Difference between revisions of "Tu-4 (China)"

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{{Specs-Card
 
|code=tu_4_china
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|}}
 
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = Chinese heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = Chinese heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = B-29/Tu-4 (Family)
 
| link = B-29/Tu-4 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=tu_4_china
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{Break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
  
Line 20: Line 18:
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 9,100 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 9,100 m)
Line 31: Line 29:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| 617 || 606 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.4 || 35.0 || 4.7 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 1,500
+
| 618 || 604 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.4 || 35.0 || 4.7 || 4.6 || rowspan="2" | 1,500
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| ___ || 641 || __._ || 32.0 || __._ || 6.5
+
| 665 || 641 || 30.4 || 32.0 || 10.5 || 6.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 60: Line 58:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 340 || 340 || 270 || ~3 || ~1
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 332 || 322 || 270 || ~4 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 154: Line 152:
 
With this bomber's high battle rating, you should be actively looking out for enemy vehicles. It is possible for an attacker to have a relative closing speed of over 1000 km/h. Relying solely on the spotting system will allow some fighters to get so close it will be impossible for you to react. It is especially common for the enemy to approach either in a 30° cone straight ahead or to trail behind and below you, generally outside gun range before pulling up sharply.
 
With this bomber's high battle rating, you should be actively looking out for enemy vehicles. It is possible for an attacker to have a relative closing speed of over 1000 km/h. Relying solely on the spotting system will allow some fighters to get so close it will be impossible for you to react. It is especially common for the enemy to approach either in a 30° cone straight ahead or to trail behind and below you, generally outside gun range before pulling up sharply.
  
When first starting with this aircraft, the payload option is 40 x 100 kg bombs which are able to destroy numerous bases. One of the best ways to maximize the payload's effectiveness, 15 x 100 kg bombs are needed for one base. The A.I. gunners will be able to defend the plane as bombs are dropped from the bombsight until switching back to the pilot seat, ready to head to next objective. The best option for base bombing is the 8 x 1500 kg payload. A single bomb will be enough to destroy a base, provided you do not miss.
+
When first starting with this aircraft, the payload option is 40 x 100 kg bombs which are able to destroy numerous bases. One of the best ways to maximize the payload's effectiveness, 15 x 100 kg bombs are needed for one base. The A.I. gunners will be able to defend the plane as bombs are dropped from the bombsight until switching back to the pilot seat, ready to head to next objective. The best option for base bombing is the 8 x 1500 kg payload. A single bomb will be enough to destroy a base, provided you do not miss.
  
Once the Tu-4's bombing run is complete, start descending towards the friendly airfield; enemy fighters '''will''' be hunting for the Tu-4, so be more alert. The Tu-4 has a very powerful defensive system installed with 5 turrets, each with two 2 x 23 mm cannons, so the Tu-4 should be able to defend itself reasonably well. If you believe that landing would be putting the aircraft in grave danger, it is worth considering to instead stay high and shoot down approaching fighters, calling out your position will often lower the stigma associated with this action.
+
Once the Tu-4's bombing run is complete, start descending towards the friendly airfield; enemy fighters '''will''' be hunting for the Tu-4, so be more alert. The Tu-4 has a very powerful defensive system installed with 5 turrets, each with two 2 x 23 mm cannons, so the Tu-4 should be able to defend itself reasonably well. If you believe that landing would be putting the aircraft in grave danger, it is worth considering to instead stay high and shoot down approaching fighters, calling out your position will often lower the stigma associated with this action.
  
