Difference between revisions of "Hs 129 B-3"

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{{Specs-Card|code=hs-129b-3}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = German strike aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| 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 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.''-->
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<!-- ''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}} German strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.37]].
  
−
[[File:GarageImage_Hs129B3.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
+
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.
−
{{break}}
 
−
The '''Hs.129 B-3''' is a Rank III German attacker with a battle rating of 3.0 (AB/SB) and 3.3 (RB). It was introduced in Update 1.37.
 
  
−
The Hs 129 is a pure ground attack aircraft, designed mostly to take out tanks and armored vehicles. The anti-tank gun [[7.5 cm KwK 40|PaK 40]] is capable of knocking out medium tanks, while the 7,62 mm LMGs can destroy armored 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 armor somewhat compensate for that and enable the plane to take out nearly all ground targets except pillboxes and heavy tanks.  
+
== General info ==
 +
=== 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.'' -->
  
−
The plane is very heavy, which makes it nearly impossible to take out fighters, even most medium bombers are more maneuverable, however the plane is heavily armored, 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.
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
−
== General info ==
+
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
=== 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.''-->
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
−
|-
 
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,550 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,550 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
−
|-
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
|-
 
−
| 418 || 405 || 7,500 || 30.2 || 31.4 || 4.3 || 5.4 || 331
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,550 m)
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! Stock
−
! RB
+
| 421 || 404 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 29.4 || 31.3 || 5.9 || 5.9 || rowspan="2" | 331
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ? || ? || 7,500 || ??.? || ??.? || ?.? || ?.? || ?
+
! Upgraded
 +
| 466 || 439 || 26.5 || 27.9 || 11.2 || 8.3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
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|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
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! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 700 || 450 || ??? || ~13 || ~13
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 287 || 252 || 190 || ~10 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < 310 || < 320 || < 300 || > 230
+
| < 320 || < 320 || < 300 || > 280
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 3,??? m || 1,300 hp || 1,530 hp  
+
| 3,550 m || 1,300 hp || 1,530 hp
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? 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.'' -->
 +
 
 
* 5 mm Steel - Oil cooler covers
 
* 5 mm Steel - Oil cooler covers
 
* 5 mm Steel - Lower engine cowl protection
 
* 5 mm Steel - Lower engine cowl protection
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* 12 mm Steel - Cockpit back plate, floor, and front plates
 
* 12 mm Steel - Cockpit back plate, floor, and front plates
 
* 75 mm Bulletproof glass
 
* 75 mm Bulletproof glass
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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]]
 
=== 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}}
−
{{main|BK 7,5 (75 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
+
<!-- ''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|BK 7.5 (75 mm)|MG 17 (7.92 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 ==
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
[[File:Cockpit_Hs129B.jpg|x400px|thumbnail|right|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.
  
−
The Hs 129 B-3 is armed with:
+
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.
  
−
* 1 x 75 mm BK 7,5 cannon (13 rpg = 13 total)
+
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.
−
* 2 x 7.92 mm MG 17 machine gun (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.
+
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.
−
<!--=== 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.''
 
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
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.
−
''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.''
 
−
-->
 
−
== Usage in the battles ==
 
−
<!--''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).''-->
 
−
[[File:Cockpit_Hs129B.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Hs 129 B's instrument panel.]]
 
  
−
====Tactics====
+
'''Enemies worth noting:'''
−
<!--Specific methods of play in different situations, label the methods with pros and cons (if possible) based on vehicle's performances (i.e. Me 262 playing as a fighter or anti-bomber)-->
 
−
The Hs 129 B-3 is capable of killing most mission relevant ground targets. Tanks of all sorts as well as light pillboxes can be destroyed in one hit, provided armor 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, however, does have major drawbacks. Its engines are weak which results in poor top speed, acceleration and climb rate. This, combined with the armor 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.
+
* [[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.
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
[[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 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 ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | 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
 
−
! Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair, Raidiator
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 7 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wing Repair, Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Offensive 75 mm
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 75 mm Cannons
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== 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:'''
−
* The combination of the 7.92 mm machine guns and the 75 mm anti-tank gun can make short work of armored columns.
+
 
−
* A well timed shot from the 75 mm gun when firing High Explosive can tear an aircraft apart.
+
* The combination of the 7.92 mm machine guns and the 75 mm anti-tank gun can make short work of armoured columns
−
* Extremely effective in tank RB when your team has air superiority. The 75 mm can take out even the most heavily armoured allied tanks.
+
* Can be quite profitable in Air RB when used right, as destroying tanks nets you quite a high score
−
* The 7.62 mm machine guns allow you to engage unarmoured targets without wasting your 75 mm ammunition.
+
* A shot from the 75 mm gun can tear an aircraft apart when firing High Explosive rounds
−
* Can take a fair amount of punishment.
+
* Extremely effective in tank realistic battles with air superiority. The 75 mm can take out even the most heavily armoured Allied tanks
−
* Quite a stable gun platform.
+
* 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:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
* Extremely slow from under-powered engines.
+
 
−
* Very poor climb rate.
+
* Extremely slow from underpowered engines
−
* Not particularly maneuverable.
+
* Terrible climb rate
−
* Poor energy retention.
+
* Not particularly manoeuvrable
−
* Damage to engines can sometimes make you lose power to the extent that you simply fall out of the sky.
+
* Poor energy retention
−
* No defensive armament means you are a "sitting duck" in some combat situations. Having no friendly fighters in the air can be a problem.
+
* Damage to engines can lose enough power to the extent that the plane simply falls out of the sky
−
* The above cons make you an easy target for enemy fighters.
+
* 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 ==
 
== 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 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/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
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 ==
 
== 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=hs-129b-3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{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 ==
 +
<!-- ''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.''-->
+
;Related development
 +
* [[Hs 129 (Family)]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Similar aircraft fitted with a large-calibre gun
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
* [[PBJ-1H]]
−
* [http://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/195202-ugly-ducklings-hs-129/ [Ugly Ducklings<nowiki>]</nowiki> - Hs 129]
+
* [[XA-38]]
 +
* [[Ki-109]]
 +
* [[P.108A serie 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 aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
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* [[wt:en/news/2689--en|[Ugly Ducklings] - Hs 129]]
  
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{{Germany attackers}}
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{{AirManufacturer Henschel}}
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{{Germany strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 15:46, 5 July 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
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

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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