War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

USS Baltimore

2021-05-19T07:58:04Z

U51979230: Cleaned up the page a bit

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_cruiser_baltimore_class
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=items_USS Baltimore (CA-68) (USA)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Baltimore does not have as much armour as a [[Admiral Hipper|Hipper-class heavy cruiser]], it is somewhat on par with IJN counterparts such as the [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]].

Having lots of AA also means lots of crew. However, lots of crew can also be lost due to the AA being repeatedly destroyed. It is not recommended to repair the ship unless major damage has been sustained.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

Baltimore's speed is a bit slower than other heavy cruisers. Her agility is better however.

She is unlikely to evade a torpedo, but being a heavy cruiser, she should survive a hit or two.

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|8 inch/55 Mark 12 (203 mm)}}

Baltimore, being a WW2 US cruiser, shoots super-heavy AP shells out of her 203 mm guns. These shells are heavier than others, weighing over 150 kg. Most other nations' shells weigh usually 110 kg. This gives them a longer flight time, but a steeper angle. The idea was that, at long ranges, the shells would penetrate battleship's decks from above instead of hitting the much thicker side armour.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}

Her secondaries are found on most WW2 US ships. Dual purpose, dual 127 mm turrets. She has six of them. Those turrets are her first line of defence against PT boats and aircraft.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}

As with most WW2 US ships, AA armament is where she shines. Compared to a [[USS Cleveland (CL-55)|Cleveland-class light cruiser]], Baltimore has many more 40 mm Bofors emplacements. She has twelve quadruple 40 mm Bofors turrets, and twenty-four 20 mm Oerlikon single guns. This is much stronger than what could be mounted on light cruisers, giving her awesome close range firepower.

Unlike the Cleveland-class, she cannot fire Variable Time-Fuse shells out of her main guns, giving her slightly less long range AA power compared to a Cleveland.

== Usage in battles ==
Baltimore feels right at home when protecting allies from aircraft. Her 203 mm guns have a difficult time killing dreadnoughts, she should shoot first at other cruisers and destroyers.

Her super-heavy 203 mm shells are useful to shoot above islands while avoiding incoming fire.

She can count on close range AA to protect her from most air attacks while staying near islands.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing AA defense
* Super-heavy AP shells
* Large crew
* Much better fire rate than other American heavy cruisers

'''Cons:'''

* Fire rate of 4 rounds per minute is still rather slow

== History ==
[[File:USS Baltimore 1943.jpg|thumb|450x450px|USS Baltimore (CA-68) anchored at Guantanamo Bay in 1943.]]
USS Baltimore (CA-68) was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers built for the United States during the Second World War. Based on the preceding unique heavy cruiser Wichita, the Baltimores were extremely heavily armed and carried a potent anti-aircraft armament, though like all other American cruisers, they lacked torpedo armament. Baltimore saw extensive service in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War, and carried Franklin D. Roosevelt to his meeting with American military leaders at Pearl Harbour. After the war, she was reduced to reserve, but reactivated for the Korean War. Despite false allegations by the North Koreans that Baltimore had been sunk by North Korean G-5 torpedo boats, she was actually reduced to reserve, and scrapped by 1973.

=== Design and development ===
The Baltimore class was designed to be a successor to the previous Pensacola, Northampton, Portland and New Orleans classes. The ship’s design was based off of the USS Wichita, a unique heavy cruiser built just before the outbreak of hostilities. The hull itself was also extremely similar to the hull of the Cleveland class, a class of light cruiser that was then under construction. Superficially, the Baltimores look extremely similar to the Clevelands, but carried a heavier main armament. Built to this specification, the USS Baltimore was laid down in May of 1941, and commissioned after the start of the war in April of 1943.

Baltimore was 205 metres long and displaced almost 14000 tons standard, making her considerably heavier than her predecessors. Her main armament consisted of nine 8-inch (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets, the same layout as the preceding cruiser classes. However, Baltimore carried a significantly-improved secondary and anti-aircraft armament suite, composed of twelve 5-inch (127 mm) guns in six dual mounts, 48 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns in 12 quad mounts, and 24 Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns in single mounts. Powered by steam turbines delivering 120 000 shaft horsepower, she was capable of making 33 knots (61 km/h).

=== Operational history ===
Following her commissioning in 1943, Baltimore joined the Pacific Fleet and spent October-November 1943 in training off the coast of California. Between November 1943 and June of 1944, Baltimore was part of a coastal bombardment force that provided fire support at the Makin Islands, Kwajalein and Truk landings. During this time, the force made great use of Baltimore's heavy main guns, proving themselves to be effective coastal bombardment weapons. Baltimore continued to provide this fire support capacity until June of 1944, when she returned to the Continental United States.

