Difference between revisions of "Boston Mk I (Great Britain)"

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{{Specs-Card|code=boston_mk_1}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=boston_mk_1
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 +
|market=Boston Mk.I (UK)
 +
}}
  
 
== 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 premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to [[Update 1.27]]. It was available  for a limited time for the 2014 anniversary of the [[wt:en/news/421--en|A-20 Havoc's first flight]], later it appeared in the [[Warbonds]] shop as part of the trophy chest in [[wt:en/news/5738-news-how-can-you-get-premium-vehicles-warbonds-en|September 2018]] and currently is only available though the [[Marketplace]].
 +
 
 +
The Boston Mk.1 is a very fast aircraft for its rank, this means that in a decent matchup it can often outrun most if not all the aircraft it faces in level flight. The Boston has got four 7.7 mm guns in the nose and two 7.7 mm in the top and bottom lower and upper of the rear fuselage.
 +
 
 +
Although the defensive armament may seem rather underwhelming, if it faces lower BR planes they can be more than adequate and can still be made to work against higher level planes. You should load a belt made up of either armour piercing or armour piercing incendiary rounds and aim for the engine of enemy plane(s) that are on your tail; this will likely do one of these things: 1) Destroy the enemy plane's engine 2) Set the enemy plane on fire 3) Knock out the plane's pilot (from shots that go astray).
  
 
== 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 4,634 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
 +
| 503 || 487 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 27.8 || 28.6 || 9.4 || 9.3 || rowspan="2" | 550
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 534 || 518 || 26.2 || 27.0 || 13.8 || 11.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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}} || 428 || 406 || 296 || ~8 || ~4
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 260 || < 320 || < 300 || > 320
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 889 m || 2,200 hp || 2,376 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 4,120 m || 2,000 hp || 2,160 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 12.7 mm steel in front of the cockpit
 +
* 8 mm steel lower side of the cockpit
 +
* 9.5mm steel pilots seat
 +
* 12.7mm steel below, behind and in front of the rear gunner
 +
* No armour glazing
 +
* Critical components located in the front and wings of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 +
 
 +
The Boston flies fairly well on one engine.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, chin-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{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|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb 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|Vickers K (7.7 mm)}}
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
 +
* 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, ventral turret (500 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).'' -->
 +
The Boston is an incredibly fast bomber, being able to outrun everything it will face. The bomb load lacks a bit of punch as it carries the inferior British [[G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|500 pound bomb]] which has much less TNT. Decent defensive firepower means it can defend itself if it has to, but the best defense for the Boston is its cruising speed of 450 km/h to outrun any pursuers.
 +
 
 +
The Boston excels as a ground strike aircraft, dropping its payload on pillboxes and armoured targets and using its quadruple forward facing 7.7 mms to destroy artillery, AA or vehicles. It can also be used as a strike aircraft very effectively, diving on enemy fighters with its high top speed and damaging them before using the energy to gain altitude again. The 7.7s are unlikely to destroy enemy aircraft outright but can damage vital components like the engine, oil or coolant - forcing the enemy to return to base.
 +
 
 +
The Boston can take a fair amount of punishment, but it won't last in an extended firefight against enemy fighters on its tail. Being fairly manoeuvrable, evasive measures should be taken as you can't rely solely on the defensive armament to keep you safe - it should be used as a deterrent while you turn. It won't outturn a 109 or similar enemy aircraft, but it will maintain more speed in them, allowing you to get more distance between their guns and your tail. It should also outperform early German fighters at high altitude (above 3.5 km), where the Boston can be used as a bomber hunter.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Very fast cruising and top speed
 +
* Decent offensive armament
 +
* Lots of ammunition
 +
* Fairly durable
 +
* Can fly with one engine
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Defensive armament isn't great
−
''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/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Only one payload option
 +
* Big engines are big targets, they will almost always get damaged in a fight
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
The Douglas Boston Mk.I/Mk.II was a twin-engine light bomber/ground-attack aircraft which was initially developed for the United States Army Air Corps, but first entered service as an export model.
 +
 
 +
The first customer for the aircraft was the French government, which designated the bomber the DB-7 and ordered 100 aircraft. A contract for a second batch of 170 aircraft was finalized with the Douglas Aircraft Company; these machines differed from the first batch by being equipped with Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G radial air-cooled engines with two-speed superchargers that delivered better performance characteristics at higher altitudes, thus increasing their maximum speed. The maximum power of the new engines was raised to 1,200 hp.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft that had not been sent from the USA before France was defeated were diverted to Britain for use by RAF Bomber Command. The RAF renamed the aircraft as the "Boston" to indicate its American origin.
 +
 
 +
The new Bostons required several modifications for British use: the instruments, which had been set to the metric system, were replaced. Throttle quadrants made according to the French standard were redone, and British radio sets and oxygen equipment were installed on the aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The defensive armament was also replaced: the forward fuselage now had four 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk.II machine guns with 500 rounds each, fed by disintegrating belts. The radio operator/gunner's cockpit had two 0.303 inch Vickers K machine guns with pan magazines and 470 rounds each; the first was located in the rear upper gun position, and the second in the lower hatch.
 +
 
