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

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{{Specs-Card|code=tu_4_china}}
 
 
{{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]]
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (commonly known as 图-4轰炸机 in Chinese; or by its NATO Codename Bull 公牛) was one of the earliest strategic bomber of the PLAAF acquired from the Soviet Union as a birthday gift for Chairman Mao Zedong when 10 of them flew to China on his birthday in 1953 as the demand for bombers to take the remaining lands from Nationalist forces arose. Although they have not been used on outbound missions, they have been one of the cornerstones of the PLA during the assaults on the Tibetan Plateau thanks to its good high-altitude performance and excellent firepower against rebels with US-made M2HB which caused havoc to the previous [[Tu-2S-44 (China)|Tu-2]] fleet. One of the Tu-4s was then converted as an anti-aircraft gunship to hunt down ROCAF recon planes in the 1960s and one was experimentally converted to the very first AECWS in Asia, KJ-1 with upgraded engine and new radar for early-warning. These bombers were retired in 1988 due to being obsolete and the production pace of H-6 series went smoothly after the manufacture flaws and difficulties have been solved.
{{Break}}
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]].
+
Introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]] as one of the bombers of the newly-introduced Chinese air tech-tree, the overall appearance of Tu-4 in PLAAF service is totally identical to its [[Tu-4|Soviet cousin]] which was based on the USAF's [[B-29/Tu-4 (Family)|B-29]]. While it provided extensive self-defense firepower and sufficient performance at high-altitude with devastating GP bombs which are more than enough to flatten city blocks in a single bombing run, players have to be extremely careful on enemy jets with equally devastating firepower or those with early AAMs as they can make sure Tu-4 would never made it to the designated target with ease.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
just Like its Russian counter part the tu-4 is a heavy bomber with heavy defensive guns and insane bomb loads. But like almost every other bomber in game it flys like a brick with wings and for engines. It dopes have aa high max speed and somewhat decent turn time for a bomber.
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''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
 
! 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)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
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! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
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! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 340 || ___ || 270 || ~3 || ~1
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| 609 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 332 || 322 || 270 || ~4 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| < 340 || < 350 || < 290 || > 400
 
| < 340 || < 350 || < 290 || > 400
|-
 
|}
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
! Compressor
 
! Optimal altitude
 
! 100% Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
! Setting 1
 
| 10,250 m || 2,200 hp || 2,388 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 +
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
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Do not be fooled even with its powerful defensive armament, it does have weak spots.
 
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.
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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.
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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.
 
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.
 
'''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 ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
{{main|FAB-100 (100 kg)|FAB-250M43 (250 kg)|FAB-500 (500 kg)|FAB-1000 (1,000 kg)}}
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{{main|FAB-100sv (100 kg)|FAB-250M-46 (250 kg)|FAB-500M-46 (500 kg)}}
{{main|FAB-1500M-46 (1,500 kg)|FAB-3000M-46 (3,000 kg)}}
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{{main|FAB-1000M-44 (1,000 kg)|FAB-1500M-46 (1,500 kg)|FAB-3000M-46 (3,000 kg)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* 40 x 100 kg FAB-100 bombs (4,000 kg total)
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* 40 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (4,000 kg total)
* 40 x 250 kg FAB-250M43 bombs (10,000 kg total)
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* 40 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bombs (10,000 kg total)
* 12 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (6,000 kg total)
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* 12 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (6,000 kg total)
* 20 x 500 kg FAB-500 bombs (10,000 kg total)
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* 20 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (10,000 kg total)
* 8 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000 bombs (8,000 kg total)
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* 8 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000M-44 bombs (8,000 kg total)
 
* 8 x 1,500 kg FAB-1500M-46 bombs (12,000 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)
 
