Difference between revisions of "Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) (Italy)"

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{{About
 
{{About
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| about = premium attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = premium strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
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| usage = other versions
 
| link = Hs 129 (Family)
 
| link = Hs 129 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
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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}} Italian attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] during War Thunder's [[wt:en/news/5852-special-news-war-thunder-s-birthday-discounts-and-gifts-en|6th Anniversary]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced as a premium pack vehicle in [[Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea"]] for War Thunder's [[wt:en/news/5852-special-news-war-thunder-s-birthday-discounts-and-gifts-en|6th Anniversary]] as a replacement for the [[Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)|version of the vehicle in the German tech tree]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The Hs 129 flies pretty well with enough speed, and has the ability to perform hard manoeuvres in flight even at low altitude.
+
The Hs 129's flight characteristic is somewhat similar to the Soviet [[IL-2 (Family)|IL-2]] ground attack aircraft. The plane suffers from an underpowered engines which limits its acceleration and climb rate, but the Hs 129 can fly pretty well with enough speed, and has the ability to perform hard manoeuvres in flight even at low altitude. However, the plane cannot roll at all due to the engines lack output to prevent the plane from stalling, as well as bleeds a lot of energy away in any air-to-air engagements.
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 310 || 250 || 190 || ~10 || ~6
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| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 287 || 252 || 190 || ~10 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
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<!--''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.'' -->
  
 
* 5 mm Steel - Oil cooler covers
 
* 5 mm Steel - Oil cooler covers
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== 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).''
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<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
  
−
The plane is very heavy, which makes it nearly impossible to take out fighters (unless the fighters come to the Hs 129 B-2, see below), even most medium bombers are more maneuverable, however the plane is heavily armoured, so it can last a while even under heavy fire, even to such a degree that some planes run out of ammunition before taking out a Henschel. That combined with the heavy armament makes it ideal to attack B-17 formations, even though it requires time and effort to climb and match the speed of the formation. The armour around the cockpit makes it nearly immune to 7.92 mm rounds and could also fly with one engine, albeit with great difficulty. The planes incredibly stable flight behaviour makes aiming even for joystick pilots very easy and accurate thus not wasting too much ammunition.
+
The plane is very heavy, which makes it nearly impossible to take out fighters (unless the fighters come to the Hs 129 B-2, see below), even most medium bombers are more manoeuvrable, however the plane is heavily armoured. Even so, don't expect to hold up well against cannon fire and any machine gun fire targeted towards you will be a death of a thousand cuts. The armour around the cockpit makes getting pilot sniped uncommon but not rare. Don't expect this plane to fly you back home on one engine. If the engine is shot out, it usually means that your wings are also damaged which means a loss of lift, which on a one-ton brick means a death sentence. The planes incredibly stable flight behaviour makes aiming even for joystick pilots very easy and accurate thus not wasting too much ammunition.
  
 
Once the 30 mm additional gun with its impressive 100-round belt has been researched (the 37 mm with its smaller belt and low rate of fire should be avoided), the plane has very heavy firepower. In combination with the great stability and thus firing accuracy, this makes it an ideal heads-on fighter. With a bit of experience, it's relatively easy to finish off enemy fighters with one or two short bursts before they are even in range for the target indicator to appear. In situations where enemy planes coming at 0.5 to 1.0 km interval from the same direction, the Hs 129 B-2 can easily achieve triple or even quadruple air victories before needing to turn around for reloading.
 
Once the 30 mm additional gun with its impressive 100-round belt has been researched (the 37 mm with its smaller belt and low rate of fire should be avoided), the plane has very heavy firepower. In combination with the great stability and thus firing accuracy, this makes it an ideal heads-on fighter. With a bit of experience, it's relatively easy to finish off enemy fighters with one or two short bursts before they are even in range for the target indicator to appear. In situations where enemy planes coming at 0.5 to 1.0 km interval from the same direction, the Hs 129 B-2 can easily achieve triple or even quadruple air victories before needing to turn around for reloading.
  
