by three turrets, one ventral, one dorsal and one in the nose. All three turrets feature a single Darne Mle 33 7.5 mm machine gun, which may not seem like much, but against small fighter aircraft which lack any armour, chances are the gunners will rupture the fighter’s engine, oil coolers, water coolers, fuel tanks or even incapacitate the pilot lending to an aerial victory. Fighters looking for a fast and “free-kill” when going after the F.222.2 should think twice before just rumbling up on the bomber’s doorstep as they may find themselves on a one-way trip to the ground in a heap.
+
With a huge target to fend off incoming fighters, the F.222.2 is not without any defences. This bomber is protected by three turrets: one ventral, one dorsal, and one in the nose. All three turrets feature a single [[Mle_33_(7.5_mm)|Darne Mle 33 7.5 mm machine gun]]. It may not seem like much, though against small fighter aircraft which lack any armour, chances are the gunners will rupture the fighter’s engine, oil coolers, water coolers, fuel tanks, or even incapacitate the pilot leading to an aerial victory. Fighters looking for a fast and “free-kill” when going after the F.222.2 should think twice before just rumbling up on the bomber’s doorstep, as they may find themselves on a one-way trip to the ground in a heap.
  
The massive F.222.2 has one purpose, and that is to drop bombs, lots of bombs! This massive aircraft initially carries 52 x 50 kg bombs however later upgrades will include 100 kg, 200 kg and 500 kg bombs, maxing the payload out at 2,700 kg! Payloads this size can take out columns of vehicles and even in up-tiered situations can do massive damage against enemy bases. This bomber works best at lower altitudes such as between 100 and 500 m, but this beast is nimble enough to bomb targets from as low as 50 m off of the deck. This huge bomber can be a bit frustrating at first, but as newer modules are unlocked and added, the aircraft can take more damage, and it can be surprising how long it survives even though it is full of holes and is trailing smoke from several of its surfaces.  
+
The massive F.222.2 has one purpose, and that is to drop bombs, lots of bombs! This massive aircraft initially carries 52 x 50 kg bombs. Later upgrades will include 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs, maxing the payload out at 2,700 kg! Payloads this size can take out columns of vehicles and, even in up-tiered situations, can do massive damage against enemy bases. This bomber works best at lower altitudes such as between 100 and 500 m, though this beast is nimble enough to bomb targets from as low as 50 m off of the deck. This huge bomber can be a bit frustrating at first, but as modules are unlocked and added, the aircraft can take more damage. It can be surprising how long it survives even though it is full of holes and is trailing smoke from several of its surfaces.  
  
 
== 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" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
|-
 
|-
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! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| X || X || X || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| X || X || X || X || X   <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== 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.''-->
 +
 
 
* No armour plating
 
* No armour plating
 
* No armour glazing
 
* No armour glazing
 
* Vulnerable fuel tanks in the wings
 
* Vulnerable fuel tanks in the wings
 +
* Engines highly sensitive to damage
 
* Huge aircraft, slow and large target
 
* Huge aircraft, slow and large target
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
<!--=== 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.''-->
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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* 7 x 100 kg №.1 bombs + 10 x 200 kg №.1 bombs (total = 2,700 kg)
 
* 7 x 100 kg №.1 bombs + 10 x 200 kg №.1 bombs (total = 2,700 kg)
  
Game style will change depending on the type of bomb payload chosen. For usage on early maps with out bases, the 52 G.A.M.Mn bombs will be the payload of choice. These small bombs used from a low altitude provide a scatter effect where they can be dropped in column runs allowing for convoys of vehicles or multiple cluster sites of artillary to be bombed in one run. Utilising the 50 kg bombs from higher altitudes against vehicles is discouraged as they tend to scatter out of the effective explosive range of the bombs by the time they get to the ground. Low bombing runs against vehicles hits them before they have time to scatter.
+
[[File:BomberImage_F222.2_Carpetbombing.jpg|350px|thumb|right|An F.222.2 carpet-bombing AA vehicles with {{PAGENAME}} bombs.]]
 +
The game style will change depending on the type of bomb payload chosen. For usage on early maps without bases, the 52 G.A.M.Mn bombs will be the payload of choice. These small bombs used from a low altitude provide a scatter effect, where they can be dropped in a column, allowing for convoys of vehicles or multiple cluster sites of artillery to be bombed in one run. Utilising the 50 kg bombs from higher altitudes against vehicles is discouraged, as they tend to scatter out of the effective explosive range of the bombs by the time they get to the ground. Low bombing runs against vehicles hits them before they have time to scatter.
  