 +
The DB-7 with Pratt & Whitney R-1830-SC3-G engines was designated the Boston Mk.I in the RAF whilst the Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G powered variant was named the Boston Mk.II.
 +
 
 +
According to British pilots, the Boston had excellent handling characteristics and good visibility from the cockpit and the aircraft's tricycle landing gear made take off and landing significantly easier.
 +
 
 +
As the Boston's performance and manoeuvrability came at the price of a short range, the RAF did not use the Boston for its original role; instead, many were converted into heavy night fighters or used in anti-shipping or as night time intruders over occupied Europe. In addition, some aircraft were used for training and auxiliary purposes.
 +
 
 +
A total of 131 machines from the second batch of DB-7s ordered by France were transferred to the RAF. After the successes in RAF service, the Boston was adopted by the United States Army Air Corps, the service it was originally designed and intended for.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Skins
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=boston_mk_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''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:''
+
* Douglas [[DB-7 (Family)|DB-7]]
 +
* Douglas [[A-26 (Family)|A-26]] Invader
 +
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 
 +
* Bristol [[Beaufighter (Family)|Beaufighter]]
 +
* Messerschmitt [[Bf 110 (Family)|Bf 110]]
 +
* Northrop [[P-61C-1|P-61]] Black Widow
 +
* Petlyakov [[Pe-2 (Family)|Pe-2]]
 +
 
 +
== 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 the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/195736-douglas-boston-mk-i/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Douglas}}
 +
{{Britain bombers}}
 +
{{Britain premium aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 13:06, 1 October 2023

▄Boston Mk I
boston_mk_1.png
GarageImage Boston Mk I (Great Britain).jpg
▄Boston Mk I
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.3 2.3 2.3
Class:
PREMIUM
Purchase:Bundle or Gift
MARKET

Description

The ▄Boston Mk I is a premium gift rank II British bomber with a battle rating of 2.3 (AB/RB/SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It was available for a limited time for the 2014 anniversary of the A-20 Havoc's first flight, later it appeared in the Warbonds shop as part of the trophy chest in September 2018 and currently is only available though the Marketplace.

The Boston Mk.1 is a very fast aircraft for its rank, this means that in a decent matchup it can often outrun most if not all the aircraft it faces in level flight. The Boston has got four 7.7 mm guns in the nose and two 7.7 mm in the top and bottom lower and upper of the rear fuselage.

Although the defensive armament may seem rather underwhelming, if it faces lower BR planes they can be more than adequate and can still be made to work against higher level planes. You should load a belt made up of either armour piercing or armour piercing incendiary rounds and aim for the engine of enemy plane(s) that are on your tail; this will likely do one of these things: 1) Destroy the enemy plane's engine 2) Set the enemy plane on fire 3) Knock out the plane's pilot (from shots that go astray).

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 634 m518 km/h
Turn time27 s
Max altitude8 000 m
Engine2 х Pratt & Whitney S3CG
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight8 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,634 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 503 487 8000 27.8 28.6 9.4 9.3 550
Upgraded 534 518 26.2 27.0 13.8 11.5

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 + -
665 296 428 406 296 ~8 ~4
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 260 < 320 < 300 > 320
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
889 m 2,200 hp 2,376 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,120 m 2,000 hp 2,160 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew4 people
Speed of destruction
Structural665 km/h
Gear296 km/h
  • 12.7 mm steel in front of the cockpit
  • 8 mm steel lower side of the cockpit
  • 9.5mm steel pilots seat
  • 12.7mm steel below, behind and in front of the rear gunner
  • No armour glazing
  • Critical components located in the front and wings of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)

The Boston flies fairly well on one engine.

Modifications and economy

Repair cost
AB1 095 Sl icon.png
RB3 663 Sl icon.png
SB851 Sl icon.png
Crew training2 300 Sl icon.png
Experts15 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces320 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
Talisman.png 2 × 50 / 160 / 180 % Sl icon.png
Talisman.png 2 × 112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS(a)
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
vikkersK_turret_new_gun
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Boston Mk I (Great Britain) is armed with:

  • 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, chin-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 14 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Main article: G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)

The Boston Mk I (Great Britain) can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

2 х Turret7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate950 shots/min
Main article: Vickers K (7.7 mm)

The Boston Mk I (Great Britain) is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Vickers K machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

Usage in battles

The Boston is an incredibly fast bomber, being able to outrun everything it will face. The bomb load lacks a bit of punch as it carries the inferior British 500 pound bomb which has much less TNT. Decent defensive firepower means it can defend itself if it has to, but the best defense for the Boston is its cruising speed of 450 km/h to outrun any pursuers.

The Boston excels as a ground strike aircraft, dropping its payload on pillboxes and armoured targets and using its quadruple forward facing 7.7 mms to destroy artillery, AA or vehicles. It can also be used as a strike aircraft very effectively, diving on enemy fighters with its high top speed and damaging them before using the energy to gain altitude again. The 7.7s are unlikely to destroy enemy aircraft outright but can damage vital components like the engine, oil or coolant - forcing the enemy to return to base.