 
==== Tactics ====
 
==== Tactics ====
−
Using the 30 mm MK 103, which can be unlocked as an additional armament option, the Hs 129 B-2 is capable of destroying most mission relevant ground targets. Tanks of all sorts, as well as light pillboxes, can be destroyed in up to three hits, provided armour piercing ammunition (HVAP-T) is unlocked. Thanks to the 100 rounds of ammunition available, this can make a single Hs 129B-2 a game-changing aircraft. The same can be achieved using the BK 3.7, however, it is generally considered harder to use and thus not a viable option.
+
Using the 30 mm MK 103 with the HVAP-T belt, the Hs 129 B-2 is capable of destroying every single ground target except for regular pillboxes. Thanks to the 100 rounds of ammunition available, this can make a single Hs 129 B-2 a game-changing aircraft. Make sure to have key binds set up for separate firing of small, large, and additional guns. Tanks should be your #1 priority. You should be only firing your 30mm gun pod when engaging tanks. Do not bother with armoured vehicles that have gotten the ground vehicles damage model. For every tank (except the Pz4 model with the side skirt) you should be aiming to line them up from the side as it is the most consistent. Next in the priority list are the light pillboxes. These can be destroyed using your 7.92mm machine guns as well as your 20mm (if you opted to equip the armored target belt for them) and obviously the 30mm. When you are aiming for these pillboxes make sure to try and target the roof section of the pillbox, you don't need to be level to the ground or attacking from directly above, any angle is fine. There are two ways of going about killing light pillboxes: Using all of your guns or just your machine gun and 20mm. Using all of your guns is the quickest way to defeat a light pillbox but takes ~10 30mm rounds which are quite precious and can be used against other players or tanks. Engage every other target at your own discretion making sure to only use the machine guns and 20mm cannons for these soft targets.
−
 
 
−
The Hs 129 B-2, however, does have major drawbacks. Its engines are weak which results in poor top speed, acceleration and climb rate. This, combined with the armour of nearly one-ton weight, makes it perform poorly in air combat and very vulnerable to attacks of enemy fighters. This, however, goes so far that sometimes enemy pilots underestimate the Hs 129 and overshoot it after a tight turn, which gives the Hs 129B-2 pilot a moderate chance of defending itself.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
−
 
 
−
[[Yak-2 KABB]]: Do not think that the Hs 129 B-2 can confidently out maneuver this plane just because it is twin-engined. The Yak-2 has an amazing turn rate for a heavy fighter, thus the Hs 129 B-2 must avoid turning with it, if not dogfighting with it in general. It bears a pair of ShVAK cannons that can easily damage vital parts like engine or cooling systems. It has green camo, greatly resembling an Me 410 but with an H-tail like a Bf 110's.
 
  
−
[[ZSD63]]: A deadly enemy to face in Tank Realistic Battles. Though it is hard to identify specific SPAA vehicles on the ground (especially when they are shooting tracers at the plane), if a ZSD63 is identified, avoid it at all costs and '''do not''' attempt head-ons with it, ever. It can easily snap a wing off by causally putting a short burst in the Hs 129 B-2's flight path. Don't even get close to it unless it is occupied with another friendly or if the Hs 129 B-2 is equipped with a bomb that it can use. The Hs 129 B-2's 30mm / 37mm cannons in the secondary armaments cannot effectively damage it as its hull is overall quite empty, causing your shells to do little to no damage. Some identifying features of the ZSD63 is its rather boxy and tall hull with a geometric turret sitting at the back, slightly similar to a Wirbelwind's. The firing manner is also distinctive: the sound and green tracers are very rapid, much like a buzz saw, but then it will remain silent for half a minute reloading. Note that an experienced ZSD player will hold its fire or shoot in single salvos with long halts between, making it look like that it's reloading. Armor piercing belt is recommended since their high penetration can tear through the ZSD's armor with ease and knock out its crews.
+
Against aircraft, your only solid chance is to engage them in a head-on. The Hs 129 is a flying brick and will not be able to engage anything other than itself. If the enemy is smart, they will avoid a head-on and simply use their advantage to sweep around behind you. Your only recourse is to hope that you survive long enough for a friendly to rescue you, or that they overshoot in front of your guns, giving you a split second to shoot them down.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Resistant to light machine guns and Russian heavy machineguns
+
* Sturdy airframe with armour and thick bulletproof glass, can take some punishment before going down
 