* 4 x 3,000 kg FAB-3000M-46 bombs (12,000 kg total)
 +
 +
The Chinese Tu-4 has the same bomb loadouts as its Soviet counterpart, giving it a very impressive maximum load of 12,000 kg, with a wide selection of different bomb sizes. If you are looking to destroy bases in air battles then the 8 x 1,500 kg option is best as it allows more drops than the 4 x 3,000 kg bombs while still being able to destroy bases. If you are looking to do damage to the main airfield then the 4 x 3,000 kg option will give you slightly more TNT equivalent, but offers less flexibility.
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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|NR-23 (23 mm)}}
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{{main|Type 23-1 (23 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
* 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, front dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
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* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 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 Type 23-1 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 Type 23-1 cannons, front ventral turret (250 rpg = 500 total)
* 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, rear ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
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* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons, rear ventral turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
* 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, tail turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
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* 2 x 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons, tail turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
 +
 
 +
Like the bomb load, the defensive armament of the Chinese Tu-4 remains unchanged from the Soviet model, with a total of 10 [[Type 23-1 (23 mm)|23 mm Type 23-1 cannons]] providing all-round coverage. While the defensive armament is excellent, you need to engage targets manually as the AI gunners do not engage at sufficient range to take out threats. The utility of the turrets is also lessened when facing missile-armed jets, which can engage you from longer ranges. In these cases you want to throttle down or even turn off your engines to make it harder for them to get a missile lock, and so draw them into range of your guns.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
 
The below tactics can be used in all games modes:
 
The below tactics can be used in all games modes:
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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.
 
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.
+
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 1,000 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.
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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 1,500 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.
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The two most dangerous opponents of the Tu-4 are the [[S.O.4050 Vautour IIA]] and the [[Hunter F 1]]. With their 30 mm 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.
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When down tiered, the most dangerous opponents are the [[Me 163 B]], the [[Me 262 C-2b]] and the [[R2Y (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 163s 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.
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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|Canberras]] or even [[B-57B|B-57s]] to try and engage you if the opportunity presents itself.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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|-
 
|-
 
| 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
 
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!--Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
 
* 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 ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
 
 +
It's known that at least twelve Tu-4s were aided to People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by USSR since 1953, making China the only Tu-4 operator outside of the USSR. Ten Tu-4s delivered by the end of 1953 were operated by the Fourth Independent Regiment of PLAAF and later, in 1960, two additional aircraft were aided and served as navigational training aircraft; Tu-4 were saw during the riot-suppression operations over the Tibetan Plateau as a gunship and the Sino-Indo Border War, and sometimes bombing the frozen Yellow River to reopen shipping routes.
 +
 
 +
=== Shadow Aircraft 影機 ===
 +
[[File:Flight Path of 1960-12-19 Operation.jpg|thumb|309x309px|The flight path "Black Bat's" 1960-12-19 Operation]]
 +
At late 1950s, in view of the harassment and reconnaissance missions from the '''34th "Black Bat" Squadron ''(第34"黑蝙蝠"中隊)'' of ROCAF''' stationed at Hsinchu Airbase, PLAAF had plans for modifying Tu-2 into night-time interceptors and had attempted to hunt down P2V-7U flown by the aforementioned squadron, but ROCAF managed to bait that Tu-2 into terrain thus giving a death sentence to this project. By the 1960s, a commander of PLAAF HQ named Han Zhiming (韩志明) suggested a plan to modify a Tu-4 (aka Tu-4P in this case; No. 0049) into an anti-aircraft gunship as both Tu-4 and P2V shared similar service radius. The aircraft had installed a PSBN-M "Cobalt" radar from IL-28 by the upper front turret which can detect targets within 3 km, the gunner sights were also upgraded into infrared sights and the bomb bay was also modified into a command station where it could serve as an airborne control plane for the jet interceptors. This Tu-4 was dubbed "'''the Shadow Aircraft ''影機'''''" by ROCAF.
 +
 
