Difference between revisions of "P.108B serie 2"
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{{About | {{About | ||
| about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | | about = Italian bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
| usage = other versions | | usage = other versions | ||
| link = P.108 (Family) | | link = P.108 (Family) | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | {{Specs-Card | ||
| + | |code=p_108b_serie2 | ||
| + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
== 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 rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]]. | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica"]]. | ||
The Piaggio P.108B serie 2 is a typical heavy bomber. It should always avoid enemy fighter aircraft if possible, the Piaggio P.108B serie 2 is a massive plane and it does not like taking hits especially in the wings where the plane carries its massive fuel load. If an enemy plane is going to attack you, do not go head-on as you have no gunners or any guns at all at the front of the plane. Always give them your tail so your gunners can shoot at them. | The Piaggio P.108B serie 2 is a typical heavy bomber. It should always avoid enemy fighter aircraft if possible, the Piaggio P.108B serie 2 is a massive plane and it does not like taking hits especially in the wings where the plane carries its massive fuel load. If an enemy plane is going to attack you, do not go head-on as you have no gunners or any guns at all at the front of the plane. Always give them your tail so your gunners can shoot at them. | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
The P.108B serie 2 is a heavy bomber with a heavy bomb load and relatively weak defensive armament. When delivering the bombs to the targets, high altitudes are a must. The preferred targets of this bomber are stationary objects like pillboxes or slow moving vehicles such as ships (if you can time it well) and of course the bomb targets and airfields. Should an enemy fighter catch up with you, it is certain doom as your defensive guns have a low chance to kill it. To survive attacks, use your gunners to ward off the enemy aircraft until help comes. Stay away from combat as much as you can and do your job as a bomber. | The P.108B serie 2 is a heavy bomber with a heavy bomb load and relatively weak defensive armament. When delivering the bombs to the targets, high altitudes are a must. The preferred targets of this bomber are stationary objects like pillboxes or slow moving vehicles such as ships (if you can time it well) and of course the bomb targets and airfields. Should an enemy fighter catch up with you, it is certain doom as your defensive guns have a low chance to kill it. To survive attacks, use your gunners to ward off the enemy aircraft until help comes. Stay away from combat as much as you can and do your job as a bomber. | ||
| Line 22: | Line 21: | ||
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === Flight performance === | ||
| + | {{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.'' --> | ||
| Line 64: | Line 64: | ||
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || | + | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 383 || 361 || 249 || ~3 || ~2 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| Line 79: | Line 79: | ||
=== Survivability and armour === | === Survivability and 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.'' --> | ||
| Line 86: | Line 87: | ||
* 8 mm Steel - Ventral gunner position | * 8 mm Steel - Ventral gunner position | ||
* 8 mm Steel - Wing gunners remote positions x 2 | * 8 mm Steel - Wing gunners remote positions x 2 | ||
| + | |||
| + | === Modifications and economy === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Economy}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | # The first upgrade on this plane you should get is the MCSAP100 for access to the 100 kg bombs. Afterwards you should get the radiator next and the 7.7 mm belts. Get the Fuselage repair last. | ||
| + | # At the 2nd tier modification, the torpedo is a must if you want to get the better bombs. Afterwards focus on getting the airframe (for better durability), and compressor (for better performance) and for last get the new 7.7 mm turret. | ||
| + | # Third tier modification, the 12.7 mm turret belts is a must for defensive firepower, afterwards the engine modification, then the wings repair, and finally the MCGP250KG. | ||
| + | # Fourth Tier modification, get the MCRO500 which is the best bombs you can use, then the Engine Injection and new 12.7 mm turrets and finally the cover. | ||
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Armaments}} | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Suspended}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)|F200/450 (450 mm)}} | {{main|GP 50 (50 kg)|GP 100 (100 kg)|GP 250 (250 kg)|GP 500 (500 kg)|F200/450 (450 mm)}} | ||
| Line 100: | Line 111: | ||
* 7 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,750 kg total) | * 7 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,750 kg total) | ||
* 7 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (3,500 kg total) | * 7 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (3,500 kg total) | ||