* Very good firepower when carrying either the 30 mm or 37 mm cannon pods
 
* Very good firepower when carrying either the 30 mm or 37 mm cannon pods
−
* 30 mm MK 103 is a high-velocity cannon with a decent rate of fire, which allows for versatility in targets, and is especially devastating against armoured vehicles
+
** 30 mm MK 103 is a high-velocity cannon with a decent rate of fire, which allows for versatility in targets, and is especially devastating against armoured vehicles
−
* 30 mm HVAP-T generally destroys air targets in one to three hits with a high potential to combust targets
+
** 30 mm HVAP-T generally destroys air targets in one to three hits with a high potential to combust targets
−
* 30 mm HE-I/HEI-T Minengeschoß in the default belts means grinding once the 30 mm is available isn't that difficult
+
** 30 mm HE-I/HEI-T Minengeschoß in the default belts means grinding once the 30 mm is available isn't that difficult
−
* 30 mm has a reasonable ammo pool of 100 rounds and the low fire rate combined with hit success allows it more than enough to obtain down five planes before running out
+
** 30 mm has a reasonable ammo pool of 100 rounds and the low fire rate combined with hit success allows it more than enough to obtain down five planes before running out
 +
* Surprisingly manoeuvrable at higher speed
 
* Cockpit has 70 mm of armoured glass at the front, reasonable all-round protection for the pilot
 
* Cockpit has 70 mm of armoured glass at the front, reasonable all-round protection for the pilot
 
* Great at head-on passes in all game modes (shoot and duck/roll away)
 
* Great at head-on passes in all game modes (shoot and duck/roll away)
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'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Poor climb rate, bad manoeuvrability, heavy aircraft
+
* Extremely underpowered engines plagued the overall flight performances
−
* The engines are underpowered and if even one is shot-up, the plane will fall from the sky
+
** Poor acceleration and energy retention
−
* Engine uses a carburettor, preventing prolonged inverted G-load state
+
** Poor climb rate, bad manoeuvrability at lower speed
 +
** Cannot roll at all due to the risk of stalling
 +
** If even one engine is shot-up, the plane will fall from the sky
 +
** Engine uses a carburettor, preventing prolonged inverted G-load state
 
* Has no defensive armament compared to other attack aircraft of its rank
 
* Has no defensive armament compared to other attack aircraft of its rank
 
* Engine and internal wing fuel tanks are ideal targets for enemy pilots
 
* Engine and internal wing fuel tanks are ideal targets for enemy pilots
 
* Needs the gun pods to do well
 
* Needs the gun pods to do well
−
* Cockpit armour is very thin
 
−
* Pilot can be killed by SPAAGs or by machine guns larger than .30 cal
 
 
* Thick cockpit armoured glass causes some distortion (Simulator)
 
* Thick cockpit armoured glass causes some distortion (Simulator)
  
 
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
At the start of WW2 Romania had adopted a position of neutrality. However following the Soviet Annexation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina in June - July 1940, the loss of Northern Transylvania to Hungary on 30 August 1940, and the loss of Southern Dobruja to Bulgaria on 7 September 1940 the popularity of the Romanian government plummeted. This led to a series of government changes, followed by a Coup and the instalment of Ion Antonescu as the country's leader. Antonescu promptly got Romania to join the Tripartite Pact on 23 November, becoming allied with Nazi Germany.<ref name="Williamson1">Williamson 2017 I</ref>
 +
 
 +
Becoming allies with Nazi Germany gave Romania access to German aircraft. It is reported that Romania received Hs 129 A series aircraft.<ref name="Kretaner">Kretaner n.d.</ref> The Hs 129 A was known for being extremely underpowered with its Argus As 410 engines, and B series aircraft were soon produced with more powerful Gnome-Rhône 14M radial engines. Romania received the latest Hs 129 B-2 version in June 1943; and they were put to use against Soviet forces on the Eastern Front<ref name="Joseph">Joseph 2012</ref>. The Romanian Hs 129 B-2s typically carried a 30 mm cannon under the fuselage, and proved to be very effective in the ground attack role, reportedly "bringing Soviet tank and infantry attacks to a halt time and again".<ref name="Joseph" /> On 23 August 1944 after Romania had been suffering heavy losses against the advancing Soviet forces King Michael I of Romania ordered Antonescu to surrender. When Antonescu refused the king had him arrested and declared war on Nazi Germany, joining the Soviet advance.<ref name="Williamson2">Williamson 2017 II</ref> It is unclear if the Hs 129s were used against Germany.
 +
 
