Difference between revisions of "PBY-5A Late (France)"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} French bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]].
+
In the early 1940s, France placed an order for 30 PBY-5 Catalinas soon after the British placed their first production order for the aircraft. However, the delivery was never fulfilled since France capitulated before the aircraft could be delivered. France acquired 3 PBY-5A Catalinas from the Royal Canadian Air Force to serve in the Caribbean since their islands lacked proper airfields. These PBY-5As lacked the armament of the Catalina and were used in civil roles, mainly moving passengers.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "La Royale"]], the French PBY-5A behaves just like its American counterpart, offering a very large bomb load at the cost of speed, manoeuvrability, and survivability for its BR. It can be used with effectiveness in all gamemodes, air, ground and naval battles thanks to its versatility. Its bomb load is capable of destroying several ground targets with carpet bombing or destroying bases in air battles, meanwhile it has access to torpedoes for naval combat.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 75: Line 77:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
Much like the American, British and Soviet PBYs that came before, the PBY-5A (Late) features surprisingly good survivability, owing to the large empty spaces in the hull and armor plates behind the pilots, allowing it to soak up lots of LMG and even some weaker HMG fire. The Wing-mounted fuel tanks are a weakspot, as a number of good incendiaries in them will send you on a very painful trip to the garage or the ground in flames.
+
Much like the American, British and Soviet PBYs that came before, the PBY-5A (Late) features surprisingly good survivability, owing to the large empty spaces in the hull and armour plates behind the pilots, allowing it to soak up lots of LMG and even some weaker HMG fire. The Wing-mounted fuel tanks are a weak spot, as a number of good incendiaries in them will send you on a trip to the ground in flames.
  
−
* 9.5mm Steel plates behind pilots and in front of nose gunner
+
* 9.5 mm steel plates behind pilots and in front of nose gunner
−
* 6.35mm armor behind tail gunner
+
* 6.35 mm armour behind tail gunner
−
* 6.35mm and 4.7mm steel plates in wing pylon
+
* 6.35 mm and 4.7 mm steel plates in wing pylon
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 89: Line 91:
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can carry:
 
  
−
* 16 x 100lb bombs (800kg in weight, 392kg explosive)
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
* 4 x 500lb bombs (1000kg in weight, 650kg explosive)
+
 
−
* 4 x 1000lb bombs (2000kg in weight, 1270kg explosive)
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
−
* 4 x 1000lb Mk 13 Mod 0 Type A magnetic mines (2000kg in weight, 2000kg explosive)
+
|-
 +
! !! width="7%" | 1 !! width="7%" | 2 !! width="7%" | 3 !! width="7%" | 4 !! width="7%" | 5 !! width="7%" | 6
 +
| rowspan="8" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_PBY-5_Catalina.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|100 lb AN-M30A1]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1 || 6* || 6* || 1 || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|500 lb AN-M64A1]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1* || || || 1* || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb AN-M65A1]] bombs
 +
| 1 || 1* || || || 1* || 1
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk.13-6 Case (2,216 lb)|2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case]] torpedoes
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Mk.13-6 (2,216 lb)|2,216 lb Mk.13-6]] torpedoes
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[Type A Mark I mine|Type A Mark I]] mines
 +
| 1 || 1* || || || 1* || 1
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="7" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 2,200 kg<br>Maximum permissible wing load: 1,100 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 800 kg
 +
|-
 +
| colspan="8" | * Marked ordnance on hardpoints 2/5 cannot be equipped in conjunction with 100 lb bombs on hardpoints 3/4 respectively
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
−
The PBY-5A features the same, massive payload that other PBYs have: a whopping 4 Mk 13 Mod 0 Magnetic mines (That function on the ground like 2000lb bombs). Unlike other PBYs, however, it is the first to feature custom payloads, meaning that you can generate your own larger (or smaller) payloads for certain scenarios (e.g. in AB, loading the maximum payload of 4 Mk 13s + 12 100lb bombs, although whether or not they are worth the effort is up to you, as they will slow down the already slow PBY).
+
* 16 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,600 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x Type A Mark I mines
 +
* 2 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 torpedoes
 +
* 2 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedoes
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
 +
 
 +
The PBY-5A features a massive payload: a whopping 4 x Type A Mark I mines (that function on the ground like 2,000 lb bombs). The French PBY-5A features custom payloads, meaning that you can generate your own larger (or smaller) payloads for certain scenarios (e.g. in AB, loading the maximum payload of 4 x Type A Mark Is + 12 x 100 lb bombs, although whether or not they are worth the effort is up to you, as they will slow down the already slow PBY).
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 105: Line 143:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (478 rpg)
 