| + | |||
| + | When using this bomber, you want to unlock the additional bomb loadouts as fast as possible. The least useful payloads are the 34 x 50 kg bombs (default, 1700 kg load) and 7 x 250 kg bombs (1,750 kg load, select 500 kg instead) and the 2 x F200/450 torpedoes as you have access to the 3 F200/450 torpedoes instead. The better bomb loads is 34 x 100 kg (3400 kg) bombs and the 7 x 500 kg bombs (3,500 kg) but are far heavier. | ||
=== Defensive armament === | === Defensive armament === | ||
| + | {{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.'' --> | <!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}} | {{main|Breda-SAFAT (12.7 mm)|Breda-SAFAT (7.7 mm)}} | ||
| Line 113: | Line 127: | ||
== 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).'' --> | ||
| − | Much like other heavy bombers in-game, one wants to unlock the heaviest loads ASAP and reach the strategic bomb point ASAP. The best | + | Much like other heavy bombers in-game, one wants to unlock the heaviest loads ASAP and reach the strategic bomb point ASAP. The best defences are the rear hemisphere, with wing turrets offering an exceptional area of coverage and solid firepower. With that in mind the best survival technique, if unable to climb above the enemy, is to fly close to the ground. Avoid letting enemies attack from directly below or in front. In RB matches with tank columns on the road, the 34 x 100 kg bomb load is effective at destroying armoured columns, laying a dense line along the road the convoy is on will score kills and possibly win the match. Otherwise, use the max load of 7 x 500 kg bombs for medium tanks and strategic targets. When using torpedoes, load all 3, skim the surface of water and make use of islands as for a stealthy approach to the target. Spread the drop to increase the chance of 1 torpedo hitting, unless point blank, then all three can be rapidly dropped. |
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
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=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
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* 2 turrets are placed on the distant engines allowing for more guns to face backwards | * 2 turrets are placed on the distant engines allowing for more guns to face backwards | ||
* Heavy payload available | * Heavy payload available | ||
| − | * One of | + | * One of three planes (the others being the [[P.108B serie 1|P.108B Serie 1]] and [[AM-1]]) in game that can carry 3 torpedoes |
* As compared to the previous P.108B (the Serie 1) this one has fully armoured seats for the pilots as well as armoured plates for the wing gunners control positions | * As compared to the previous P.108B (the Serie 1) this one has fully armoured seats for the pilots as well as armoured plates for the wing gunners control positions | ||
* Extremely cheap repair costs (compared to other tier 4 bombers) | * Extremely cheap repair costs (compared to other tier 4 bombers) | ||
| Line 190: | Line 162: | ||
* Turrets on the engines cannot face forwards | * Turrets on the engines cannot face forwards | ||
* Poor manoeuvrability and climb rate | * Poor manoeuvrability and climb rate | ||
| − | * No nose mounted gun, susceptible to frontal | + | * No nose-mounted gun, susceptible to frontal attacks/head-ons |
* Prone to fuel tank fire due to tremendous fuel load | * Prone to fuel tank fire due to tremendous fuel load | ||
* Massive size | * Massive size | ||
| Line 201: | Line 173: | ||
Casiraghi's next attempt was a major redesign, this time using aluminium as the primary structure material. Now a low wing design, it had a larger fuselage, more defensive turrets, and more powerful engines resulting in the P.108. Because he was working in the US at the time the B-17 first flew and was likely well informed of aviation advances, it is possible Casiraghi took some inspiration from the Flying Fortress, but for sure this was an original design. The finished design was very robust and could carry a heavy load over long distances, but its non-turbocharged engine did not offer the altitude or speed of the B-17. The P.108 was also one of the first aircraft to offer hydraulically powered remote control turrets, located in each of the outboard engines with gunners sitting mid fuselage, and a retractable hydraulic powered turret predating the famed B-17's ventral ball turret (not the same as "dust bin" type that lowered under the aircraft, but the weapon was moved by hand). | Casiraghi's next attempt was a major redesign, this time using aluminium as the primary structure material. Now a low wing design, it had a larger fuselage, more defensive turrets, and more powerful engines resulting in the P.108. Because he was working in the US at the time the B-17 first flew and was likely well informed of aviation advances, it is possible Casiraghi took some inspiration from the Flying Fortress, but for sure this was an original design. The finished design was very robust and could carry a heavy load over long distances, but its non-turbocharged engine did not offer the altitude or speed of the B-17. The P.108 was also one of the first aircraft to offer hydraulically powered remote control turrets, located in each of the outboard engines with gunners sitting mid fuselage, and a retractable hydraulic powered turret predating the famed B-17's ventral ball turret (not the same as "dust bin" type that lowered under the aircraft, but the weapon was moved by hand). | ||