After returning to the United States, Baltimore embarked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and transported him to Pearl Harbour, where the president met with Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. After the meeting, Baltimore transported the President to Alaska, and then returned to active duty. She spent the last part of the war providing fire support for American troops at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the cessation of hostilities, Baltimore joined the “magic carpet fleet” and transported American veterans back to their homeland.

After the war ended, Baltimore joined the reserve fleet at Bremerton, where she stayed until the Korean War started. She was reactivated in 1951 and assigned to the Atlantic fleet, meaning that she did not see service in the Korean theatre. She later represented the United States at the UK Fleet Review of 1953, and spent a short time in the Eastern Theatre before being reduced to reserve again. A North Korean museum claims that the Baltimore was sunk by G-5 Torpedo Boats in 1950, and has an exhibit showing “the actual boat” that sank the Baltimore. In fact, the Baltimore was never in the Korean Theatre during the war, and was scrapped in 1973. Baltimore earned a total of 9 war stars for her service during the Second World War.

=== [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|Devblog]] ===
The development of new heavy cruisers for the US Navy began after the outbreak of World War II. The restrictions of the London and Washington Treaties ceased to be relevant, so the United States enthusiastically began to refine the projects built within the limits of the restrictions. Based on the heavy cruisers of the USS Wichita class, a new cruiser was developed to correct the issues of its predecessor, namely low stability and a shortage of anti-aircraft weapons, and also with improved seaworthiness, protection and range. The lead ship of the new series, the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore, was laid down in 1941. The distinctive features of the new large series of cruisers are extremely powerful and versatile anti-aircraft weapons and an increased hull width for increased stability. The USS Baltimore entered service in 1943 and immediately began performing combat missions in the Pacific. Until the end of World War II, Baltimore was in the midst of naval war, taking part in a number of US operations. After a short "vacation" it was re-commissioned in 1951, but did not take part in the new, Korean War. The ship was decommissioned from service in May 1956.

== Media ==


;Images
<gallery mode="packed" caption="USS Baltimore (CA-68) Devblog Images" heights="150">
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==

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

* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|[Devblog] USS Baltimore (CA-68) (1943)]]

=== References ===

* Chen, C. (2005, December). Heavy Cruiser Baltimore (CA-68). Retrieved January 19, 2021, from <nowiki>https://ww2db.com/ship_spec.php?ship_id=165</nowiki>
* Wertheim, E. (2019, September 02). USS Baltimore (CA-68). Retrieved January 19, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1996/july/uss-baltimore-ca-68</nowiki>

{{USA heavy cruisers}}
{{Winter Event}}

USS Baltimore

2021-04-08T07:33:49Z

U51979230: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card
|code=us_cruiser_baltimore_class
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=items_USS Baltimore (CA-68) (USA)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a gift rank {{Specs|rank}} American heavy cruiser {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update "Hot Tracks"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6981-special-operation-w-i-n-t-e-r-en|2020 Operation W.I.N.T.E.R.]] event.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}

Baltimore does not have as much armour as a [[Admiral Hipper|Hipper-class heavy cruiser]], it is somewhat on par with IJN counterparts such as the [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]].

Having lots of AA also means lots of crew. However, lots of crew can also be lost due to the AA being repeatedly destroyed. It is not recommended to repair the ship unless major damage has been sustained.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}

Baltimore's speed is a bit slower than other heavy cruisers. Her agility is better however, displacing 30% less than a [[IJN Mogami|Mogami]].

She is unlikely to evade a torpedo, but being a heavy cruiser, she should survive a hit or two.

{{NavalMobility}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|8 inch/55 Mark 12 (203 mm)}}

Baltimore, being a WW2 US cruiser, shoots super-heavy AP shells out of her 203 mm guns. These shells are heavier than others, weighing over 150 kg. Most other nations' shells weigh usually 110 kg. This gives them a longer flight time, but a steeper angle. The idea was that, at long ranges, the shells would penetrate battleship's decks from above instead of hitting the much thicker side armour.

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|5 inch/38 Mk.12 (127 mm)}}

Her secondaries are found on most WW2 US ships. Dual purpose, dual 127 mm turrets. She has six of them. Those turrets are her first line of defence against PT boats and aircraft.

