Microsoft® Combat Flight Simulator 3.0
MACHINES OF WAR
handbook
1
Subject: CONTENTS
Authorized licensees of this game may print
(or have printed at their expense) a single
copy of this manual for their personal home
use in conjunction with the play and use of
the game on this CD.
CO NT EN TS
Aircraft
U.S. aircraft .................. 3
British aircraft .............. 14
German aircraft ............... 23
Vehicles and Weapons
Vehicles ...................... 35
Weapons ....................... 43
Ships ......................... 45
Aircraft Armaments
Rie-caliber machine guns ..... 48
Heavy machine guns ............ 49
Automatic cannon .............. 50
Heavy cannon .................. 52
Torpedoes ..................... 53
Rockets ....................... 54
The Aircraft of CFS3
A NOTE TO THE PILOT: You’ve got
a tough job ahead of you, but you
can select the right plane for each
mission from an impressive stable
of aircraft. You can choose from a
variety of single-seaters, including
some hot piston-and-propeller ghters
and some up-to-the minute jet-
propelled jobs. Need a twin-engine
aircraft to get the job done? Take
your pick. With a war on, aviation
technology is moving fast. Here’s
your chance to y the best planes
in the arsenal.
- 2 -
2
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
Curtiss P-55 Ascender
This futuristic bird’s swept wing, canard eleva-
P-55
tors, rear engine, and pusher propeller gave it a
look like no other ghter. However, the experimental
24-cylinder liquid-cooled at-H engine originally
intended for the Ascender never reached production.
Its 2,200 horsepower might have provided a top speed
over 500 mph. The Allison V-12 that replaced the
proposed Pratt & Whitney engine reduced the plane’s
performance from stellar to average. Low-speed
handling problems, including a vicious stall with
little or no warning, were partially addressed by
modications to the prototype’s wings and vertical
surfaces, but with jet aircraft already under development, the Ascender project was abandoned after
the third prototype. For a fascinating “what-if”
scenario and a unique piloting experience, try the
Ascender as it might have been, with 75 percent more
power and improved handling.
- 3 -
3
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
P-55 SPECIFICATIONS
(the aircraft in CFS3, as originally designed)
WEIGHT: 6,354/7,929 lb. (2,888/3,604 kg)
SPAN: 41' 0.5" (12.5 m) LENGTH: 29' 7" (9 m)
ENGINE: One Pratt & Whitney H-2600 24-cyl. liquid-
cooled at-H with 2,200 hp
ARMAMENT: Two 0.5-in. Browning machine guns with
200 r.p.g. on nose, plus two 20-mm Hispano M2 cannon
with 150 r.p.g. in nose
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 507 mph (815 km/h) @ 20,000 ft
(6,096 m)
CEILING: 36,000 ft (10,973 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,500 ft/min (1,066 m/min)
RANGE: 1,000 mi (1,610 km)
* * *
STRENGTHS
- With proposed Pratt & Whitney engine, excellent
speed.
- Excellent forward visibility.
- Two .50s and two 20-mm cannon in nose concentrate
heavy repower.
- Improved control surfaces make for nimble
handling.
- Tricycle landing gear enhances forward visibility,
makes landings less risky.
WEAKNESSES
- Unique prole makes it easy for enemies to identify.
- Poor rearward visibility.
XP-55 SPECIFICATIONS
(the prototype aircraft actually built in 1943-1944)
WEIGHT: 6,354/7,929 lb. (2,888/3,604 kg)
SPAN: 41' 0.5" (12.5 m) LENGTH: 29' 7" (9 m)
ENGINE: One Allison V-1710-95 liquid-cooled V-12
with 1,275 hp
ARMAMENT: Four 0.5-in. Browning machine guns in nose
with 200 r.p.g.
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 390 mph (628 km/h) @ 19,300 ft
(5,882 m)
CEILING: 34,600 ft (10,546 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,800 ft/min (853 m/min)
RANGE: “Normal” 635 mi (1,021 km); “maximum” 1,440
mi (2,316 km)
* * *
STRENGTHS (PROTOTYPE AS BUILT)
- Good level and climbing ight characteristics.
- Excellent forward visibility.
- Four .50s in nose concentrate repower.
- Tricycle landing gear enhances forward visibility,
makes landings less risky.
WEAKNESSES (PROTOTYPE AS BUILT)
- Unique prole makes it easy for enemies to identify.
- Poor rearward visibility.
- Minimal stall warning.
- Some lateral instability, common in tailless
aircraft.
- With Allison engine, mediocre speed.
- Lack of elevator “feel” can lead to pilot overcontrol on landing.
- 4 -
4
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
Lockheed P-38J & P-38L Lightning
When the P-38 Lightning rst ew in 1939,
P-38
its striking appearance and high performance made
a powerful rst impression, but it took several
design changes to realize the potential of this
radical brainchild of design genius Kelly Johnson.
Its twin-engine reliability and long range were
signicant assets, its counter-rotating propellers neutralized torque effects and made the P-38
a smooth aircraft to y, and its heavy repower and
modern tricycle landing gear made it popular with
pilots. While the big, fast, and heavy Lightning was
slower-turning and less maneuverable than singleengine ghters, it could outdive any ghter except
the P-47 Thunderbolt. Late-model P-38s, particularly the almost identical J and L models, came into
their own in Europe serving the Ninth Air Force in
the ground-attack role. The electric dive aps and
power-boosted ailerons of the late production P-38Js
and all P-38Ls increased stability and tamed the
compressibility problems in steep dives that had
dogged early Lightnings. The L model of this big,
fast, heavily armed ghter featured more powerful
engines for superior acceleration and added bombs
and rockets to its cannon and guns to devastate
enemy targets.
- 5 -
5
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
P-38J SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 12,780/21,600 lb. (5,806/9,798 kg)
SPAN: 52' (15.85 m) LENGTH: 37' 10" (11.52 m)
ENGINE: Two Allison V-1710-89/91 liquid-cooled V-12s
with 1,425 hp each
ARMAMENT: One 20-mm Hispano M2 cannon with 150
rounds, plus four 0.5-in. machine guns with 500
r.p.g., plus up to 3,200 lb. of bombs
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 414 mph (666 km/h) @ 25,000 ft
(7,620 m)
CEILING: 44,000 ft (13,410 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,850 ft/min (870 m/min)
RANGE: 450 mi (724 km)
* * *
P-38L SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 12,800/21,600 lb. (5,806/9,798 kg)
SPAN: 52' (15.85 m) LENGTH: 37' 10" (11.52 m)
ENGINE: Two Allison V-1710-111/ 113 liquid-cooled
V-12s with 1,475 hp each (1,600 hp each at war emergency power)
ARMAMENT: One 20-mm Hispano M2 cannon with 150
rounds, plus four 0.5-in. machine guns with 500
r.p.g., plus either two 4,000-lb. bombs or ten 5-in.
rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 414 mph (666 km/h) @ 25,000 ft
(7,620 m)
CEILING: 44,000 ft (13,410 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,850 ft/min (870 m/min)
RANGE: 450 mi (724 km)
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL P-38 VARIANTS)
- Fast, good climb rate, and, except for the P-47,
unbeatable in a dive.
- Supplements heavy armament with bombs and rockets.
- Counter-rotating props eliminate torque effects.
- Twin-engine reliability.
- Nose-mounted guns concentrate repower and
decrease convergence errors.
- Excellent forward visibility.
WEAKNESSES (ALL P-38 VARIANTS)
- Not as maneuverable as smaller, lighter singleengine ghters.
- Unique prole makes it easy for enemies to identify.
- Liquid cooling increases engine vulnerability to
damage from ak and small arms re.
- 6 -
6
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
Lockheed P-80A Shooting Star
P-80A
P-80A SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 7,920/14,000 lb. (3,600/6,364 kg)
SPAN: 38' 10.5" (11.84 m) LENGTH: 34' 6" (10.5 m)
ENGINE: One General Electric J-33-GE-9 turbojet with
3,850-lb. thrust
ARMAMENT: Six 0.5-in. Browning machine guns with
300 r.p.g., plus two 500-lb. or 1,000-lb. bombs or
(on F-80C) ten 5-in. rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 558 mph (898 km/h) @ sea
level; 533 mph (858 km/h) @ 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
CEILING: 45,000 ft (13,716 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 4,166 ft/min (1,270 m/min)
RANGE: 780 mi (1,255 km); 1,100 mi (1,770 km) with
two 165-gal. drop tanks
* * *
First own as a prototype in January 1944,
the P-80 became the rst jet aircraft adopted for
service by the USAAF, but production models became
available just weeks too late to serve in WWII. The
Shooting Star was another brainchild of the Lockheed
design team headed by Clarence “Kelly” Johnson,
whose work also included the exotic P-38 Lightning
and the SR-71 “Blackbird.” Its clean design, relatively powerful turbojet engine, and thin unswept
laminar-ow wing made the P-80 an excellent
performer for the time. Its speed, maneuverability,
and armament qualied it as both an excellent
ghter and ghter-bomber. The Shooting Star development project took an unexpected toll on August
6, 1945--the day the atom bomb was dropped on
Hiroshima. Richard Bong, America’s top-scoring WWII
ace, died on a test ight in California when his
P-80 amed out and stalled on takeoff.
* * *
STRENGTHS
- High speed.
- Excellent climb and maneuverability.
- Well-armed gunghter can also deliver ordnance.
- Nose-mounted guns concentrate repower and
decrease convergence errors.
WEAKNESSES
- Slow engine spool-up and acceleration.
- Poor engine reliability.
- 7 -
7
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
Martin B-26C & B-26G Marauder
The Marauder’s greatest success as a workhorse
B-26
of the U.S. Ninth Air Force came in the tactical air
support role before, during, and after the Allied
invasion of Europe in 1944. Heavy armament and a big
bomb load made the B-26 devastatingly effective in
this role. Its highly loaded wing made the Marauder
a “hot” plane with a high landing speed, a characteristic that cost some early crews their lives.
