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Hughes H-4 (or HK-1) Hercules aka "Spruce Goose"

Powerplant
8 x R-4360 Wasp Majors

Range
3,500 miles at 175-178 MPH with a payload of 130,000 lbs.

Note on Payload:
WITP only lets you load up a plane to 65,000 lbs due to game engine limitations. However there is another plane with a flight profile similar to the Spruce Goose, the R60-1 Constitution.

The R6O obtained the following performance at a cruise altitude of 1,500 feet:

40,000 lbs to 1,200 nm (Design Payload)
20,000 lbs to 2,200 nm (50% of Design Payload)

If we assume the SPRUCE GOOSE had the same performance gains/degradation as payload increased/decreased as the R6O, then flying at 65,000 lb cargo weight (50% of design); would give the Spruce Goose a range of about 6,400 miles (or 5,560 nautical miles).

---------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for HK-1
---------------------------------

Type: 08 Transport
Side: 01 Allied - 04 US Navy
Upgrade: 00

Bitmap: 479 (using my unified side mod)

Month: 3
Year: 46

(I assume two get built for long range evac of wounded straight from Japan to Australia or Hawaii with no stops. At 300 pounds per wounded; that's 200~ men you can move in one shot. On the way back to Japan, it can move time sensitive cargo like blood plasma etc).

Max Speed: 220
Cru Speed: 175
Endurance: 2194
Manouver: 2
Climb: 500
Max Alt: 12000
Armor: 1
End Month:0
End Year: 0
Max Load: 65000
Service Rating of 20-30
Crew: 2

Rng Max: 5600
Rng Ext: 5200
Rng Normal: 4850

Weapon 1-10 (Normal Range)
Weapon 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 08; Facing 00

It's important to keep a large grain of salt in mind with such things as the P-54A, P-55A, P-56, and P-67 Bat -- there was a very good reason why the USAAF kept them on the sidelines and never put in orders for beyond prototype phase.

For example, the P-67 Bat turned out to be a pretty decent airplane in handling characteristics; nothing special, but not viciously unstable either.

But what doomed it was the engines -- McDonnell promised 472 MPH at 25,000 ft; but in actual tests; it hit 405 MPH at 15,000 feet -- and it's engines only delivered 1,000~ hp per engine instead of the promised 1,300~ hp.

By the time the Bat was flying in mid-1944; the Republic XP-72 was also flying and had reached 490 MPH at 25,000 ft in tests -- so there was no reason to continue the XP-67 program, when the XP-72 was actually flying *faster* than the original specs for the Bat.

But I can see the Bat being around in alternate history scenarios; like for example, the Japanese manage to invade Hawaii or Australia (look I know those are pretty damn implausible, but bear with me).

There's a screaming need for long range fighters -- and while the Bat is a slowpoke; it does have a mighty 735 gallons of internal fuel (i think); giving it a range of 2,000+ miles. The only other US fighter with long range at the time is the P-38; and Lighting production was never that fast.

So I can see McDonnell being given a "hurry up" order to rush the XP-67 into production without the crazy engines that doomed it, but with Allisons - and with 5,000 employees, they can probably produce 70~ planes a month, enough to put out one fighter group a month.

Do you really mean a crfew of 18 for spruce goose? All the other allied heavy bombers or patrols are not greater than 2. Why would SG need 18 pilots per plane, or am I misinterpreting this?

What would your propsed availabilitiy date be for SG? If I recall correctly, it flew in 1947. Assuming the resources for it were doubled (at least)and Aluminum was allocated to to the effort, it still would have been a push to get it in by war's end. In any event, interesting plane specs.

it brings up another question. How does the game engine account for afternoon searches if the search duration due to range would be an entire days flight - or am I thinking too literally about the enginge mechanics...

ORIGINAL: topeverest

Do you really mean a crfew of 18 for spruce goose? All the other allied heavy bombers or patrols are not greater than 2. Why would SG need 18 pilots per plane, or am I misinterpreting this?

No need for more than 2 crew, since AE only tracks pilots.

ORIGINAL: topeverest
Do you really mean a crfew of 18 for spruce goose? All the other allied heavy bombers or patrols are not greater than 2. Why would SG need 18 pilots per plane, or am I misinterpreting this?

D'oh, you're right. Yeah, it should be two.

Boeing F8B-1 "Five in One"

Why would this appear in game?