=== Anti-aircraft armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-AA}}

{{main|Bofors L/60 Mark 2 (40 mm)|20 mm/70 Oerlikon Mk.II (20 mm)}}

As with most WW2 US ships, AA armament is where she shines. Compared to a [[USS Cleveland (CL-55)|Cleveland-class light cruiser]], Baltimore has many more 40 mm Bofors emplacements. She has twelve quadruple 40 mm Bofors turrets, and twenty-four 20 mm Oerlikon single guns. This is much stronger than what could be mounted on light cruisers, giving her awesome close range firepower.

Unlike the Cleveland-class, she cannot fire Variable Time-Fuse shells out of her main guns, giving her slightly less long range AA power compared to a Cleveland.

== Usage in battles ==

''Describe the technique of using this ship, the characteristics of her use in a team and tips on strategy. Abstain from writing an entire guide – don't try to provide a single point of view, but give the reader food for thought. Talk about the most dangerous opponents for this vehicle and provide recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of playing with this vehicle in various modes (AB, RB, SB).''

Baltimore feels right at home when protecting allies from aircraft. Her 203 mm guns have a difficult time killing dreadnoughts, she should shoot first at other cruisers and destroyers.

Her super-heavy 203 mm shells are useful to shoot above islands while avoiding incoming fire.

She can count on close range AA to protect her from most air attacks while staying near islands.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Amazing AA defences
* Super-heavy AP shells
* Large crew
* Much better fire rate than other American heavy cruisers

'''Cons:'''

* Rather small for a heavy cruiser

== History ==
[[File:USS Baltimore 1943.jpg|thumb|450x450px|USS Baltimore (CA-68) anchored at Guantanamo Bay in 1943.]]
USS Baltimore (CA-68) was the lead ship of her class of heavy cruisers built for the United States during the Second World War. Based on the preceding unique heavy cruiser Wichita, the Baltimores were extremely heavily armed and carried a potent anti-aircraft armament, though like all other American cruisers, they lacked torpedo armament. Baltimore saw extensive service in the Pacific Theatre during the Second World War, and carried Franklin D. Roosevelt to his meeting with American military leaders at Pearl Harbour. After the war, she was reduced to reserve, but reactivated for the Korean War. Despite false allegations by the North Koreans that Baltimore had been sunk by North Korean G-5 torpedo boats, she was actually reduced to reserve, and scrapped by 1973.

=== Design and development ===
The Baltimore class was designed to be a successor to the previous Pensacola, Northampton, Portland and New Orleans classes. The ship’s design was based off of the USS Wichita, a unique heavy cruiser built just before the outbreak of hostilities. The hull itself was also extremely similar to the hull of the Cleveland class, a class of light cruiser that was then under construction. Superficially, the Baltimores look extremely similar to the Clevelands, but carried a heavier main armament. Built to this specification, the USS Baltimore was laid down in May of 1941, and commissioned after the start of the war in April of 1943.

Baltimore was 205 metres long and displaced almost 14000 tons standard, making her considerably heavier than her predecessors. Her main armament consisted of nine 8-inch (203 mm) guns in three triple turrets, the same layout as the preceding cruiser classes. However, Baltimore carried a significantly-improved secondary and anti-aircraft armament suite, composed of twelve 5-inch (127 mm) guns in six dual mounts, 48 40 mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns in 12 quad mounts, and 24 Oerlikon anti-aircraft guns in single mounts. Powered by steam turbines delivering 120 000 shaft horsepower, she was capable of making 33 knots (61 km/h).

=== Operational history ===
Following her commissioning in 1943, Baltimore joined the Pacific Fleet and spent October-November 1943 in training off the coast of California. Between November 1943 and June of 1944, Baltimore was part of a coastal bombardment force that provided fire support at the Makin Islands, Kwajalein and Truk landings. During this time, the force made great use of Baltimore's heavy main guns, proving themselves to be effective coastal bombardment weapons. Baltimore continued to provide this fire support capacity until June of 1944, when she returned to the Continental United States.

After returning to the United States, Baltimore embarked President Franklin D. Roosevelt and transported him to Pearl Harbour, where the president met with Admiral Chester Nimitz and General Douglas MacArthur. After the meeting, Baltimore transported the President to Alaska, and then returned to active duty. She spent the last part of the war providing fire support for American troops at Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After the cessation of hostilities, Baltimore joined the “magic carpet fleet” and transported American veterans back to their homeland.

After the war ended, Baltimore joined the reserve fleet at Bremerton, where she stayed until the Korean War started. She was reactivated in 1951 and assigned to the Atlantic fleet, meaning that she did not see service in the Korean theatre. She later represented the United States at the UK Fleet Review of 1953, and spent a short time in the Eastern Theatre before being reduced to reserve again. A North Korean museum claims that the Baltimore was sunk by G-5 Torpedo Boats in 1950, and has an exhibit showing “the actual boat” that sank the Baltimore. In fact, the Baltimore was never in the Korean Theatre during the war, and was scrapped in 1973. Baltimore earned a total of 9 war stars for her service during the Second World War.

