A couple years ago, while playing with all the twin-engine planes I could find for potential American heavies, (Information now relegated to a portion of the forums that no longer exists.) I started considering what companies could create proper lines. I began fiddling with the concept of a McDonnell-Douglas line, and that eventually spiraled out of control into what you see before you.
Primarily, this was to be a discussion of Douglas dive- and medium-bombers as two lines of GA aircraft, however, as updates have come and gone this project has increased in scope, and more companies and planes will be added as the project continues.
How these planes would appear in WoWP:
Stats aside, organizing these planes int tiers for WoWP is when it gets interesting. Though only a small slice of US aircraft development, there are a lot of planes in this listing, with a wide array of speeds, roles, variants, and armaments, all of which need to be factored into choosing a tier. There are quite a few instances where there are multiple planes capable of filling the same bracket - resulting in the need for some to be put in unfortunate slots, premium'ed, or excluded altogether. Hashing out what goes where is what the rest of this thread is dedicated to.
Current tiering proposal.
Green stands for Light Fighters, blue for Heavy, yellow for Multi-role, and red for Ground Attack.
While most of the discussion will be on appropriate tiers, stats are much easier to find:
THIS SEGMENT DUE FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
LF Line: Bell Cobras
YP-37, Model 3, P-39 Airacobra, P-63 King Cobra and P-52 Airacomet, XP-83, P-80 Shooting Star, X-5 (Model 60)
Curtiss YP-37
Maximum Speed: 547kmh
Armament: 1x12.7mm, 1x7.62mm
Engines: Allison YV-1710-7, Allison V-1710-11, Allison V-1710-21*
Airframes: XP-37, YP-37
*Requires YP-37 airframe
The XP-37 is simply a P-36 built with a V-1710 inline engine to mimic what was seen coming out of Europe at the time. The result was a very fast plane, despite Supercharger problems, and a limited run of YP-37s with an extended frame was produced. The P-37 was cancelled in the end, being replaced by the P-40 instead.
Being based on the P-36, it does have the potential of mounting the second synchronized 12.7mm gun, but having been converted from an A model, the wing guns would be a no-go. It trades that armament for far greater speed, and the set-back cockpit that killed it due to visibility concerns.
Bell Model 3
Maximum Speed: 627kmh
Armament: 4x12.7mm, 1x25mm and 2x12.7mm
Engines: Allison V-1710-17
Airframes: Model 3, Model 4
The Model 3 proposal became not one, but two planes - the XP-77, and by way of the Model 4, the P-39. The Model 3 featured a large hub cannon in front of the engine, with the cockpit pushed far to the back. The Model 4 then moved the cockpit to between the engine and armament, pushing the engine even further back, producing an unconventional design with a concentrated center of mass with incredible agility.
Due to only being a mockup proposal, I gave it the speed of the first Airacobra prototype, the YP-39. Expect the Model 3/4 to play like the XFL-1 of XP-77, both Bell planes in the same tier, with similar arrangements and armaments. Fairly agile, quick, and with mediocre weapons.
Bell P-39 Airacobra
Maximum Speed: 595kmh
Armament:
Hub: 1x20mm, 1x37mm
Cowling: 2x12.7mm and 1x7.62mm*, 2x12.7mm and 2x7.2mm*, 2x12.7mm
Wing: None, 4x7.62mm**, 2x12.7mm***
Ordinance: 1x300lb bomb, 1x600lb bomb
Engines: Allison V-1710-35, Allison V-1710-63, Continental 1430-I, Allison V-1710-85
Airframes: P-39C, P-39D, P-39Q
*Requires P-39C airframe
**Requires P-39D airframe
***Requires P-39Q airframe
The Airacobra was the interceptor that should have been - but government redesigning for "aerodynamics" neutered the Airacobra's speed and altitude performance early on, and the unconventional balance of the plane earned it a terrible reputation that persisted throughout its lifespan. Most were sold to Britain, who then offloaded them to Russia, by way of lend-lease.
Within the safety of WoWP however, hindsight can allow reflection on the incredible punch the P-39 provides with its 37mm cannon, while maintaining its agility with the mid-engine design. Though not as capable at altitude as the F4U or P-51, the P-39 gladly goes toe-to-toe with Russian Yaks.