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose turret (1,050 rpg = 2,100 total)
 
* 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose turret (1,050 rpg = 2,100 total)
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (478 rpg)
 
 
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
 
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
  
−
The armament in the PBY-5A (Late) is a significant step up. For starters, the nose gun has been switched out for a twin .30 cal turret, making the frontal arc much more well defended. The biggest difference, however, is that the two beam turret .50 cals are now provided with late-war turret belts, which means access to the infamous M20 API-T rounds. Use of the Universal belts provides an API/I/API/API-T combination, making the turrets even more capable of shredding the biplanes and early monoplanes found at 1.7. Do remember to use manual control when enemies get up close, as you can bag a surprising number of air kills this way, even allowing you to act as an ad-hoc bomber hunter by flying alongside enemy bombers and using the .50 cals to spray them.
+
The armament in the PBY-5A (Late) is a significant step up. For starters, the nose gun has been switched out for a twin .30 cal turret, making the frontal arc much more well-defended. The biggest difference, however, is that the two beam turret .50 cals are now provided with late-war turret belts, which means access to the infamous M20 API-T rounds. Use of the Universal belts provides an API/I/API/API-T combination, making the turrets even more capable of shredding the biplanes and early monoplanes found at 1.7. Use manual control when enemies get up close, as you can bag a surprising number of air kills this way, even allowing you to act as an ad-hoc bomber hunter by flying alongside enemy bombers and using the .50 cals to spray them.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
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Although technically a medium bomber, the PBY-5A's strategies are much like that of heavy bombers in higher tiers such as the B-17. It is best to fly high, as flying low will make you an easy target for fighters and AA. The best tactic for fending off enemy fighters is to use the rudders to direct one of the side gunners towards the attacking plane. It is also smart to use the guns manually in this situation, as the AI is often very inaccurate and will refuse to fire beyond a certain distance. In the worst case scenarios, a dive can be used to greatly increase the plane's speed to get to attack a ground target before a pursuing enemy fighter shoots it down.
+
Although the PBY-5A technically is a medium bomber, it is best to fly high, as flying low will make you an easy target for fighters and AA. The best tactic for fending off enemy fighters is to use the rudders to direct one of the side gunners towards the attacking plane. It is also smart to use the guns manually in this situation, as the AI is often very inaccurate and will refuse to fire beyond a certain distance. In the worst case scenarios, a dive can be used to greatly increase the plane's speed to get to attack a ground target before a pursuing enemy fighter shoots it down.
  
−
The plane is quite unmanageable, and its wings are very weak, being able to snap just by turning just a little too tight at higher speeds in a Realistic Battle. It's also a huge target. Although the PBY-5A Catalina is slow and clunky, it offers a heavy payload that is sure to be a game changer if used properly.  
+
The plane is quite unmanageable, and its wings are very weak, being able to snap just by turning just a little too tight at higher speeds in realistic battles. It's also a huge target. Although the PBY-5A Catalina is slow and clunky, it offers a heavy payload that is sure to be a game changer if used properly.
  
 
The armament on the PBY-5 Catalina is what makes up for its clunky movement. The plane is capable of carrying a heavy payload of bombs or torpedoes and has defensive gunners on all sides. The two side gunners have .50 cal machine guns, making it more than capable of destroying enemy aircraft that stay within their range.
 
The armament on the PBY-5 Catalina is what makes up for its clunky movement. The plane is capable of carrying a heavy payload of bombs or torpedoes and has defensive gunners on all sides. The two side gunners have .50 cal machine guns, making it more than capable of destroying enemy aircraft that stay within their range.
 +
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
 
<!-- ''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".'' -->
−
''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:'''
  
−
*Good payload
+
* Good payload
−
*Good rear defensive armament with a high coverage angle
+
* Good rear defensive armament with a high coverage angle
−
*Durable
+
* Durable
−
*Can capture points (in Naval)
+
* Can capture points in naval battles
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*Very bad at climbing
+
* Very bad at climbing
−
*Slow top speed
+
* Slow top speed
−
 
 
−
*
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
The Consolidated Aircraft Corporation PBY-5A Catalina was based on the PBY-5 variant. The main difference was the addition of amphibious capability; the wing pontoons were removed and hydraulically actuated, retractable tricycle landing gear were added to the fuselage. It did retain the ability to land on and take off from water. The PBY-5A was powered by two 1,200 horsepower R-1830-92 engines, for a total of 2,200 hp. The first production batch of 124 was equipped with only one .30 cal (7.62 mm) bow machine gun, while later batches had two.
+
{{main|PBY-5A_Catalina#History|l1=History of the PBY-5A Catalina}}
  