'''Do not''' rely on the AI gunners. Most of the time the Tu-4 will face top rank jets including [[Hunter F 1|Hunter F 1s]] and [[F-86F-2|F2 Sabres]]. These adversaries are usually experienced and will not foolishly tail the bomber for long and try to engage at ranges greater than 1 km or engage in a head-on pass. These manoeuvres render the AI gunners largely useless. Laying down a stream of 23 mm rounds is recommended, but beware of jamming. Hits can be scored within 1.5 - 2 km, if somebody is tailing the Tu-4 or engaging in a head-on pass, they can also occur at greater ranges. Combine the turret shooting with a defensive style of flying to utilize it to its full potential; the Tu-4 offers good handling for its size. Be very careful when putting the Tu-4 into a dive. It is just as prone as any other aircraft to suffering structural damage if its limitations are exceeded. Do '''not''' rely on flaps to slow down, their weak construction will let you down.
+
'''Do not''' rely on the AI gunners. Most of the time the Tu-4 will face top rank jets including [[Hunter F 1|Hunter F 1s]] and [[F-86F-2|F2 Sabres]]. These adversaries are usually experienced and will not foolishly tail the bomber for long and try to engage at ranges greater than 1 km or engage in a head-on pass. These manoeuvres render the AI gunners largely useless. Laying down a stream of 23 mm rounds is recommended, but beware of jamming. Hits can be scored within 1.5 - 2 km, if somebody is tailing the Tu-4 or engaging in a head-on pass, they can also occur at greater ranges. Combine the turret shooting with a defensive style of flying to utilize it to its full potential; the Tu-4 offers good handling for its size. Be very careful when putting the Tu-4 into a dive. It is just as prone as any other aircraft to suffering structural damage if its limitations are exceeded. Do '''not''' rely on flaps to slow down, their weak construction will let you down.
  
The two most dangerous opponents of the Tu-4 are the [[S.O.4050 Vautour IIA]] and the [[Hunter F 1]]. With their 30mm cannons, one burst will be devastating against the Tu-4. The [[F-86F-2]] is also a dangerous opponent, with four 20 mm cannons with a very high velocity and rate of fire.
+
The two most dangerous opponents of the Tu-4 are the [[S.O.4050 Vautour IIA]] and the [[Hunter F 1]]. With their 30mm cannons, one burst will be devastating against the Tu-4. The [[F-86F-2]] is also a dangerous opponent, with four 20 mm cannons with a very high velocity and rate of fire.
  
When down tiered, the most dangerous opponents are the [[Me 163 B]], the [[Me 262 C-2b]] and the [[R2Y2 (Family)|R2Y2 KAIs]]. All equipped with 30 mm cannons, they are able to send the Tu-4 back to the hangar within one burst. The 163's and KI-200 extreme mobility are something to be wary of. It isn't uncommon for bomber pilots to lose track of the attacker after a fly by.
+
When down tiered, the most dangerous opponents are the [[Me 163 B]], the [[Me 262 C-2b]] and the [[R2Y2 (Family)|R2Y2 KAIs]]. All equipped with 30 mm cannons, they are able to send the Tu-4 back to the hangar within one burst. The 163's and KI-200 extreme mobility are something to be wary of. It isn't uncommon for bomber pilots to lose track of the attacker after a fly by.
  
Don't underestimate the other Sabres, such as the [[F-86F-40 (Japan)|F-86F-40]] and the [[CL-13A Mk 5|CL-13A]]. Their 12.7 mm machine guns can do a lot of damage, crippling or setting the Tu-4 afire, which could end the match for the plane there.
+
Don't underestimate the other Sabres, such as the [[F-86F-40 (Japan)|F-86F-40]] and the [[CL-13A Mk 5|CL-13A]]. Their 12.7 mm machine guns can do a lot of damage, crippling or setting the Tu-4 afire, which could end the match for the plane there.
  
Do not consider any enemy bomber or attacker as a neutral or even friendly party. It is quite common for [[Canberra B (I) Mk 6|Canberra]]'s or even [[B-57B|B-57]]'s to try and engage you if the opportunity presents itself.
+
Do not consider any enemy bomber or attacker as a neutral or even friendly party. It is quite common for [[Canberra B (I) Mk 6|Canberra]]'s or even [[B-57B|B-57]]'s to try and engage you if the opportunity presents itself.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 182: Line 180:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>1 gear || Auto controlled
 
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || Controllable<br>1 gear || Auto controlled
|-
 
|}
 
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! Survivability
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
| I
 
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| II
 
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
|
 
| KD-3
 
| KD-4
 
|-
 
| III
 
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
|
 
| Turret 23 mm
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
| IV
 
|
 
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| New 23 mm cannons (turret)
 
| BD-4
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 233: Line 190:
 
* This aircraft currently has the highest payload in the game of up to 12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
 
* This aircraft currently has the highest payload in the game of up to 12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
 
* Very strong and fast climber once flight performance modifications have been purchased (''compressor'', ''engine'', and ''engine injection'')
 