Bell P-63 King Cobra
Maximum Speed: 595kmh
Armament:
Hub: 1x37mm(M4), 1v37mm(M10)
Cowling: 2x12.7mm
Ordinance:
Fuselage: 1x500lb bomb
Wings: 2x500lb bombs, 2x12.7mm
Engines: Allison V-1710-47, Allison V-1710-93, Packard-Merlin V-1650-5, Allison V-1710-117, Allison V-1710-109, Allison V-1710-135, Allison V-1710-127
Airframes: P-63A, XP-63N
The King Cobra was the Airacobra+ Bigger, heavier, and more powerful in every way, and built on the experience gained from the Airacobra. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding the mid-engine design persisted, with almost all production going to France and Russia. The XP-63N is of note due to its unusual V or "butterfly" tail arrangement, rarely seen even now. Similarly, a couple Cobras went on to test swept wings for the X-5 project as the L-39.
Besides the option for a greater bomb armament, as well as rockets, little change in playstyle would be required when going from the P-39 to the P-63.
Bell P-59 Airacomet
Maximum Speed: 658kmh
Armament: 3x12.7mm and 1x37mm, 2x37mm
Ordinance: 2x300lb bombs
Engines: General Electric I-A, General Electric J35-GE-3, General Electric J31-GE-5
Airframes: P-59A
America's first jet fighter, the P-59 is historically significant, if underwhelming. The General Electric engines, while adapted from those on the Gloster Meteor, were less powerful - making it the slowest jet fighter on record. Armament is also less than spectacular, with less punch available than the P-39 that proceeded it and the P-63 that flanks it. Such is the price for early access into the jet age. These drawbacks would likely be compensated with a shorter research time to the far heavier XP-83.
Bell XP-83
Maximum Speed: 840kmh
Armament: 6x12.7mm, 6x15.2mm, 4x20mm, 4x37mm
Ordinance: 2x1000lb bombs
Engines: General Electric J-33-GE-5, J-33 + Marquardt XRJ
Airframes: XP-83-BE
The XP-83: when absolutely, positively everything has to die. While the planes was considered to heavy, slow, and generally undesirable, its proposed armaments were extensive, with a 4x37mm loadout capable of vaporizing anything before it. (A 20x12.7mm loadout was also proposed, but I've cut it for now for rather obvious balance reasons.)
After being passed over for the P-80, the XP-83 was used to test Marquardt's 1700hp 20" ramjets, two of which were attached to the wingtips. (These being the same that were tested on the P-51.) It is unknown how much these may have increased the XP-83's speed however, as it crashed soon after, and I have been unable to find performance records.
Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
Maximum Speed: 933kmh
Armament: 6x12.7mm
Ordinance:
Inboard: 2x1000lb bombs*
Outboard: 8x127mm Zuni Rockets*
Engines: Halford H.1B, General Electric J-33-GE-11, Allison J-33-A-35
Airframes: XP-80, P-80C
*Requires P-80C airframe
While the P-59 was being extrapolated into the XP-83, there was a proposal for a single-engine P-59, that while not pursued further, inspired Lockheed to make their own single-engine jet fighter, the P-80 - a plane that then replaced both the P-59 and XP-83. A much sleeker design, it performs far better than Bells lumbering early jets, although it mounts less in terms of forward guns. However, it does mount under-wing bombs and the large wingtip Zuni rocket pods to compensate. It represents an essential state change between the proceeding "heavy fighters" to the far lighter, faster Model 60.
Bell Model 60
Maximum Speed: 1134kmh
Armament: 6x12.7mm
Engines: J35-A-17
Airframes: Model 60
The Model 60 owes its heritage to the German Me P.1101 - it is the fighter proposal for the Bell X-5, which was a direct copy/improvement of the original P.1101 that was shipped over from Bavaria. Comparatively, the Model 60 is faster, heavier, and slightly lower in optimum altitude. As it was a proposed contender to the F-86, it has been given the same armament here.
