Difference between revisions of "Hampden Mk I"

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−
{{Specs-Card|code=hp52_hampden_mk1_late}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Hampden (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=hp52_hampden_mk1_late
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai"]].
 +
 
 +
The Hampden is one of the first bombers you get in the British tree, and without a doubt defines the style of flying for the remainder of the tree. Its decent performance combined with all-powerful bomb load can quickly rack your score up into the thousands. On maps like Essen, use your superior speed to bomb the ground targets before any other bombers, then drop your altitude and rearm at the airfield. After, fly low with a bomb delay and hit the remaining targets or bases.
  
 
== 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,962 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 404 || 388 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.1 || 27.9 || 5.3 || 5.3 || rowspan="2" | 366
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 460 || 428 || 25.0 || 26.0 || 10.9 || 7.6
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 388 || 359 || 210 || ~5 || ~3
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 315 || < 310 || < 300 || > 200
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 1,448 m || 815 hp || 1,043 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 4,496 m || 750 hp || 960 hp
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of cockpit on fuselage top.
 +
* 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the dorsal gunner.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 +
=== Offensive armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
== Weaponry ==
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)
−
=== Offensive weaponry ===
 
−
''Describe the offensive weaponry 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 weaponry ===
+
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended weapons: 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}
  
−
=== Defensive weaponry ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
''Defensive weaponry 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.''
 
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
* 6 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,500 lb total)
−
''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).''
+
* 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
 
 +
=== Defensive armament ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret (500 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
'''Hampden Mk I''' is an average early bomber which, though rather average, should not be taken lightly. It is able to take quite a large bombload for its size, allowing it to take out bomb points and ground targets with ease.
 +
 
 +
The below tactics can be used in all games modes:
 +
 
 +
'''''How to offensively engage an enemy aircraft:'''''
 +
 
 +
If you happen to see an enemy aircraft, you should not engage it. Only in cases where it's the last enemy player or it should be at and disadvantage should the Hampden be brave enough to attack an enemy aircraft. Hampden should try and climb above the enemy then dive to get in front of target. Then use its defensive four 7.7 mm machine guns to tear into enemy aircraft's cockpit and knock out the pilot, engines and any gunners. This way try to use the defensive armaments in an offensive way. The single offensive .30 cal machine gun might not put out enough firepower to take out enemy aircraft, other than some reserve and lower battle rating aircraft, since it's only a single .30 cal with 300 rounds which will limit the damage the Hampden can do.
 +
 
 +
'''''How to perform defensive fighting:'''''
 +
Best way for the Hampden Mk I to defend itself is by trying to get the enemy aircraft to get on the rear where its 4 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns have the coverage to be able to fire at the enemy. Lacking 360 degree turrets makes the Vickers have a limited area of coverage and leaves a lot of the plane exposed for enemy fighters to swoop in from. So best course of action is to get them on the Hampden's tail.
 +
 
 +
Should an enemy fighter move to engage the Hampden, do not try to outmanoeuvre it. Simply dive and go as low as possible while in gunner view and aim for the enemy's engine. Try and damage it or give it some critical damage to fend it off. If one is lucky it will burst into flames or the pilot be knocked out and it will be out of the battle for good.
 +
 
 +
==== Specific enemies worth noting ====
 +
The planes to be feared are usually those that carry cannons or 12.7 mm machine guns. These kind of planes can easily cause heavy damage to the Hampden.
 +
Planes like: [[P-400]], [[P-40 (Family)|P-40]], [[LaGG-3 (Family)|LaGG-3]], [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]] and [[J22-B]]. But those are not the only threats, since there are many more aircraft that will be a considerable threat to Hampden Mk I.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Combined || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Third heaviest payload for its BR (behind the [[Ju 88 A-4]] and the [[Hampden TB Mk I]]).
 +
* Offensive machine gun can be useful for killing soft ground targets.
 +
* Back gunner makes short work of low tier planes.
 +
* Decent manoeuvrability for a bomber.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Terrible roll rate.
−
''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/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Possibility to face planes with 20 mm cannons and 12.7 mm guns.
 +
* Vickers machine gun isn't very accurate.
 +
* Unlike the [[Hampden TB Mk I]] it cannot carry a torpedo.
 +
* Does not like to take battle damage.
 +
* No protection for pilot when enemy planes attack you head on.
 +
* Hits to the wings can start fuel tank fires due to all the fuel tanks being internally mounted in the wings.
 +
* Rear gunners' arc is very limited.
 +
* Carrying the largest payload option will slow the plane to a crawl.
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
The Handley Page Hampden was the last and fastest twin-engined bomber of the "trio" during the "Phoney" War. It was designed to meet Air Ministry Specification B.9/32 which called for a faster, heavier, and more powerful bomber that would replace the existing Bristol Blenheim and the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. The designer, G.V Vokert, designed an interesting prototype, designated HP.52. This plane was originally powered by Napier Sabre Dagger engines, but switched to the more powerful Bristol Pegasus radial engines. Originally the Hampden had two Vickers K gun in ventral and dorsal positions, which proved to be inadequate for daylight defence. This was then switched to two Vickers K guns with modifications. The Hampden had many nicknames, because of the slim, compact and cramped fuselage it was nicknamed the "Flying Suitcase". It was oddly similar in role and appearance to the German fast day-bomber [[Do 17 (Family)|Do 17]], which had the nickname "Flying Pencil".
 +
 