* Very strong and fast climber once flight performance modifications have been purchased (''compressor'', ''engine'', and ''engine injection'')
* Offers effective defensive turrets that have very few dead zones
+
* Very effective defensive 23 mm turrets that have little dead zones, lots of ammo and great damage
* Lots of ammo for defensive armaments
+
* All payload options are internal and does not create additional drag
* Almost identical to the B-29 in terms of performance
+
* Gunners are located separately from the gun turret with the exception of the tail turret, increasing their survivability
* All payload options are internal and has next to no effect on flight performance
+
* Tricycle landing gears, does not have to worry about propeller strike
* Gunners are located separately from the gun turret with the exception of the tail turret
 
* Multiple Tu-4s single-handedly win games, if left ignored by the enemy team
 
* Stock-friendly grind
 
* Rewarding experience, if plane survives the match
 
* With a good gunner crew, this aircraft can defend itself from most fighters coming to attack it, due to its 23 mm turrets
 
* Easy to learn, similar learning curve as the B-29
 
* A good game can be extremely rewarding in Silver Lions, especially if using a booster.
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Usually will lose Silver Lions after playing the Tu-4 due to the immense repair costs (40 097 Silver Lions spaded)
+
* Prone to fires and wing damage, hindering the plane's control
* Does not offer any payload modification immediately, unlike the B-29
+
* Will be ripped to shreds by cannons with the calibre of >=20 mm, especially the [[MK 108 (30 mm)|MK 108]] and the [[ADEN (30 mm)|ADEN]]/[[DEFA 541 (30 mm)|DEFA 541]]
* Prone to fires and wing damage
+
* Can face top rank jets such as the [[F-86F-2|Sabre]], [[Hunter F 1|Hunter]] and the [[S.O.4050 Vautour IIA|Vautour]]
* Slightly less engine power than the B-29
+
* Unable to reliably defend itself from opponents attacking at once from multiple directions
* Will be ripped to shreds by cannons with the calibre of/larger than 20 mm, especially the [[MK 108 (30 mm)|MK 108]] and the [[ADEN (30 mm)|ADEN]]/[[DEFA 541 (30 mm)|DEFA 541]]
 
* Matchmaking will make this aircraft face top rank jets such as the [[F-86F-2|Sabre]], [[Hunter F 1|Hunter]] and the [[S.O.4050 Vautour IIA|Vautour]]
 
* Unable to reliably defend itself from multiple opponents attacking at once from multiple directions
 
 
* Huge aircraft, making it easy to spot from distance and making it close to impossible to miss
 
* Huge aircraft, making it easy to spot from distance and making it close to impossible to miss
* Has a low dive top-speed
 
 
* Takes a while to reach an optimal altitude
 
* Takes a while to reach an optimal altitude
* Landing gear takes a long time to deploy and retract
+
* Hard to handle/correct direction during landing, due to its low roll rate, slow-responding rudder and slow landing gear movement
* Wings are considered weak spots, damaged wings will hinder the plane's control
 
* Flaps are one piece, making it frequent for a wing to lose the whole piece at once. This can affect lift significantly.
 
* Can be hard to handle during landing, especially on short runways.
 
* Takes a while to reach the ground (in one piece)
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 276: Line 218:
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
  
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
 +
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/315758-tupolev-tu-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Tupolev}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Tupolev}}
 
{{China bombers}}
 
{{China bombers}}

Revision as of 10:32, 17 February 2021

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
This page is about the Chinese heavy bomber Tu-4 (China). For other versions, see B-29/Tu-4 (Family).
␗Tu-4
tu_4_china.png
GarageImage Tu-4 (China).jpg
␗Tu-4
Research:95 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:270 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The ␗Tu-4 is a rank V Chinese heavy bomber with a battle rating of 8.0 (AB/RB) and 7.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision".

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 9 100 m641 km/h
Turn time32 s
Max altitude12 000 m
Engine4 х Shvetsov ASh-73TK
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight64 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 9,100 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 618 604 12000 33.4 35.0 4.7 4.6 1,500
Upgraded 665 641 30.4 32.0 10.5 6.5

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 + -
0 389 332 322 270 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 340 < 350 < 290 > 400
Compressor Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
Setting 1 10,250 m 2,200 hp 2,388 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew7 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear389 km/h
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of the pilots.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates in front of the pilots.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates behind the pilots.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates in front of tail control tractions.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plates boxing around rear dorsal gunner and beam gunners.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plate behind the rear ventral turret.
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass in front of tail gunner.
  • 6.5 mm Steel plate in front of tail gunner.