GA Line: Douglas Dive Bombers
XA-2, TBD Devastator, SBD Dauntless, TBF Avenger, XSB2D-1, XTB2D Skypirate, AD Skyraider, A2D Skyshark, A4 Skyhawk
Douglas XA-2
Maximum Speed: 209kmh
Armament: 6x7.62 Browning
Ordinance: 100lbs bombs
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal 2x7.62 Browning
Engines: Liberty V-1650, Liberty V-1410 inverted
Airframes: XA-2
The ideal competitor for TSh-2, the XA-2 is a slow biplane with a large number of guns. The bomb load, while half the weight of the F2F’s, gives it a slight advantage when attacking large targets as well. However, it does show weaknesses.
While it does have the ability to carry bombs in combination with its guns, 100lbs won't stretch far. It also has two less guns than the TSh’s eight. It maintains almost the same top speed as the TSh as well, leaving its only advantage being nearly 1,100 kilos less in weight. This may translate into (somewhat) better maneuverability, though it will no doubt result in fewer hit points.
Douglas TBD Devastator
Maximum Speed: 331kmh
Armament: 1x7.62, 1x12.7
Ordinance: 12x100lb bomb, 3x500lb bombs, 1000lb bomb
Defensive Armament: 1x7.62, 2x7.62
Engines: Pratt & Whitney XR-1830-60, Pratt & Whitney R-1830-64 Twin Wasp
Airframes: XTBD-1, TBD-1
The Devastator can pretty much only function as a GA. Having only one forward-mounted gun would make dogfighting less effective than in a Pegas, and its speed as well is less than stellar, putting it just above the TSh-3 removing the option to run from a fight. Its choice of 100lb bomblets or 500lb fortification-busters, to say nothing of the 1000lb nutcracker, does give it usefulness against ground targets however.
However, once the bombs are gone, they're gone. As such, the TBD would likely be a oft-maligned airplane in the game, with players treating it like a bomb-and-die throwaway, when it could still be used as a support aircraft. Staying below a dogfight, it could provide support with its turret, and the fact that it was an early full-metal monoplane would likely allow a buff in armoring and survivability at a low tier.
The Float-equipped TBD-1A is also capable of taking a tier two premium slot, with the float resulting in reduced performance.
Douglas SBD Dauntless
Maximum Speed: 421kmh
Armament: 2x7.62, 2x12.7*
Ordinance:
Inboard: 1000lb bomb, 1600lb bomb
Wings: 2x100lb bombs, 2x325lb bombs, 2x2x12.7 gunpods, 8x5" FFAR
Defensive Armament: 1x7.62, 2x7.62
Engines: Wright R-1820-32 Cyclone, Wright R-1820-52, Wright R-1820-60, Wright R-1820-66
Airframes: XBT-1, SBD-1, SBD-3
*Requires SBD-3 airframe.
The "world's best dive bomber" is a capable plane in the dive-bomber line. Known for its survivability, maneuverability, defensive armament, and bomb load, it would be a nimble, tough, and capable GA. Of special note is its mixed load of bombs - a 1000 or 1600lb in the centerline, with a pair of 100 or 325lb bombs on the wings. How this would be implemented is up in the air - does it drop lighter bombs first? Main bomb first? Or maybe it would be time to introduce the ability to cycle through bomb types?
Having paired .50s gives it a respectable though not hardly overwhelming punch against other tier four planes, while the bombload makes it more than the equal to the IL-2, and faster besides. Gunpod-carrying SBDs are the ace in the hole though, as they would be dangerous support fighters, with guns equivalent to a tier five - however, they would have to sacrifice most of their ordinance load to do so.
Grumman TBF Avenger
Maximum Speed: 436kmh
Armament: 1x7.62mm, 2x12.7mm
Ordinance:
Internal: 4x500lb bombs
Wings: 8x3.5" rockets, 8x5" HVAR
Defensive Armament:Dorsal 1x12.7mm
Ventral 1x7.62mm
Engines: Wright R-2600-8, Wright R-2600-10, Wright R-2600-20
Airframes: XTBF-1, TBF-3
Douglas XSB2D-1
Maximum Speed: 530kmh*
Armament: 2x20mm
Ordinance:
Internal: 2x500lb bombs, 2x1000lb bombs, 2x1600lb bombs
Wings: 2x100lb bombs
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal 1x12.7mm
Ventral 1x12.7mm
Engines: Wright R-3350-13
Airframes: XSB2D-1
*estimate
The XSB2D was the precursor to the short-lived BTD Destroyer. The XSB2D upgrades to 20mm cannons as its primary armament, 20mm cannons along with its devastating bombload. The cannons give it better reach for longer strafing runs and better air-to-air capability, and over double the ordinance of the Avenger gives it far more explosive potential than it should need in most cases, with 1600lb bombs capable of leveling any high-value target of choice.