The Boston can take a fair amount of punishment, but it won't last in an extended firefight against enemy fighters on its tail. Being fairly manoeuvrable, evasive measures should be taken as you can't rely solely on the defensive armament to keep you safe - it should be used as a deterrent while you turn. It won't outturn a 109 or similar enemy aircraft, but it will maintain more speed in them, allowing you to get more distance between their guns and your tail. It should also outperform early German fighters at high altitude (above 3.5 km), where the Boston can be used as a bomber hunter.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very fast cruising and top speed
  • Decent offensive armament
  • Lots of ammunition
  • Fairly durable
  • Can fly with one engine

Cons:

  • Defensive armament isn't great
  • Only one payload option
  • Big engines are big targets, they will almost always get damaged in a fight

History


Archive of the in-game description

The Douglas Boston Mk.I/Mk.II was a twin-engine light bomber/ground-attack aircraft which was initially developed for the United States Army Air Corps, but first entered service as an export model.

The first customer for the aircraft was the French government, which designated the bomber the DB-7 and ordered 100 aircraft. A contract for a second batch of 170 aircraft was finalized with the Douglas Aircraft Company; these machines differed from the first batch by being equipped with Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G radial air-cooled engines with two-speed superchargers that delivered better performance characteristics at higher altitudes, thus increasing their maximum speed. The maximum power of the new engines was raised to 1,200 hp.

The aircraft that had not been sent from the USA before France was defeated were diverted to Britain for use by RAF Bomber Command. The RAF renamed the aircraft as the "Boston" to indicate its American origin.

The new Bostons required several modifications for British use: the instruments, which had been set to the metric system, were replaced. Throttle quadrants made according to the French standard were redone, and British radio sets and oxygen equipment were installed on the aircraft.

The defensive armament was also replaced: the forward fuselage now had four 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk.II machine guns with 500 rounds each, fed by disintegrating belts. The radio operator/gunner's cockpit had two 0.303 inch Vickers K machine guns with pan magazines and 470 rounds each; the first was located in the rear upper gun position, and the second in the lower hatch.

The DB-7 with Pratt & Whitney R-1830-SC3-G engines was designated the Boston Mk.I in the RAF whilst the Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S3C4-G powered variant was named the Boston Mk.II.

According to British pilots, the Boston had excellent handling characteristics and good visibility from the cockpit and the aircraft's tricycle landing gear made take off and landing significantly easier.

As the Boston's performance and manoeuvrability came at the price of a short range, the RAF did not use the Boston for its original role; instead, many were converted into heavy night fighters or used in anti-shipping or as night time intruders over occupied Europe. In addition, some aircraft were used for training and auxiliary purposes.

A total of 131 machines from the second batch of DB-7s ordered by France were transferred to the RAF. After the successes in RAF service, the Boston was adopted by the United States Army Air Corps, the service it was originally designed and intended for.


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Douglas Aircraft Company
Strike Aircraft  A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H
Bombers  TBD-1 · B-18A · SBD-3 · BTD-1 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT
Turboprops  A2D-1
Jet Aircraft  F3D-1 · F4D-1
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4B · A-4E Early
Export  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7 · ▂A-20G-30 · ▄AD-4 · ▄AD-4NA
A-4 Skyhawk  A-4H · A-4E Early (M) · Ayit · A-4E
  The Douglas Aircraft Company merged with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas.

Britain bombers
Torpedo  Swordfish Mk I · Swordfish Mk II · ▄Avenger Mk II
Dive  V-156-B1
Hydroplanes  ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk V
Light  Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII · ▄Hudson Mk V · Brigand B 1
Based on A20  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7
Hampden  Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I
Wellington  Wellington Mk Ic · Wellington Mk Ic/L · Wellington Mk III · Wellington Mk X
Halifax  Halifax B Mk IIIa
Stirling  Stirling B Mk I · Stirling B Mk III
Lancaster  Lancaster B Mk I · Lancaster B Mk III
Lincoln  Lincoln B Mk II
Shackleton  Shackleton MR.Mk.2

Britain premium aircraft
Fighters  Tuck's Gladiator Mk II · ▄Boomerang Mk I · ▄Boomerang Mk II · ▄D.520
  ▄Martlet Mk IV · ▄Corsair F Mk II · ▄Hellcat Mk II · ▄Thunderbolt Mk.1 · ▄Mustang Mk IA
  Hurricane Mk.I/L FAA M · Spitfire Mk.IIa Venture I · Spitfire F Mk IXc · Plagis' Spitfire LF Mk IXc · Spitfire F Mk XIVc · Prendergast's Spitfire FR Mk XIVe
  Typhoon Mk Ib · MB.5
Twin-engine fighters  Hornet Mk.I · Whirlwind P.9
Jet fighters  Attacker FB.2 · Hunter FGA.9 · Lightning F.53 · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2 · F-4J(UK) Phantom II · ▄MiG-21 Bison
Strike aircraft  ▄Wirraway · Beaufighter Mk I (40-mm) · Wyvern S4
  Harrier GR.1 · Strikemaster Mk.88
Bombers  ▄Avenger Mk II · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · ▄DB-7 · ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Hudson Mk V · Swordfish Mk II

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