=== [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|Devblog]] ===
The development of new heavy cruisers for the US Navy began after the outbreak of World War II. The restrictions of the London and Washington Treaties ceased to be relevant, so the United States enthusiastically began to refine the projects built within the limits of the restrictions. Based on the heavy cruisers of the USS Wichita class, a new cruiser was developed to correct the issues of its predecessor, namely low stability and a shortage of anti-aircraft weapons, and also with improved seaworthiness, protection and range. The lead ship of the new series, the heavy cruiser USS Baltimore, was laid down in 1941. The distinctive features of the new large series of cruisers are extremely powerful and versatile anti-aircraft weapons and an increased hull width for increased stability. The USS Baltimore entered service in 1943 and immediately began performing combat missions in the Pacific. Until the end of World War II, Baltimore was in the midst of naval war, taking part in a number of US operations. After a short "vacation" it was re-commissioned in 1951, but did not take part in the new, Korean War. The ship was decommissioned from service in May 1956.

== Media ==
<gallery mode="packed" caption="USS Baltimore (CA-68) Devblog Images" heights="150">
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 001.jpg|
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 002.jpg|
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 003.jpg|
File:USS Baltimore WTWallpaper 004.jpg|
</gallery>

== See also ==

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

* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/7003-development-uss-baltimore-ca-68-1943-en|[Devblog] USS Baltimore (CA-68) (1943)]]

=== References ===

* Chen, C. (2005, December). Heavy Cruiser Baltimore (CA-68). Retrieved January 19, 2021, from <nowiki>https://ww2db.com/ship_spec.php?ship_id=165</nowiki>
* Wertheim, E. (2019, September 02). USS Baltimore (CA-68). Retrieved January 19, 2021, from <nowiki>https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1996/july/uss-baltimore-ca-68</nowiki>
{{USA heavy cruisers}}

Lincoln B Mk II

2020-09-09T22:13:25Z

U51979230: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=lincoln_b2}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.67 "Assault"]].

The Avro Lincoln is the final propeller bomber in the famous British heavy bomber line, and it doesn't pull its punches. It takes the tremendous 14,000 lb payload from the Lancaster series, upgrades the defensive armament so it can actually defend itself, and is fitted with four boosted Rolls-Royce Merlin 68's that can propel the Lincoln to a respectable top speed for a heavy bomber. Unfortunately it still lacks a ventral or belly gunner, which means it will have difficulty defending itself from attacks from below.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===


For a heavy bomber, the Lincoln is quite a responsive machine. It turns relatively well and never feels as sluggish as its contemporaries, but is still vastly inferior to the myriad of fighters that will take any chance they can get to feast on the poor Lincoln.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 5,791 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 484 || 472 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.1 || 27.0 || 2.2 || 2.2 || rowspan="2" | 1,060
|-
! Upgraded
| 547 || 513 || 33.8 || 35.0 || 11.3 || 5.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 420 || 296 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 440 || < 440 || < 310 || > 350
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 3,600 m || 1,400 hp || 1,792 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 6,800 m || 1,300 hp || 1,614 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===

* 6.35mm steel ammo boxes near each turret
* 8mm steel plate behind pilot

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|G.P. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
* 14 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (3,500 lb total)
* 14 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (7,000 lb total)
* 6 x 1,000 lb G.P. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 14 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (14,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|Hispano Mk.V (20 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
* 2 x 20 mm Hispano Mk.V cannons, dorsal turret (380 rpg = 760 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, nose turret (275 rpg = 550 total)
* 2 x 12.7 mm Browning M2 machine guns, tail turret (1,515 rpg = 3,030 total)

== Usage in battles ==

The Lincoln plays similarly to how one would expect a British heavy bomber to; a slow, lumbering beast with a massive payload and mediocre defensive capabilities. Those who are comfortable with the Lancaster series will feel right at home with the Lincoln, as it is better in nearly every way possible. Altitude, speed and cloud cover are your best friends while flying the Lincoln, and its never a bad idea to have a few escort fighters around. Ideally, you should climb to around 5,000 - 6,000 m before beginning your run, turn your tail to any would-be attackers so you can light them up with your Hispano's, drop your bombs, then head back to base to reload your bombs for another run. Of course this strategy varies depending on your current situation and environment, but they all generally follow the same pattern.