 +
A detailed information on the very first interception operations conducted by the "Shadow Aircraft" could be found in the Black Bat Squadron Memorial Hall in Hsinchu, their home base. The crew of this P2V flight took off from South Korea on 19 December, 1960 and survived the interception from J-5A, "the Shadow Aircraft" from Cangzhou, Hebei (河北省沧州市) and ground AA; only to knew the existence of such aircraft a year later after multiple interception by this aircraft. According to the records from General Lin Hu (林虎, 1927-2018) and the flight path (shown on right, taken in November 2021) records, the Tu-4P intercepted P2V somewhere near Chengde, Hebei (河北省承德市) with 250 shots fired upon the target; the flight later evaded the interceptors by around 10 pm that day and hid for around 5 hours until they met extensive AA fire in Shandong where the other flight of Tu-4P intercepted P2V again fired again by 3 am the next day for around 35 minutes. <ref>pp. 132-134, Lin, Hu. ''Fights to Defend Motherland Airspace''. <nowiki>ISBN 7-5056-4167-X</nowiki>, People's Liberation Army Publishing House, 2002.</ref> The flight survived the interceptions and arrived Hsinchu at around half-past 8 that day. While the records from PLAAF mentioned that the gunship was first flown in 1st March, the mission was only for tracking instead of a head-to-head interception.
 +
 
 +
After the attempts proved fruitless and the halt on recon flights to Mainland China, the aircraft was converted backed into a conventional bomber and lost in the river of history afterwards.
 +
[[File:The description of the flight and the crew.jpg|thumb|Description of the flight and crew list]]
 +
 
 +
=== A Brand-New Platform ===
 +
[[File:KJ-1 (Tupolev Tu-4).jpg|thumb|right|380x380px|KJ-1 in public display in Beijing Aviation Museum.]]
 +
Due to the lack of endurance of the original Ash-73TK piston engine, in the 1970s the remaining Chinese Tu-4s installed new WJ-6 ("渦槳-6", Turboprop-6) turboprop engines and J17G-13 four-bladed propellers (domestic imitation of AI-20 engine and AV-68 propeller). The 4250 horsepower WJ-6 is more powerful than the original piston engine and a one-piece ventral fin or two small endplate fins at the tips of the horizontal tail were mounted to improve horizontal stability of manoeuvre characteristic. Meanwhile, all of the defensive turrets on these modified Tu-4s were removed for better performance.
 +
 
 +
At that time, the Tu-4 is the optimal heavy-weight long-range air platform operated by PLAAF, so a turboprop Tu-4 (series number 2806501, Red 4114) was chosen as the airframe of 'Plane 926', first airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) plane of PLAAF. A huge rotodome, holding the Type 843 radar, was mounted on its center station of the wings and some small antennas were installed on the fuselage, The project started at 1969 and later be called as KJ-1 ("空警一號", AWACS No.1). The KJ-1 ushered its first test flight in November, 1971. However, the Type 843 radar was found to be lacking in the ability to detect and track low altitude flying objects during the test, so the whole KJ program was disbanded by 1979. Currently the KJ-1 is in public display in the Chinese Aviation Museum, Beijing. Another three Tu-4s with turboprop engines were modified as ECM plane or ELINT planes.
 +
[[File:Tu-4 with BQM-34 underwing.jpg|left|thumb|390x390px|Chinese Tu-4 with DR-5 drone underwing in 1986.]]
 +
 
 +
During the Vietnam War, China captured serval wrecks of Ryan BQM-34 reconnaissance drones and one of them was fixed, becoming the sample of reverse-engineering. The resulting product, called Changhong-1 ("長虹一號", Skylight No.1) or WZ-5 ("無偵-5", Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft No.5) was built based on the BQM-34. A modified Tu-4 (series number 225008, Red 4134) with turboprop engines was converted into a drone carrier platform. The red 4131 drone platform is capable carry two Changhong-1s under the pylons mounted underwing. It can also carry two La-17K UAV.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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;Skins
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=tu_4_china Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 264: Line 236:
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* ''other literature.'' -->
  
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/315758-tupolev-tu-4/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Tupolev}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Tupolev}}
 