Historically, the F8B (and TB2D Skypirate/TB2F) programs were started after the battle of Midway; because the USN realized that whoever launched first and thus attacked first in a carrier battle would have the edge. So they issued orders for a series of very, very long range VF and VT/VB aircraft.

By November 1944 the XF8B had made it's first flight; with the XTB2D flying in March 1945.

But by this point; the US Navy (and US Army Air Forces) were looking away from piston engined aircraft towards jets -- this is why the USAAF never bought the XP-72; despite it's blistering 490~ MPH speed.

So a point of divergence that lets the F8B and TB2D appear is a worse Midway -- the Japanese manage to escape with most of their carriers, while Yorktown is still sunk, and the other US carriers get some damage; so the USN really, really wants long range strike aircraft for their decks so they can ambush the Japanese first.

With a first flight date of November 1944, and according to My notes here, a good rule of thumb for lead time from first flight to production was 250 days for US fighters; so the F8B would enter production in July 1945 if they really, really, REALLY wanted it. But it entering service in the fall of 1945 is more reasonable.

Statistics:
--------------------------

Data taken from XF8B-1 ACP dated 1 August 1944, which is available at my website HERE - Warning it's a 4~ MB PDF!

Overall Length: 43'3"
Wingspan: 54'
Wing Area: 489 ft2

Armor:
Pilot (Forward): 12 lbs of armor plate
Pilot (Rear): 19 lbs of armor plate
Self Sealing Fuel Cells: 564 lbs

Empty Weight: 13,519 lbs
Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight: 21,938 lbs (with two torpedoes)
Wing Loading: 35.6 lb/ft2 to 44.6 lb/ft2

Guns:
6 x .50 Cal MGs (2,400 rds total)

Internal Bomb Bay Capacity:
1 x 2,000 lb bomb
2 x 1,600 lb bombs
2 x 1,000 lb bombs
4 x 500 lb bombs
1 x Droppable 270 gallon fuel tank

Wing Capacity:
2 x 2,000 lb bombs
2 x 1,600 lb bombs
2 x 1,000 lb bombs
2 x 500 lb bombs
2 x 150 gallon drop tanks
2 x Mk 13 Mod 3 Torpedoes (I think externally on wing)

Fighter (Clean)
384 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 400 MPH at 26,400 ft (411 MPH at 26,900 on military power)
Vmax 319 MPH at sea level (340 MPH at military power)
2,190 fpm climb rate (2800 fpm at military power)
34,500 ft service ceiling (35,300 at military power)
1,305 statute miles at 162 MPH Maximum Range
Combat radius of 170 nautical miles

LR Fighter (Bomb Bay Tank)
384 gallons of fuel (internal)
270 gallons of fuel (bomb bay Tank)
Vmax 396 MPH at 26,300 ft
Vmax 318 MPH at sea level
1,900 fpm climb rate
33,000 ft service ceiling
2,100 statute miles at 174 MPH Maximum Range
Combat radius of 515 nautical miles

VLR Fighter (Bomb Bay Tank + Wing Drop Tanks)
384 gallons of fuel (internal)
270 gallons of fuel (bomb bay Tank)
300 gallons of fuel (2 x 150 gal Drop tanks)
Vmax 375 MPH at 26,100 ft
Vmax 305 MPH at sea level
1,590 fpm climb rate
30,900 ft service ceiling
2,780 statute miles at 171 MPH Maximum Range
Combat radius of 850 nautical miles

Bomber (2 x 1000 lb bombs internally in bomb bay)
384 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 396 MPH at 26,300 ft
Vmax 318 MPH at sea level
1900 fpm climb rate
33,000 ft service ceiling
1,187 statute miles at 181 MPH Maximum Range
Combat radius of 215 nautical miles

LR Bomber (2 x 1000 lb bombs internally in bomb bay and one drop tank)
384 gallons of fuel (internal)
150 gallons of fuel (external 150 gal drop tank on one wing)
Vmax 385 MPH at 26,200 ft
Vmax 311 MPH at sea level
1,720 fpm climb rate
31,100 ft service ceiling
1,575 statute miles at 178 MPH Maximum Range
Combat radius of 395 nautical miles