Wing and n modications, and an aggressive training
program, decreased operational accidents and helped
get the best out of this capable aircraft. The C
model increased the wing’s span by six feet; the
later F and G models increased the wing’s angle of
incidence by 3.5 degrees to shorten takeoff distance
and decrease landing speed. By the end of the war,
the B-26 had the lowest loss rate of all of the
American bombers in the European Theater.
- 8 -
8
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
B-26C SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 23,800/38,200 lb. (10,818/17,363 kg)
SPAN: 71' (21.6 m) LENGTH: 56' 1" (17 m)
ENGINE: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-43 18-cyl. air-
cooled radials with 2,000 hp each
ARMAMENT: Twelve 0.5-in. Browning machine guns--
one exible and one xed gun in the nose (xed gun
later omitted), four xed-package guns on the sides,
two in the top turret, two in the lower waist, and
two in the tail--plus 3,000 lb. of bombs. Optional:
Fourteen 5-in. rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 283 mph (455 km/h) @ 5,000 ft
(1,524 m)
CEILING: 19,800 ft (6,035 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1000 ft/min (305 m/min)
RANGE: 1,150 mi (1,850 km)
* * *
B-26G SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 23,800/38,200 lb. (10,818/17,363 kg)
SPAN: 71' (21.6 m) LENGTH: 56' 1" (17 m)
ENGINE: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800-43 18-cyl.
air-cooled radials with 2,000 hp each
ARMAMENT: Twelve 0.5-in. Browning machine guns (as
above, but without xed nose gun), plus 4,000-lb. of
bombs Optional: Fourteen 5-in. rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 283 mph (455 km/h) @ 5,000 ft
(1,524 m)
CEILING: 19,800 ft (6,035 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1000 ft/min (305 m/min)
RANGE: 1,150 mi (1,850 km)
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL B-26 VARIANTS)
- High-speed cruise.
- Heavy armament and bomb load.
WEAKNESSES (ALL B-26 VARIANTS)
- High landing speed dangerous for unwary pilots.
- Vulnerable to ghters, requires escort.
- 9 -
9
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
North American P-51B and P-51D Mustang
P-51B
Once the Mustang got Rolls-Royce Merlin power
in the P-51B, it excelled in every role, including
tactical ghter-bomber. The bubble canopy of the D
model added superior visibility. Fast and agile as
an interceptor, the P-51 gave Allied forces excellent tactical support in the ground attack role.
Its heavy gun armament, combined with bombs and
rockets, helped the Ninth Air Force suppress enemy
ground forces and transport, speeding the advance of
Patton’s Third Army across France and into Germany.
The Mustang’s only aw as a ghter-bomber was its
liquid-cooled engine, a liability it shared with
other front-line aircraft, including the Spitre,
Typhoon, Tempest, and Bf 109. A piece of ak or a
small-arms round in the coolant system could turn
this otherwise potent attack aircraft into a very
short-range glider.
- 10 -
10
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
P-51D
P-51B SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 7,125/11,600 lb. (3,230/5,206 kg)
SPAN: 37' 0.25" (11.29 m) LENGTH: 32' 2.5" (9.81 m)
ENGINE: One Rolls-Royce/Packard V-1650-3 liquid-
cooled V-12 with 1,380 hp
ARMAMENT: Four 0.5-in. Browning machine guns with
400 r.p.g., plus two 500-lb. or 1000-lb. bombs
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 440 mph (708 km/h) @ 30,000 ft
(7,620 m)
CEILING: 41,800 ft (12,740 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,780 ft/min (847 m/min)
RANGE: 1,300 mi (2,092 km); 2,080 mi (3,347 km) with
drop tanks
* * *
P-51D SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 7,125/11,600 lb. (3,230/5,206 kg)
SPAN: 37' 0.25" (11.29 m) LENGTH: 32' 2.5" (9.81 m)
ENGINE: One Rolls-Royce/ Packard V-1650-7 liquid-
cooled V-12 with 1,490 hp
ARMAMENT: Six 0.5-in. Browning machine guns with
270 r.p.g. (outboard & center pairs) & 400 r.p.g.
(inboard pair), plus two 500-lb. or 1000-lb. bombs
or six 5-in. rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 437 mph (703 km/h) @ 25,000 ft
(9,144 m)
CEILING: 41,900 ft (12,780 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,125 ft/min (952 m/min)
RANGE: 1,300 mi (2,092 km); 2,080 mi (3,347 km) with
drop tanks
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL P-51 VARIANTS)
- Excellent acceleration, speed, handling, and
maneuverability.
- Enormous range.
- Heavy repower from six .50-inch guns.
- Excellent pilot visibility.
WEAKNESSES (ALL P-51 VARIANTS)
- Very sensitive to sudden throttle application,
which can cause severe swing or rollover and crash
on takeoff.
- Treacherous handling with aft fuselage tank full.
- Liquid cooling increases engine vulnerability to
damage from ak and small arms re.
- 11 -
11
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
Republic P-47D (early models) & P-47D-25 Thunderbolt
P-47D
The biggest, heaviest ghter of the war, the
Thunderbolt was also the most successful American
ghter-bomber of WWII. Nicknamed the “Jug” either
because it resembled a squat milk jug or as an
abbreviation of “Juggernaut,” it was ruggedly built
and powered by a massive and durable air-cooled
radial engine. The Thunderbolt could absorb damage
that would knock other ghters down and still keep
ying. It was also easy to y with light stick
forces, and very forgiving. Commencing with the P47D-25 production block, the ungainly “Jug” became
more sleek and provided better visibility with its
bubble canopy and slimmed-down aft fuselage. U.S.
Ninth Air Force Thunderbolts joined British Typhoons
and Tempests as a devastating tactical air support
weapon. It combined high performance with heavy repower and a big ordnance load to become the American
aircraft of choice in the ground attack role.
- 12 -
12
Subject: U.S. AIRCRAFT
P-47D-25
P-47D SPECIFICATIONS
(Early models)
WEIGHT: 9,900/14,925 lb. (4,500/6,784 kg)
SPAN: 40' 9.25" (12.4 m) LENGTH: 36' 1.25" (11.03 m)
ENGINE: One Pratt & Whitney R-2800-21 Double Wasp
18-cyl. air-cooled radial with 2,000 hp
ARMAMENT: Eight 0.5-in. Browning machine guns
with 267 or 425 r.p.g., plus two 1000-lb. or three
500-lb. bombs or ten 5-in. rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 428 mph (689 km/h) @ 30,000 ft
(9,150 m)
CEILING: 42,000 ft (12,810 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,120 ft/min (950 m/min)
RANGE: 1,000 mi (1,610 km); 1,900 mi (3,057 km) with
drop tanks
* * *
- 13 -
P-47D-25 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 10,300/19,400 lb. (4,545/8.818 kg)
SPAN: 40' 9.25" (12.4 m) LENGTH: 36' 1.25" (11.03 m)
ENGINE: One Pratt & Whitney R-2800-59 Double Wasp
18-cyl. air-cooled radial with 2,000 hp (2,300 hp
with water injection for war emergency power)
ARMAMENT: Eight 0.5-in. Browning machine guns
with 267 or 425 r.p.g., plus two 1000-lb. or three
500-lb. bombs or ten 5-in. rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 428 mph (689 km/h) @ 30,000 ft
(9,150 m)
CEILING: 42,000 ft (12,810 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,120 ft/min (950 m/min)
RANGE: 1,000 mi (1,610 km); 1,900 mi (3,057 km) with
drop tanks
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL P-47 VARIANTS)
- Fast, stable, easy to y, forgiving; a condence-
builder for novice pilots.
- Impressive roll rate.
- Nothing outdives a Jug.
- Extremely rugged construction.
- Massive repower from eight 0.5-in. guns.
- Heavy ordnance load.
- Bubble canopy provides excellent visibility.
- Air-cooled radial engine shields pilot and can
sustain major damage yet keep running.
WEAKNESSES (ALL P-47 VARIANTS)
- Tends to “mush” in a dive, losing altitude
rapidly; pull out in time or dig a big hole.
- Not as maneuverable as smaller, lighter ghters.
- Mediocre turn radius and rate.
- Poor zoom climb; loses energy rapidly.
13
Mosquito
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
de Havilland Mosquito B. IV, F.B. VI, and F.B. XVIII
Affectionately known as the “Wooden Wonder”
or the “Mossie,” the fast and versatile Mosquito
served rst as a light, unarmed bomber, and then
as Britain’s most successful night ghter. In mid1943 its most numerous variant, the F.B. VI ghterbomber, appeared. Designed from the start to use
nonstrategic materials, its molded plywood construction made the Mosquito light and strong. Its twin
Merlin V-12s gave it sufcient speed to outrun
most ghters at low to medium altitudes, and its
heavy armament and bomb load made it a formidable
ghter-bomber. The F.B. XVIII, a variant of the
F.B. VI, was armed with a 57-mm antitank cannon.
Its bigger bite earned it the nickname “Tse Tse.”
The RAF’s Second Tactical Air Force demonstrated
the Mosquito’s effectiveness against ground targets,
while Coastal Command showed what its guns and
rocket salvos could do against enemy shipping.