The SBD Devastator proper - which performed almost the same despite losing the defensive turrets - and the XBTD-2 combined-propulsion prototype could both function as premiums - or in the case of the SBD, take the place of the XSB2D. I personally left the XSB2D in because, despite being a production plane, the SBD had only a few more produced, and this prototype also allows the rear gunner to be seen for an extra tier.
Douglas XTB2D Skypirate
Maximum Speed: 607kmh
Armament: 4x12.7mm
Defensive:
Dorsal: 2x12.7mm
Ventral: 1x12.7
Ordinance:
Inbord: 4x500lb bombs, 4x2000lb bombs
Outboard: 2xtwin 12.7mm gunpods
Engines: Pratt&Whitney R4360-8
Airframes: BuNo 36933, BuNo 36934
The wing mounted .50s may seem a step down from the 20mms of the Devastator, but the fact it can mount eight more in pods in addition to ordinance does help with strafing once researched. However, with low maneuverability due to lengthy endurance-minded wingspan, and only four stations for bombs, (though 2000lb bombs are more than capable in and of themselves,) it still leaves something to be desired. Capable, no doubt, but taking a backseat to the planes yet to come.
Douglas AD Skyraider
Maximum Speed: 602kmh
Armament: 2x20mm, 4x20mm
Ordinance:
Inboard: 3x1000lb bombs, 3x2000lb bombs, 6x5" HVAR, 3x11.7" "Tiny Tim"
Outboard: 12x250lb bombs, 8x500lb bombs, 12x5" HVAR, 6x4 FFAR
Engines: Wright R-3350-8, Wright R-3350-24, Wright R-3350-26W, Wright R-3350-26A, Wright R-3350-26WB
Airframes: XBT2D-1, AD-3, AD-6
The Skyraider was a venerable bird, and would serve the WoWP GA crowd well. With unmatched ruggedness and ordinance, the AD can bend superiority to its whims. Moving about as fast as the tier-higher IL-20, the Skyraider is a lighter partner to the IL series, with less mass to slow down maneuvers.
Quad 20s are capable against a variety of targets, allowing cleanup of damaged planes as easily as damaged GTs. The incredible variety (and quantity) of available ordinance also allows variety in gameplay, making it easy to swap from rocket-armed GA hunting to fast target-cracking bomb runs - and on occasion, load all the weapon stations and lay waste to anything and everything on the map.
The Skyraider is also the sole aircraft that could claim a toilet as an alternative munition - a possibility, should premium ordinance be required in the future.
Douglas A2D Skyshark
Maximum Speed: 880kmh
Armament: 4x20mm
Ordinance:
Inboard: 3x500lb bombs, 3x2000lb bombs
Outboard: 10x500lb bombs, 22x5" HVAR
Engines: Allison XT40-A-2
Airframes: A2D-1
While the real-life Skyshark was plagued with engine reliability issues, in-game it would be free to unload its immense ordinance load on enemy targets. Its maximum bombload was equal to that of the B-17 on short-range missions - and it could be configured in many different ways: 2000-pounders on the primary hardpoints, 500-pounders on primary and secondary, and a storm of HVARS on the wings.
Also of note is a series of proposed alternatives to the Allison engine chosen, ranging from G.E. TG 100 to a pair of Westinghouse 24C jet engines, as well as the Pratt&Whitney XT34 which very nearly took the place of the Allison XT40. In case of emergencies, these could act as additional modules, along with a second prototype with modified tail surfaces, should ordinance options be deemed insufficient research.
Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Maximum Speed: 1045kmh
Armament: 2x20mm
Ordinance: 2x2000lb bombs, 18x500lb bombs, 12x5" FFAR rockets
Engines: Curtiss-Wright J-65-W-2
Airframes: A4D-1
The first thing to realize about the A-4 is it is a tiny plane - at 3690kg, it easily slips in under the F-86, (6480) F7U, (12799) and IL-40. (17344) Speed-wise, it beats some fighters. For standard armament, it carries the 20mm Colt Mk.12 seen on the F6U and F7U - light compared to the IL's four 23mms, but easily made up for by a 9000lb bomb load. In essence, the A-4 is about as far away from the IL as possible while remaining a dedicated ground-pounder.