Conversly, the larger bombs tend to be less effective against small vehicle targets especially from highter altitudes which give them time to scatter and move out of the effective explosive range. The 100, 200 and 500 kg bombs are very effective against stationary and hardened targets such as AAA sites, pillboxes and bases. Base bombing is very effective from higher altitudes espeically if there is fighter escort which will help provide the bomber time to get to the site and drop its payload.
+
Conversely, the larger bombs tend to be less effective against small vehicle targets, especially from higher altitudes which give them time to scatter and move out of the effective explosive range. The 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs are very effective against stationary and hardened targets such as anti-aircraft artillery sites, pillboxes, and bases. Base bombing is very effective from higher altitudes, especially if there is fighter escort which will help provide the bomber time to get to the site and drop its payload.
  
 
=== 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|Darne 1933 (7.5 mm)}}
 
{{main|Darne 1933 (7.5 mm)}}
  
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* 1 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine gun, ventral turret (720 rpg = 720 total)
 
* 1 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine gun, ventral turret (720 rpg = 720 total)
  
The F.222.2 has decent turret coverage when it comes to defences. With one turret in the nose of the aircraft and the other two located at the dorsal and ventral positions the bomber is capable of defending itself from attacks. Early fighters typically do not have any armor protection and if they approach from the rear of the aircraft are likely to take critcal damage. Be aware of fighters approaching from the side where there are more blind spots as from here they will be targeting either the engines or the wings which contain huge fuel tanks. Do not be afraid to chase or saddle up next to enemy fighters giving the turret gunners a chance to unload on the fighters and potentially score an aerial victory.
+
The F.222.2 has decent turret coverage when it comes to defences. With one turret in the nose of the aircraft and the other two located at the dorsal and ventral positions, the bomber is capable of defending itself from attacks from multiple angles. Early fighters typically do not have any armour protection. As such, if they approach from the rear of the F.222.2, they are likely to take critical damage. Be aware of fighters approaching from the side, since there are more blind spots from this angle. From here, they will be targeting either the engines or the wings which contain huge fuel tanks. Do not be afraid to chase or saddle up next to enemy fighters in order to give the turret gunners a chance to unload on the fighters and potentially score an aerial victory.
 +
 
 +
== 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).''-->
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
[[File:BomberImage_F222.2_BellyTurret.jpg|350px|thumb|right|A view of the bombing damage as seen from the F.222.2's ventral turret during a bombing run.]]
<!--''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).''-->
+
The F.222.2 is a heavy-hitting bomber with okay manoeuvrability at low altitude and low airspeed and can carry a staggering 52x50 kg bombs while still in stock configuration. Combined with its frequent presence in Ground Strike matches with only light vehicles, it will make short work of any (or even all) groups of armoured cars and SPAA it crosses paths with, in addition to destroying an opposing team's entire complement of AAA and artillery in short order.  
The F.222.2 is a heavy hitting bomber with okay maneuverability at low altitude and low air speed, and can carry a staggering 52x50 kg bombs while still in stock configuration. Combined with its frequent presence in Ground Strike matches with only light vehicles, it will make short work of any (or even all) groups of armored cars and SPAA it crosses paths with, and can demolish an opposing team's entire complement of AAA and artillery in short order.  
 