Torpedo Bomber (2 x Mk13s at 2,200 lbs each)
384 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 351 MPH at 25,800 ft
Vmax 287 MPH at sea level
1,530 fpm climb rate
30,700 ft service ceiling
955 statute miles at 173 MPH Maximum Range
Combat radius of 175 nautical miles

---------------------------------------------------------------

Game Statistics

Month: 9 or 10
Year: 45

Max Speed: 410 (clean condition all drop tanks dropped at military power)

Cru Speed: 170 (average cruising speed)

Endurance:

Manouver: 16 (this thing is BIG; use same rating as Tigercat?)
---Low (<10K): 16 (same rating as tigercat for now?)
---Medium (10-15k): 16 (same rating as tigercat for now?)
---M-High (16-20k): 16 (same rating as tigercat for now?)
---High (21-30K): 15 (same rating as tigercat for now?)
---V-High (31+K): 12 (same rating as tigercat for now?)

Climb: 2,190

Max Alt: 35,300

Durability: ??

Armor: 1 (while it only has 31~ lbs of pilot armor and no oil system armor; compared to the F6F-3's 165 lbs of pilot armor and 35 lbs for the oil system...it has a quite a lot of self sealing fuel tank armor.)

End Month: ??

End Year: ??

Max Load: ??

Build Rate: 70? (Boeing is going to be making B-29s or B-50s as well).

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 10-20 Days?

Crew: 1

Flags:
Carrier Capable

Loadout:

I've had a lot of trouble working out the F8B loadouts/ranges and I think the best way to do it is to make it a pure fighter for the extended range missions -- so that it can fulfill it's design mission of escorting TB2D Skypirates to 650 nm and back.

Rng Max: 1300
Rng Ext: 520 (combat radius of 260 nm)
Rng Normal: 430 (combat radius of 215 nm)

Rng Max DT: 2000
Rng Ext DT: 1700 (combat radius of 850 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 850 (combat radius of 425 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 06; Facing 00
Wpn 2: 204 (1000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 11 (Internal)
Wpn 9: 1954 (150 Gal Drop Tanks); Num 02; Facing 12 (External)
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 01; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 06; Facing 00
Wpn 18: (270 gallon internal tank); Num 01; Facing 11 (Internal)
Wpn 19: 1954 (150 Gal Drop Tanks); Num 02; Facing 12 (External)

---------------

ALTERNATE LOADOUT:

Alternate Loadout/Range:

Rng Max: 1300
Rng Ext: 520 (combat radius of 260 nm)
Rng Normal: 430 (combat radius of 215 nm)

Rng Max DT: 2780
Rng Ext DT: 1956 (combat radius of 978 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 1630 (combat radius of 815 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 06; Facing 00
Wpn 2: 204 (1000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 11 (Internal)
Wpn 8: 1969 (137 Gal Drop Tanks); Num 02; Facing 11 (Internal)
Wpn 9: 1954 (150 Gal Drop Tanks); Num 02; Facing 12 (External)
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 01; Facing 00

(with DT's swap out the 1,000 lb bomb in internal bomb bay for two 137 gal DTs that equal the big droppable BB tank)

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 06; Facing 00
Wpn 12: 204 (1000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 11 (Internal)
Wpn 18: 1969 (137 Gal Drop Tanks); Num 02; Facing 11 (Internal)
Wpn 19: 1954 (150 Gal Drop Tanks); Num 02; Facing 12 (External)

(with DT's swap out the 1,000 lb bomb in internal bomb bay for two 137 gal DTs that equal the big droppable BB tank)

Douglas TB2D "Skypirate"

Why would this appear in game?

Historically, the F8B (and TB2D Skypirate/TB2F) programs were started after the battle of Midway; because the USN realized that whoever launched first and thus attacked first in a carrier battle would have the edge. So they issued orders for a series of very, very long range VF and VT/VB aircraft.

By March 1945, the XTB2D had made it's first flight, with the XF8B flying earlier in November 1944.

But by this point; the US Navy (and US Army Air Forces) were looking away from piston engined aircraft towards jets -- this is why the USAAF never bought the XP-72; despite it's blistering 490~ MPH speed.

So a point of divergence that lets the F8B and TB2D appear is a worse Midway -- the Japanese manage to escape with most of their carriers, while Yorktown is still sunk, and the other US carriers get some damage; so the USN really, really wants long range strike aircraft for their decks so they can ambush the Japanese first.

