Difference between revisions of "P.108B serie 1"

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{{Specs-Card|code=p_108b_serie1}}
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{{About
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{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[P.108_(Disambiguation)|P.108 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
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| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = P.108 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=p_108b_serie1
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]].
 +
 
 +
The P.108B Serie 1 is a heavy bomber with a heavy bomb load and relatively weak defensive armament. When delivering the bombs to the targets, high altitudes are a must. The preferred targets of this bomber are stationary objects like pillboxes or slow moving vehicles such as ships (if you can time it well) and of course the bombing targets and airfields. Should an enemy fighter catch up with you, it is certain doom as your defensive guns have a low chance to kill it. To survive attacks, use your gunners to ward off the enemy aircraft until help comes. Stay away from combat as much as you can and do your job as a bomber.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 +
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,900 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 401 || 388 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 37.3 || 38.7 || 2.5 || 2.4 || rowspan="2" | 750
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 438 || 419 || 34.8 || 36.0 || 6.5 || 4.3
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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}} || 383 || 361 || 249 || ~3 || ~2
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 330 || < 310 || < 270 || > 250
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 3,500 m || 1,350 hp || 1,499 hp
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Cockpit armour - instrument panel, pilot's seat, co-pilot's seat and floor plate below pilot
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Armour plate protecting ammo located in wings
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Side gunner armoured walls
 +
* 8 mm Steel - Ventral gunner position
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
−
=== Offensive armament ===
+
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
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=== 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.'' -->
 +
{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)|F200/450}}
  
−
=== Suspended armament ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
''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.''
+
 
 +
* 34 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (1,700 kg total)
 +
* 34 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (3,400 kg total)
 +
* 2 x F200/450 torpedoes
 +
* 3 x F200/450 torpedoes
 +
* 7 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,750 kg total)
 +
* 7 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (3,500 kg total)
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 +
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 +
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, nose turret (300 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, 2 x wing turrets (300 rpg = 600 total)
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (450 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (400 rpg)
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
Much like other heavy bombers in-game, one wants to unlock the heaviest loads ASAP and reach the strategic bomb point ASAP. The best defences are the rear hemisphere, with wing turrets offering an exceptional area of coverage and solid firepower. With that in mind the best survival technique, if unable to climb above the enemy, is to fly close to the ground. Avoid letting enemies attack from directly below or in front. In RB matches with tank columns on the road, the 34 x 100 kg bomb load is effective at destroying armoured columns, laying a dense line along the road the convoy is on will score kills and possibly win the match. Otherwise, use the max load of 7 x 500 kg bombs for medium tanks and strategic targets. When using torpedoes, load all 3, skim the surface of water and make use of islands as for a stealthy approach to the target. Spread the drop to increase the chance of 1 torpedo hitting, unless point blank, then all three can be rapidly dropped.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{| 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<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Auto controlled
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* 2 turrets are placed on the distant engines allowing for more guns to face backward
 +
* Heavy payload available
 +
** One of three planes (the others being the [[P.108B serie 2]] and [[AM-1]]) in the game that can carry three torpedoes
 +
* Has a nose gun unlike the P.108B serie 2 which means it is better suited in head-on situations
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Gunners are bunched together and easily knocked out
 +
* Turrets on the engines cannot face forwards
 +
* Poor manoeuvrability and climb rate
 +
* Prone to fuel tank fire due to tremendous fuel load
 +
* Massive size
 +
* Relatively weak defensive firepower
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
Building large aircraft is difficult even for large companies, and it was no different when the famed Piaggio S.p.A. endeavoured to build a large bomber in the mid 1930s. Giovanni Casiraghi had recently returned after 9 years in America and was put in charge of building the original P.50-I mid wing design being made of wood and used the common-for-the-era tandem engine layout (e.g. [[F.222.2|Farman 222]]). This design was disappointing so Casiraghi reworked it into a more familiar 4 puller engine layout, but still made of wood. The P.50-II flew even worse, but the experiment was not a wasted exercise.
 +
 
 +
Casiraghi's next attempt was a major redesign, this time using aluminium as the primary structure material. Now a low wing design, it had a larger fuselage, more defensive turrets, and more powerful engines resulting in the P.108. Because he was working in the US at the time the B-17 first flew and was likely well informed of aviation advances, it is possible Casiraghi took some inspiration from the Flying Fortress, but for sure this was an original design. The finished design was very robust and could carry a heavy load over long distances, but its non-turbocharged engine did not offer the altitude or speed of the B-17. The P.108 was also one of the first aircraft to offer hydraulically powered remote control turrets, located in each of the outboard engines with gunners sitting mid fuselage, and a retractable hydraulic powered turret predating the famed B-17's ventral ball turret (not the same as "dust bin" type that lowered under the aircraft, but the weapon was moved by hand).
 +
 