However, there is a very specific and dangerous play style, but is also significantly more fun. This would be the '''''Gunship''''' style, where you fly low and bomb ground targets while supporting your fighters. This play style has two distinct advantages. Firstly, it covers your weak belly from harassment and results in fighters approaching you from above or, even better, directly behind you so that you may shred them with your guns. Secondly, it allows you to be closer to your allies so that if you do get swarmed, they can assist and potentially save you. Despite this, the '''''Gunship''''' style is very dangerous and other heavy bombers perform it better such as the [[B-29/Tu-4 (Family)|B-29/Tu-4]], [[He 177 A-5|He 177]], and [[G8N1]] due to their vastly superior defensive armaments and stronger airframes.

=== Specific Enemies Worth Noting ===
Being a relatively flimsy heavy bomber, anything with guns is enough to deal with you at this rank, but there are some specific ones you should take notice of.

==== American Aircraft ====
The specific aircraft you face will depend on which game mode you are playing on due to the large 0.7 BR discrepancy between the Arcade Lincoln and the Realistic Lincoln. In Arcade, you will mainly face the late [[P-51D-30|P-51D]] and [[F-82E]] as these two can easily climb to your altitude and literally light you up with their Browning .50 cals. The [[P-47M-1-RE|P-47M]] and [[P-47N-15|P-47N]] can also be nuisances with their octuple Browning setups, sturdy airframes and powerful engines that only get more powerful the higher they have to chase you. In Realistic, things start to get a bit difficult, as you will be put up against extremely powerful and fast super props that will destroy you without a second thought. The main American ones you will encounter are the dangerous [[P-51H-5-NA|P-51H]], [[F7F-1]] and the exceptionally ruthless [[F8F-1B]]. There is not much you can do versus these aircraft aside from hope, pray, and fire your guns.

==== German Aircraft ====
Britain versus Germany is a tale that stretches as far back as WW1, and their competitiveness when it comes to their aircraft shows this. The Lincoln will have to deal with quite a few deadly opponents that can shred it in seconds, namely the [[Bf 109 G-2/trop|G-2]], [[Bf 109 G-6|G-6]], [[Bf 109 G-10|G-10]] and [[Bf 109 K-4|K-4]] of the famed Bf 109 series, the [[Fw 190 D-9|D-9]] and [[Fw 190 D-12|D-12]]/[[Fw 190 D-13|D-13]] of the legendary Fw 190 series, and the [[Do 335 (Family)|Do 335]] family, all of which mount at least one MG 151 or MK 108 cannon that load the fearsome ''Minengeschoß'' round that doubles or triples their firepower. The 109's can be dealt with via pilot snipes and engine knock-outs, but the Dora 190's and Do 335's will be a bit tougher to destroy. Go for the engines on the Dora's and the wings on the Do 335's.

==== Russian Aircraft ====
Russia is unique in its air doctrine, as all but a select few of their fighters are spectacular at low altitudes but awful at high altitudes. The most prominent exception of this rule is the notorious [[I-225]], a modified MiG-3 that is the king of high altitude combat. It will outspeed anything above 6,000 m and beat them in the climb there as well, and mounts a quadruple ShVAK 20 mm setup that can easily destroy the Lincoln with a few well-aimed bursts to the wings. However, it has no bulletproof glass or armour so it is very susceptible to pilot snipes and engine blow-outs. When at low altitude, you should pay attention for the [[La-9]], a Modified La-7 that mounts extremely powerful 23 mm cannons and wont even need to score a critical hit to down you.

==== British Aircraft ====
While you will never have to face British aircraft in Realistic, Arcade posts this challenge. Britain has some extremely capable fighters at this tier that mount powerful guns and boast high speeds and impressive manoeuvrability. The [[Spitfire F Mk 22]] and [[Spitfire F Mk 24|Mk 24]] are highly dangerous opponents that are more than able to down you with their quad Hispano Mk.II's, and they can easily reach you at any altitudes thanks to the legendary Rolls-Royce Griffon that powers them. However, they are very weak in situations where they cant use their Griffon to the fullest, so try to aim for the engine to knock it out. The [[Hornet Mk.III]] is also a fairly dangerous aircraft, as it has superior speed to the Spitfires and a climb rate to rival them, while also mounting the improved Hispano Mk.V's. Despite its speed and armament, the Hornet is very flimsy due to its all-wooden construction, so it won't take many shots to down it.