−
802 PBY-5A Catalinas were built in total between October 1941 and January 1945, with some being delivered to the United States Army Air Force (USAAF) and the Royal Air Force (RAF), and one to the United States Coast Guard (USCG). The majority, though, were delivered to the United States Navy (USN). In USAAF service the PBY-5A was designated as the OA-10.
+
== Media ==
 +
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
  
−
During World War 2, PBY Catalinas were used heavily in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW), patrol bombing, convoy escort, search-and-rescue (SAR), and cargo transport roles.
+
;Skins
  
−
The PBY was the most numerous aircraft to be used in the ASW role. They were used in ASW in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and participated in a number of U-boat sinkings.
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=pby-5a_late_france Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
−
 
 
−
Because of the long range and endurance of the Catalina, it was used heavily in the maritime patrol role. Notably, the PBY Catalina was used to spot the Japanese fleet before the Battle of Midway.
 
−
 
 
−
Catalinas were also used in the night combat role. During the Battle of Midway, PBYs scored a torpedo hit on the Japanese fleet oiler Akebono Maru. In the Guadalcanal campaign, Catalina were painted black in order to participate in night torpedo, bombing, and strafing missions against Japanese vessels. They came to be known as "black cats", and entire squadrons were dedicated to this purpose. These squadrons were used until being sent home in 1945.
 
−
 
 
−
Catalina are probably most recognized for their search-and-rescue role. During the war they saved thousands of sailors and airmen, particularly after the sinking if the USS Indianapolis.
 
−
 
 
−
== Media ==
 
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==

Latest revision as of 07:42, 24 June 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the premium bomber PBY-5A Late (France). For other versions, see PBY-5 (Family).
▄PBY-5A Late
pby-5a_late_france.png
GarageImage PBY-5A Late (France).jpg
▄PBY-5A Late
France flag.png France
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 1.7 2.0
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:550 Specs-Card-Eagle.png

Description

In the early 1940s, France placed an order for 30 PBY-5 Catalinas soon after the British placed their first production order for the aircraft. However, the delivery was never fulfilled since France capitulated before the aircraft could be delivered. France acquired 3 PBY-5A Catalinas from the Royal Canadian Air Force to serve in the Caribbean since their islands lacked proper airfields. These PBY-5As lacked the armament of the Catalina and were used in civil roles, mainly moving passengers.

Introduced in Update "La Royale", the French PBY-5A behaves just like its American counterpart, offering a very large bomb load at the cost of speed, manoeuvrability, and survivability for its BR. It can be used with effectiveness in all gamemodes, air, ground and naval battles thanks to its versatility. Its bomb load is capable of destroying several ground targets with carpet bombing or destroying bases in air battles, meanwhile it has access to torpedoes for naval combat.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 2 135 m282 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude4 420 m
Engine2 х Pratt & Whitney R1830-92
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight16 t
Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 2,135 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 259 249 4420 31.0 31.9 2.6 2.6 364
Upgraded 310 282 29.1 30.0 8.7 5.1

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 450 N/A N/A N/A ~3 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 220 < 220 < 230 > 312

Survivability and armour

Crew6 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear450 km/h

Much like the American, British and Soviet PBYs that came before, the PBY-5A (Late) features surprisingly good survivability, owing to the large empty spaces in the hull and armour plates behind the pilots, allowing it to soak up lots of LMG and even some weaker HMG fire. The Wing-mounted fuel tanks are a weak spot, as a number of good incendiaries in them will send you on a trip to the ground in flames.

  • 9.5 mm steel plates behind pilots and in front of nose gunner
  • 6.35 mm armour behind tail gunner
  • 6.35 mm and 4.7 mm steel plates in wing pylon

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB212 Sl icon.png
RB318 Sl icon.png
SB548 Sl icon.png
Crew training1 400 Sl icon.png
Experts9 000 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces270 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 30 / 60 / 110 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
bmg30_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
LTC-5
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg30_turret_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
MBC-5
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
Improved torpedo
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air naval mine.png
Mk 13 Mod 0
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Mods pilon bomb.png
LBC-5