 +
RAF Squadron No.49 was the first to receive their new Hampdens. Bearing the brunt of early bombing raids on Europe. The Hampden proved no match for ''Luftwaffe'' fighters. It was subsequently switched to various night time operations, such as mine-laying, bombing raids on German soil, propaganda and torpedo bombing. Despite having great speed and manoeuvrability, the Hampden was declared obsolete and retired from service in 1942.
  
 
== 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.''
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
  
−
== Read 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;''
 
* ''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:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/342039-handley-page-hampden-mk-1-tb-1-tb-1-utk/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Handley}}
 +
{{Britain bombers}}

Revision as of 15:13, 18 February 2021

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the British bomber Hampden Mk I. For other versions, see Hampden (Family).
Hampden Mk I
hp52_hampden_mk1_late.png
GarageImage Hampden Mk I.jpg
Hampden Mk I
Britain flag.png Britain
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Hampden Mk I is a rank I British bomber with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.65 "Way of the Samurai".

The Hampden is one of the first bombers you get in the British tree, and without a doubt defines the style of flying for the remainder of the tree. Its decent performance combined with all-powerful bomb load can quickly rack your score up into the thousands. On maps like Essen, use your superior speed to bomb the ground targets before any other bombers, then drop your altitude and rearm at the airfield. After, fly low with a bomb delay and hit the remaining targets or bases.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 962 m428 km/h
Turn time26 s
Max altitude8 310 m
Engine2 х Bristol Pegasus XVIII
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,962 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 404 388 8310 27.1 27.9 5.3 5.3 366
Upgraded 460 428 25.0 26.0 10.9 7.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 225 388 359 210 ~5 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 315 < 310 < 300 > 200
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,448 m 815 hp 1,043 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,496 m 750 hp 960 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew4 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear225 km/h
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate in front of cockpit on fuselage top.
  • 9.5 mm Steel plate behind the dorsal gunner.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB215 → 290 Sl icon.png
RB318 → 429 Sl icon.png
SB450 → 607 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 450 Rp icon.png
2 700 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
20 / 40 / 80 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
180 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
180 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
180 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Research:
180 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-B
Research:
180 Rp icon.png
Cost:
110 Sl icon.png
40 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
200 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
vikkersK_turret_new_gun
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC mk.III
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 17.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition300 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Hampden Mk I is armed with:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)

Suspended armament

List of setups (4)
Setup 16 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 22 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 34 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 44 x 1000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)

The Hampden Mk I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 6 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,500 lb total)
  • 2 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (1,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs (4,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Turret7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min
2 х Turret7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition1300 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min
2 х Turret7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition1350 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min
Main article: Vickers K (7.7 mm)

The Hampden Mk I is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, nose turret (500 rpg)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns, ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)

Usage in battles

Hampden Mk I is an average early bomber which, though rather average, should not be taken lightly. It is able to take quite a large bombload for its size, allowing it to take out bomb points and ground targets with ease.