  
Additionally, the ability to carry larger bomb loads later in its upgrade tree turns it into an exceptionally capable base killer, often time wiping out bases solo without sacrificing its heavy-hitting power against armored columns. With some skill (and an escort from friendly fighters), the F.222.2 can wipe out an entire column of medium tank AI targets in a single pass, with enough firepower left over to seriously cripple another column.
+
Additionally, the ability to carry larger bomb loads later in its upgrade tree turns it into an exceptionally capable base killer, often time wiping out bases solo without sacrificing its heavy-hitting power against armoured columns. With some skill (and an escort from friendly fighters), the F.222.2 can wipe out an entire column of medium tank AI targets in a single pass, with enough firepower left over to seriously cripple another column.
  
It is important to match the altitude flown with the payload type chosen as lower altitudes (100 - 500 m or even lower) when utilising the 50 kg bombs against moving targets where as higher altitudes are preferred when utilising larger ordinance against stationary targets. On maps where controlling an airfield is key, do not be afraid to "carpet bomb" the runway to prevent enemy aircraft from taking over the airfield or out-right destroy those which have landed. Be aware of friendly aircraft which may also be on the runway as the bombs don't descriminate who they damage/destroy.
+
It is important to match the altitude flown with the payload type chosen as lower altitudes (100 - 500 m or even lower) when utilising the 50 kg bombs against moving targets, whereas higher altitudes are preferred when utilising larger ordinance against stationary targets. On maps where controlling an airfield is key, do not be afraid to "carpet bomb" the runway to prevent enemy aircraft from taking over the airfield or out-right destroy those which have landed. Be aware of friendly aircraft which may also be on the runway as the bombs do not discriminate who they damage/destroy.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
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===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
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=== 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:'''
 +
 
* Impressive bomb load
 
* Impressive bomb load
 
* Different bomb options make this bomber very versatile
 
* Different bomb options make this bomber very versatile
 
* Fuselage can absorb a lot of damage
 
* Fuselage can absorb a lot of damage
 
* Once at altitude, it can be difficult to reach for reserve planes
 
* Once at altitude, it can be difficult to reach for reserve planes
 +
* Default load consists of 52 x 50 kg bombs, enough to destroy all the mini bases in air RB.
 +
* Can keep flying even after it loses 2 engines
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
 +
 
* Incredibly slow and very heavy
 
* Incredibly slow and very heavy
 
* Engines are very vulnerable to enemy weapons
 
* Engines are very vulnerable to enemy weapons
* Slow speed, heavy weight, and no takeoff flaps makes taking off when fully loaded very difficult
+
* Slow speed, heavyweight, and no takeoff flaps make taking off when fully loaded very difficult
 
* High repair cost for a rank 1 bomber
 
* High repair cost for a rank 1 bomber
* Long take off distance
+
* Long takeoff distance
* Vulnerable to fast climbing, well armed aircraft like the Mig 3  
+
* Vulnerable to fast climbing, well-armed aircraft like the MiG 3  
 
* Armament is slightly underwhelming for such a large aircraft
 
* Armament is slightly underwhelming for such a large aircraft
  
 
== 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).''-->
 +
 
 +
Farman Aviation Works began working on the F.220 bomber design in 1925. This aircraft was based on a successful earlier design of the F.211 which was a parasol wing, four-engine monoplane utilising tractor and pusher engines. While the F.211 never entered production, it served as a base for the F.220 to be designed and built from. The first successful flight of the F.220 happened on 26 May 1932.
 +
 
 +
The F.220 was a success in of itself, however, Farman made several modifications to improve the design which included a new vertical stabilizer, rebuilding the nose and ventral turret to fully enclose them and upgrading the old V-engines to new radial versions. After these modifications, the new version of the F.220 made its maiden flight in 1933.
 +
 
 +
In 1936, another variant, the F.222 first flew and this bomber incorporated retractable landing gear which reduced drag and was not available on earlier versions. A total of twenty-four aircraft of this version where produced and began service in Armee de I’Air in 1937 and was tasked with performing night bombings raids over Germany in May and June of 1940.
 +
 
 +
The F.222.2 bomber which is featured in the game had a redesigned nose and changed out the engines from Gnome-Rhône 14Kdrs engines to Gnome-Rhône 14N-11 engines.
 +
 
