Ground Attack Options

[ShamrockOneFive]

4 minutes ago, Poochnboo said:

"The 107 E-7B was specifically adapted for ground attack, I think"

 

   Actually, the E7 model was an attempt to rectify the Emil's range issue. It was the first '109 sub type that could carry a droppable fuel tank. 80 U.S. gallons. At the DB engine's fuel consumption rate, that should have added over an hours flying time. That centerline tank pylon gave the added bonus of being able to carry a bomb. But, yeah. I think everything was carrying bombs on the Eastern Front.

 

There was a fighter-bomber specific configuration (not sure if this was field modified or done at factory) with extra armor plate. That is represented in the sim too. At that point its more of a attack plane and less of a fighter.

 

Adds 89kg and decreases speed by 4km/h.

[II/JG17_HerrMurf]

1 hour ago, CrazyDuck said:

 

Actually, KV-1 is. But it's the only one. Very, very hard nut to crack. Even with the BK3.7 you need at least 6 direct, clean hits from the rear or the sides for it to maybe start smoking. No wonder Germans nicknamed it "Russian Colossus".

 

But, as CanadaOne pointed out - I haven't found any heavy tanks in QMB either. Gotta build your own missions for that I guess.

 

My bad, you are correct. It's just that I encounter them so infrequently I forgot they are in the game.

[CanadaOne]

2 hours ago, CrazyDuck said:

 

Actually, KV-1 is. But it's the only one. Very, very hard nut to crack. Even with the BK3.7 you need at least 6 direct, clean hits from the rear or the sides for it to maybe start smoking. No wonder Germans nicknamed it "Russian Colossus".

 

But, as CanadaOne pointed out - I haven't found any heavy tanks in QMB either. Gotta build your own missions for that I guess.

 

 

I found the KV-1s. Put an 1800kg bomb within 30' of it and... nothing. So I flew strait into it just to see what would happen. And I took 'em with me.

 

It was listed as a "heavy tank" kill after the mission.

[Poochnboo]

"Adds 89kg and decreases speed by 4km/h."

 

"Ah...there's the rub..." as Shakespeare said in Hamlet. Do I want a heavy airplane that can take a lot of damage? But then if I'm jumped by fighters, it's too heavy to dogfight. So I'll grab a fighter that can carry a bomb. But  a single bomb isn't going to do much. Is that even worth it? And the fighter won't be heavily armored so ground fire is going to tear me up. Also, my 6 is wide open while attacking ground targets...maybe I want a rear gunner. Okay, then. But that generally means a large airplane. Heavy. Slow. Easy target. Gotta be heavily armored. That works, but if I'm jumped by fighters and they get my gunner....uh, oh, back to that again. Such are the trials and tribulations of the attack pilot. 

Enter the P-47. Carries plenty of stuff that can hurt people and break things. Can get beaten up really badly and keep flying. Then swing around and start shooting things down. I know that it's not here yet, but that is going to be a fun airplane to move mud with.