Armaments

Suspended armament

The PBY-5A Late (France) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6
Hardpoints PBY-5 Catalina.png
100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs 1 1 6* 6* 1 1
500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs 1 1* 1* 1
1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs 1 1* 1* 1
2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedoes 1 1
2,216 lb Mk.13-6 torpedoes 1 1
Type A Mark I mines 1 1* 1* 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 2,200 kg
Maximum permissible wing load: 1,100 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 800 kg
* Marked ordnance on hardpoints 2/5 cannot be equipped in conjunction with 100 lb bombs on hardpoints 3/4 respectively
Default weapon presets
  • 16 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,600 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 4 x Type A Mark I mines
  • 2 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 torpedoes
  • 2 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-6 Case torpedoes

The PBY-5A features a massive payload: a whopping 4 x Type A Mark I mines (that function on the ground like 2,000 lb bombs). The French PBY-5A features custom payloads, meaning that you can generate your own larger (or smaller) payloads for certain scenarios (e.g. in AB, loading the maximum payload of 4 x Type A Mark Is + 12 x 100 lb bombs, although whether or not they are worth the effort is up to you, as they will slow down the already slow PBY).

Defensive armament

Main articles: M2 Browning (12.7 mm), Browning (7.62 mm)

The PBY-5A Late (France) is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (478 rpg)
  • 2 x 7.62 mm Browning machine guns, nose turret (1,050 rpg = 2,100 total)
  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

The armament in the PBY-5A (Late) is a significant step up. For starters, the nose gun has been switched out for a twin .30 cal turret, making the frontal arc much more well-defended. The biggest difference, however, is that the two beam turret .50 cals are now provided with late-war turret belts, which means access to the infamous M20 API-T rounds. Use of the Universal belts provides an API/I/API/API-T combination, making the turrets even more capable of shredding the biplanes and early monoplanes found at 1.7. Use manual control when enemies get up close, as you can bag a surprising number of air kills this way, even allowing you to act as an ad-hoc bomber hunter by flying alongside enemy bombers and using the .50 cals to spray them.

Usage in battles

Although the PBY-5A technically is a medium bomber, it is best to fly high, as flying low will make you an easy target for fighters and AA. The best tactic for fending off enemy fighters is to use the rudders to direct one of the side gunners towards the attacking plane. It is also smart to use the guns manually in this situation, as the AI is often very inaccurate and will refuse to fire beyond a certain distance. In the worst case scenarios, a dive can be used to greatly increase the plane's speed to get to attack a ground target before a pursuing enemy fighter shoots it down.

The plane is quite unmanageable, and its wings are very weak, being able to snap just by turning just a little too tight at higher speeds in realistic battles. It's also a huge target. Although the PBY-5A Catalina is slow and clunky, it offers a heavy payload that is sure to be a game changer if used properly.

The armament on the PBY-5 Catalina is what makes up for its clunky movement. The plane is capable of carrying a heavy payload of bombs or torpedoes and has defensive gunners on all sides. The two side gunners have .50 cal machine guns, making it more than capable of destroying enemy aircraft that stay within their range.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good payload
  • Good rear defensive armament with a high coverage angle
  • Durable
  • Can capture points in naval battles

Cons:

  • Very bad at climbing
  • Slow top speed

History

Main article: History of the PBY-5A Catalina

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Consolidated Aircraft Corporation
Bombers  PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina
  PB4Y-2
  B-24D-25-CO
Export  ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▂PBY-5A Catalina · ▄PBY-5A Late · ␗PB4Y-2 · ▄PB4Y-2

France bombers
Farman  F.222.2 · N.C.223.3
Latécoère  Late 298D
Potez  Potez 633
Liore et Olivier  LeO 451 early · LeO 451 late
Bloch  M.B.174A-3 · M.B.162 · M.B.175T
American  V-156-F · Martin 167-A3 · ▄A-35B · ▄SB2C-5 · B-26C · ▄PBY-5A Late · ▄PB4Y-2
British  Lancaster MR.7

France premium aircraft
Fighters  D.371 H.S.9 · Pallier's D.510 · ▄P-39Q-25 · ▄P-40F-5 Lafayette · ▄P-47D-22-RE · F-6C-10-NA
  M.B.152C1 · ▄Yak-3 · Challe's ▄Yak-9T · NC.900 · S.O.8000 Narval
Jet fighters  ◘Sea Hawk Mk.50 · Milan · Mirage F1C-200
Strike aircraft  ▄AD-4NA · F-84F IAF
Bombers  Late 298D · ▄PBY-5A Late
Jet bombers  Vautour IIA IDF/AF · S.O.4050 Vautour IIN

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