==== Italian Aircraft ====
Although overlooked for their German counterparts, Italy has very capable fighters. The [[G.56]] is a G.55 mounted with a DB 603 engine which improves its performance and sports 3 MG 151 cannons that can wreck you in moments. Its airframe is relatively weak however, and the engine is easily damaged, so aim there. The [[Re.2005 serie 0|Re.2005]] is also highly dangerous in a high-altitude combat scenario, where it can use its high speed and powerful guns to destroy you. There is not much one can do versus a 2005 spare knocking out the engine, so aim there.

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Controllable Auto control available || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

=== Modules ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 12 mm
| SUBC mk.I
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
| Turret 20 mm
| MBC mk.III
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
| New 20 mm cannons (turret)
| MBC mk.III/II
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''
* Good defensive firepower (except against attacks from below)
* Aircraft can remain airworthy with severe damage
* Reasonably improved performance over the Lancaster
* Massive payload that can destroy all 3 bases and have some bombs left over for the airfield
* Fairly responsive aileron control surfaces

'''Cons:'''
* 20 mm turret has limited elevation and depression
* No protection against attacks from below
* Long take off distance
* Relatively poor climb rate
* No co-pilot

== History ==

The Avro Lincoln was developed during World War 2. It was developed from the famous Avro Lancaster. In fact the first few Lincoln prototypes were called Lancaster IV and V. It first made it's maiden flight on June 9, 1944, and achieved operational status in August, 1945. It is the RAF's last piston-engined heavy bomber. The actual design came from Air Ministry specification B.14/43. Which called for an improved piston-engined heavy bomber to replace the Avro Lancaster, Short Stirling, and Handley Page Halifax. The first designs differed from the Lancaster by having a longer, stronger wing span. It also had an enlarged fuselage that could carry 4.5 tonnes of various armaments and bombs. It also has a higher operational ceiling and longer range compared to the Avro Lancaster.

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

== See also ==

* [[Lancaster B Mk I]] and [[Lancaster B Mk III|Mk III]], the foundation the Lincoln was built off of.

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Avro}}
{{Britain bombers}}

Tu-4

2020-09-03T05:49:57Z

U51979230: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=tu_4}}
{{About
| about = Russian heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = B-29/Tu-4 (Family)
}}
== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Russian heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. This bomber was introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]]. Though it's an almost identical structure copy of the American [[B-29A-BN|B-29 bomber]], the Tu-4 features an improved 23 mm defensive armament and a very large payload.

Russian engineers reverse engineered an interred B-29 to develop an "exact" copy per Stalin's request. Challenges were met as available materials were developed using the metric system and the B-29 had been developed using the standard imperial system. Equipment had to be retooled and new supplies had to be developed to match the metric version of the imperial standard sizes. In the end, between the two aircraft, the Russian Tu-4 only weighed 340 kg more than the B-29, a difference of less than 1%. So stringent was the bureaucratic process for manufacturing parts and equipment, special permission from a high-level general was required to allow Soviet-made parachutes to be utilized in the Tu-4.

The Tu-4 is a heavy bomber, able to load up to 12,000 kg of bombs. It is able to fully destroy all three bases in one run, while also dealing significant damage to the enemy's airfield. Its defensive armament consists of 5 x turrets with each having 2 x 23 mm cannons (a total of 10 x 23 mm cannons). These guns can annihilate enemy fliers in seconds while covering a wide area, making a Tu-4 tough to approach, let alone attack. However, don't be fooled, it is a huge target and thus nearly impossible to miss. With its battle rating of 8.0 in RB, it faces top rank jet fighters most of the time.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 9,100 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 618 || 605 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.4 || 35.0 || 4.7 || 4.6 || 1,800
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 9,100 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 665 || 641 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 30.4 || 32.0 || 10.5 || 6.5 || 1,800
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flaps
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 340 || ~4 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 340 || < 350 || < 290 || > 400
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 9,720 m || 2,200 hp || 2,499 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* 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 of its nickname of "The Russian Death Star". 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.

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 ===

{{main|NR-23 (23 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 2 x 23 mm NR-23 cannons, front 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 dorsal turret (275 rpg = 550 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 1]]s 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.

When down tiered, the most dangerous opponents are the [[Me 163 B]], the [[Me 262 C-2b]] and the [[R2Y2 (Family)|R2Y2 KAI]]s. 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.

