Difference between revisions of "Hs 129 B-3"

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−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=hs-129b-3
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
−
| about = German attacker '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other versions
 
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Hs 129 (Family)
 
| link = Hs 129 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=hs-129b-3
 +
|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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].
−
{{Break}}
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} German attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].
 
−
 
 
−
The Hs 129 is a pure ground attack aircraft, designed mostly to take out tanks and armoured vehicles. The anti-tank gun [[KwK 40 (75 mm)|PaK 40]] is capable of knocking out medium tanks, while the 7.92 mm LMGs can destroy armoured cars and mobile AAAs. The plane is both slow and sluggish, meaning that it practically has to go after ground targets, but the armament and armour somewhat compensate for that and enable the plane to take out nearly all ground targets except pillboxes and heavy tanks.
 
  
−
The plane is very heavy, which makes it nearly impossible to take out fighters. Even most medium bombers are more manoeuvrable; 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.
+
The Hs 129 is one of the most powerful aircraft in terms of its cannon, although the vehicle is dedicated to ground attack only. However, many players often use its 75 mm armament to take out larger and generally more bulky planes, like bombers. Moreover, the Hs 129 only has 13 rounds but it is not to worry, as they all are very powerful, along with the wide variety of shell types that this aircraft holds, including explosive shells, you will infrequently find yourself having to fire multiple times. In addition to the deadly cannon the Hs 129 is also mounted with two 7.92 mm LMGs, these smaller guns hold much more ammunition compared to the larger cannon making it a backup or second option for smaller and less armoured targets. The 75 mm cannon alone makes the Hs 129 single-handedly one of the most deadly aircraft let alone the two 7.92 mm LMGs. However, this plane has many drawbacks. The two engines mounted on its wings lack power causing the Hs 129 to often lack power, energy, and speed along with an increased turn time in battles, yet it is not to worry as the Hs 129 rarely finds its way into dog fights and is usually used for air to ground combat and if not, it is able to quickly assassinate other air targets using its lethal cannon. The Hs 129 is heavily armoured and can withstand many rounds from opposing vehicles allowing it to have a very broad window to escape foes or return fire.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 64: Line 60:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 314 || 252 || 190 || ~10 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 287 || 252 || 190 || ~10 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 107: Line 103:
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
−
[[File:Hs-129 B-3 destroying a ground vehicle.png|thumb|Hs-129 B-3 destroying a ground vehicle with its 75 mm BK 7.5 cannon]]
+
[[File:Hs-129 B-3 destroying a ground vehicle.png|thumb|Hs 129 B-3 destroying a ground vehicle with its 75 mm BK 7.5 cannon]]
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
Line 118: Line 114:
 
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, cheek-mounted (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
 
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, cheek-mounted (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  
−
The two machine guns are arranged on each side of the fuselage. The 75 mm cannon is mounted to the underside of the fuselage. When aiming do not use the crosshair, instead, to be more precise with your shots, take the diameter of the aiming circle and put the length under the circle. This should provide the most accurate shot as that spot is a rough estimation of where your shot will land.
+
The two machine guns are arranged on each side of the fuselage. The 75 mm cannon is mounted to the underside of the fuselage. When aiming do not use the crosshair, instead, to be more precise with your shots, take the diameter of the aiming circle and put the length under the circle. This should provide the most accurate shot as that spot is a rough estimation of where your shot will land.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
Line 124: Line 120:
 
[[File:Cockpit_Hs129B.jpg|x400px|thumbnail|right|The Hs 129 B's instrument panel.]]
 
[[File:Cockpit_Hs129B.jpg|x400px|thumbnail|right|The Hs 129 B's instrument panel.]]
  