The biggest advantage to the A-4 is its agility. Once its ordinance is delivered, it would have no problem finishing the match as a light fighter - and could even adequately perform as a light fighter without ever mounting bombs or rockets.
GA Line: Douglas Twin Engine Attackers
A-12 Shrike, A-18 Shrike II, DB7, A-20 Havoc, A-26 Invader, A-26(75mm), B-42 Mixmaster, B-43 Jetmaster, XB-51
Curtiss A-12 Shrike
Maximum Speed: 285kmh
Armament: 4x7.62
Ordinance: 4x122lb bombs
Defensive Armament: 1x7.62
Engines: Curtiss V-1570-31 Conqueror, Pratt & Whitney R-1690-9 Hornet, Wright R-1820-21 Cyclone*
Airframes: A-8, A-12
*Require A-12 airframe
Prospectively appearing at tier two, the Shrike has good speed, armament, and bombload for the level. Not exceptional, but capable of being an early workhorse, allowing for a quick grind to tier three and beyond.
Curtiss A-18 Shrike II
Maximum Speed: 398kmh
Armament: 4x7.62
Ordinance: 20x30lb bombs
Defensive Armament: 1x7.62
Engines: Wright R-1670-5, Wright 1820-47 Cyclone
Airframes: XA-14, Y1A-18
Although the four light machine guns are not quite as comfortable a tier higher than the A-12, the A-18 could still pull it off with being the fastest plane around, playing like a souped-up Ao 192, either peppering GTs with a load of 30lb bombs, or planes with steady passes of machine-gun fire.
Douglas Bomber Model 7B
Maximum Speed: 402kmh
Armament: 1x7.62, 4x7.62, 6x 7.62 and 2x12.7*
Ordinance: 40x17lb bombs, 1x1000lbs bomb, 80x17lb bombs*, 1x2000lb bomb*
Defensive armament:
Dorsal: 1x7.62
Ventral: 1x7.62
Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Jr, Pratt & Whitney R-1830C Twin Wasp*
Airframes: Model 7A, Model 7B
*Requires Model 7B airframe.
The 7B is the precursor to the Havoc, but it is a different enough airframe to justify being separate. It also allows the “heavy GA” line of Douglas aircraft to start a bit lower. Between the original Wasp Jr. powered 7A proposal and the more powerful 7B, there are also quite a few modules to choose from, starting with a one-gun glass nose and building to a powerful eight-gun nose.
Ordinance too is extensive, with the 7B reported capable of a 2000lb bombload. The 7A can carry a 100lb bomb or 40x17pounders, with the 7B doubling capacity to a 200lb bomb, or a staggering pepperbox of 80x17lb bombs. Though of negligible damage in and of themselves, the sheer number of bomblets opens up the possibility for odd tatics such as air-to-air bombing.
Also of note is the 205mph (402kmh) top speed was an estimate for the Model 7A – the Twin Wasp engines as well as the increased ordinance may cause this to vary one way or the other. Though it may seem similar to the Blenheim F currently in the game, the less powerful engines and large bomb load causes it to play as a GA, even if the flight profile is similar.
The 7B - and the later Havoc, Invader, and Mixmaster - bears some potential of being classed either as a GA or a HF, having twin engines and strong armament. Personally, due to their large ordinance loads, I classed these aircraft as GAs. However, I’d still expect them to fly as something in-between, closer to upper-tier German GAs, with better climb, maneuverability, and speed than the IL series. However, they would not be quite as fast or altitude-capable as the true heavies either, especially when carrying full ordinance loads.
Douglas A-20 Havoc
Maximum Speed: 563kmh
Armament: 4x7.62, 4x12.7*, 6x12.7mm**, 2x12.7 and 4x20mm**
Ordinance:
Internal: 4x500lb bombs
Wing: 12x4.5" Rockets, 2x500lb bombs**, 4x500lb bombs**
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal: 2x7.62, 1x12.7, 2x12.7**
Ventral: 1x7.62, 1x12.7**
Engines: Wright 2600-7, Wright 2600-11, Wright R-2600-23, Wright R-2300-29
Airframe: A-20A, A-20C, A-20G
*Requires A-20C airframe.