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===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Not controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Controllable 1 gear || rowspan="2" | Auto controlled
|-
|}

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | 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:'''

* 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'')
* Offers effective defensive turrets that have very few dead zones
* Lots of ammo for defensive armaments
* Almost identical to the B-29 in terms of performance
* All payload options are internal and has next to no effect on flight performance
* 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:'''

* Usually will lose Silver Lions after playing the Tu-4 due to the immense repair costs
* Does not offer any payload modification immediately, unlike the B-29
* Prone to fires and wing damage
* 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
* Has a low dive top-speed
* Takes a while to reach an optimal altitude
* Having altitude doesn't do much because jets can reach you in a matter of minutes
* Landing gear takes a long time to deploy and retract
* 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)
* Against missiles you are hopeless
* You face against jets with missiles almost every game

== History ==


The Soviet Tu-4 strategic bomber is a copy of the B-29 with more powerful engines and armament. The USSR did not possess strategic aviation capacity in 1945 while having a great requirement for it as the Cold War was about to begin. A group of B-29 accidentally flew into Soviet territory and the B-29 plane was captured. The B-29's that ended up in the hands of Soviet engineers seemed to be a technological miracle and a vast gap between the long-range bomber technologies of the US and the USSR was soon discovered. This lead to a hurried cloning effort while created the Tu-4, a Soviet copy of the American bomber with a few modifications. The Soviets copied the bomber so closely that some Tu-4 had bullet hole patches from the B-29 that weren't meant to be there.

== Media ==

{{Youtube-gallery|gxIVvUZGptw|'''The Shooting Range #51''' - ''Special'' section at 00:29 discusses the B-29 & Tu-4.|G-sMfeWsEq0|'''The Shooting Range #148''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:12 discusses the Tu-4.}}

== 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 ==


* [http://warthunder.com/en/news/3756-development-b-29-superfortress-tu-4-the-new-face-of-the-giant-en/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> B-29 Superfortress/Tu-4 – the new face of the giant]

{{AirManufacturer Tupolev}}
{{USSR bombers}}

B-18A

2020-07-19T17:35:34Z

U51979230: /* Pros and cons */

{{Specs-Card|code=b_18a}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]].

This is the first multi-engine land-based bomber available in the American Bomber tech tree. With a maximum bomb load of 2,000 lbs, it is a decent medium bomber, although its gunners' fields of fire are somewhat poor, the only viable one being the dorsal turret gunner which suffers from the large blind spot the rudder creates directly behind the aircraft. It is recommended to level bomb at high altitude, as its poor manoeuvrability means you will have a hard time bombing moving ground targets at low altitude without a relatively straight bombing run.

== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,049 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 357 || 344 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.9 || 22.8 || 5.7 || 5.7 || 500
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 3,049 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
! AB
! RB
|-
| 395 || 375 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.1 || 21.0 || 10.3 || 7.7 || 500
|-
|}

====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps
! Take-off flaps
! Landing flaps
! Air brakes
! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! +
! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 340 || ~10 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 200 || < 270 || < 250 || > 324
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,158 m || 860 hp || 1,032 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 2,926 m || 850 hp || 1,020 hp
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===


* No armour
* Engines and fuel tanks in root of wing

== Armaments ==
=== Suspended armament ===

{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
* 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)

=== Defensive armament ===

{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:

* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, chin turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

== Usage in battles ==

As the first non-naval bomber available to the Americans, this plane is faster than its predecessors in the tech tree, the PBY flying boats. Its bomb load isn't bad for tier 1, with its maximum bomb load being either a single 2,000 lbs bomb (which is enough to destroy a base in one strike in RB as of update 1.95) or eight 250 lbs bombs, which is more than enough to take out a base with two bombs left to spare at matches in the 1.0-2.0 range. The defensive armament is somewhat lackluster however, with only 3 defensive positions, and of the 3 only one is somewhat viable for the defence of the aircraft. The lower ventral gunner is almost useless, and easily taken out, and the frontal gunner is only useful if your current enemy is directly in front and below you. The last turret, a massive dorsal contraption, can fire anywhere in around the aircraft. However, it cannot fire at things directly above it or below it, limiting its effectiveness. In addition, a significant bind spot is formed by to the rather large tail fin and rudder. Overall this bomber can be considered a trainer for the later American heavy bombers with its slow lumbering presence, high bomb load and multiple defensive positions.

===Manual Engine Control===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil
! Water
! Type
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable 2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
|-
|}

===Modules===
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
|-
| I
| Fuselage repair
| Radiator
|
| Turret 7 mm
| LBC-17
|-
| II
|
| Compressor
| Airframe
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
|
|-
| III
| Wings repair
| Engine
|
|
| SBC-17
|-
| IV
|
| Engine injection
| Cover
|
| MBC-17
|-
|}