−
The Hs 129 B-3 is capable of destroying most mission-relevant ground targets. Tanks of all sorts, as well as light pillboxes, can be destroyed in one hit, provided armour piercing ammunition is used. Thanks to the 13 shells available, this can make a single Hs 129 B-3 a game-changing aircraft.
+
The Hs 129 B-3 is a German aircraft that was primarily designed to take out ground targets. Its remarkable ability to destroy most mission-relevant ground targets makes it a valuable asset in battle. With its armour-piercing ammunition, the Hs 129 B-3 can take out tanks of all sorts and light pillboxes with just one hit. Its arsenal of 13 shells available can make a single Hs 129 B-3 a game-changing aircraft, proving to be a formidable weapon against ground targets.
  
−
The Hs 129, 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 129 pilot a moderate chance of defending himself.
+
However, the Hs 129 has major drawbacks. Its engines are relatively weak, resulting in poor top speed, acceleration, and climb rate, making it perform poorly in air combat. The nearly one-ton weight of its armour also adds to its sluggishness and makes it vulnerable to attacks from enemy fighters. Nonetheless, some enemy pilots may underestimate the Hs 129 and overshoot it after a tight turn, giving the Hs 129 pilot a moderate chance of defending themselves.
  
−
In simulator battles, it is ''highly advisable'' to climb to at least 600 meters, level, and build speed (energy) before turning and returning for another attack. When spawning, it is still recommended to climb to 1000 meters above ground and use the scope to spot enemy ground vehicles in simulator battles. If there are possible enemies in the area, lose altitude, and fly away from the enemy to take a different path.
+
When engaging in simulator battles, it is advisable to climb to at least 600 m, level, and build speed (energy) before turning and returning for another attack. Additionally, when spawning, it is still recommended to climb to 1,000 m above the ground and use the scope to spot enemy ground vehicles in simulator battles. If there are potential enemies in the area, losing altitude and flying away from the enemy to take a different path is also a sound strategy.
  
−
Do not attempt to make quick adjustments when aiming in a dive. Pull up, and try again. The AI tanks will go nowhere. Use 'universal belts' to help aim the main tank gun. It is not recommended to use tracers. The plane needs one major virtue to produce desirable results: patience.
+
One must exercise patience when aiming in a dive attack. It is essential to pull up and try again since the AI tanks will not move, and one must aim precisely for maximum efficiency. The use of 'universal belts' is recommended to assist in aiming the main tank gun, and tracers should be avoided. It is crucial to remember that the plane's success depends on the virtue of patience.
  
−
The plane may sound very weak but, every tool in the box has a specific purpose: the Hs 129 B-3 is designed to win through objective destruction.
+
Despite its apparent weaknesses, the Hs 129 B-3 is designed to destroy objectives, making it a valuable asset in battles. The plane may appear weak, but every tool in its arsenal has a specific purpose, and its primary focus is on taking out ground targets. Thus, when used effectively, the Hs 129 B-3 can prove to be a force to be reckoned with in battle.
  
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
 
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
  
−
[[Yak-2 KABB]]: Do not think that the {{PAGENAME}} 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 {{PAGENAME}} 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.
+
* [[Yak-2 KABB]] - Do not think that the {{PAGENAME}} can confidently outmanoeuvre this plane just because it is twin-engined. The Yak-2 has an amazing turn rate for a heavy fighter, thus the {{PAGENAME}} 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 a green camouflage, greatly resembling an Me 410 but with an H-tail like a Bf 110's.
−
 
+
[[File:ZSD63.jpg|thumb|ZSD63]]
−
[[ZSD63]]: A dangerous SPAA to go up against 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 casually putting a short burst in the {{PAGENAME}}'s flight path. Don't even get close to it unless it is busy shooting someone else. Even the {{PAGENAME}}'s mighty 75mm cannon 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.
+
* [[ZSD63]] - A dangerous SPAA to go up against 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 casually putting a short burst in the {{PAGENAME}}'s flight path. Don't even get close to it unless it is busy shooting someone else. Even the {{PAGENAME}}'s mighty 75 mm cannon 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 it's reloading.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 154: Line 150:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 75 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 75 mm cannons
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 196: Line 159:
  