**Requires A-20G airframe.
The Havoc name covers a large number of variants, and thus provides a great number of modules. In airframes alone, the 20A is stock, 20B mounts .50s, 20C is up-armored at the cost of speed, and the F used a single 37mm. The “elite” A-20 would be the G, with 20s and .50s. I personally nixed the F's 37mm in this current stat of modules, as it doesn't mesh with the otherwise machine-gun armament, and adds extra modules that should not be necessary.
The A-20’s early engine-nacelle-mounted guns would likely be axed, due to unnecessary complexity. There is a distinct possibility the ventral gun would also be nixed for similar reasons, but if not, it would give the Havoc greater than usual defensive arcs.
The Havoc name covers a wide range of small tweaks, giving, in turn, a wide range of modules, and even premium opportunities. British Havoc Ones (with glass nose) with .303s, for example. The prototype A-20 with turbo-supercharged engines also is a possibilities, with the boxy air scoops slowing it down for “improved high-altitude performance.” The P-70, with its ventral tray of 4x20mm, is yet another opportunity for a premium.
In all, the A-20 could easily see six incarnations. Model 7B, British Boston and Havoc I, A-20, A-20A-G, and P-70. If the A-20F with the 37mm is introduced separately as well, there could easily be seven. The A-20 with the turbo-superchargers is the least likely to see light of day, having little difference to set it apart as a premium. The Havoc I or even the Boston could be a lend-lease in the British tree, with the XP-70 being a unique HF-trainer. I maintain that the Model 7B is sufficiently different to stay separate, as a tier below the Havoc proper.
Douglas A-26B Invader
Maximum Speed: 644kmh
Armament:
Nose: 6x12.7, 8x12.7, 4x12.7 and 1x37mm, 2x37mm
Wing: 2x2x12.7 pods, 4x2x12.7 pods, 6x12.7mm (internal)
Ordinance:
Internal: 12x100lb bombs, 8x500lb bombs, 4x1000lb bombs, 2x2000lb bombs
Wing: 4x100lb bombs, 4x500lbs bombs, 14x5in HVAR
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal: 2x12.7
Ventral: 2x12.7
Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-2800
Airframes: A-26B, A-26C
Much like the A-20, the A-26 is a case of too many modules, too little time. To properly thrive, I have split it between two tiers, with the early models being represented by the "B" model, and the later versions with the "D" Despite the split, there are still plenty of modules to go around, between gun and ordinance configurations. Though it was around since the first Invaders, the 75mm cannon has been moved up to the later model as a balancing gesture.
Douglas A-26D Invader
Maximum Speed: 644kmh
Armament:
Nose: 8x12.7, 4x12.7 and 1x37mm, 2x37mm, 1x37mm and 1x75mm, 2x12.7 and 1x75mm
Wing: 6x12.7
Ordinance:
Internal: 6000lbs bombs
Wing: 4x500lbs bombs, 14x5in HVAR
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal: 2x12.7
Ventral: 2x12.7
Engines: Pratt & Whitney R-2800, Chevrolet R-2800-83*
Airframes: A-26C, A-26D
*Requires A-26D arframe
The latter half of the A-26, the "D" is representative of the later C models on - while many modules were seen in the prior "B" model, it still has some improved equipment - namely the Chevrolet engine and 75mm cannon option. This use of the 75mm in the latter model is, of course, slightly unhistoric - while a common option on early A-26 models, the A-26 relied solely on .50s for the most of its life. Disregarding this timeline skip, the 75mm was chosen to be shown in the "D" as a gesture of balancing the split Invaders.
The B-26K is also a variant to be considered – it was a Vietnam-era overhaul, with R-2800-103W engines, eight wing hardpoints, and originally with fourteen 12.7mm machine guns, though the wing guns were dropped leaving the production model at eight guns. This also could be a high-tier extension of the A-26, but the late introduction (1964) may not allow that.