| − | In 1941 the first P.108s were delivered to a single unit, the 274a | + | In 1941 the first P.108s were delivered to a single unit, the 274a Squadriglia (274th Squadron). Being far larger, heavier, and a little more troublesome than other Italian aircraft, a number of accidents ensued from inexperience with this beast of an aircraft. One casualty was the commander of the 274a Squadriglia, Bruno Mussolini, son of Benito Mussolini. Bruno was considered a skilled and serious pilot thus likely earned his position as commander, so the cause of the 7 August 1941 accident is speculative. |
During the war P.108's performed a number of long range missions in the Mediterranean with no notable success. It was an effective bomber, but the numbers where never sufficient to impact the Allies. Loses mounted changing tactics and removing weight. By the time Italy surrendered only 9 of the approximately 24 built P.108B's remained. An interesting footnote, over a dozen of the transport version, P.108T, were also built, most of those were confiscated by the Germans and used to evacuate troops on the Eastern Front. | During the war P.108's performed a number of long range missions in the Mediterranean with no notable success. It was an effective bomber, but the numbers where never sufficient to impact the Allies. Loses mounted changing tactics and removing weight. By the time Italy surrendered only 9 of the approximately 24 built P.108B's remained. An interesting footnote, over a dozen of the transport version, P.108T, were also built, most of those were confiscated by the Germans and used to evacuate troops on the Eastern Front. | ||
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== 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=p_108b_serie2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Videos | ||
| + | {{Youtube-gallery|CkZ2aWzk6QQ|'''Update 1.69 - P.108B serie 1/2"''' - ''TheEuropeanCanadian''}} | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
| Line 215: | Line 194: | ||
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | * ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' --> | ||
| − | * [[P.108A serie 2]] | + | ;Related development |
| − | * [[P.108B serie 1]] | + | |
| − | * [[ | + | * [[P.108A serie 2]] |
| − | * [[ | + | * [[P.108B serie 1]] |
| − | * [[ | + | |
| − | * [[ | + | ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era |
| − | * [[ | + | |
| − | + | * [[Me 264]] | |
| − | + | * [[Pe-8]] | |
| + | * [[Halifax B Mk IIIa]] | ||
| + | * [[Stirling B Mk I]] | ||
| + | * [[M.B.162]] | ||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:'' | ||
* ''topic on the official game forum;'' | * ''topic on the official game forum;'' | ||
| − | |||
* ''other literature.'' --> | * ''other literature.'' --> | ||
| + | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/365072-piaggio-p108b-serie-2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] | ||
* [[wikipedia:Piaggio_P.108|[Wikipedia] Piaggio P.108]] | * [[wikipedia:Piaggio_P.108|[Wikipedia] Piaggio P.108]] | ||
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=815 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Piaggio P.108] | * [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=815 <nowiki>[Military Factory]</nowiki> Piaggio P.108] | ||
Latest revision as of 08:25, 26 August 2022
| This page is about the Italian bomber P.108B serie 2. For other versions, see P.108 (Family). |
Contents
Description
The P.108B serie 2 is a rank III Italian bomber with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB) and 3.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.69 "Regia Aeronautica".
The Piaggio P.108B serie 2 is a typical heavy bomber. It should always avoid enemy fighter aircraft if possible, the Piaggio P.108B serie 2 is a massive plane and it does not like taking hits especially in the wings where the plane carries its massive fuel load. If an enemy plane is going to attack you, do not go head-on as you have no gunners or any guns at all at the front of the plane. Always give them your tail so your gunners can shoot at them.
The P.108B serie 2 is a heavy bomber with a heavy bomb load and relatively weak defensive armament. When delivering the bombs to the targets, high altitudes are a must. The preferred targets of this bomber are stationary objects like pillboxes or slow moving vehicles such as ships (if you can time it well) and of course the bomb targets and airfields. Should an enemy fighter catch up with you, it is certain doom as your defensive guns have a low chance to kill it. To survive attacks, use your gunners to ward off the enemy aircraft until help comes. Stay away from combat as much as you can and do your job as a bomber.
The P.108B serie 2 maybe a striking plane visually but it does come with combat limitations. The Aircraft is slow and poorly armed. You will need to plan a course around the map to try and avoid enemy fighters as much as possible. Keeping your altitude high and turns to a minimum will help your survivability. It is always helpful to have a fighter or two fly escort as well.