 
* The combination of the 7.92 mm machine guns and the 75 mm anti-tank gun can make short work of armoured columns
 
* The combination of the 7.92 mm machine guns and the 75 mm anti-tank gun can make short work of armoured columns
−
* A well-timed shot from the 75 mm gun when firing High Explosive can tear an aircraft apart
+
* Can be quite profitable in Air RB when used right, as destroying tanks nets you quite a high score
−
* Extremely effective in tank realistic battles with air superiority. The 75 mm can take out even the most heavily armoured allied tanks
+
* A shot from the 75 mm gun can tear an aircraft apart when firing High Explosive rounds
−
* The 7.62 mm machine guns allow for engaging unarmoured targets without wasting 75 mm ammunition
+
* Extremely effective in tank realistic battles with air superiority. The 75 mm can take out even the most heavily armoured Allied tanks
 +
* The 7.92 mm machine guns allow for engaging unarmoured targets without wasting 75 mm ammunition
 
* Can take a fair amount of punishment
 
* Can take a fair amount of punishment
 
* Quite a stable gun platform
 
* Quite a stable gun platform
Line 205: Line 169:
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Extremely slow from under-powered engines
+
* Extremely slow from underpowered engines
 
* Terrible climb rate
 
* Terrible climb rate
 
* Not particularly manoeuvrable
 
* Not particularly manoeuvrable
Line 212: Line 176:
 
* No defensive armament translates to a "sitting duck" in some combat situations, especially without friendly fighters in the air
 
* No defensive armament translates to a "sitting duck" in some combat situations, especially without friendly fighters in the air
 
* Cockpit has very thin armour that leaves pilot vulnerable to most enemy projectiles
 
* Cockpit has very thin armour that leaves pilot vulnerable to most enemy projectiles
−
* The gun has large horizontal dropoff (if you dive at a higher angle, the shots will be more accurate to where you put the crosshair)
+
* The gun has large horizontal drop-off (if you dive at a higher angle, the shots will land nearer to the crosshair)
 +
* 75 mm cannon is rather inaccurate when stock
 +
* Has only 13 rounds for the 75 mm cannon
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
Line 224: Line 190:
 
;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?q=%23hs129b3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=hs-129b-3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
−
{{Youtube-gallery|VHJN6ZWOmnY|'''The bane of tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:12 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|ObEcMPqFBbE|'''The Shooting Range #259''' - ''Tips & Tricks'' section at 10:54 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|VHJN6ZWOmnY|'''The bane of tanks''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:12 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 233: Line 199:
 
* ''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.'' -->
 +
;Related development
 +
* [[Hs 129 (Family)]]
  
−
* [[Hs 129 B-2]]
+
;Similar aircraft fitted with a large-calibre gun
−
* [[Hs 129 B-2 (Romania)|Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) in German premium tech tree]]
+
* [[PBJ-1H]]
−
* [[Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) (Italy)|Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) in Italian premium tech tree]]
+
* [[XA-38]]
 +
* [[Ki-109]]
 +
* [[P.108A serie 2]]
  
 
== 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;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
Line 247: Line 216:
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Henschel}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Henschel}}
−
{{Germany attackers}}
+
{{Germany strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:46, 5 July 2024

This page is about the German strike aircraft Hs 129 B-3. For other versions, see Hs 129 (Family).
Hs 129 B-3
hs-129b-3.png
GarageImage Hs 129 B-3.jpg
Hs 129 B-3
Germany flag.png Germany
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 2.0 3.0
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Hs 129 B-3 is a rank II German strike aircraft with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB/RB) and 3.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.37.

