As a result of the B-29 threat looming over Germany, the RLM (German Ministry of Aviation) set out a requirement for more day fighters that could operate at high altitudes. Many designs were developed and produced, like the Ta 152 H and BV 155. Attempts were made to convert the Ta 154 into a high-altitude fighter but failed due to its wing design. As such, this led to the Ju 88 being repurposed into a bomber destroyer and/or night fighter. Many iterations were developed, like the Ju 188, but the final model would be the Ju 388. The Ju 388 was intended for high-altitude performance. Three variants were planned: the Ju 388 L for photo-reconnaissance, the Ju 388 K for bombing, and the Ju 388 J for fighting enemy aircraft.
The Ju 388 J was the least produced variant, with only three being built. Germany learned that the B-29s were being deployed to the Pacific, and so production shifted towards the Ju 388 K. Almost all of its defensive armament was removed for weight-shedding and maximum performance. A single remote-controlled turret was mounted in the rear, which provided excellent firing angles. It housed two deadly 13 mm MG 131 machine guns with 600 rounds per gun. It also featured two MK 108s as well as two MG 151 cannons mounted underneath the fuselage. An additional two MG 151 cannons were installed pointing upwards in a configuration called the Schräge Musik. The Ju 388 J would be powered by the BMW 801TJ engine, a turbocharged radial engine that produced over 1,750 hp. Since the 388 J was also intended for nighttime duties, a VHF band radar was fitted on the nose and had a range of 8 km (4.97 mi).
The Ju 388 J was introduced as a premium reward vehicle for the "Battlefield Engineer" event during Update 1.87 "Locked On". For players who do not have it right now, the only way to acquire it is to buy it from the Marketplace. Since the Ju 388 was originally based on the Ju 88 bomber, it does not handle well. Even with the improved engines, its overall manoeuvrability is very poor, and the performance is lacklustre. Climbing to high altitudes will be very difficult, and most fights will take place well below the 388 J's optimal combat altitude. The Ju 388 J is a tough plane to use solo, so it is highly advised to stick to teammates or squad up with a friend in a manoeuvrable fighter.
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Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
HEI-T/I | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | |
HEI-T/HEI-T/HEI-T/HEF-I | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
HEI-T/HEI-T/HEI-T | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
HEI | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
IT/IT/APHE/HEI | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
IT/HEI/HEI/AP-I | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
AP-I/HEI/HEI/HEI/HEI/IT | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
APHE/APHE/APHE/IT | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
FI-T/FI-T/FI-T/IT/IT | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
HEI/HEI/HEI/APHE/AP-I | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
IT/IT/APHE/HEI | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
IT/HEI/HEI/AP-I | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
AP-I/HEI/HEI/HEI/HEI/IT | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 | |
APHE/APHE/APHE/IT | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
FI-T/FI-T/FI-T/IT/IT | 21 | 19 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | |
HEI/HEI/HEI/APHE/AP-I | 27 | 24 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
Belt | Belt filling | Armor penetration (mm) at a distance: | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10 m | 100 m | 500 m | 1000 m | 1500 m | 2000 m | ||
IT/AP-I/IAI/AP-I | 19 | 16 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | |
AP-T/AP-T/AP-T/IAI | 19 | 16 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
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