- 14 -
14
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
MOSQUITO B. IV SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 14,100/22,500 lb. (6,409/10,227 kg)
SPAN: 54' 2" (16.5 m) LENGTH: 40' 9" (12.4 m)
ENGINE: Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 21 liquid-cooled
V-12s with 1,230 hp each
ARMAMENT: No defensive armament; 2,000-lb. of bombs
(four 500-lb. bombs in internal bomb bay)
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 380 mph (611 km/h) @ 17,000 ft
(5,182 m)
CEILING: 28,800 ft (8,778 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,700 ft/min (518 m/min)
RANGE: 1,860 mi (2,992 km) with maximum bomb load
* * *
MOSQUITO F.B. VI SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 14,100/22,500 lb. (6,409/10,227 kg)
SPAN: 54' 2" (16.5 m) LENGTH: 40' 6" (12.3 m)
ENGINE: Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 25 liquid-cooled
V-12s with 1,635 hp each
ARMAMENT: Four 20-mm Hispano cannon in belly under
nose with 150 r.p.g., plus four 0.303-in. Browning
machine guns on nose with 500 r.p.g., plus 2,000 lb.
of bombs (in fuselage & under wings) or 1,000 lb. of
bombs and eight 60-lb. rocket projectiles
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 380 mph (611 km/h) @ 13,000 ft
(3,962 m)
CEILING: 36,000 ft (10,973 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,870 ft/min (570 m/min)
RANGE: 1,205 mi (1,938 km) with internal fuel; 1,705
mi (2,743 km) with full load and auxiliary tanks
* * *
MOSQUITO F.B. XVIII SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 14,100/22,500 lb. (6,409/10,227 kg)
SPAN: 54' 2" (16.5 m) LENGTH: 40' 6" (12.3 m)
ENGINE: Two Rolls-Royce Merlin 25 liquid-cooled
V-12s with 1,635 hp each
ARMAMENT: Four .303-in. Browning machine guns on
nose with 500 r.p.g., plus one 57-mm Molins cannon
with 25 rounds, plus 1,000 lb. of bombs and eight
60-lb. rocket projectiles
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 380 mph (611 km/h) @ 13,000 ft
(3,962 m)
CEILING: 36,000 ft (10,973 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,870 ft/min (570 m/min)
RANGE: 1,205 mi (1,938 km) with internal fuel;
1,705 mi (2,743 km) with full load and auxiliary
tanks
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL VARIANTS)
- High speed, especially at lower altititudes.
- Heavy armament.
WEAKNESSES (ALL VARIANTS)
- Not as rugged as stressed aluminum aircraft.
- Easy for enemy pilots to identify.
- 15 -
15
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
de Havilland Vampire F.1
Vampire
VAMPIRE F.1 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 6,372/10,480 lb. (2,896/4,764 kg)
SPAN: 40' (12.2 m) LENGTH: 30' 9" (9.4 m)
ENGINE: One de Havilland Goblin II turbojet with
3,100-lb. thrust
ARMAMENT: Four 20-mm Hispano cannon with 150 r.p.g.
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 540 mph (869 km/h) @ 20,000 ft
(6,096 m)
CEILING: 42,800 ft (13,045 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 4,200 ft/min (1,280 m/min)
RANGE: 730 mi (1,175 km)
* * *
The Vampire (Britain’s second jet ghter after
the Gloster Meteor) was just months too late for
service in WWII; the rst production aircraft took
to the air in April 1945. Its single-engine, twinboom design made it the rst Allied jet to match
the performance of the German Messerschmitt 262.
The Vampire served rst as a high-speed interceptor,
and later (under the designation F.B. 5) as a close
support ghter-bomber carrying 2,000 pounds of bombs
or rockets. It is tantalizing to imagine how encounters between the Vampire and the German jet ghters
might have gone. Do well enough in conventional
aircraft, and you may earn the opportunity to nd
out rsthand.
* * *
STRENGTHS
- Fast and maneuverable.
- Four 20-mm cannon deliver a massive punch.
WEAKNESSES
- Leisurely acceleration.
- Short engine life.
- 16 -
16
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
Hawker Typhoon IB
Typhoon
TYPHOON IB SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 8,800/11,400 lb. (4,000/5,182 kg)
SPAN: 41' 7" (12.7 m) LENGTH: 31' 10" (9.7 m)
ENGINE: One Napier Sabre IIA 24-cyl. liquid-cooled
at-H with 2,180 hp
ARMAMENT: Four 20-mm Hispano cannon with 140 r.p.g.,
plus two 1,000-lb. bombs or eight 60-lb. rocket projectiles
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 405 mph (652 km/h) @ 18,000 ft
(5,486 m)
CEILING: 34,000 ft (10,363 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,540 ft/min (774 m/min)
RANGE: 510 mi (820 km) with bombs; 980 mi (1,577 km)
without bombs and with drop tanks
* * *
The Typhoon was Hawker’s successor to the aging
Hurricane. Its big, ambitious design was based on
the massive 36-liter Napier Sabre at-H engine.
While the complex and maintenance-intensive Sabre
never provided outstanding reliability, it did
provide well over 2,000 horsepower, which gave the
Typhoon far greater performance than anything imagined when the Hurricane was new. The Typhoon was
rushed into service late in 1941, but some serious
shortcomings prevented it from fullling its
intended role of interceptor. Its thick wing made
for instability at high altitudes, and its poorly
designed aft fuselage caused the tail to break away
during fast, steep dives. By late 1942 its structural problems were worked out, and the Typhoon came
into its own as a powerful and heavily armed lowlevel ghter-bomber. After the Normandy invasion,
Typhoons of the Second Tactical Air Force destroyed
concentrations of German armor and made the roads of
France and Belgium unsafe for enemy troops or transport.
* * *
STRENGTHS
- High speed.
- Heavy armament and ordnance load.
WEAKNESSES
- Poor handling and performance above 20,000 feet.
- For its power, a relatively leisurely rate of
climb.
- Poor engine reliability.
- 17 -
17
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
Hawker Tempest V
Tempest V
TEMPEST V SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 9,000/13,500 lb. (4,205/6,364 kg)
SPAN: 41' (12.5 m) LENGTH: 33' 8" (10.26 m)
ENGINE: Napier Sabre IIB 24-cyl. liquid-cooled at-H,
2,400 hp.
ARMAMENT: Four 20-mm Hispano cannon with 150 r.p.g.,
plus two 1,000-lb. bombs or eight 60-lb. rocket projectiles
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 435 mph (700 km/h) @ 17,000 ft
(5,185 m)
CEILING: 36,000 ft (10,980 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,000 ft/min (914 m/min)
RANGE: 820 mi (1,320 km)
* * *
The Hawker Tempest V, successor to the Typhoon
ghter-bomber, was the biggest, most potent pistonpowered ghter own by the RAF in World War II.
The Tempest’s massive 24-cylinder at-H engine gave
it more than 2,000 horsepower and a sound like no
other ghter, its thin laminar ow wing gave it high
speed without the handling problems that dogged the
thick-winged Typhoon, and its four 20-mm cannon and
ability to carry rockets or a ton of bombs made it a
formidable ghter-bomber. The Tempest became operational in April 1944, just in time to take on the
growing threat from the V1 buzz bombs raining down
on London. Between June and September, RAF Tempest
pilots shot down 638 V1s. During the last months of
the war in Europe, the Tempest served with distinction in the RAF’s Second Tactical Air Force. While
much of this service was in the ground attack role,
Tempest pilots also destroyed 20 Me 262 jet ghters
in air combat. There are very few situations or
adversaries you can’t handle in this versatile
ghter.
* * *
STRENGTHS
- High speed.
- Heavy armament and ordnance load.
- Excellent performance at high and low altitudes.
WEAKNESSES
- Less than stellar reliability from complex Napier
Sabre engine.
- 18 -
18
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
North American B-25C (Mitchell II), B-25H, & B-25J (Mitchell III)
B-25C
B-25C SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 20,300/34,000 lb. (9,227/15,455 kg)
SPAN: 67' 7" (20.6 m) LENGTH: 52' 11" (16.13 m)
ENGINE: Two Wright R-2600-13 14-cyl. air-cooled
radials with 1,700 hp each
ARMAMENT: Five 0.5-in. machine guns (one in nose,
two each in dorsal and ventral turrets), plus
3,000 lb. of bombs Optional: solid nose with eight
.50s.
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 284 mph (457 km/h) @ 15,000 ft
(4,572 m)
CEILING: 21,200 ft (6,462 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,880 ft/min (573 m/min)
RANGE: 1,500 mi (2,413 km)
* * *
The B-25, a strong and versatile aircraft, may
have been the best medium bomber of World War II.
During the war the British received some 800
Mitchell medium bombers from the U.S. The H model
added the formidable repower of a nose-mounted
75-mm cannon. With the J model, the glazed two-gun
nose could be replaced with a solid “strafer” nose
carrying eight Browning .50s to devastate surface
targets. The British put their Mitchells to excellent use in both the close-support role before the
Normandy invasion and in attacks against German
ying-bomb sites and other key targets afterward.
The Mitchell was also a formidable weapon against
surface targets, particularly in the up-gunned H and
J models. In whatever role it was used, the Mitchell
was reliable, stable, maneuverable, and easy to y.
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL B-25 VARIANTS)
- Good speed and maneuverability.
- Stable, easy to y.
- Can deliver a signicant payload on target.
- Can mount additional gunpacks to increase re-
power.
WEAKNESSES (ALL B-25 VARIANTS)
- Slower and less maneuverable than ghters, and
therefore requires escort.
- 19 -
19
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
B-25H
B-25H SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 20,300/34,000 lb. (9,227/15,455 kg)
SPAN: 67' 7" (20.6 m) LENGTH: 52' 11" (16.13 m)
ENGINE: Two Wright R-2600-13 14-cyl. air-cooled
radials with 1,700 hp each
ARMAMENT: Fourteen 0.5-in. machine guns (four in
solid nose, four in packs on sides of fuselage, two
each in dorsal turret and tail, and one in each beam
position), plus one 75-mm T13E1 cannon in nose below
guns
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 272 mph (438 km/h) @ 13,000 ft
(3,962 m)
CEILING: 24,200 ft (7,376 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,100 ft/min (338 m/min)
RANGE: 1,350 mi (2,172 km)
* * *
B-25J
B-25J SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 19,480/35,000 lb. (8,855/15,909 kg)
SPAN: 67' 7" (20.6 m) LENGTH: 52' 11" (16.13 m)
ENGINE: Two Wright R-2600-92 14-cyl. air-cooled
radials with 1,700 hp each
ARMAMENT: Twelve 0.50-in. machine guns (two in nose,
four in packs on sides of fuselage, two each in
dorsal turret, tail, and beam positions), plus 3,000
lb. of bombs and eight 5-in. rockets Optional: solid
nose with eight .50s for a total of eighteen .50s.