The Hs 129 is one of the most powerful aircraft in terms of its cannon, although the vehicle is dedicated to ground attack only. However, many players often use its 75 mm armament to take out larger and generally more bulky planes, like bombers. Moreover, the Hs 129 only has 13 rounds but it is not to worry, as they all are very powerful, along with the wide variety of shell types that this aircraft holds, including explosive shells, you will infrequently find yourself having to fire multiple times. In addition to the deadly cannon the Hs 129 is also mounted with two 7.92 mm LMGs, these smaller guns hold much more ammunition compared to the larger cannon making it a backup or second option for smaller and less armoured targets. The 75 mm cannon alone makes the Hs 129 single-handedly one of the most deadly aircraft let alone the two 7.92 mm LMGs. However, this plane has many drawbacks. The two engines mounted on its wings lack power causing the Hs 129 to often lack power, energy, and speed along with an increased turn time in battles, yet it is not to worry as the Hs 129 rarely finds its way into dog fights and is usually used for air to ground combat and if not, it is able to quickly assassinate other air targets using its lethal cannon. The Hs 129 is heavily armoured and can withstand many rounds from opposing vehicles allowing it to have a very broad window to escape foes or return fire.

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
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
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
3,550 m 1,300 hp 1,530 hp

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 costBasic → Reference
AB291 → 423 Sl icon.png
RB387 → 562 Sl icon.png
SB895 → 1 301 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 910 Rp icon.png
6 750 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 60 / 100 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_belt_pack
Research:
460 Rp icon.png
Cost:
450 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
mg17_new_gun
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
90 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bk75_belt_pack
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bk75_new_gun
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
130 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Hs 129 B-3 destroying a ground vehicle with its 75 mm BK 7.5 cannon

Offensive armament

Weapon 175 mm BK 7.5 cannon
Ammunition13 rounds
Fire rate40 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate1 200 shots/min
Main articles: BK 7.5 (75 mm), MG 17 (7.92 mm)

The Hs 129 B-3 is armed with:

  • 1 x 75 mm BK 7.5 cannon, chin-mounted (13 rpg)
  • 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine guns, cheek-mounted (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

The two machine guns are arranged on each side of the fuselage. The 75 mm cannon is mounted to the underside of the fuselage. When aiming do not use the crosshair, instead, to be more precise with your shots, take the diameter of the aiming circle and put the length under the circle. This should provide the most accurate shot as that spot is a rough estimation of where your shot will land.

Usage in battles

The Hs 129 B's instrument panel.

The Hs 129 B-3 is a German aircraft that was primarily designed to take out ground targets. Its remarkable ability to destroy most mission-relevant ground targets makes it a valuable asset in battle. With its armour-piercing ammunition, the Hs 129 B-3 can take out tanks of all sorts and light pillboxes with just one hit. Its arsenal of 13 shells available can make a single Hs 129 B-3 a game-changing aircraft, proving to be a formidable weapon against ground targets.

However, the Hs 129 has major drawbacks. Its engines are relatively weak, resulting in poor top speed, acceleration, and climb rate, making it perform poorly in air combat. The nearly one-ton weight of its armour also adds to its sluggishness and makes it vulnerable to attacks from enemy fighters. Nonetheless, some enemy pilots may underestimate the Hs 129 and overshoot it after a tight turn, giving the Hs 129 pilot a moderate chance of defending themselves.

When engaging in simulator battles, it is advisable to climb to at least 600 m, level, and build speed (energy) before turning and returning for another attack. Additionally, when spawning, it is still recommended to climb to 1,000 m above the ground and use the scope to spot enemy ground vehicles in simulator battles. If there are potential enemies in the area, losing altitude and flying away from the enemy to take a different path is also a sound strategy.

One must exercise patience when aiming in a dive attack. It is essential to pull up and try again since the AI tanks will not move, and one must aim precisely for maximum efficiency. The use of 'universal belts' is recommended to assist in aiming the main tank gun, and tracers should be avoided. It is crucial to remember that the plane's success depends on the virtue of patience.