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Fairly manoeuvrable for a bomber
* Very durable air frame
* One of the first aircraft to have a copilot
* Single 2,000 lb bomb can destroy an entire base, decimate vehicle formations, and be of great use in battles
* Frontal gunner has a bigger field of fire allowing some flexibility in engaging other aircraft
* Fairly fast for its tier and class, meaning you can outrun most biplanes, Russian I-153s being an exception
* Similar playstyle to the B-10, pilots can expect similar general performance
* Matchmaking tends to place the {{PAGENAME}} against fairly weak enemy fighters

'''Cons:'''

* Rather slow
* Weak defensive armament will not help against enemy fighters especially firing from blind spots
* Nose machine gun can't fire directly to the front
* Very large plane and can be an easy target to shoot down without a fighter escort
* Defensive armament: .30cal MGs cannot compete with its Russian or German counterparts or other nations that have a fire rate advantage
* The engines are fairly easy to target and knock out with centerline weaponry such as found on Yak-1 and LaGG series fighters
* It has gained notoriety for its bombload, meaning you are a team-wide target
* When doing a loop, it commonly overshoots the cursor, leading to a loss (or gain) of speed

== History ==


In the mid-1930s, the Douglas Aircraft Company developed the medium bomber B-18 Bolo with the intent to replace the Martin B-10 bomber. Though it was a heavier aircraft than the B-10 and based upon the successful DC-2 aircraft body, the B-18 utilized more crew members allowing for a dedicated bombardier, turret gunners, pilot and co-pilot. By 1940 however, the aircraft was considered to be underpowered and had inadequate defensive armaments (too many blind-spots the nose and dorsal gunner cannot get to). The bomber had an impressive 2,000 lb maximum bomb load; however, this also was already considered to be ineffectual.

Army Air units began fielding the While the Martin B-10 which was the first mass-produced bomber which exceeded pursuit fighter capabilities in the amount of ammunition it could drop. With the military always on the look-out for the next greatest technology, a request to aircraft designers was submitted to produce the next generation bomber to supersede the B-10. Three competitors submitted bids, and each presented an aircraft for the military to evaluate. Martin produced the Model 146 9an upgraded version of the B-10), Douglas introduced the DB-1 (the future B-18), and Boeing submitted their Model 299 which later developed into the renowned B-17. While Boeings Modle 299 was clearly the superior aircraft, however, a crash during a demonstration flight due to pilot error, removed this aircraft from consideration. Cost also played into some account as, during this time of economic depression, the $99,000 Model 299 was more expensive than the $58,000 DB-1. The military offered Douglas the contract, and they proceeded to develop the bomber for production.

Douglas began fielding B-18s to evaluation units first and then later B-18A's were added to the inventory and became the backbone of the USAAC's bomber squadrons. Unfortunately, not long after the bombers arrived at their units, glaring deficiencies stood out, namely with cruize speed of the aircraft, its defensive armament and positions, defensive armour and its overall payload size. Disappointingly, the aircraft was determined to be obsolete and did not measure up to the military's requirements for a long-range bombing aircraft. These bombers would have been relative "sitting ducks" for enemy fighter aircraft.

Though determined to be a failure, the bomber still played a limited role in World War II. Early on B-18 and B-18A bombers deployed to many locations overseas, however, this proved fatal for many of this aircraft type, especially at Pearl Harbour where most of the aircraft deployed there were destroyed while still on the ground during the Japanese attack. Pulled as the frontline bomber in 1942 (replaced by the B-17), the B-18A retrofitted and modified to play a role in anti-submarine warfare. Search radars or magnetic anomaly detection equipment were added along with depth charges to allow these bombers to be converted to anti-submarine patrol aircraft. One B-18A in October 1942 successfully sank the German submarine U-512 just north of French Guiana.

It wasn't long before the B-18s were removed from U.S. military service and sold to other countries such as Brazil and Canada. Though they served in limited capabilities during the war-time effort, they continued to serve out many years in the civilian sector as trainer aircraft, transport aircraft, crop dusters and even fire retardant bombers.

== Media ==


;Images
<div><ul>
<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:B-18A Custom 1.jpg|thumb|none|250px|{{PAGENAME}} with WT Live custom skin of the B-18A Bolo 37-0469 from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron.]] </li>
</ul></div>

;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/post/742624/en/ B-18A Bolo 37-0469 from the 38th Reconnaissance Squadron] by user [https://live.warthunder.com/user/Bethelgause/ Bethelgause]

== See also ==


;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

* Martin [[B-10B]]
* Dornier [[Do 17 Z-2]]
* Arkhangelsky [[Ar-2]]
* [[Beaufort Mk VIII]]
* Mitsubishi [[Ki-21-Ia]]
* Fiat [[BR.20 DR]]
* SAAB [[B3C]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
* ''other literature.''

{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
{{USA bombers}}