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 272 mph (438 km/h) @ 13,000 ft
(3,962 m)
CEILING: 24,200 ft (7,376 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,100 ft/min (338 m/min)/min
RANGE: 1,350 mi (2,172 km)
* * *
- 20 -
20
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
Supermarine Spitre Mk L.F. IXc and L.F. IXe
Many pilots believed the Mk IX was the ultimate
L.F. IXC
Spitre. Originally conceived in 1942 as a stopgap
model to meet the threat of the German Focke-Wulf
Fw 190 ghter, the Mk IX combined a Mk V fuselage with more powerful versions of the Rolls-Royce
Merlin V-12. Eventually produced in low-, medium-,
and high-altitude ghter versions (called, respectively, L.F., F., and H.F.), a total of 5,665 planes
were built, mostly the low-altitude version. By
1944, RAF had assigned the interceptor role to latermodel Griffon-engined Spitres, and the IX was modied to specialize in the ground-attack role. Fitted
with the new “E” wing, which carried upgraded armament consisting of two outboard 20-mm cannon and an
inboard pair of 0.50-inch machine guns, the new L.F.
IXe ghter-bomber also had its wingspan shortened
by about four feet by squaring its elliptical wingtips. The result was an excellent tactical weapon to
support the Allied advance across Europe.
- 21 -
21
Subject: BRITISH AIRCRAFT
L.F. IXE
L.F. IXC SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 5,610/7,500 lb. (2,545/3,409 kg)
SPAN: 36' 10" (11.2 m) LENGTH: 29' 11" (9.1 m)
ENGINE: One Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 liquid-cooled V-12
with 1,720 hp
ARMAMENT: Two 20-mm Hispano cannon with 120 r.p.g.,
plus four 0.303-in. Browning machine guns, plus one
500-lb. bomb and two 250-lb. bombs
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 404 mph (650 km/h) @ 21,000 ft
(6,400 m)
CEILING: 42,500 ft (12,954 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,125 ft/min (952 m/min)
RANGE: 434 mi (698 km); 980 mi (1,576 km) with drop
tanks
* * *
L.F. IXE SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 5,800/7,500 lb. (2,636/3,409 kg)
SPAN: 32' 7" (9.9 m) LENGTH: 31' 4" (9.5 m)
ENGINE: One Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 liquid-cooled V-12
with 1,720 hp
ARMAMENT: Two 20-mm Hispano cannon with 120 r.p.g.,
plus two 0.50-in. Browning machine guns with 250
r.p.g., plus one 500-lb. and two 250-lb. bombs or
eight 60-lb. rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 404 mph (650 km/h) @ 21,000 ft
(6,400 m)
CEILING: 42,500 ft (12,954 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,125 ft/min (952 m/min)
RANGE: 434 mi (698 km); 980 mi (1,576 km) with drop
tanks
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL VARIANTS)
- Excellent low-altitude performance.
- Mixed .50s and 20-mm guns give heavy punch.
- Can deliver a devastating mix of bombs and
rockets.
WEAKNESSES (ALL VARIANTS)
- Inferior handling at high altitudes, especially
for clipped-wing IXe.
- Liquid cooling increases engine vulnerability to
damage from ak and small arms re.
- 22 -
22
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
Dornier Do 335A-1 & B-2 Pfeil (“Arrow”)
This big and radical ghter-bomber was powered
Do 335A-1
by a pair of Daimler-Benz V-12s--one in the nose
driving a conventional propeller, and one mounted
inside the aft fuselage driving a pusher propeller
on the tail. With power to spare, the 335 could y,
or even take off, on just one engine without the
instability associated with losing an engine on a
conventional twin-engine aircraft. With both engines
it provided excellent performance, but the aft
engine provided some special difculties for bailing
out. The pilot rst had to re explosive bolts to
jettison the rear propeller and upper tail n. By
the end of the war, 37 “A” model ghter-bombers had
rolled off the assembly line, but apparently none
saw action before VE-Day. Two B-2 high-altitude
“destroyer” prototypes carrying two additional 30mm wing-mounted cannon had also been completed. Like
so many late-war German exotics, the radical design
of this big Dornier suggests some tantalizing “whatif” scenarios. Here’s your chance to nd out how the
“Arrow” performs in combat.
- 23 -
23
Do 335B-2
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
DO 335B-2 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 16,314/25,800 lb. (7,400/11,727 kg)
SPAN: 45' 3.33" (13.8 m) LENGTH: 45' 5.25" (13.8 m)
ENGINE: Two Daimler-Benz DB 603E liquid-cooled V-12s
with 1,800 hp each
ARMAMENT: Three 30-mm Mk 103 cannon (one ring
through prop spinner and one in each wing), plus two
20-mm MG 151 cannon on nose
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 475 mph (764 km/h) @ 21,000 ft
(6,400 m); max cruise 425 mph (685 km/h)
CEILING: 37,400 ft (11,400 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,523 ft/min (769 m/min)
RANGE: 1280 mi (2,050 km); 2,330 mi (3,750 km) with
external tank
* * *
DO 335A-1 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 16,314/25,800 lb. (7,400/11,727 kg)
SPAN: 45' 3.33" (13.8 m) LENGTH: 45' 5.25" (13.8 m)
ENGINE: Two Daimler-Benz DB 603A-2 liquid-cooled
V-12s with 1,750 hp each
ARMAMENT: One 30-mm Mk 103 cannon with 70 rounds
ring through prop spinner, plus two 15-mm MG 151
cannon with 200 r.p.g. on the nose, plus 1,100 lb.
of bombs in internal bomb bay
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 475 mph (764 km/h) @ 21,000 ft
(6,400 m); max cruise 425 mph (685 km/h)
CEILING: 37,400 ft (11,400 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,523 ft/min (769 m/min)
RANGE: 1,280 mi (2,050 km); 2,330 mi (3,750 km) with
external tank
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL 335 VARIANTS)
- Good speed.
- Twin-engine safety.
- Wide, tricycle landing gear designed for operation
from unimproved airstrips or grass elds.
WEAKNESSES (ALL 335 VARIANTS)
- Some handling difculties at high speed, including
“porpoising” and “snaking.”
- Big, heavy ghter can’t turn with lighter, nimbler
adversaries.
- Liquid cooling increases engines’ vulnerability to
damage from ak and small arms re.
- Cruciform tail and detachable propeller make
bailing out problematic.
- Poor rearward visibility.
24
- 24 -
Fw 190
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
Focke-Wulf Fw 190A Würger (“Shrike”) models A-5 and A-8
When the Fw 190 entered service in 1941, it
quickly proved to be an outstanding ghter: small
and fast, tough and responsive, highly maneuverable and well armed, it helped many a novice ghter
pilot become an ace. One proof of the 190’s superior design was its ability to carry numerous equipment and armament combinations while continuing
to provide excellent performance. The 190 did have
its drawbacks: its less-than-stellar rate of climb,
vicious stall behavior, and reduced performance
above 20,000 feet were the price one paid for its
otherwise potent performance. The A-5 model, which
entered combat early in 1943, moved the engine
forward 5.9 inches to improve cooling and restore
the center of gravity with increased armament;
numerous variants were equipped with mission-specic
accessory kits. At the end of 1943 the A-8 entered
service, again in numerous mission-specic variants. The 190 proved so versatile and effective as
a ghter-bomber that this thoroughbred was chosen
to replace the plow horse of the Luftwaffe, the
lumbering and highly vulnerable Stuka dive-bomber.
- 25 -
25
Subject: G ER MA N AI RC RA FT
FW 190A-5 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 7,055/10,800 lb. (3,207/4,910 kg)
SPAN: 34' 5.25" (10.49 m) LENGTH: 29’ 6" (9 m)
ENGINE: One BMW 801D-2 14-cyl. air-cooled radial
with 1,700 hp
ARMAMENT: Two 7.9-mm MG 17 machine guns on nose, two
20-mm MG 151 cannon in wing roots, two MG FF cannon
outboard on wings, and centerline rack for one
1100-lb. or two 550-lb. or four 110-lb. bombs
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 394 mph (634 km/h) @ 18,000 ft
(5,484 m)
CEILING: 37,400 ft (11,395 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,350 ft/min (716 m/min)
RANGE: 500 mi (805 km); 700 mi (1,125 km) with two
79.25-gallon (300-liter) drop tanks
* * *
FW 190A-8 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 7,055/10,800 lb. (3,207/4,910 kg)
SPAN: 34' 5.25" (10.49 m) LENGTH: 29' 6" (9 m)
ENGINE: BMW 801D-2 14-cyl. air-cooled radial with
1,700 hp (2,100 hp with MW 50 water/methanol injection system activated)
ARMAMENT: Two 13-mm MG 131 machine guns on nose, two
20-mm MG 151 cannon in wing roots, two MG 151s outboard on wings, and centerline rack for one 1,100lb. or two 550-lb. or four 110-lb. bombs, or for
twenty-four R4M rockets or fourteen antitank rocket
bombs
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 408 mph (656 km/h) @ 20,600 ft
(6,279 m)
CEILING: 37,400 ft (11,395 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 2,350 ft/min (716 m/min)
RANGE: 500 mi (805 km); 700 mi (1,125 km) with two
79.25-gallon (300-liter) drop tanks
* * *
- 26 -
STRENGTHS (ALL 190A VARIANTS)
- Excellent performance without full fuel and armament load.
- Can be upgraded with various armament kits and
still maintain good performance.
- Stable gun platform.
- Fast and easy to y with excellent, responsive
high-speed handling and phenomenal roll rate.
- Strongly built; can sustain damage & keep ghting.
- Air-cooled radial engine can take a lot of damage.
- Strong, wide landing gear makes landing easy.
- Excellent all-around visibility through canopy.
WEAKNESSES (ALL 190A VARIANTS)
- Degraded performance when fully laden.
- Unexceptional turning radius and rate of climb.
- Sudden and vicious stall characteristics.
- Poor zoom climb; loses energy rapidly.
26
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
Gotha Go 229A-0
229A-0
GO 229A-0 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 11,170/19,840 lbs (5,077/9,018 kg)
SPAN: 55' 0.625" (16.78 m) LENGTH: 24' 60.125"
(7.47 m)
ENGINE: Two Junkers 109-004B turbojets with 1,984 lb.