Do not be fooled even with its powerful defensive armament, it does have weak spots.

While playing the Hunter F 1 or the Vautour IIA, it is easy to send this monster of an aircraft back to base with just one burst. Engaging in a head-on is recommended, as the pilots have little protection, usually knocking them both out.

However, the Tu-4 is a monster of an aircraft in terms of its profile and size, making it very easy to hit. Wings and the tail control are weak spots, so hitting the wings will result in severe wing damage on the Tu-4, forcing it to return to base or even sending it back to the hangar.

While flying the Sabres, try to aim for the fuel tanks in the wings. Most of the time, just set the fuel tanks ablaze, or even blowing off the wing, sending the foe back to the hangar.

Do not engage the Tu-4 from the six! Engaging the Tu-4 at its tail, especially from below, is asking for trouble. Always try to engage the Tu-4 from the top, or in head-ons, the fuselage turrets have dead zones when engaging from >~70 degrees.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 984 → 4 010 Sl icon.png
RB10 650 → 14 313 Sl icon.png
SB16 014 → 21 522 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications80 100 Rp icon.png
130 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 000 Ge icon.png
Crew training78 000 Sl icon.png
Experts270 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 500 Ge icon.png
Research Aces670 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 290 / 600 % Sl icon.png
190 / 190 / 190 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
8 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
8 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
13 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
KD-4
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
KD-3
Research:
4 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 300 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
nr23_turret_belt_pack
Research:
6 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
11 000 Sl icon.png
360 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
nr23_turret_new_gun
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
BD-4
Research:
5 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 400 Sl icon.png
280 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (7)
Setup 140 x 100 kg FAB-100sv (forged) bomb
Setup 240 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bomb
Setup 312 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bomb
Setup 420 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bomb
Setup 58 x 1000 kg FAB-1000M-44 bomb
Setup 68 x 1500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bomb
Setup 74 x 3000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bomb

The Tu-4 (China) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 40 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 40 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (10,000 kg total)
  • 12 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (6,000 kg total)
  • 20 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (10,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bombs (8,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 1,500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bombs (12,000 kg total)
  • 4 x 3,000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bombs (12,000 kg total)

Defensive armament

3 х Turret2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannon
Ammunition550 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Turret2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannon
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Turret2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannon
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: NR-23 (23 mm)

The Tu-4 (China) is defended by:

  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, front dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, rear dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, front ventral turret (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, rear ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, tail turret (275 rpg = 550 total)

Usage in battles

The below tactics can be used in all games modes:

Like most planes of its class, the Tu-4 relies on its defensive turrets for aerial combat. A few good hits from its 10 x 23 mm guns can send an attacker back to base, with critical damage or, if not, credit the player with the victory. Maxing out the crew stats is a good idea, it will allow the player to focus more on flying while the AI does the gunning. Don't get too arrogant, remember, the Tu-4 is a huge plane. It is easy to hit, and as mentioned above, especially when the opponents could be jets.

All in all, pay attention to the aircraft's surroundings. The Tu-4 can easily net the team a win so don't let the feeling of invincibility get imbued, or the only reward will be a fiery end.

With this bomber's high battle rating, you should be actively looking out for enemy vehicles. It is possible for an attacker to have a relative closing speed of over 1000 km/h. Relying solely on the spotting system will allow some fighters to get so close it will be impossible for you to react. It is especially common for the enemy to approach either in a 30° cone straight ahead or to trail behind and below you, generally outside gun range before pulling up sharply.

When first starting with this aircraft, the payload option is 40 x 100 kg bombs which are able to destroy numerous bases. One of the best ways to maximize the payload's effectiveness, 15 x 100 kg bombs are needed for one base. The A.I. gunners will be able to defend the plane as bombs are dropped from the bombsight until switching back to the pilot seat, ready to head to next objective. The best option for base bombing is the 8 x 1500 kg payload. A single bomb will be enough to destroy a base, provided you do not miss.