 +
In 1941 the first P.108s were delivered to a single unit, the 274a ''Squadriglia'' (274th Squadron). Being far larger, heavier, and a little more troublesome than other Italian aircraft, a number of accidents ensued from inexperience with this beast of an aircraft. One casualty was the commander of the 274a ''Squadriglia'', Bruno Mussolini, son of ''Benito'' Mussolini. Bruno was considered a skilled and serious pilot thus likely earned his position as commander, so the cause of the 7 August 1941 accident is speculative.
 +
 
 +
During the war P.108's performed a number of long range missions in the Mediterranean with no notable success. It was an effective bomber, but the numbers where never sufficient to impact the Allies. Loses mounted changing tactics and removing weight. By the time Italy surrendered only 9 of the approximately 24 built P.108B's remained. An interesting footnote, over a dozen of the transport version, P.108T, were also built, most of those were confiscated by the Germans and used to evacuate troops on the Eastern Front.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=p_108b_serie1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|CF5UdEN_l1A|'''{{PAGENAME}} [Gunnery Problem!]'''  - ''Jengar''|CkZ2aWzk6QQ|'''Update 1.69 - P.108B serie 1/2''' - ''TheEuropeanCanadian''}}
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Related development
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[P.108A serie 2]]
 +
* [[P.108B serie 2]]
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
* [[Me 264]]
 +
* [[Pe-8]]
 +
* [[Halifax B Mk IIIa]]
 +
* [[Stirling B Mk I]]
 +
* [[M.B.162]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/365073-piaggio-p108b-serie-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
* [[wikipedia:Piaggio_P.108|[Wikipedia] Piaggio P.108]]
 +
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=815 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Piaggio P.108]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Piaggio}}
 +
{{Italy bombers}}

Latest revision as of 18:32, 17 December 2022

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the Italian bomber P.108B serie 1. For other versions, see P.108 (Family).
P.108B serie 1
p_108b_serie1.png
GarageImage P.108B serie 1.jpg
P.108B serie 1
Italy flag.png Italy
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.3 3.3
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The P.108B serie 1 is a rank III Italian bomber with a battle rating of 3.7 (AB) and 3.3 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica".

The P.108B Serie 1 is a heavy bomber with a heavy bomb load and relatively weak defensive armament. When delivering the bombs to the targets, high altitudes are a must. The preferred targets of this bomber are stationary objects like pillboxes or slow moving vehicles such as ships (if you can time it well) and of course the bombing targets and airfields. Should an enemy fighter catch up with you, it is certain doom as your defensive guns have a low chance to kill it. To survive attacks, use your gunners to ward off the enemy aircraft until help comes. Stay away from combat as much as you can and do your job as a bomber.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 900 m419 km/h
Turn time36 s
Max altitude9 000 m
Engine4 х Piaggio P.XII RC.35
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight27 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,900 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 401 388 9000 37.3 38.7 2.5 2.4 750
Upgraded 438 419 34.8 36.0 6.5 4.3

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 + -
515 290 383 361 249 ~3 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 330 < 310 < 270 > 250
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,500 m 1,350 hp 1,499 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew8 people
Speed of destruction
Structural515 km/h
Gear290 km/h
  • 8 mm Steel - Cockpit armour - instrument panel, pilot's seat, co-pilot's seat and floor plate below pilot
  • 8 mm Steel - Armour plate protecting ammo located in wings
  • 8 mm Steel - Side gunner armoured walls
  • 8 mm Steel - Ventral gunner position

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB987 → 1 342 Sl icon.png
RB1 752 → 2 382 Sl icon.png
SB3 060 → 4 161 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 660 Rp icon.png
32 100 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 150 / 250 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
breda_turret_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP100
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
safat7_turret_new_gun
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
TBC-79
Research:
1 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 800 Sl icon.png
145 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_turret_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP250
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
safat12_turret_new_gun
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
GP500
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
170 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (6)
Setup 134 x 50 kg GP 50 bomb
Setup 234 x 100 kg GP 100T bomb
Setup 32 x 450 mm F200/450 torpedo
Setup 43 x 450 mm F200/450 torpedo
Setup 57 x 250 kg GP 250 bomb
Setup 67 x 500 kg GP 500 bomb
Main articles: GP 50 (50 kg), GP 100 (100 kg), GP 250 (250 kg), GP 500 (500 kg), F200/450

The P.108B serie 1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 34 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (1,700 kg total)
  • 34 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (3,400 kg total)
  • 2 x F200/450 torpedoes
  • 3 x F200/450 torpedoes
  • 7 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,750 kg total)
  • 7 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (3,500 kg total)