(900 kg) thrust each
ARMAMENT: Four 30-mm MK 103 cannon with 120 r.p.g.
Optional: two 2,205-lb. (1,000-kg) bombs
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 607 mph (977 km/h) @ 39,370 ft
(12,000 m)
CEILING: 52,500 ft (16,000 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 4,330 ft/min (1,320 m/min)
RANGE: 1,180 mi (1,900 km)
* * *
When soldiers of the U.S. Third Army arrived at
the Gothaer Waggonfabrik factory at Friedrichsrode
in April 1945, they found ve of these futuristic
jet-propelled ying wing ghters under construction. The prototype had own two months earlier, and
although it was destroyed and its pilot killed on
its third ight when an engine failed, the project
pressed ahead. Based on the ninth tailless aircraft
design of Reimar and Walter Horten and assigned to
Gotha for production, this twinjet ghter-bomber
would have given Allied pilots a nasty shock. Its
ultramodern appearance, very heavy armament, and
extraordinary speed make it the subject of some
of the most exciting “what-if” scenarios of WWII
aviation. Now you can climb into this Buck Rogers
machine and discover for yourself how it performs in
combat.
* * *
STRENGTHS
- Extremely high speed.
- Very heavy armament and big bomb load.
WEAKNESSES
- Some lateral instability due to tailless design.
- Jumo turbojets are very fragile, provide short
operational life (25 hours or less), and can’t
withstand even minor combat damage.
- Engines require cautious throttle control.
- Big, heavy aircraft can’t maneuver with more
nimble ghters.
- 27 -
27
Ju 88
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
Junkers Ju 88A-4, C-6, and P-4
The best of the German medium bombers, the
Ju 88, was modied throughout the war into some
60 versions to ll many roles, including heavy
day ghter, low-level intruder, heavily armed
ground attacker, and night ghter. The A model,
with its distinctive angular “beetle eye” glazed
nose, was the most numerous bomber version. The C
model, a heavy ghter-bomber version, had a solid
nose, increased nose armament, and various options
including a jettisonable twin-cannon belly pack
and wing racks that increased its total bomb load
to 3,300 pounds. Crews sometimes painted the solid
nose of the C model to simulate the appearance of
the more vulnerable A model. Another ground attack
version, the P model, carried a forward-ring 50-mm
cannon in a belly-mounted gondola. In its various
forms, the Ju 88 became an aircraft that could
deliver a lot of devastation against ground targets
and shipping--and some unpleasant surprises for
enemy aircraft.
- 28 -
28
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
JU 88A-4 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 21,737/30,865 lb. (9,860/14,000 kg)
SPAN: 65' 7.5" (20 m) LENGTH: 47' 2.75" (14.4 m)
ENGINE: Two Junkers Jumo 211J-1 liquid-cooled V-12s
with 1,350 hp each
ARMAMENT: One 7.92-mm MG 81 and one 13-mm MG 131 (or
two MG 81s) in nose, two aft-ring MG 81s, plus one
aft-ring MG 131 in ventral gondola
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 292 mph (470 km/h) @ 15,000 ft
(4,572 m)
CEILING: 26,900 ft (8,200 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,770 ft/min (539 m/min)
RANGE: 1,112 mi (1,790 km); 1,696 mi (2,730 km) with
drop tanks
* * *
JU 88C-6 & P-4 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 21,737/30,865 lb. (9,860/14,000 kg)
SPAN: 65' 7.5" (20 m) LENGTH: 47' 2.75" (14.4 m)
ENGINE: Two Junkers Jumo 211J liquid-cooled V-12s
with 1,410 hp each
ARMAMENT: (C-6) Three 20-mm MG FF cannon and three
7.9-mm MG 17 machine guns in nose, one rear-ring
13-mm MG 131 machine gun, plus 3,300 lb. of bombs
(2,000 lb. internal and 1,300 lb. on wing racks)
Optional: belly gun pack with two 20-mm MG FF cannon
ARMAMENT: (P-4) Same as for C-6 except the optional
gunpack is replaced with a 50-mm BK 5 cannon
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 292 mph (470 km/h) @ 15,000 ft
(4,572 m)
CEILING: 26,900 ft (8,200 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 1,770 ft/min (539 m/min)
RANGE: 1,112 mi (1,790 km); 1,696 mi (2,730 km) with
drop tanks
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL VARIANTS)
- Very heavy armament and ordnance load.
- Relatively fast for a medium bomber.
WEAKNESSES (ALL VARIANTS)
- Big and slow compared to enemy ghters; requires
ghter protection, especially on low-level
missions.
- Unimpressive defensive armament.
29
- 29 -
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 & G-10
Like its British Spitre counterpart, the
BF 109G-6
Bf 109 evolved to meet new challenges and served
throughout the war. The 109G, or Gustav, introduced
early in 1943 was not the best 109 (that may have
been the aerodynamically cleaner F model), but it
was the most numerous. It was also constantly modied: armament changes produced so many bulges and
blisters over gun breeches and under wings that
some pilots called the 109G die Beule--the bump, or
boil. The G-10 model, which appeared in 1944, was
the fastest of all the 109s, with speed to match
most Allied ghters. Despite handling problems from
all these aerodynamic compromises, as well as narrow
landing gear that contributed to terrifying takeoff
and landing characteristics, enemy pilots could
never safely discount or dismiss the Bf 109, which
remained the preferred ghter of many Luftwaffe aces
until the end of the war.
- 30 -
30
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
BF 109G-10
BF 109G-10 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 5,880/7,496 lb. (2,667/3,400 kg)
SPAN: 32' 6.5" (9.92 m) LENGTH: 29' 8" (9.04 m)
ENGINE: One Daimler-Benz DB605D liquid-cooled V-12
with MW-50 water-methanol injection and 1,550 hp
(1,850 hp for takeoff)
ARMAMENT: One 30-mm Mk 108 cannon ring through prop
hub, plus two 13-mm MG 131 machine guns with 300
r.p.g. mounted above engine
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 428 mph (689 km/h) @ 24,250 ft
(7,391 m)
CEILING: 41,000 ft (12,500 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 4,820 ft/min (1,469 m/min)
RANGE: 355 mi (571 km)
* * *
BF 109G-6 SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 5,880/7,496 lb. (2,667/3,400 kg)
SPAN: 32' 6.5" (9.92 m) LENGTH: 29' 8" (9.04 m)
ENGINE: One Daimler-Benz DB605A liquid-cooled V-12
with 1,475 hp
ARMAMENT: One 30-mm Mk 108 or one 20-mm MG 151 cannon
ring through prop hub, plus two 13-mm MG 131 machine
guns with 300 r.p.g. mounted above engine Optional:
two 20-mm MG 151 cannon with 150 r.p.g. (The G-6/R2
can mount racks for four 110-lb. bombs or one 550-lb.
bomb, plus two WGr 21 rocket tubes)
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 387 mph (623 km/h) @ 22,970 ft
(7,000 m)
CEILING: 38,500 ft (11,750 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,300 ft/min (1,005 m/min)
RANGE: 450 mi (725 km); maximum range 615 mi (990 km)
with belly tank (Bf 109G can carry one 300-liter tank
under fuselage or one on each wing)
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL VARIANTS)
- Highly responsive (perhaps too much so).
- Excellent acceleration, climb, and maneuverability.
- Heavy and versatile armament.
WEAKNESSES (ALL VARIANTS)
- Narrow, weak landing gear makes takeoff and landing
tricky; plane swings hard to left on takeoff.
- Twitchy handling, heavy controls at high speeds.
Uneven slat deployment can make aiming difcult.
- Adding extra wing armament degrades speed, maneu-
verability, and handling.
- Thin wing and light construction make it more
fragile than some other ghters.
- Relatively poor visibility from cramped cockpit.
- 31 -
31
Me 262A
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a Schwalbe (“Swallow”)
and Me 262A-2a Sturmvogel (“Stormbird”)
The Messerschmitt Me 262A-1a Schwalbe was the
rst jet ghter to y in combat; the Me 262A-2a
Sturmvogel was the ghter-bomber version of this
famous Messerschmitt jet. It took a long time to
get the initial design into production and service.
Some blame Hitler’s preference of the schnellbomber
version for delays in the jet’s deployment, but the
real problem was getting acceptable engine performance and reliability. This delay kept the Me 262
ghter from entering combat until September 1944.
Even then, its Junkers Jumo turbine engines provided
poor acceleration, lasted on average less than 25
hours, and stalled or exploded when the throttle was
suddenly increased or decreased, leaving it vulnerable to enemy ghters. Despite these problems,
the Schwalbe’s quadruple cannon armament and the
Sturmvogel’s twin 30-mm cannon and heavy bomb load
could do massive damage to enemy troops, transport,
and other targets. The Me 262A-1a/U4 variant, called
the Pulkzerstörer (bomber formation destroyer),
carried a long-barreled 50-mm cannon. This big gun
protruded seven feet ahead of the nose and slowed
the aircraft by 15 mph, but provided sufcient punch
to destroy any vehicle it could hit. Overall the Me
262 provided an impressive glimpse of the future,
and more than 1,400 were completed before war’s end.
- 32 -
32
Subject: GERMAN AIRCRAFT
ME 262A-1A SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 8,514/15,620 lb. (3,870/7,100 kg)
SPAN: 41' 0.125" (12.5 m) LENGTH: 34' 9.5" (10.61 m)
ENGINE: Two Junkers Jumo 109-004B turbojets with
1,980-lb. thrust each
ARMAMENT (A-1A): Four 30-mm Mk 108 cannon in nose
(upper two with 100 r.p.g. and lower two with 80
r.p.g.) Optional: 24 R4M rockets
ARMAMENT (A-1A/U4): One 50-mm BK 5 or Mk 214A cannon
Optional: 24 R4M rockets
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE:
(A-1a) 540 mph (869 km/h) @ 36,090 ft (11,000 m)
(A-1a/U4) 525 mph (869 km/h) @ 36,090 ft (11,000 m)
CEILING: 36,090 ft (11,000 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,937 ft/min (1,200 m/min)
RANGE: 525 mi (845 km)
* * *
ME 262A-2A SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHT: 8,514/15,620 lb. (3,870/7,100 kg)
SPAN: 41' 0.125" (12.5 m) LENGTH: 34' 9.5" (10.61 m)
ENGINE: Two Junkers Jumo 109-004B turbojets with
1,980-lb. thrust each
ARMAMENT: Two 30-mm Mk 108 cannon in nose with 100
r.p.g., plus racks for one 2,205-lb. bomb or two
1,100-lb. bombs or two 550-lb. bombs
MAX SPEED @ ALTITUDE: 540 mph (869 km/h) @ 36,090 ft
(11,000 m)
CEILING: 36,090 ft (11,000 m)
INITIAL CLIMB RATE: 3,937 ft/min (1,200 m/min)
RANGE: 525 mi (845 km)
* * *
STRENGTHS (ALL VARIANTS)
- High speed; even with full bomb load, 262 is
faster than propeller-driven ghters.