{{China bombers}}
 
{{China bombers}}

Latest revision as of 12:34, 16 March 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
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 (commonly known as 图-4轰炸机 in Chinese; or by its NATO Codename Bull 公牛) was one of the earliest strategic bomber of the PLAAF acquired from the Soviet Union as a birthday gift for Chairman Mao Zedong when 10 of them flew to China on his birthday in 1953 as the demand for bombers to take the remaining lands from Nationalist forces arose. Although they have not been used on outbound missions, they have been one of the cornerstones of the PLA during the assaults on the Tibetan Plateau thanks to its good high-altitude performance and excellent firepower against rebels with US-made M2HB which caused havoc to the previous Tu-2 fleet. One of the Tu-4s was then converted as an anti-aircraft gunship to hunt down ROCAF recon planes in the 1960s and one was experimentally converted to the very first AECWS in Asia, KJ-1 with upgraded engine and new radar for early-warning. These bombers were retired in 1988 due to being obsolete and the production pace of H-6 series went smoothly after the manufacture flaws and difficulties have been solved.

Introduced in Update 1.91 "Night Vision" as one of the bombers of the newly-introduced Chinese air tech-tree, the overall appearance of Tu-4 in PLAAF service is totally identical to its Soviet cousin which was based on the USAF's B-29. While it provided extensive self-defense firepower and sufficient performance at high-altitude with devastating GP bombs which are more than enough to flatten city blocks in a single bombing run, players have to be extremely careful on enemy jets with equally devastating firepower or those with early AAMs as they can make sure Tu-4 would never made it to the designated target with ease.

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
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
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 + -
609 389 332 322 270 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 340 < 350 < 290 > 400

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.

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-100sv bombs (4,000 kg total)
  • 40 x 250 kg FAB-250M-46 bombs (10,000 kg total)
  • 12 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (6,000 kg total)
  • 20 x 500 kg FAB-500M-46 bombs (10,000 kg total)
  • 8 x 1,000 kg FAB-1000M-44 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)

The Chinese Tu-4 has the same bomb loadouts as its Soviet counterpart, giving it a very impressive maximum load of 12,000 kg, with a wide selection of different bomb sizes. If you are looking to destroy bases in air battles then the 8 x 1,500 kg option is best as it allows more drops than the 4 x 3,000 kg bombs while still being able to destroy bases. If you are looking to do damage to the main airfield then the 4 x 3,000 kg option will give you slightly more TNT equivalent, but offers less flexibility.

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: Type 23-1 (23 mm)

The Tu-4 (China) is defended by:

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

Like the bomb load, the defensive armament of the Chinese Tu-4 remains unchanged from the Soviet model, with a total of 10 23 mm Type 23-1 cannons providing all-round coverage. While the defensive armament is excellent, you need to engage targets manually as the AI gunners do not engage at sufficient range to take out threats. The utility of the turrets is also lessened when facing missile-armed jets, which can engage you from longer ranges. In these cases you want to throttle down or even turn off your engines to make it harder for them to get a missile lock, and so draw them into range of your guns.

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 1,000 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 1,500 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 30 mm 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 163s 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 Canberras or even B-57s 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

It's known that at least twelve Tu-4s were aided to People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) by USSR since 1953, making China the only Tu-4 operator outside of the USSR. Ten Tu-4s delivered by the end of 1953 were operated by the Fourth Independent Regiment of PLAAF and later, in 1960, two additional aircraft were aided and served as navigational training aircraft; Tu-4 were saw during the riot-suppression operations over the Tibetan Plateau as a gunship and the Sino-Indo Border War, and sometimes bombing the frozen Yellow River to reopen shipping routes.

Shadow Aircraft 影機

The flight path "Black Bat's" 1960-12-19 Operation

At late 1950s, in view of the harassment and reconnaissance missions from the 34th "Black Bat" Squadron (第34"黑蝙蝠"中隊) of ROCAF stationed at Hsinchu Airbase, PLAAF had plans for modifying Tu-2 into night-time interceptors and had attempted to hunt down P2V-7U flown by the aforementioned squadron, but ROCAF managed to bait that Tu-2 into terrain thus giving a death sentence to this project. By the 1960s, a commander of PLAAF HQ named Han Zhiming (韩志明) suggested a plan to modify a Tu-4 (aka Tu-4P in this case; No. 0049) into an anti-aircraft gunship as both Tu-4 and P2V shared similar service radius. The aircraft had installed a PSBN-M "Cobalt" radar from IL-28 by the upper front turret which can detect targets within 3 km, the gunner sights were also upgraded into infrared sights and the bomb bay was also modified into a command station where it could serve as an airborne control plane for the jet interceptors. This Tu-4 was dubbed "the Shadow Aircraft 影機" by ROCAF.