 +
One Romanian ace to fly the Hs 129 was Teodor Zăbavă, who achieved four air-to-air kills in his Hs 129 (and more in his IAR 80). One kill occurred on 25 October 1943 against a Soviet Yak fighter.<ref name="Bernad">Bernad 2012</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hs-129b-2_romania_italy Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See 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 helicopter;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
;Related development
 +
* [[Hs 129 (Family)]]
 +
** [[Hs 129 B-2]]
 +
** [[Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)]]
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 +
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 +
* ''other literature.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/80788-henschel-hs-129-b-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
===References===
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Citations
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
<references />
  
−
== External links ==
+
;Bibliography
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
  
−
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
+
* Bernad, D. (2012). Rumanian Aces of World War 2. United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Publishing.
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* Joseph, F. (2012). The Axis Air Forces Flying in Support of the German Luftwaffe. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO.
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* Kretaner, N. (n.d.). Hs 129. Retrieved from [https://www.ww2-weapons.com/hs-129/ WW2 Weapons]
 +
* Williamson, M. (2017, August 19). Romanian Air Service WWII part I. Retrieved from [https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2017/08/19/romanian-air-service-wwii-part-i/ Weapons and Warfare]
 +
* Williamson, M. (2017, August 19). Romanian Air Service WWII part II. Retrieved from [https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2017/08/19/romanian-air-service-wwii-part-ii/ Weapons and Warfare]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Henschel}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Henschel}}
−
{{Italy attackers}}
+
{{Italy strike aircraft}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}
 
{{Italy premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:46, 5 July 2024

This page is about the premium strike aircraft Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) (Italy). For other versions, see Hs 129 (Family).
Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)
hs-129b-2_romania.png
GarageImage Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) (Italy).jpg
Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)
Italy flag.png Italy
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.3 2.3 2.7
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:1 360 Specs-Card-Eagle.png

Description

The Hs 129 B-2 (Romanian Air Force) is a premium rank III Italian strike aircraft with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB), 2.3 (RB), and 2.7 (SB). It was introduced as a premium pack vehicle in Update 1.83 "Masters of the Sea" for War Thunder's 6th Anniversary as a replacement for the version of the vehicle in the German tech tree.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 550 m439 km/h
Turn time27 s
Max altitude7 500 m
Engine2 х Gnome Rhone Baumuster 14M
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight5 t

The Hs 129's flight characteristic is somewhat similar to the Soviet IL-2 ground attack aircraft. The plane suffers from an underpowered engines which limits its acceleration and climb rate, but the Hs 129 can fly pretty well with enough speed, and has the ability to perform hard manoeuvres in flight even at low altitude. However, the plane cannot roll at all due to the engines lack output to prevent the plane from stalling, as well as bleeds a lot of energy away in any air-to-air engagements.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,550 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 421 404 7500 29.4 31.3 5.9 5.9 331
Upgraded 466 439 26.5 27.9 11.2 8.3

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 + -
0 295 287 252 190 ~10 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 320 < 320 < 300 > 280

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear295 km/h
  • 5 mm Steel - Oil cooler covers
  • 5 mm Steel - Lower engine cowl protection
  • 2 mm Steel - Cockpit side plates
  • 12 mm Steel - Cockpit back plate, floor, and front plates
  • 75 mm Bulletproof glass

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB552 Sl icon.png
RB1 161 Sl icon.png
SB4 892 Sl icon.png
Crew training10 000 Sl icon.png
Experts67 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 60 / 140 / 320 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 136 / 136 / 136 % 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 engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods ammo.png
mg_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
mg15120_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
SC 50
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg17_new_gun
Mods weapon.png
mg15120_new_gun
Mods gunpods.png
R2 modification
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
mk103_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
bk37_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods gunpods.png
BK 3,7 cannon
Mods weapon.png
mk103_new_gun
Mods weapon.png
bk37_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 20 mm MG 151 cannon
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate700 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main articles: MG 151 (20 mm), MG 17 (7.92 mm)

The Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) (Italy) is armed with:

  • 2 x 20 mm MG 151 cannons, fuselage-mounted (250 rpg = 500 total)
  • 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, fuselage-mounted (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 11 x 30 mm MK 103 cannon (secondary)
Setup 21 x 37 mm BK 3.7 cannon (secondary)
Setup 34 x 50 kg SC50JA bomb
Main articles: SC50JA (50 kg), BK 3.7 (37 mm), MK 103 (30 mm)

The Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) (Italy) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 1 x 30 mm MK 103 cannon, belly-mounted (100 rpg)
  • 1 x 37 mm BK 3.7 cannon, belly-mounted (12 rpg)
  • 4 x 50 kg SC50JA bombs (200 kg total)

Usage in battles

The plane is very heavy, which makes it nearly impossible to take out fighters (unless the fighters come to the Hs 129 B-2, see below), even most medium bombers are more manoeuvrable, however the plane is heavily armoured. Even so, don't expect to hold up well against cannon fire and any machine gun fire targeted towards you will be a death of a thousand cuts. The armour around the cockpit makes getting pilot sniped uncommon but not rare. Don't expect this plane to fly you back home on one engine. If the engine is shot out, it usually means that your wings are also damaged which means a loss of lift, which on a one-ton brick means a death sentence. The planes incredibly stable flight behaviour makes aiming even for joystick pilots very easy and accurate thus not wasting too much ammunition.

Once the 30 mm additional gun with its impressive 100-round belt has been researched (the 37 mm with its smaller belt and low rate of fire should be avoided), the plane has very heavy firepower. In combination with the great stability and thus firing accuracy, this makes it an ideal heads-on fighter. With a bit of experience, it's relatively easy to finish off enemy fighters with one or two short bursts before they are even in range for the target indicator to appear. In situations where enemy planes coming at 0.5 to 1.0 km interval from the same direction, the Hs 129 B-2 can easily achieve triple or even quadruple air victories before needing to turn around for reloading.

Tactics

Using the 30 mm MK 103 with the HVAP-T belt, the Hs 129 B-2 is capable of destroying every single ground target except for regular pillboxes. Thanks to the 100 rounds of ammunition available, this can make a single Hs 129 B-2 a game-changing aircraft. Make sure to have key binds set up for separate firing of small, large, and additional guns. Tanks should be your #1 priority. You should be only firing your 30mm gun pod when engaging tanks. Do not bother with armoured vehicles that have gotten the ground vehicles damage model. For every tank (except the Pz4 model with the side skirt) you should be aiming to line them up from the side as it is the most consistent. Next in the priority list are the light pillboxes. These can be destroyed using your 7.92mm machine guns as well as your 20mm (if you opted to equip the armored target belt for them) and obviously the 30mm. When you are aiming for these pillboxes make sure to try and target the roof section of the pillbox, you don't need to be level to the ground or attacking from directly above, any angle is fine. There are two ways of going about killing light pillboxes: Using all of your guns or just your machine gun and 20mm. Using all of your guns is the quickest way to defeat a light pillbox but takes ~10 30mm rounds which are quite precious and can be used against other players or tanks. Engage every other target at your own discretion making sure to only use the machine guns and 20mm cannons for these soft targets.

Against aircraft, your only solid chance is to engage them in a head-on. The Hs 129 is a flying brick and will not be able to engage anything other than itself. If the enemy is smart, they will avoid a head-on and simply use their advantage to sweep around behind you. Your only recourse is to hope that you survive long enough for a friendly to rescue you, or that they overshoot in front of your guns, giving you a split second to shoot them down.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Sturdy airframe with armour and thick bulletproof glass, can take some punishment before going down
  • Very good firepower when carrying either the 30 mm or 37 mm cannon pods
    • 30 mm MK 103 is a high-velocity cannon with a decent rate of fire, which allows for versatility in targets, and is especially devastating against armoured vehicles
    • 30 mm HVAP-T generally destroys air targets in one to three hits with a high potential to combust targets
    • 30 mm HE-I/HEI-T Minengeschoß in the default belts means grinding once the 30 mm is available isn't that difficult
    • 30 mm has a reasonable ammo pool of 100 rounds and the low fire rate combined with hit success allows it more than enough to obtain down five planes before running out
  • Surprisingly manoeuvrable at higher speed
  • Cockpit has 70 mm of armoured glass at the front, reasonable all-round protection for the pilot
  • Great at head-on passes in all game modes (shoot and duck/roll away)
  • Centrally mounted armament, need for gun harmonisation minimalized