- Heavy armament and bomb load.
WEAKNESSES (ALL VARIANTS)
- Jumo turbojets are very fragile and provide short
operational life (25 hours or less); cannot withstand even minor combat damage.
- Throttle changes require a delicate touch; engines
prone to stall or explode under sudden throttle
changes.
- Bomb load decreases speed, the 262’s best asset.
- Fighter-bomber role exposes Sturmvogel to covering
ghters.
- Me 262A-1a/U4’s cannon produces a blinding muzzle
ash.
- 33 -
33
VEHICLES AND WEAPONS
One of a tactical pilot’s
toughest jobs is nding and destroying
enemy vehicles and weapons on the
ground. You’re ying low and fast
over a battle zone full of armored
and soft-skinned vehicles, infantry
and antiaircraft weapons, and their
crews. The problem is that many of
these potential targets look almost
alike, whether they belong to friend
or foe. The decisions you make in a
split second will make you a hero or
Subject: VEHICLES AND WEAPONS
a sap who’s doing the enemy’s job
for him. If you think it’s easy to
mistake a P-51 for a 109 or vice-
versa, see how condent you feel
as you reach for the trigger to
blast trucks, tanks, or troops on
the ground. Are they friendlies
who need your help, or enemies who
need your ordnance? Look twice,
but don’t take your time!
GIVE ’EM HELL
- 34 -
34
Subject: VEHICLES
MERCEDES SIX-WHEEL OPEN STAFF CAR
This fancy vehicle may contain a
high-ranking German ofcer.
Avg/Max speed: 40/80 mph.
* * *
KÜBELWAGEN
This little VW makes a small
target. If it is carrying an MG 42
machine gun, it can spray out 1,200
rie-caliber rounds per minute, so
exercise caution.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
WILLYS MB “JEEP”
This small, nimble vehicle may
carry a 0.50-in. Browning machine
gun, which gives the humble Jeep a
long reach and a powerful punch.
Avg/Max speed: 30/65 mph.
* * *
HUMBER HEAVY UTILITY CAR
This unarmed staff car is vulnerable to air attack--strafe on sight.
Avg/Max speed: 25/45 mph.
* * *
AMBULANCE
Not very sporting to strafe emergency vehicles!
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
- 35 -
35
Subject: VEHICLES
M8 ARMORED CAR
If you hit this car with .50 API or
something bigger, its fuel and ammo
may blow up.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
FIRE TRUCK
Not very sporting to strafe emergency vehicles!
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
GAS TRUCK
Strang this truck may result in a
gratifying explosion.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
- 36 -
36
HUMBER MK I ARMORED CAR
Helpless against air attack; strafing it may ignite its fuel and
ammo.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
Subject: VEHICLES
SD KFZ 234 ARMORED CAR
Helpless against air attack; strafing it may ignite its fuel and
ammo.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
BREN CARRIER UTILITY VEHICLE
Small, relatively slow, and vulnerable to air attack, this utility
vehicle is a common sight in every
campaign. Attack at will.
Avg/Max speed: 15/30 mph.
* * *
BEDFORD MWD LIGHT TRUCK
Seen everywhere on the front, this
vehicle may be carrying troops or
ammunition.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
OPEL BLITZ 3-TON TRUCK
This vehicle, seen everywhere on
the front, may be carrying anything
from troops to ammunition.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
GMC 6X6 “DEUCE-AND-A-HALF” TRUCK
This truck could be carrying anything from troops to ammo to fuel,
so it may make quite a big bang.
Avg/Max speed: 25/50 mph.
* * *
M3 HALFTRACK
A small, usually vulnerable target,
the halftrack can make an attack
from the air a dangerous proposition when it’s specially equipped
with multiple .50s or even 20-mm or
40-mm AA guns.
Avg/Max speed: 20/45 mph.
* * *
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37
Subject: VEHICLES
M16 HALFTRACK WITH
FOUR 0.50-IN. AA GUNS
Its four 0.50-in. guns make this
halftrack dangerous to approach.
Strafe it before it rakes your aircraft.
Avg/Max speed: 20/45 mph.
* * *
M3A1 HALFTRACK
The halftrack is a small target,
usually limited to a single machine
gun. But some special versions
carry multiple .50s or even 20mm or 40-mm AA guns, making an air
attack a dangerous proposition.
Avg/Max speed: 20/45 mph.
* * *
SD KFZ 251 HALFTRACK
Good strang target for Allied
ghter-bombers. Helpless against
air attack; strang it may ignite
its fuel and ammo.
Avg/Max speed: 20/45 mph.
* * *
M7 PRIEST SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER
This howitzer is dangerous to
ground troops, but its only weapon
against aircraft is a rie-caliber
machine gun. Strafe it on sight;
fully loaded with ammo, it may
make a big bang if you hit it hard
enough.
Avg/Max speed: 12/25 mph.
* * *
- 38 -
38
STUG V SELF-PROPELLED ASSAULT GUN
This self-propelled assault gun is
a challenge to enemy tanks on the
ground, but an easy target from
the air. Hitting it hard enough may
yield a big bang.
Avg/Max speed: 12/23 mph.
* * *
WESPE SELF-PROPELLED HOWITZER
This roving artillery makes a more
vulnerable target than more heavily armored tanks. Its howitzer is
dangerous to ground troops, but its
only weapon against aircraft is a
rie-caliber machine gun. Strafe it
on sight.
Avg/Max speed: 12/25 mph.
* * *
Subject: VEHICLES
SD KFZ 10/4 OR 6/2 SELF-
PROPELLED FLAK GUN
This halftrack, mounting a 20-mm or
37-mm ak gun, can make things hot
for unwary pilots.
Avg/Max speed: 25/40 mph.
* * *
OSTWIND SELF-PROPELLED
37-MM FLAK GUN
This tank chassis carries a 37-mm
ak gun that gives it a long reach,
but if you hit it before it hits
you, it may produce a very big
bang.
Avg/Max speed: 12/25 mph.
* * *
WIRBELWIND SELF-PROPELLED
20-MM FLAKVIERLING
This dark lump on the landscape is
well armed: its quadruple 20-mm
cannon can be lethal to aircraft
within a mile, but if you can hit
it without taking a hit yourself,
it’ll make one big explosion.
Avg/Max speed: 12/25 mph.
* * *
HETZER TANK DESTROYER
This light tank destroyer mounts
only a single 7.92-mm machine gun
to stave off air attacks. Strafe it
on sight--and watch out for ying
debris.
Avg/Max speed: 12/24 mph.
* * *
JAGDPANZER TANK DESTROYER
This low-slung tank destroyer is
a major threat to enemy armor, but
its pair of rie-caliber machine
guns does little to discourage air
attack.
Avg/Max speed: 10/22 mph.
* * *
M10 TANK DESTROYER
This Sherman-based tank destroyer
carries a 0.50-in. machine gun that
can ruin an unwary pilot’s day, but
a well-placed rocket or bomb in its
open turret will keep it from killing Axis tanks.
Avg/Max speed: 12/29 mph.
* * *
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39
Subject: VEHICLES
ELEFANT TANK DESTROYER
This ponderous tank destroyer is
extremely dangerous to enemy armor,
but its slow speed and high prole
make it a juicy--and highly explosive--target.
Avg/Max speed: 6/12.5 mph.
* * *
M4A3 SHERMAN TANK
With a lot of luck, this tank’s
single turret-mounted 0.50-in.
machine gun could damage or destroy
low-ying aircraft. If hit with
bombs or rockets, its ammo may
ignite, causing quite a reworks
show.
Avg/Max speed: 12/28 mph.
* * *
PANZER IV MEDIUM TANK
This tank appears in large numbers across the theater. Its
7.92-mm machine guns aren’t much
of a threat, but it is a relatively
small and well-armored target.
Avg/Max speed: 10/24 mph.
* * *
PANZER V (PANTHER) MEDIUM TANK
This tank is tough and requires
the roughest treatment you can provide, preferably bombs and rockets;
you'll be lucky to do signicant
damage with 0.50-in. ammo.
Avg/Max speed: 12/28 mph.
* * *
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40
M26 PERSHING TANK
This heavy tank’s 90-mm gun can
kill any German tank, and its 0.50in. machine gun can bite unwary
aircraft. Only your heaviest ordnance will stop it.
Avg/Max speed: 12/24 mph.
* * *
PANZER VI (TIGER I) HEAVY TANK
This low-moving tank is tough to
crack. Rockets and bombs are your
best bet, but you may be able to
re API rounds from behind and
bounce some up into a vulnerable
spot beneath the engine.
Avg/Max speed: 10/23 mph.
* * *
Subject: VEHICLES
TIGER II (KING TIGER) HEAVY TANK
This 75-ton monster packs a massive 88-mm punch, but its 7.92-mm
machine guns provide negligible defense against air attack. To
destroy it you’ll have to hit it
with everything you’ve got.
Avg/Max speed: 10/23 mph.
* * *
MK VII CHURCHILL TANK
This big, slow-moving tank can do
a lot of damage against enemy tanks
and personnel, but it is vulnerable
to ghter-bomber attack.
Avg/Max speed: 8/12 mph.