The below tactics can be used in all games modes:

How to offensively engage an enemy aircraft:

If you happen to see an enemy aircraft, you should not engage it. Only in cases where it's the last enemy player or it should be at and disadvantage should the Hampden be brave enough to attack an enemy aircraft. Hampden should try and climb above the enemy then dive to get in front of target. Then use its defensive four 7.7 mm machine guns to tear into enemy aircraft's cockpit and knock out the pilot, engines and any gunners. This way try to use the defensive armaments in an offensive way. The single offensive .30 cal machine gun might not put out enough firepower to take out enemy aircraft, other than some reserve and lower battle rating aircraft, since it's only a single .30 cal with 300 rounds which will limit the damage the Hampden can do.

How to perform defensive fighting: Best way for the Hampden Mk I to defend itself is by trying to get the enemy aircraft to get on the rear where its 4 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine guns have the coverage to be able to fire at the enemy. Lacking 360 degree turrets makes the Vickers have a limited area of coverage and leaves a lot of the plane exposed for enemy fighters to swoop in from. So best course of action is to get them on the Hampden's tail.

Should an enemy fighter move to engage the Hampden, do not try to outmanoeuvre it. Simply dive and go as low as possible while in gunner view and aim for the enemy's engine. Try and damage it or give it some critical damage to fend it off. If one is lucky it will burst into flames or the pilot be knocked out and it will be out of the battle for good.

Specific enemies worth noting

The planes to be feared are usually those that carry cannons or 12.7 mm machine guns. These kind of planes can easily cause heavy damage to the Hampden. Planes like: P-400, P-40, LaGG-3, Ki-45 and J22-B. But those are not the only threats, since there are many more aircraft that will be a considerable threat to Hampden Mk I.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Third heaviest payload for its BR (behind the Ju 88 A-4 and the Hampden TB Mk I).
  • Offensive machine gun can be useful for killing soft ground targets.
  • Back gunner makes short work of low tier planes.
  • Decent manoeuvrability for a bomber.

Cons:

  • Terrible roll rate.
  • Possibility to face planes with 20 mm cannons and 12.7 mm guns.
  • Vickers machine gun isn't very accurate.
  • Unlike the Hampden TB Mk I it cannot carry a torpedo.
  • Does not like to take battle damage.
  • No protection for pilot when enemy planes attack you head on.
  • Hits to the wings can start fuel tank fires due to all the fuel tanks being internally mounted in the wings.
  • Rear gunners' arc is very limited.
  • Carrying the largest payload option will slow the plane to a crawl.

History

The Handley Page Hampden was the last and fastest twin-engined bomber of the "trio" during the "Phoney" War. It was designed to meet Air Ministry Specification B.9/32 which called for a faster, heavier, and more powerful bomber that would replace the existing Bristol Blenheim and the Armstrong Whitworth Whitley. The designer, G.V Vokert, designed an interesting prototype, designated HP.52. This plane was originally powered by Napier Sabre Dagger engines, but switched to the more powerful Bristol Pegasus radial engines. Originally the Hampden had two Vickers K gun in ventral and dorsal positions, which proved to be inadequate for daylight defence. This was then switched to two Vickers K guns with modifications. The Hampden had many nicknames, because of the slim, compact and cramped fuselage it was nicknamed the "Flying Suitcase". It was oddly similar in role and appearance to the German fast day-bomber Do 17, which had the nickname "Flying Pencil".

RAF Squadron No.49 was the first to receive their new Hampdens. Bearing the brunt of early bombing raids on Europe. The Hampden proved no match for Luftwaffe fighters. It was subsequently switched to various night time operations, such as mine-laying, bombing raids on German soil, propaganda and torpedo bombing. Despite having great speed and manoeuvrability, the Hampden was declared obsolete and retired from service in 1942.

Media

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

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


Handley Page Limited
Bombers  Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I · Halifax B Mk IIIa
Export  ▂Hampden TB Mk I

Britain bombers
Torpedo  Swordfish Mk I · Swordfish Mk II · ▄Avenger Mk II
Dive  V-156-B1
Hydroplanes  ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk V
Light  Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII · ▄Hudson Mk V · Brigand B 1
Based on A20  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7
Hampden  Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I
Wellington  Wellington Mk Ic · Wellington Mk Ic/L · Wellington Mk III · Wellington Mk X
Halifax  Halifax B Mk IIIa
Stirling  Stirling B Mk I · Stirling B Mk III
Lancaster  Lancaster B Mk I · Lancaster B Mk III
Lincoln  Lincoln B Mk II
Shackleton  Shackleton MR.Mk.2

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