 +
The later F.223 which came after the F.222 saw significant changes, not only to name as it became NC.223 after Farman was absorbed into Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC) which was the nationalisation of both Farman Aviation Works and Hanriot in 1936. The aircraft’s tail section was reworked and went from a single vertical stabilizer to a twin-stabilizer setup and the fuselage was refined to be more aerodynamic. Another upgrade came in the form of changes to the ventral and dorsal turret weapons. The Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were replaced with the more powerful H.S. 404 20 mm autocannons.
 +
 
 +
On 7 June 1940, a variant NC 223.4 of the French Naval Aviation was the first allied bomber to fly into Germany and bomb Berlin, the flight dropped eight 250 kg and 80 x 10 kg bombs on Germany’s capital. While the ordinance was not much, the psychological impact was the goal and the raid was reproduced three days later. NC 223 bombers continued to serve in bombing roles until June 1940 when they were transferred to North Africa to fulfil the role of transport aircraft.
  
 
== 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.''-->
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
 
<gallery mode="packed-hover">
 
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster1.jpg|<small>Farman F.222.2</small>
 
Image:f.222.2_WT_poster1.jpg|<small>Farman F.222.2</small>
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</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
== 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.''-->
 
  
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''-->
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5047-development-farman-f-222-2-big-heavy-yours-en War Thunder News - 5047 - Farman F.222.2 Big! Heavy! Yours!]
+
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
 +
 
 +
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5047-development-farman-f-222-2-big-heavy-yours-en [News<nowiki>]</nowiki> - Farman F.222.2 Big! Heavy! Yours!]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Farman}}
 
{{France bombers}}
 
{{France bombers}}

Revision as of 02:07, 20 January 2020

RANK 4 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
f_222_2.png
F.222.2
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage F.222.2.jpg


The F.222.2 is a Rank I French bomber with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB), 2.3 (RB), and 1.3 (SB). This bomber was introduced in Update 1.73 "Vive la France".

The Farman F.222.2 is the first French bomber in the tech tree lineup. Most nations in War Thunder start with small to medium two-engined bombers which can drop a few bombs, though the Italians step it up with the three-engined S.81 bomber; however, this does not come close to the French. Showing up to dominate the early ground-pounding scene, the F.222.2 is the biggest, heaviest, least manoeuvrable, and hardest hitting bomber early in the game, at a measly battle rating of 1.7. This massive bomber’s empty weight is more substantial than the Italian S.81's loaded weight!

The F.222.2 features a parasol wing setup with four radial engines set up in a push-pull configuration. This engine setup allows the pulling engines to turbocharge the wind passing through the pushing engines adding needed horsepower. This also, unfortunately, concentrates the engines into close quarters, making it easier for enemy fighters to hit them. While this aircraft has the potential to soak up a lot of 7.5 mm bullets (even some 20 mm), the wings potentially provide an Achilles heel of the aircraft. Each wing contains eight massive fuel tanks which do not self-seal when hit, and they are prone to catch on fire. A burning F.222.2 will not last long before structural fatigue sets in and the wings buckle.

With a huge target to fend off incoming fighters, the F.222.2 is not without any defences. This bomber is protected by three turrets: one ventral, one dorsal, and one in the nose. All three turrets feature a single Darne Mle 33 7.5 mm machine gun. It may not seem like much, though against small fighter aircraft which lack any armour, chances are the gunners will rupture the fighter’s engine, oil coolers, water coolers, fuel tanks, or even incapacitate the pilot leading to an aerial victory. Fighters looking for a fast and “free-kill” when going after the F.222.2 should think twice before just rumbling up on the bomber’s doorstep, as they may find themselves on a one-way trip to the ground in a heap.

The massive F.222.2 has one purpose, and that is to drop bombs, lots of bombs! This massive aircraft initially carries 52 x 50 kg bombs. Later upgrades will include 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs, maxing the payload out at 2,700 kg! Payloads this size can take out columns of vehicles and, even in up-tiered situations, can do massive damage against enemy bases. This bomber works best at lower altitudes such as between 100 and 500 m, though this beast is nimble enough to bomb targets from as low as 50 m off of the deck. This huge bomber can be a bit frustrating at first, but as modules are unlocked and added, the aircraft can take more damage. It can be surprising how long it survives even though it is full of holes and is trailing smoke from several of its surfaces.