* * *
MK I CENTURION TANK
This heavy tank’s 105-mm gun can
kill any German tank, and its 0.30in. and 0.50-in. machine guns can
bite unwary aircraft. Only your
heaviest ordnance can stop it.
Avg/Max speed: 15/34 mph.
* * *
JAGDPANTHER HEAVY TANK DESTROYER
This heavy tank destroyer is a
major threat to Allied armor,
but it can do little against air
attack. Hit it at will, but you’ll
have to hit it hard.
Avg/Max speed: 14/34 mph.
* * *
JAGDTIGER HEAVY TANK DESTROYER
This super-heavyweight tank
destroyer carries a big 128-mm main
gun and two rie-caliber MG42s for
air defense. You’ll have to hit it
with everything you’ve got to keep
it from killing Allied tanks.
Avg/Max speed: 10/23 mph.
* * *
ACHILLES IIC TANK DESTROYER
This Sherman-based tank destroyer
carries a 0.50-in. machine gun that
can ruin an unwary pilot’s day, but
a well-placed rocket or bomb in its
open turret will keep it from killing Axis tanks.
Avg/Max speed: 12/29 mph.
* * *
- 41 -
41
Subject: VEHICLES
LOCOMOTIVE
When pulling ak cars, locomotives become dangerous targets.
Successful strang may produce huge
jets of steam or boiler explosions
that can propel large pieces of
jagged metal into your ight path.
Avg/Max speed: 25/60 mph.
* * *
BOXCAR
Boxcars can be unresponsive targets, but if the cargo is explosives, you may not have enough
altitude to evade explosions propelling large pieces of debris.
Boxcars can also contain AA guns:
if the sides open and muzzle ashes
appear, get more distance ASAP.
* * *
FLAK CAR
Flat cars may carry 20-mm
Flakvierling four-barreled AA guns,
especially in front of or behind
the locomotive or at the end of the
train. If you see multiple muzzle
ashes from a at car, get more
distance and altitude ASAP.
* * *
TANK CAR
In wartime these probably aren’t
carrying molasses, but something
volatile that could cause a large
explosion.
* * *
- 42 -
42
SCHWERER BRUNO 28-CM (11-IN.)
RAILWAY GUN
This 100-ton monster can drop
550-lb. projectiles on targets
30 miles away. Strang with guns
and rockets, along with a couple
of your own 500-pound bombs, can
silence this gun and save Allied
lives.
* * *
PILOTS: BEFORE YOU OPEN FIRE,
MAKE SURE VEHICLES BELONG
TO THE ENEMY!
Subject: WEAPONS
TOWED 40-MM AA GUN
A small target on the ground, you
may only notice it when its rounds
curve in toward you like burning
tennis balls. Approach with caution.
* * *
TOWED 90-MM AA GUN
This weapon is dangerous to enemy
aircraft ying up to 30,000 feet,
but a tempting target when under
tow.
* * *
0.50-IN. AA MACHINE GUN
A few lucky rounds from this hardhitting gun can put a ghter-bomber
on the ground, but strang can
scatter or kill its crew.
* * *
TOWED QUAD 0.50-IN. AA GUNS
This small target can throw half a
Thunderbolt’s repower, making it
a deadly threat to low-ying aircraft, but under tow it makes a
vulnerable target.
* * *
105-MM HOWITZER
A howitzer and its crew can inict
major damage to enemy troops.
Strafe or bomb on sight.
* * *
105-MM HOWITZER
This antipersonnel weapon and its
crew can do major damage to enemy
troops. Strafe or bomb on sight.
* * *
- 43 -
43
Subject: WEAPONS
150-MM HOWITZER
This antipersonnel weapon and its
crew can do major damage to enemy
troops. Strafe or bomb on sight.
* * *
88-MM DUAL-PURPOSE GUN
This small target is a major threat
to aircraft and tanks alike. Strafe
it on sight.
* * *
40-MM AA GUN WITH CREW
A small target on the ground, you
may only notice it when its rounds
curve in toward you like burning
tennis balls. Approach with caution.
* * *
AIRFIELD AA GUN EMPLACEMENT
These deadly emplacements make aireld attacks dangerous, especially
if you don’t stay low.
* * *
FLAK TOWER
This structure contains antiaircraft repower to threaten attackers from all directions.
* * *
AIRFIELD AND SHIP DEFENSE
BARRAGE BALLOON
Shooting these gasbags from above
can make good target practice;
ying beneath them can be fatal if
you get tangled in the steel cables
that hang beneath them.
* * *
- 44 -
44
Subject: SHIPS
ONE-MAN RAFT (WITH PILOT)
A small, helpless, and inappropriate target!
Avg speed: 2 mph.
* * *
DUKW AMPHIBIAN
The “Duck” amphib is another small,
slow-moving, and nearly defenseless
target on sea or on land. It may
mount a .50-in. machine gun; with
luck it can hit low-ying aircraft.
Avg/Max speeds: 3/8 mph in water,
20/40 mph on land.
* * *
TUGBOAT
Not much of a challenge to strafe
a tug, but it does interfere with
the shipping the tugboat is there
to assist.
Avg/Max speed: 7/15 mph.
* * *
RIVER BARGE (TOWED BY A TUG
SINGLY OR IN A LINE)
Strang strings of river barges can
provide some explosive surprises,
depending on what’s aboard; be
ready to dodge reballs and ying
debris.
Avg/Max speed: 6/12 mph.
* * *
TYPE VII U-BOAT
This sub makes an interesting
strang target and a hard one to
bomb.
Avg/Max speed: 8/15 mph.
* * *
- 45 -
45
Subject: SHIPS
E-BOAT
The E-boat carries light ak armament; its torpedoes make it a
potentially explosive strang
target.
Avg/Max speed: 12/35 mph.
* * *
LCI (LANDING CRAFT, INFANTRY)
The LCI is a small, slow-moving,
unarmed target, protected by AA
guns on nearby vessels.
Avg/Max speed: 8/16 mph.
* * *
MERCHANTMAN/CONVOY SHIP
Merchantmen are slow-moving, easy
targets. Their cargo may make for a
very large explosion.
Avg/Max speed: 6/12 mph.
* * *
LCT (LANDING CRAFT, TANK)
The LCT is big and slow moving;
with tanks and ammo aboard, it
makes a juicy target.
Avg/Max speed: 6/12 mph.
* * *
LST (LANDING SHIP, TANK)
This is a big, slow-moving target,
but its eight 40-mm and twelve
20-mm antiaircraft guns can be
pretty discouraging.
Avg/Max speed: 6/12 mph.
* * *
- 46 -
46
Subject: SHIPS
MTB 5002 GUNBOAT
This small, agile vessel makes a
difcult target. Its torpedoes,
fuel, and ammo make it potentially
a highly explosive one.
Avg/Max speed: 12/35 mph.
* * *
TRIBAL CLASS DESTROYER
This heavily armed ship must be
approached with caution, as it can
throw up a lot of light but deadly
ak. Strang may not produce dramatic results, but if a bomb nds
the ship's magazine, it might make
a major-league explosion.
Avg/Max speed: 12/40 mph.
* * *
TYPE 36A DESTROYER
The type 36A destroyer is fast and
heavily armed, carrying light and
heavy antiaircraft armament that
makes it a dangerous target for
aircraft.
Avg/Max speed: 12/40 mph.
* * *
FLETCHER CLASS DESTROYER
The Fletcher-class is one of the
largest and most heavily armed
American destroyers, carrying serious light and heavy antiaircraft
armament. Attacking one from the
air can be very dangerous.
Avg/Max speed: 12/40 mph.
* * *
- 47 -
47
BALTIMORE CLASS CRUISER
Its 74 light and heavy antiaircraft
guns plus 5-in. and 8-in. artillery make this big ship a more than
terrifying target for attacking
pilots. Approach with caution, and
don’t stick around.
Avg/Max speed: 12/28 mph.
* * *
HIPPER CLASS HEAVY CRUISER
The Hipper-class is one of the
largest and most heavily armed and
armored German cruisers, carrying an eight-gun main battery and
nearly 50 light and heavy antiaircraft guns. Attack with caution.
Avg/Max speed: 12/40 mph.
* * *
Subject: RIFLE-CALIBER MACHINE GUNS
Rheinmetall-Borsig MG 81
7.92 mm
(Ju 88A-4/C6)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 0.35 oz. (10 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,400 ft/sec
(730 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 1,500 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Armor-piercing, incen-
diary, and tracer
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: >30 hits
STRENGTHS
- High rate of re.
- Numerous hits can do major
damage.
WEAKNESSES
- Rie-caliber round lacks range
and hitting power of larger guns
and cannon.
- If none of your hits strike
a vital spot, a well-armored
adversary can still get home.
* * *
MG 17 7.92 mm
(Fw 190A-5)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 0.35 oz. (10 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,600 ft/sec
(790 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 1,100 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Armor-piercing, incen-
diary, and tracer
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: >30 hits
STRENGTHS
- High rate of re.
- Numerous hits can do major
damage.
WEAKNESSES
- Rie-caliber round lacks range
and hitting power of larger guns
and cannon.
- If none of your hits strike
a vital spot, a well-armored
adversary can still get home.
* * *
Browning MK 2 .303-Cal
(Mosquito F.B. VI/XVIII)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 0.395 oz.
(11.3 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,740 ft/sec
(835 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 1,200 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Armor-piercing, incen-
diary, and tracer
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: >30 hits
STRENGTHS
- High rate of re.
- Numerous hits can do major
damage.
WEAKNESSES
- Rie-caliber round lacks range
and hitting power of larger guns
and cannon.
- If none of your hits strike
a vital spot, a well-armored
adversary can still get home.
* * *
- 48 -
48
Subject: HEAVY MACHINE GUNS
Browning M2 .50-Cal
(P-38, P-47, P-51, P-55, P-80,
Spitre IXe, B-25, B-26)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 1.7 oz.
(48.5 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,850 ft/sec
(870 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 750 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Armor-piercing, incen-
diary, tracer, and API (armorpiercing incendiary)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 15–20
hits
STRENGTHS
- Flat trajectory, long reach, and
good hitting power.