Once the Tu-4's bombing run is complete, start descending towards the friendly airfield; enemy fighters will be hunting for the Tu-4, so be more alert. The Tu-4 has a very powerful defensive system installed with 5 turrets, each with two 2 x 23 mm cannons, so the Tu-4 should be able to defend itself reasonably well. If you believe that landing would be putting the aircraft in grave danger, it is worth considering to instead stay high and shoot down approaching fighters, calling out your position will often lower the stigma associated with this action.

Do not rely on the AI gunners. Most of the time the Tu-4 will face top rank jets including Hunter F 1s and F2 Sabres. These adversaries are usually experienced and will not foolishly tail the bomber for long and try to engage at ranges greater than 1 km or engage in a head-on pass. These manoeuvres render the AI gunners largely useless. Laying down a stream of 23 mm rounds is recommended, but beware of jamming. Hits can be scored within 1.5 - 2 km, if somebody is tailing the Tu-4 or engaging in a head-on pass, they can also occur at greater ranges. Combine the turret shooting with a defensive style of flying to utilize it to its full potential; the Tu-4 offers good handling for its size. Be very careful when putting the Tu-4 into a dive. It is just as prone as any other aircraft to suffering structural damage if its limitations are exceeded. Do not rely on flaps to slow down, their weak construction will let you down.

The two most dangerous opponents of the Tu-4 are the S.O.4050 Vautour IIA and the Hunter F 1. With their 30mm cannons, one burst will be devastating against the Tu-4. The F-86F-2 is also a dangerous opponent, with four 20 mm cannons with a very high velocity and rate of fire.

When down tiered, the most dangerous opponents are the Me 163 B, the Me 262 C-2b and the R2Y2 KAIs. All equipped with 30 mm cannons, they are able to send the Tu-4 back to the hangar within one burst. The 163's and KI-200 extreme mobility are something to be wary of. It isn't uncommon for bomber pilots to lose track of the attacker after a fly by.

Don't underestimate the other Sabres, such as the F-86F-40 and the CL-13A. Their 12.7 mm machine guns can do a lot of damage, crippling or setting the Tu-4 afire, which could end the match for the plane there.

Do not consider any enemy bomber or attacker as a neutral or even friendly party. It is quite common for Canberra's or even B-57's to try and engage you if the opportunity presents itself.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • This aircraft currently has the highest payload in the game of up to 12,000 kg (26,455 lbs)
  • Very strong and fast climber once flight performance modifications have been purchased (compressor, engine, and engine injection)
  • Very effective defensive 23 mm turrets that have little dead zones, lots of ammo and great damage
  • All payload options are internal and does not create additional drag
  • Gunners are located separately from the gun turret with the exception of the tail turret, increasing their survivability
  • Tricycle landing gears, does not have to worry about propeller strike

Cons:

  • Prone to fires and wing damage, hindering the plane's control
  • Will be ripped to shreds by cannons with the calibre of >=20 mm, especially the MK 108 and the ADEN/DEFA 541
  • Can face top rank jets such as the Sabre, Hunter and the Vautour
  • Unable to reliably defend itself from opponents attacking at once from multiple directions
  • Huge aircraft, making it easy to spot from distance and making it close to impossible to miss
  • Takes a while to reach an optimal altitude
  • Hard to handle/correct direction during landing, due to its low roll rate, slow-responding rudder and slow landing gear movement

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

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


Tupolev Design Bureau (Ту́полев Опытное конструкторское бюро)
Bombers  TB-3M-17-32 · SB 2M-100 · SB 2M-103 MV-3 · SB 2M-103 · SB 2M-103U · SB 2M-103U MV-3 · SB 2M-105
  Tu-2 · Tu-2S · Tu-2S-44 · Tu-2S-59 · Tu-4
Arkhangelsky Bomber  Ar-2*
Strike Aircraft  Tu-1
Jet Bomber  Tu-14T
Export  ␗SB 2M-103U · ␗Tu-2S-44 · ␗Tu-4
  ◔Tu-2S-59
  * While Andrei Tupolev was imprisoned, Alexander Arkhangelsky, second in command at Tupolev OKB was able to append his name to the final production series of the SB bomber.

China bombers
American  Martin 139WC*(␗B-10B) · ␗A-29 · ␗B-25J-30 · ␗PB4Y-2
German  ␗Hs 123 A-1
Soviet  ␗SB 2M-103U · ␗DB-3A · ␗Tu-2S-44 · ␗Tu-4
Japanese  ␗P1Y1 mod. 11
  *Export Name