The Invader also has a number of variants that are options for premiums - the XA-26A-DE starts with a 4x20mm ventral tray that blocks the use of ordinance the rest of the series dispenses with freely. The XA-26F is also a rare bird, with a General Electric J31 turbojet added to the fuselage, for a top speed of 700kmh, (faster than a F2G) at the cost of a reduced bombload. This specific variant could also be used to extend the Havoc lineage directly into the jet age, if need be.
Douglas XB-42 Mixmaster
Maximum Speed: 785kmh
Armament:
Nose: 2x12.7mm
Nose (2): 6x12.7mm, 2x37mm, 1x75mm
Ordinance: 4x2000lb bombs, 8000lb bomb
Defensive Armament: 4x12.7mm
Engines: Allison V-1710-125, Allison V-1710-129, Allison V-1710-133
Wings: Westinghouse 19XB-2A
Airframes: 43-50224, 43-50225
The Mixmaster mounts two engines, but not in the usual fashion of wing-mounted nacelles. Both are mounted deep in the fuselage, working to drive a large counter-rotating propellor assembly in the rear. The XB-42 (or XA-42 as the attack proposal was titled,) should be a capable GA despite its odd bug-like split canopy and odd engine arrangements.
It has a good mix of engines, with a final configuration adding jets for a respectable 785kmh, matching most early jets and late prop aircraft. Interestingly enough, the top engine configuration (V-1710-133 and 19XB-2A mix) was produced with the first airframe (50224, with the twin canopies) due to the latter crashing during tests.
Tactics for the Mixmaster would be simple: Rush in, drop the bombs, and then rush out again. Much faster than the IL-20, the Mixmaster can destroy high-value targets deep behind enemy lines and then choose where to continue operations. And, if insanity seems more appealing, the 8000lb bomb may be employed in an attempt to destroy the entire enemy team in a single bomb-kill.
Another note is the defensive turrets - four guns in all, the turrets have a nice view due to not being obstructed by the tail, they had somewhat limited aiming arcs. This results in a narrower defensive range than the multi-place defensive guns on preceding aircraft, but should prove effective when using the Mixmaster's speed to keep opponents directly behind.
Douglas XB-43 Jetmaster
Maximum Speed: 830kmh*
Armament: 16x12.7mm
Ordinance: 4x2000lb bombs, 8000lb bomb, 35x5" HVAR
Defensive Armament: 4x12.7mm
Engines: 2xGeneral Electric J35-GE-3, J35-GE-3 and J47-GE-1, 2xGeneral Electric J47-GE-1
Airframes: XB-43
*Based on J35-GE-3 engines
Following the Mixmaster, the Jetmaseter properly puts this line into the jet age. While maintaining the massive bomb capacity of its predecessor, it shows increases in speed and armament, with the beehive nose going from eight to a terrifying sixteen .50-cals.
The engines are of special note as well - while it mounted the J35 during tests - and proved adequate with them - in 1948 the rejected bomber was used to test the J47 that was in development at the time - resulting in an oddly lopsided appearance. As the J47 was in development, I've taken a guess that this could be represented by the GE-1, which provides an additional 850lbf thrust over the 4000lbf J35-GE-3 - and if extrapolated (unhistorically) into a proper twin-engine replacement, it would provide 9700lbf combined thrust, for a 42% increase in power, and a further increase in speed as well.
Martin XB-51
Maximum Speed: 1038kmh
Armament: 8x20mm
Ordinance: 8x5" HVAR, 9x500lb bombs, 4x1000lb bombs, 4x1600lb bombs, 2x2000lb bombs
Engines: General Electric J47
Airframes: XB-51 Ship #2
The "Flying Cigar" is a GA pilot's dream. Much faster than the IL-40, a powerful and concentrated set of guns, and an imposing bombload. It goes in fast, destroys all, and shreds any plane dumb enough to get in the way. However, it would not be perfect - despite excellent roll rate, between its weight and speed, the XB-51 would likely have a very large turn radius, making evasive maneuvering a thing of the past. The speed of the XB-51 could also become its downfall, as it would not be able to rely on low-speed loitering tactics to throw off pursuing fighters.
Bomb-wise, it is capable of carrying the silly 4000 pound bomb, though it required a new door to be mounted to carry it. Similarly, the ability to mount a pair of 2000lb bombs externally on the bomb door would be axed in favor of keeping only the internal armament, which should be more than capable at an estimated 88000 points of damage.