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
Condition Max Speed
(km/h at 3,400 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 385 366 6200 31.8 33.0 11.1 6.4 750
Upgraded 383 366 31.2 33.0 9.3 6.4

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
0 450  ??? ~?? ~?
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< ??? < ??? < ??? > ???
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
 ?,??? m  ??? hp  ?,??? hp

Survivability and armour

  • No armour plating
  • No armour glazing
  • Vulnerable fuel tanks in the wings
  • Engines highly sensitive to damage
  • Huge aircraft, slow and large target

Armaments

Suspended armament

The F.222.2 can be outfitted with the following ordinance:

  • 52 x 50 kg G.A.M.Mn 50 bombs (total = 2,600 kg)
  • 7 x 100 kg №.1 bombs + 5 x 200 kg №.1 bombs (total = 1,700 kg)
  • 4 x 500 kg №.2 bombs (total = 2,000 kg)
  • 7 x 100 kg №.1 bombs + 10 x 200 kg №.1 bombs (total = 2,700 kg)
An F.222.2 carpet-bombing AA vehicles with F.222.2 bombs.

The game style will change depending on the type of bomb payload chosen. For usage on early maps without bases, the 52 G.A.M.Mn bombs will be the payload of choice. These small bombs used from a low altitude provide a scatter effect, where they can be dropped in a column, allowing for convoys of vehicles or multiple cluster sites of artillery to be bombed in one run. Utilising the 50 kg bombs from higher altitudes against vehicles is discouraged, as they tend to scatter out of the effective explosive range of the bombs by the time they get to the ground. Low bombing runs against vehicles hits them before they have time to scatter.

Conversely, the larger bombs tend to be less effective against small vehicle targets, especially from higher altitudes which give them time to scatter and move out of the effective explosive range. The 100 kg, 200 kg, and 500 kg bombs are very effective against stationary and hardened targets such as anti-aircraft artillery sites, pillboxes, and bases. Base bombing is very effective from higher altitudes, especially if there is fighter escort which will help provide the bomber time to get to the site and drop its payload.

Defensive armament

Main article: Darne 1933 (7.5 mm)

The F.222.2 is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine gun, nose turret (1,000 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 1 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine gun, dorsal turret (720 rpg = 720 total)
  • 1 x 7.5 mm Mle 33 machine gun, ventral turret (720 rpg = 720 total)

The F.222.2 has decent turret coverage when it comes to defences. With one turret in the nose of the aircraft and the other two located at the dorsal and ventral positions, the bomber is capable of defending itself from attacks from multiple angles. Early fighters typically do not have any armour protection. As such, if they approach from the rear of the F.222.2, they are likely to take critical damage. Be aware of fighters approaching from the side, since there are more blind spots from this angle. From here, they will be targeting either the engines or the wings which contain huge fuel tanks. Do not be afraid to chase or saddle up next to enemy fighters in order to give the turret gunners a chance to unload on the fighters and potentially score an aerial victory.

Usage in battles

A view of the bombing damage as seen from the F.222.2's ventral turret during a bombing run.

The F.222.2 is a heavy-hitting bomber with okay manoeuvrability at low altitude and low airspeed and can carry a staggering 52x50 kg bombs while still in stock configuration. Combined with its frequent presence in Ground Strike matches with only light vehicles, it will make short work of any (or even all) groups of armoured cars and SPAA it crosses paths with, in addition to destroying an opposing team's entire complement of AAA and artillery in short order.

Additionally, the ability to carry larger bomb loads later in its upgrade tree turns it into an exceptionally capable base killer, often time wiping out bases solo without sacrificing its heavy-hitting power against armoured columns. With some skill (and an escort from friendly fighters), the F.222.2 can wipe out an entire column of medium tank AI targets in a single pass, with enough firepower left over to seriously cripple another column.