General info
Flight performance
Max speed
at 3 900 m445 km/h
Turn time36 s
Max altitude9 000 m
Engine4 х Piaggio P.XII RC.35
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight27 t
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 3,900 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 426 | 414 | 9000 | 37.3 | 38.7 | 2.4 | 2.4 | 750 |
| Upgraded | 469 | 445 | 34.3 | 36.0 | 8.3 | 4.2 | ||
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
| Limits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
| Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
| 515 | 290 | 383 | 361 | 249 | ~3 | ~2 |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < 330 | < 310 | < 270 | > 250 |
Survivability and armour
Crew7 people
Speed of destruction
Structural515 km/h
Gear290 km/h
- 8 mm Steel - Cockpit armour - instrument panel, pilot's seat, co-pilot's seat, pilot's side plates and floor plate below pilot
- 8 mm Steel - Armour plate protecting ammo located in wings
- 8 mm Steel - Side gunner armoured walls
- 8 mm Steel - Ventral gunner position
- 8 mm Steel - Wing gunners remote positions x 2
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 098 → 1 493 
RB2 098 → 2 853
SB3 896 → 5 298
Total cost of modifications24 400 
44 100
Talisman cost1 100 
Crew training22 000
Experts76 000
Aces500
Research Aces320 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
80 / 170 / 280 %
142 / 142 / 142 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
- The first upgrade on this plane you should get is the MCSAP100 for access to the 100 kg bombs. Afterwards you should get the radiator next and the 7.7 mm belts. Get the Fuselage repair last.
- At the 2nd tier modification, the torpedo is a must if you want to get the better bombs. Afterwards focus on getting the airframe (for better durability), and compressor (for better performance) and for last get the new 7.7 mm turret.
- Third tier modification, the 12.7 mm turret belts is a must for defensive firepower, afterwards the engine modification, then the wings repair, and finally the MCGP250KG.
- Fourth Tier modification, get the MCRO500 which is the best bombs you can use, then the Engine Injection and new 12.7 mm turrets and finally the cover.
Armaments
Suspended armament
The P.108B serie 2 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 34 x 50 kg GP 50 bombs (1,700 kg total)
- 34 x 100 kg GP 100 bombs (3,400 kg total)
- 2 x 450 mm F200/450 torpedoes
- 3 x 450 mm F200/450 torpedoes
- 7 x 250 kg GP 250 bombs (1,750 kg total)
- 7 x 500 kg GP 500 bombs (3,500 kg total)
When using this bomber, you want to unlock the additional bomb loadouts as fast as possible. The least useful payloads are the 34 x 50 kg bombs (default, 1700 kg load) and 7 x 250 kg bombs (1,750 kg load, select 500 kg instead) and the 2 x F200/450 torpedoes as you have access to the 3 F200/450 torpedoes instead. The better bomb loads is 34 x 100 kg (3400 kg) bombs and the 7 x 500 kg bombs (3,500 kg) but are far heavier.