GA Line: 75mm Demi-Line
B-25H, NA-98X "Super Strafer," XA-38 Grizzly
North American B-25H Mitchel
Maximum Speed: 439kmh
Armament:
Cannon: 1x75mm M4, 1x75mm T13E1, None
Nose: 2x12.7mm, 4x12.7mm, 8x12.7mm* ***
Fuselage: 4x12.7mm*
Ordinance:
Internal: 12x100lb bombs, 6x325lb bombs, 4x500lb bombs 3x1000lb bombs
Wings: 8x250lb bombs, 6x325lb bombs, 8x5" HVAR
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal: 2x12.7mm
Ventral: 2x12.7mm**
Waist: 2x12.7mm*Tail: 2x12.7mm*
Engines: Wright R-2600-9, Wright R-2600-13, Wright R-2600-29
Airframes: B-25G, B-25H
*Requires B-25H airframe
**Requires B-25G airframe
***Requires Cannon armament: "none"
The go-to plane for strafing, the B-25 brings a blistering array of firepower to the field, as well as being able to draw from a broad array of non-attacker variants for additional modules. Also, despite its collection of guns, the Mitchel also brings its full ordinance load of 3000lbs of bombs to the field - though they may be removed to focus on the 75mm for the sake of balancing. However, if they are left, the B-25 can hang an impressive array of bombs between its bay and wings - even with a judicious clipping of 300lb bombs and mixed loads, there are still a large number of options available, from 100lb bomblets to 1000lb crushers.
A pilot can choose to take the H model's eight .50s and lighter 75mm and HVAR rockets for maximized strafing power, or fly light with the J's twelve-gun nose and try to maximize the B-25's bombing capabilities with a load of twelve 325lb bombs, all the while being protected by anywhere from two to six .50 defensive guns.
All this ordinance does have a major downside, however - it is extremely large, and flies - as should be expected - like a bomber. Its speed is also unexceptional bringing it in under the likes of the Blenheim, A6M1, and I-16(l). While bringing its array of death to bear on enemy planes may seem attractive, it would not be a small task to do so.
North American NA-98X
Maximum Speed: 563kmh
Armament:
Nose: 4x12.7mm and 75mm, 8x12.7mmFuselage: 4x12.7mm
Ordinance:
Internal: 12x100lb bombs, 6x325lb bombs, 4x500lb bombs 3x1000lb bombs
Wings: 8x250lb bombs, 6x325lb bombs, 8x5" HVAR
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal: 2x12.7mm
Tail: 2x12.7mm
Engines: Pratt&Whitney R-2800-51, Pratt&Whitney R-2800*
Airframes: NA-98X, NA-98X(P)*
*Indicates original proposal NA-98.
The NA-98X "Super Strafer" was a proposed upgrade to the B-25 for a more purpose-built ground attacker - and with increases to both speed and maneuverability, it does just that. Though nothing ground-breaking, the 75mm ensures it continues as a solid ground attacker. The NA-98X was the actual tested model, with the A-26's R-2800 engines and squared wingtips, but the fully proposed NA-98X featured a large, single tail and three-blade propellers in addition to the squared wings.
Beechcraft XA-38 Grizzly
Maximum Speed: 605kmh
Armament: 2x12.7mm and 1x75mm
Ordinance: 4x500lb bombs, 2x1000lb bomb
Defensive Armament:
Dorsal: 2x12.7mm
Ventral: 2x12.7mm
Engines: Wright R-3350-43
Airframes: XA-38
Unlike the B-25 variants, the 75mm cannon in the Grizzly was self-loading, giving an increased rate of fire and much better punch, despite having fewer .50s to supplement it. Combine the autoloading cannon with greater speed and smaller size than its predecessors, and it's a plane more than worth the wait.
One thing it does lack however are modules - only two Grizzlies were built, and while it performed excellently as it was, its components were prioritized for other aircraft, strangling the promising attacker early on. Ordinance loads could make up for this in part, (four positions on the wings, maximum of 2650lbs,) and it would be possible to fit other R-3350 engine variants in to lengthen it researching lifespan, though that would be undesirable due to historical inaccuracy.
THIS SEGMENT DUE FOR FUTURE EXPANSION
Edited by Raindrops, 05 March 2015 - 02:03 PM.