- Short, well-aimed burst can tear
a lightweight ghter apart or
cause it to explode.
- API round pierces aircraft skin,
and then explodes inside structure for maximum damage.
- Can destroy surface targets such
as tanks or small ships.
WEAKNESSES
- Lacks destructive power of
larger cannon.
Rheinmetall-Borsig MG 131
13 mm
(Bf 109G-6/-10, Fw 190A-8, Ju 88A-4)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 1.2 oz.
(34.6 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,400 ft/sec
(730 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 900 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 15–20
hits
STRENGTHS
- Flat trajectory, long reach, and
good hitting power.
- Short, well-aimed burst can tear
a lightweight ghter apart or
cause it to explode.
- Can destroy surface targets such
as tanks or small ships.
WEAKNESSES
- Lacks destructive power of
larger cannon.
* * *
Mauser MG151/15 15 mm
(Do 335)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 2 oz. (57 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 3,150 ft/sec
(960 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 700 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: >15 hits
STRENGTHS
- Flat trajectory, long reach, and
excellent hitting power.
- Short, well-aimed burst can tear
a ghter apart.
- Can destroy surface targets such
as tanks or small ships.
WEAKNESSES
- Lacks destructive power of
larger cannon.
* * *
* * *
- 49 -
49
Subject: AUTOMATIC CANNON
Oerlikon MG FF 20 mm
(Ju 88C-6)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 4 oz. (115 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 1,970 ft/sec
(600 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 520 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 10–20
hits
STRENGTHS
- Heavy projectile means highly
destructive power.
- Numerous hits can do major
damage.
WEAKNESSES
- Slow rate of re.
- Low velocity.
- Projectile can explode on impact
instead of penetrating aircraft
structure, delivering less than
a knockout blow.
* * *
Hispano M2 20 mm
(P-38, P-55, Mosquito F.B. VI,
Typhoon, Tempest, Spitre IXc/IXe)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 4.5 oz. (130 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,750 ft/sec
(840 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 600 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 10–20
hits
STRENGTHS
- Fires a heavy quarter-pound
projectile; can inict major
damage.
- High velocity adds to destructive power.
WEAKNESSES
- Bulky ammo limits ammo loadout.
* * *
Mauser MG 151/20 20 mm
(Bf 109G-6, Fw 190A-5/A-8,
Do 335B-2)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 4 oz. (115 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,330 ft/sec
(710 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 740 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 10–20
hits
STRENGTHS
- High rate of re.
- A few hits can do major damage.
* * *
- 50 -
50
Subject: AUTOMATIC CANNON
Rheinmetall-Borsig Mk 103
30 mm
(Do 335, Go 229)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 11.6 oz.
(330 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,800 ft/sec
(860 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 420 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit on
ghter, 5 hits on medium bomber
STRENGTHS
- With heavy projectile and high
velocity, requires very few hits
to do the job.
WEAKNESSES
- Relatively low rate of re.
- Drooping trajectory makes this
a close-in weapon, which risks
exposure to defensive re.
* * *
Rheinmetall-Borsig Mk 108
30 mm
(Bf 109G-6/-10, Me 262A-1a/A-2a)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 11 oz. (312 g)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 1,650 ft/sec
(505 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 600 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit on
ghter, 5 hits on medium bomber
STRENGTHS
- Requires very few hits to do the
job.
WEAKNESSES
- Low velocity and drooping
trajectory--a drop of almost
100 feet in 1,000 yards--make
this a close-in weapon, which
risks exposure to defensive re.
* * *
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51
Subject: HEAVY CANNON
BK 5 50 mm
(Ju 88P-4, Me 262A-1a/U4)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 3.4 lb.
(1.54 kg)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 3,000 ft/sec
(920 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 50 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Incendiary and high-
explosive
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit
STRENGTHS
- Massive round delivered at high
velocity yields great destructive power.
WEAKNESSES
- Salvo re almost impossible
because of blinding muzzle ash.
* * *
Molins “6-pounder” 57 mm
(Mosquito F.B. XVIII)
GUN WEIGHT: 1,397 lb. (635 kg)
with autoloader and 21 rounds
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 6.98 lb.
(3.17 kg)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,920 ft/sec
(890 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 55 rpm
AMMO TYPES: Armor-piercing
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit
STRENGTHS
- Good rate of re for heavy gun
- Good accuracy
- Heavy AP round provides excellent penetration and destructive
power
WEAKNESSES
- Weight of gun reduces aircraft
performance
- Limited ammo supply
* * *
T13E1 75 mm
(B-25H)
GUN WEIGHT: 1,500 lb. (682
kg)PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 14.5 lb.
(6.60 kg)
MUZZLE VELOCITY: 2,360 ft/sec
(720 m/sec)
RATE OF FIRE: 10 rpm (manually
loaded)
AMMO TYPES: Armor-piercing
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit
STRENGTHS
- Heavy projectile makes hits
devastating
WEAKNESSES
- Manual loading makes for low
rate of re; few rounds can be
red per attack
- Poor accuracy
* * *
- 52 -
52
Subject: TORPEDOES
Mark 13 Torpedo
(U.S.)
WEIGHT: 2,216 lb. (1,005 kg)
OVERALL LENGTH: 13' 5" (4.089 m)
DIAMETER: 22.4 in. (56.9 cm)
EXPLOSIVE CHARGE: 600 lb. (262 kg)
Torpex
RANGE/SPEED: 6,300 yd.
(5,760 m)/33.5 knots
* * *
Mk XV Torpedo
(British)
WEIGHT: 1,801 lb. (817 kg)
OVERALL LENGTH: 17' 2.75"
(5.251 m)
DIAMETER: 17.7 in. (45 cm)
EXPLOSIVE CHARGE: 545 lb. (247 kg)
Torpex
RANGE/SPEED: 2,500 yd.
(2,290 m)/40 knots
* * *
LT F5b Aircraft Torpedo
(German)
(Specications vary depending on
warhead; these are average values)
WEIGHT: 1,685 lb. (765 kg)
OVERALL LENGTH: 15' 9" (4.8 m)
DIAMETER: 17.7 in. (45 cm)
EXPLOSIVE CHARGE: 475 lb. (215 kg)
Hexanite
RANGE/SPEED: 2,200 yd.
(2,012 m)/40 knots
* * *
- 53 -
53
Subject: ROCKETS
R4M 55-mm (2.26-inch)
air-to-air rocket
(German)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 8.8 lb. (4 kg)
MAXIMUM VELOCITY: 820 ft/sec
(250 m/sec)
RANGE: 1,640 yd. (1,500 m)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit for
ghters, 5 hits for medium bombers
STRENGTHS
- Small rocket provides destructive power equivalent to 30-mm
cannon against aircraft.
WEAKNESSES
- Poor accuracy necessitates salvo
re.
* * *
Panzerblitz II 55-mm
air-to-ground rocket
(2.16-inch shaped-charge
version of R4M)
(German)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 8.8 lb. (4 kg)
MAXIMUM VELOCITY: 820 ft/sec
(250 m/sec)
RANGE: 1,640 yd. (1,500 m)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit for
soft-skinned vehicles, >2 hits for
tanks
STRENGTHS
- Small rocket provides destructive power equivalent to 30-mm
cannon against armored vehicles.
WEAKNESSES
- Poor accuracy necessitates salvo
re.
* * *
“60-pounder” RP (rocket
projectile with 3-in. body
and 5-in. warhead)
(British)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 60 lb. (27 kg)
MAXIMUM VELOCITY: 1,575 ft/sec
(480m/sec)
RANGE: 875 yd. (800 m)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit
STRENGTHS
- Heavy, fast-moving projectile
and large explosive charge makes
for heavy destructive power.
WEAKNESSES
- Bulky launch rails degrade
aircraft performance.
* * *
- 54 -
54
Subject: ROCKETS
Panzerschreck 3.46-in.
(88-mm) antitank rocket
with launch tube
(German)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 7 lb. (3.2 kg)
MAXIMUM VELOCITY: 345 ft/sec
(105 m/s)
RANGE: 130 yd. (120 m)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit
STRENGTHS
- Can penetrate heavy armor.
WEAKNESSES
- Low velocity, limited range.
- Unguided rockets lack accuracy.
- Bulky rockets and launch
tubes degrade ghter speed and
stability.
* * *
M8 4.5-in. (11.4 cm)
antitank rocket with M10
triple-tube launcher
(U.S.)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 6.26 lb.
(2.8 kg)
MAXIMUM VELOCITY: 880 ft/sec
(268 m/sec)
RANGE: 1,200 yd. (1,100 m)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES: 1 hit
STRENGTHS
- Can penetrate heavy armor.
WEAKNESSES
- Low velocity, limited range.
- Unguided rockets lack accuracy.
- Bulky rockets and launch
tubes degrade ghter speed and
stability.
* * *
5-in. (12.7-cm) High-
Velocity Aircraft Rocket
(HVAR)
(U.S.)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: ≈ 50 lb.
(22.7 kg)
MAXIMUM VELOCITY: 1,050 ft/sec
(320 m/sec)
RANGE: 1,200 yd. (1,100 m)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES:
Detonation within 15 yd. for aircraft, 1 direct hit for tanks
STRENGTHS
- Effective against ground
targets; can destroy trucks,
tanks, small vessels, and structures.
WEAKNESSES
- Drooping trajectory makes
this an ineffective air-to-air
weapon.
* * *
- 55 -
55
WGr 21 8-in. (21-cm)
air-to-air rocket
(German)
PROJECTILE WEIGHT: 90 lb. (41 kg)
warhead
MAXIMUM VELOCITY: 1,200 ft/sec
(365 m/sec)
RANGE: 1,310 yd. (1,200 m)
HIGH LETHALITY REQUIRES:
Detonation within 30 yd. for aircraft, 1 direct hit for tanks
STRENGTHS
- 90-lb. warhead has devastating
explosive power.
- Can stop a heavy tank.
WEAKNESSES
- Bulky rockets and launch
tubes degrade ghter speed and
stability.
- Unguided rockets lack accuracy.
Subject: ROCKETS
* * *
- 56 -
56
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