Defensive armament
2 х Turret2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition600 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
Turret12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition450 rounds
Fire rate701 shots/min
2 х Turret7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
The P.108B serie 2 is defended by:
- 2 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns, 2 x wing turrets (300 rpg = 600 total)
- 1 x 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, ventral turret (450 rpg)
- 1 x 7.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (400 rpg)
Usage in battles
Much like other heavy bombers in-game, one wants to unlock the heaviest loads ASAP and reach the strategic bomb point ASAP. The best defences are the rear hemisphere, with wing turrets offering an exceptional area of coverage and solid firepower. With that in mind the best survival technique, if unable to climb above the enemy, is to fly close to the ground. Avoid letting enemies attack from directly below or in front. In RB matches with tank columns on the road, the 34 x 100 kg bomb load is effective at destroying armoured columns, laying a dense line along the road the convoy is on will score kills and possibly win the match. Otherwise, use the max load of 7 x 500 kg bombs for medium tanks and strategic targets. When using torpedoes, load all 3, skim the surface of water and make use of islands as for a stealthy approach to the target. Spread the drop to increase the chance of 1 torpedo hitting, unless point blank, then all three can be rapidly dropped.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Controllable | Controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Separate | Not controllable 1 gear |
Auto controlled |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- 2 turrets are placed on the distant engines allowing for more guns to face backwards
- Heavy payload available
- One of three planes (the others being the P.108B Serie 1 and AM-1) in game that can carry 3 torpedoes
- As compared to the previous P.108B (the Serie 1) this one has fully armoured seats for the pilots as well as armoured plates for the wing gunners control positions
- Extremely cheap repair costs (compared to other tier 4 bombers)
Cons:
- Gunners are bunched together and easily knocked out
- Turrets on the engines cannot face forwards
- Poor manoeuvrability and climb rate
- No nose-mounted gun, susceptible to frontal attacks/head-ons
- Prone to fuel tank fire due to tremendous fuel load
- Massive size
- Relatively weak defensive firepower
History
Building large aircraft is difficult even for large companies, and it was no different when the famed Piaggio S.p.A. endeavoured to build a large bomber in the mid 1930s. Giovanni Casiraghi had recently returned after 9 years in America and was put in charge of building the original P.50-I mid wing design being made of wood and used the common-for-the-era tandem engine layout (e.g. Farman 222). This design was disappointing so Casiraghi reworked it into a more familiar 4 puller engine layout, but still made of wood. The P.50-II flew even worse, but the experiment was not a wasted exercise.
Casiraghi's next attempt was a major redesign, this time using aluminium as the primary structure material. Now a low wing design, it had a larger fuselage, more defensive turrets, and more powerful engines resulting in the P.108. Because he was working in the US at the time the B-17 first flew and was likely well informed of aviation advances, it is possible Casiraghi took some inspiration from the Flying Fortress, but for sure this was an original design. The finished design was very robust and could carry a heavy load over long distances, but its non-turbocharged engine did not offer the altitude or speed of the B-17. The P.108 was also one of the first aircraft to offer hydraulically powered remote control turrets, located in each of the outboard engines with gunners sitting mid fuselage, and a retractable hydraulic powered turret predating the famed B-17's ventral ball turret (not the same as "dust bin" type that lowered under the aircraft, but the weapon was moved by hand).
In 1941 the first P.108s were delivered to a single unit, the 274a Squadriglia (274th Squadron). Being far larger, heavier, and a little more troublesome than other Italian aircraft, a number of accidents ensued from inexperience with this beast of an aircraft. One casualty was the commander of the 274a Squadriglia, Bruno Mussolini, son of Benito Mussolini. Bruno was considered a skilled and serious pilot thus likely earned his position as commander, so the cause of the 7 August 1941 accident is speculative.
During the war P.108's performed a number of long range missions in the Mediterranean with no notable success. It was an effective bomber, but the numbers where never sufficient to impact the Allies. Loses mounted changing tactics and removing weight. By the time Italy surrendered only 9 of the approximately 24 built P.108B's remained. An interesting footnote, over a dozen of the transport version, P.108T, were also built, most of those were confiscated by the Germans and used to evacuate troops on the Eastern Front.
Unable to provide long range escort, the move to night bombing was ordered. The P.108B serie 2 was a modification of the serie 1 specifically made for night bombing missions, the obvious difference was painting the aircraft black and removing the nose turret, gaining a better airspeed. In the end, Allied radar-equipped night fighters still successfully intercepted and shot two down, although in one case the wing mounted turrets proved to be successful in deterring one attacker.
Media
- Skins
- Videos
Update 1.69 - P.108B serie 1/2" - TheEuropeanCanadian
See also
- Related development
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
- Official data sheet - more details about the performance
- [Wikipedia] Piaggio P.108
- [Military Factory] Piaggio P.108
| Piaggio Aero | |
|---|---|
| Attackers | P.108A serie 2 |
| Bombers | P.108B serie 1 · P.108B serie 2 |
| Italy bombers | |
|---|---|
| Fiat | B.R.20DR · B.R.20M M1 |
| Savoia-Marchetti | S.81 · S.M.79 serie 1 · S.M.79 B · S.M.79 serie 8 · S.M.79 AS · S.M.79 bis/T.M |
| CANT | Z.1007 bis serie 3 · Z.1007 bis serie 5 |
| Piaggio | P.108B serie 1 · P.108B serie 2 |
| Foreign: | |
| Germany | ▄Ju 87 R-2 · ▄Ju 87 D-3 |
| Hungary | ◔Tu-2S-59 |