Despite its apparent weaknesses, the Hs 129 B-3 is designed to destroy objectives, making it a valuable asset in battles. The plane may appear weak, but every tool in its arsenal has a specific purpose, and its primary focus is on taking out ground targets. Thus, when used effectively, the Hs 129 B-3 can prove to be a force to be reckoned with in battle.

Enemies worth noting:

  • Yak-2 KABB - Do not think that the Hs 129 B-3 can confidently outmanoeuvre 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-3 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 a green camouflage, greatly resembling an Me 410 but with an H-tail like a Bf 110's.
ZSD63
  • ZSD63 - A dangerous SPAA to go up against 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 casually putting a short burst in the Hs 129 B-3's flight path. Don't even get close to it unless it is busy shooting someone else. Even the Hs 129 B-3's mighty 75 mm cannon 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 it's reloading.

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:

  • The combination of the 7.92 mm machine guns and the 75 mm anti-tank gun can make short work of armoured columns
  • Can be quite profitable in Air RB when used right, as destroying tanks nets you quite a high score
  • A shot from the 75 mm gun can tear an aircraft apart when firing High Explosive rounds
  • Extremely effective in tank realistic battles with air superiority. The 75 mm can take out even the most heavily armoured Allied tanks
  • The 7.92 mm machine guns allow for engaging unarmoured targets without wasting 75 mm ammunition
  • Can take a fair amount of punishment
  • Quite a stable gun platform
  • Default ammunition for 75 mm gun is made up of only AP shells, unlike similar aircraft

Cons:

  • Extremely slow from underpowered engines
  • Terrible climb rate
  • Not particularly manoeuvrable
  • Poor energy retention
  • Damage to engines can lose enough power to the extent that the plane simply falls out of the sky
  • No defensive armament translates to a "sitting duck" in some combat situations, especially without friendly fighters in the air
  • Cockpit has very thin armour that leaves pilot vulnerable to most enemy projectiles
  • The gun has large horizontal drop-off (if you dive at a higher angle, the shots will land nearer to the crosshair)
  • 75 mm cannon is rather inaccurate when stock
  • Has only 13 rounds for the 75 mm cannon

History

Produced in 1944, the B-3 variant of the Henschel Hs 129 was installed with the 7.5 cm BK 7,5 cannon, a lighter version of the PaK 40 which already been tested on the Junkers Ju 88. The 7.5 cm BK 7,5 had 12 rounds in a rotary magazine. The gun was fully automatic, with a newly designed hydraulic recoil dampening system and a more aerodynamic muzzle brake. The gun pod had a circular port to let the cartridges eject after firing. The 7.5 cm BK 7,5 was the most powerful forward-firing weapon ever fitted to a production aircraft at the time. It can theatrically destroy any armoured target it found. Only 25 units of the Hs 129 B-3 were produced.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #259 - Tips & Tricks section at 10:54 discusses the Hs 129 B-3.
The bane of tanks discusses the Hs 129 B-3 at 3:12 - War Thunder Official Channel

See also

Related development
Similar aircraft fitted with a large-calibre gun

External links


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)

Germany strike aircraft
Messerschmitt 
Bf 110  Bf 110 C-6 · Bf 110 C-7 · Bf 110 F-2 · Bf 110 G-2 · Bf 110 G-4
Me 410  Me 410 A-1 · Me 410 A-1/U4 · Me 410 B-1 · Me 410 B-2/U4 · Me 410 B-6/R3
Dornier 
Do 335  Do 335 A-0 · Do 335 A-1 · Do 335 B-2
Focke-Wulf 
Fw 190  Fw 190 F-8
Heinkel 
He 219  He 219 A-7
Henschel 
Hs 129  Hs 129 B-2 · Hs 129 B-2 (Romania) · Hs 129 B-3
Junkers 
Ju 87  Ju 87 G-1 · Ju 87 G-2
  Foreign:
USSR  ▀IL-2 (1942)

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