Cons:

  • Extremely underpowered engines plagued the overall flight performances
    • Poor acceleration and energy retention
    • Poor climb rate, bad manoeuvrability at lower speed
    • Cannot roll at all due to the risk of stalling
    • If even one engine is shot-up, the plane will fall from the sky
    • Engine uses a carburettor, preventing prolonged inverted G-load state
  • Has no defensive armament compared to other attack aircraft of its rank
  • Engine and internal wing fuel tanks are ideal targets for enemy pilots
  • Needs the gun pods to do well
  • Thick cockpit armoured glass causes some distortion (Simulator)

History

At the start of WW2 Romania had adopted a position of neutrality. However following the Soviet Annexation of Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina in June - July 1940, the loss of Northern Transylvania to Hungary on 30 August 1940, and the loss of Southern Dobruja to Bulgaria on 7 September 1940 the popularity of the Romanian government plummeted. This led to a series of government changes, followed by a Coup and the instalment of Ion Antonescu as the country's leader. Antonescu promptly got Romania to join the Tripartite Pact on 23 November, becoming allied with Nazi Germany.[1]

Becoming allies with Nazi Germany gave Romania access to German aircraft. It is reported that Romania received Hs 129 A series aircraft.[2] The Hs 129 A was known for being extremely underpowered with its Argus As 410 engines, and B series aircraft were soon produced with more powerful Gnome-Rhône 14M radial engines. Romania received the latest Hs 129 B-2 version in June 1943; and they were put to use against Soviet forces on the Eastern Front[3]. The Romanian Hs 129 B-2s typically carried a 30 mm cannon under the fuselage, and proved to be very effective in the ground attack role, reportedly "bringing Soviet tank and infantry attacks to a halt time and again".[3] On 23 August 1944 after Romania had been suffering heavy losses against the advancing Soviet forces King Michael I of Romania ordered Antonescu to surrender. When Antonescu refused the king had him arrested and declared war on Nazi Germany, joining the Soviet advance.[4] It is unclear if the Hs 129s were used against Germany.

One Romanian ace to fly the Hs 129 was Teodor Zăbavă, who achieved four air-to-air kills in his Hs 129 (and more in his IAR 80). One kill occurred on 25 October 1943 against a Soviet Yak fighter.[5]

Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

References

Citations
  1. ↑ Williamson 2017 I
  2. ↑ Kretaner n.d.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Joseph 2012
  4. ↑ Williamson 2017 II
  5. ↑ Bernad 2012
Bibliography
  • Bernad, D. (2012). Rumanian Aces of World War 2. United Kingdom: Bloomsbury Publishing.
  • Joseph, F. (2012). The Axis Air Forces Flying in Support of the German Luftwaffe. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO.
  • Kretaner, N. (n.d.). Hs 129. Retrieved from WW2 Weapons
  • Williamson, M. (2017, August 19). Romanian Air Service WWII part I. Retrieved from Weapons and Warfare
  • Williamson, M. (2017, August 19). Romanian Air Service WWII part II. Retrieved from Weapons and Warfare


Henschel & Son Corporation (Henschel und Sohn Aktiengesellschaft)
Attackers  Hs 129 B-2 · Hs 129 B-3
Bombers  Hs 123 A-1
Export  ␗Hs 123 A-1
  Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)

Italy strike aircraft
  Ba.65 (K.14) L · Breda 88 (P.XI) · F.C.20 Bis · P.108A serie 2
  Ro.57 Quadriarma · SM.91 · SM.92
Hungary  ◐Bf 110 G-4 · ◔IL-10
Romania  Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)

Italy premium aircraft
Fighters  CR.32 bis · Marcolin's C.R.42 CN · He 112 B-1/U2 · Re.2001 gruppo 22
  C. 202D · IAR-81C · ▄Spitfire Mk Vb/trop · ◐Bf 109 F-4 · ◐Bf 109 G-2 · G.55S
Jet fighters  Ariete · G.91 R/4 · ▄F-104S TAF
Strike aircraft  ◐Bf 110 G-4 · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Ro.57 Quadriarma
  AMX A-1A

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