Defensive armament

Turret12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition300 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
2 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition600 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
Turret12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition450 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
2 х Turret7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main articles: Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm), Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)

The P.108B serie 1 is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, nose turret (300 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, 2 x wing turrets (300 rpg = 600 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (450 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (400 rpg)

Usage in battles

Much like other heavy bombers in-game, one wants to unlock the heaviest loads ASAP and reach the strategic bomb point ASAP. The best defences are the rear hemisphere, with wing turrets offering an exceptional area of coverage and solid firepower. With that in mind the best survival technique, if unable to climb above the enemy, is to fly close to the ground. Avoid letting enemies attack from directly below or in front. In RB matches with tank columns on the road, the 34 x 100 kg bomb load is effective at destroying armoured columns, laying a dense line along the road the convoy is on will score kills and possibly win the match. Otherwise, use the max load of 7 x 500 kg bombs for medium tanks and strategic targets. When using torpedoes, load all 3, skim the surface of water and make use of islands as for a stealthy approach to the target. Spread the drop to increase the chance of 1 torpedo hitting, unless point blank, then all three can be rapidly dropped.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 2 turrets are placed on the distant engines allowing for more guns to face backward
  • Heavy payload available
    • One of three planes (the others being the P.108B serie 2 and AM-1) in the game that can carry three torpedoes
  • Has a nose gun unlike the P.108B serie 2 which means it is better suited in head-on situations

Cons:

  • Gunners are bunched together and easily knocked out
  • Turrets on the engines cannot face forwards
  • Poor manoeuvrability and climb rate
  • Prone to fuel tank fire due to tremendous fuel load
  • Massive size
  • Relatively weak defensive firepower

History

Building large aircraft is difficult even for large companies, and it was no different when the famed Piaggio S.p.A. endeavoured to build a large bomber in the mid 1930s. Giovanni Casiraghi had recently returned after 9 years in America and was put in charge of building the original P.50-I mid wing design being made of wood and used the common-for-the-era tandem engine layout (e.g. Farman 222). This design was disappointing so Casiraghi reworked it into a more familiar 4 puller engine layout, but still made of wood. The P.50-II flew even worse, but the experiment was not a wasted exercise.

Casiraghi's next attempt was a major redesign, this time using aluminium as the primary structure material. Now a low wing design, it had a larger fuselage, more defensive turrets, and more powerful engines resulting in the P.108. Because he was working in the US at the time the B-17 first flew and was likely well informed of aviation advances, it is possible Casiraghi took some inspiration from the Flying Fortress, but for sure this was an original design. The finished design was very robust and could carry a heavy load over long distances, but its non-turbocharged engine did not offer the altitude or speed of the B-17. The P.108 was also one of the first aircraft to offer hydraulically powered remote control turrets, located in each of the outboard engines with gunners sitting mid fuselage, and a retractable hydraulic powered turret predating the famed B-17's ventral ball turret (not the same as "dust bin" type that lowered under the aircraft, but the weapon was moved by hand).

In 1941 the first P.108s were delivered to a single unit, the 274a Squadriglia (274th Squadron). Being far larger, heavier, and a little more troublesome than other Italian aircraft, a number of accidents ensued from inexperience with this beast of an aircraft. One casualty was the commander of the 274a Squadriglia, Bruno Mussolini, son of Benito Mussolini. Bruno was considered a skilled and serious pilot thus likely earned his position as commander, so the cause of the 7 August 1941 accident is speculative.

During the war P.108's performed a number of long range missions in the Mediterranean with no notable success. It was an effective bomber, but the numbers where never sufficient to impact the Allies. Loses mounted changing tactics and removing weight. By the time Italy surrendered only 9 of the approximately 24 built P.108B's remained. An interesting footnote, over a dozen of the transport version, P.108T, were also built, most of those were confiscated by the Germans and used to evacuate troops on the Eastern Front.

Media

Skins
Videos
P.108B serie 1 [Gunnery Problem!] - Jengar
Update 1.69 - P.108B serie 1/2 - TheEuropeanCanadian

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Piaggio Aero
Attackers  P.108A serie 2
Bombers  P.108B serie 1 · P.108B serie 2

Italy bombers
Fiat  B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1
Savoia-Marchetti  S.81 · S.M.79 serie 1 · S.M.79 B · S.M.79 serie 8 · S.M.79 AS · S.M.79 bis/T.M
CANT  Z.1007 bis serie 3 · Z.1007 bis serie 5
Piaggio  P.108B serie 1 · P.108B serie 2
  Foreign:
Germany  ▄Ju 87 R-2 · ▄Ju 87 D-3
Hungary  ◔Tu-2S-59

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