It is important to match the altitude flown with the payload type chosen as lower altitudes (100 - 500 m or even lower) when utilising the 50 kg bombs against moving targets, whereas higher altitudes are preferred when utilising larger ordinance against stationary targets. On maps where controlling an airfield is key, do not be afraid to "carpet bomb" the runway to prevent enemy aircraft from taking over the airfield or out-right destroy those which have landed. Be aware of friendly aircraft which may also be on the runway as the bombs do not discriminate who they damage/destroy.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Automatic pitch
Controllable Not controllable Combined Controllable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm
II Compressor Airframe 200 GPs
III Wings Repair Engine New 7 mm MGs (turret) 500 GPs
IV Engine Injection Cover 200 GPs S5

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Impressive bomb load
  • Different bomb options make this bomber very versatile
  • Fuselage can absorb a lot of damage
  • Once at altitude, it can be difficult to reach for reserve planes
  • Default load consists of 52 x 50 kg bombs, enough to destroy all the mini bases in air RB.
  • Can keep flying even after it loses 2 engines

Cons:

  • Incredibly slow and very heavy
  • Engines are very vulnerable to enemy weapons
  • Slow speed, heavyweight, and no takeoff flaps make taking off when fully loaded very difficult
  • High repair cost for a rank 1 bomber
  • Long takeoff distance
  • Vulnerable to fast climbing, well-armed aircraft like the MiG 3
  • Armament is slightly underwhelming for such a large aircraft

History

Farman Aviation Works began working on the F.220 bomber design in 1925. This aircraft was based on a successful earlier design of the F.211 which was a parasol wing, four-engine monoplane utilising tractor and pusher engines. While the F.211 never entered production, it served as a base for the F.220 to be designed and built from. The first successful flight of the F.220 happened on 26 May 1932.

The F.220 was a success in of itself, however, Farman made several modifications to improve the design which included a new vertical stabilizer, rebuilding the nose and ventral turret to fully enclose them and upgrading the old V-engines to new radial versions. After these modifications, the new version of the F.220 made its maiden flight in 1933.

In 1936, another variant, the F.222 first flew and this bomber incorporated retractable landing gear which reduced drag and was not available on earlier versions. A total of twenty-four aircraft of this version where produced and began service in Armee de I’Air in 1937 and was tasked with performing night bombings raids over Germany in May and June of 1940.

The F.222.2 bomber which is featured in the game had a redesigned nose and changed out the engines from Gnome-Rhône 14Kdrs engines to Gnome-Rhône 14N-11 engines.

The later F.223 which came after the F.222 saw significant changes, not only to name as it became NC.223 after Farman was absorbed into Société Nationale de Constructions Aéronautiques du Centre (SNCAC) which was the nationalisation of both Farman Aviation Works and Hanriot in 1936. The aircraft’s tail section was reworked and went from a single vertical stabilizer to a twin-stabilizer setup and the fuselage was refined to be more aerodynamic. Another upgrade came in the form of changes to the ventral and dorsal turret weapons. The Mle 33 7.5 mm machine guns were replaced with the more powerful H.S. 404 20 mm autocannons.

On 7 June 1940, a variant NC 223.4 of the French Naval Aviation was the first allied bomber to fly into Germany and bomb Berlin, the flight dropped eight 250 kg and 80 x 10 kg bombs on Germany’s capital. While the ordinance was not much, the psychological impact was the goal and the raid was reproduced three days later. NC 223 bombers continued to serve in bombing roles until June 1940 when they were transferred to North Africa to fulfil the role of transport aircraft.

Media

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Farman Aviation Works (Avions Farman)
Bombers  F.222.2 · N.C.223.3*
  * Originally the F.223, it was redesignated NC.223 when Farman Aviation was absorbed into the nationalized SNCAC

France bombers
Farman  F.222.2 · N.C.223.3
Latécoère  Late 298D
Potez  Potez 633
Liore et Olivier  LeO 451 early · LeO 451 late
Bloch  M.B.174A-3 · M.B.162 · M.B.175T
American  V-156-F · Martin 167-A3 · ▄A-35B · ▄SB2C-5 · B-26C · ▄PBY-5A Late · ▄PB4Y-2
British  Lancaster MR.7