A detailed information on the very first interception operations conducted by the "Shadow Aircraft" could be found in the Black Bat Squadron Memorial Hall in Hsinchu, their home base. The crew of this P2V flight took off from South Korea on 19 December, 1960 and survived the interception from J-5A, "the Shadow Aircraft" from Cangzhou, Hebei (河北省沧州市) and ground AA; only to knew the existence of such aircraft a year later after multiple interception by this aircraft. According to the records from General Lin Hu (林虎, 1927-2018) and the flight path (shown on right, taken in November 2021) records, the Tu-4P intercepted P2V somewhere near Chengde, Hebei (河北省承德市) with 250 shots fired upon the target; the flight later evaded the interceptors by around 10 pm that day and hid for around 5 hours until they met extensive AA fire in Shandong where the other flight of Tu-4P intercepted P2V again fired again by 3 am the next day for around 35 minutes. [1] The flight survived the interceptions and arrived Hsinchu at around half-past 8 that day. While the records from PLAAF mentioned that the gunship was first flown in 1st March, the mission was only for tracking instead of a head-to-head interception.

After the attempts proved fruitless and the halt on recon flights to Mainland China, the aircraft was converted backed into a conventional bomber and lost in the river of history afterwards.

Description of the flight and crew list

A Brand-New Platform

KJ-1 in public display in Beijing Aviation Museum.

Due to the lack of endurance of the original Ash-73TK piston engine, in the 1970s the remaining Chinese Tu-4s installed new WJ-6 ("渦槳-6", Turboprop-6) turboprop engines and J17G-13 four-bladed propellers (domestic imitation of AI-20 engine and AV-68 propeller). The 4250 horsepower WJ-6 is more powerful than the original piston engine and a one-piece ventral fin or two small endplate fins at the tips of the horizontal tail were mounted to improve horizontal stability of manoeuvre characteristic. Meanwhile, all of the defensive turrets on these modified Tu-4s were removed for better performance.

At that time, the Tu-4 is the optimal heavy-weight long-range air platform operated by PLAAF, so a turboprop Tu-4 (series number 2806501, Red 4114) was chosen as the airframe of 'Plane 926', first airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) plane of PLAAF. A huge rotodome, holding the Type 843 radar, was mounted on its center station of the wings and some small antennas were installed on the fuselage, The project started at 1969 and later be called as KJ-1 ("空警一號", AWACS No.1). The KJ-1 ushered its first test flight in November, 1971. However, the Type 843 radar was found to be lacking in the ability to detect and track low altitude flying objects during the test, so the whole KJ program was disbanded by 1979. Currently the KJ-1 is in public display in the Chinese Aviation Museum, Beijing. Another three Tu-4s with turboprop engines were modified as ECM plane or ELINT planes.

Chinese Tu-4 with DR-5 drone underwing in 1986.

During the Vietnam War, China captured serval wrecks of Ryan BQM-34 reconnaissance drones and one of them was fixed, becoming the sample of reverse-engineering. The resulting product, called Changhong-1 ("長虹一號", Skylight No.1) or WZ-5 ("無偵-5", Unmanned reconnaissance aircraft No.5) was built based on the BQM-34. A modified Tu-4 (series number 225008, Red 4134) with turboprop engines was converted into a drone carrier platform. The red 4131 drone platform is capable carry two Changhong-1s under the pylons mounted underwing. It can also carry two La-17K UAV.

Media

Skins

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

  1. pp. 132-134, Lin, Hu. Fights to Defend Motherland Airspace. ISBN 7-5056-4167-X, People's Liberation Army Publishing House, 2002.