With a first flight date of March 1945, and according to My notes here, a good rule of thumb for lead time from first flight to production was 250 days for US fighters; the TB2D would enter production in November 1945 if they really, really, REALLY wanted it; making a December 1945 IOC reasonable.

Statistics:
--------------------------

Data taken from XTB2D-1 ACP dated 1 February 1944, which is available at my website HERE - Warning it's a 4 or so~ MB PDF!

Overall Length: 46'
Wingspan: 70'
Wing Area: 605 ft2

Armor:
Pilot: 226 lbs of armor plate
Turret Gunner: 120 lbs of armor plate
Tunnel Gunner: 200 lbs of armor plate
Self Sealing Fuel Cells: 963 lbs

Empty Weight: 18,405 lbs
Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight: 34,760 lbs (4 x Torpedoes!!)
Wing Loading: 39.8 lb/ft2 to 57.3 lb/ft2

Guns:
4 x .50 Cal MGs (800 rds) - Wing
2 x .50 Cal MGs (800 rds) - Top Rear Turret
1 x .50 cal MG (400 rds) - Tunnel Gun

Wing Capacity:
2 x 4,000 lb bombs
4 x 2,000 lb bombs
4 x 1,000 lb bombs
4 x 500 lb bombs
4 x 650 lb depth bombs
4 x 325 lb depth bombs
4 x Mk 13 Mod 2 Torpedoes
2 x Mk 12-1 Mines
2 x Mk 13 Mines
2 x 300 gallon drop tanks (outboard bomb rack)

With Drop Tanks, 4,000 lb bombs cannot be carried.

----

Heavy Torpedo Bomber (4 x Mk13s at 2,200 lbs each!!!)
34,760 lb GTOW
774 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 234 MPH at 15,900 ft
Vmax 214 MPH at sea level
610 fpm climb rate
19,000 ft service ceiling
1,260 nm at 146 kts maximum range
Combat radius of 355 nautical miles

Medium Torpedo Bomber (2 x Mk13s at 2,200 lbs each)
28,545 lb GTOW
501 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 264 MPH at 16,200 ft (271 MPH at 15,300 at mil pwr)
Vmax 237 MPH at sea level (254 MPH at mil pwr)
1,020 fpm climb rate (1,390 fpm at mil pwr)
24,100 ft service ceiling (24,500 ft at mil pwr)
1,085 nm at 141 kts maximum range
Combat radius of 215 nautical miles

Long Range Medium Torpedo Bomber (2 x Mk13s at 2,200 lbs each and one Drop Tank)
32,450 lb GTOW
774 gallons of fuel (internal)
300 gallons of fuel (one drop tank)
Vmax 242 MPH at 16,000 ft
Vmax 220 MPH at sea level
750 fpm climb rate
21,000 ft service ceiling
1,960 nm at 139 kts maximum range
Combat radius of 650 nautical miles

Light Torpedo Bomber (1 x Mk13s at 2,200 lb)
28,060 lb GTOW
774 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 274 MPH at 16,400 ft
Vmax 245 MPH at sea level
1060 fpm climb rate
24,600 ft service ceiling
1,830 nm at 143 kts maximum range
Combat radius of 460 nautical miles

Level/Dive Bomber (4 x 1,000 lb bombs)
30,275 lb GTOW
774 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 255 MPH at 16,100 ft
Vmax 230 MPH at sea level
900 fpm climb rate
22,700 ft service ceiling
1,565 nm at 141 kts maximum range
Combat radius of 435 nautical miles

Scout
25,830 lb GTOW
774 gallons of fuel (internal)
Vmax 287 MPH at 16,600 ft
Vmax 254 MPH at sea level
1,250 fpm climb rate
26,300 ft service ceiling
2050 nm at 143 kts maximum range
Combat radius of 620 nautical miles

Long Range Scout
27,985 lb GTOW
774 gallons of fuel (internal)
300 gallons of fuel (one drop tank)
Vmax 267 MPH at 16,300 ft
Vmax 238 MPH at sea level
1,060 fpm climb rate
24,600 ft service ceiling
2500 nm at 141 kts maximum range
Combat radius of 775 nautical miles

---------------------------------------------------------------

Game Statistics

Month: 12
Year: 45

Max Speed: 330
Cru Speed: 168

Endurance:

Manouver: 13
---Low (<10K):
---Medium (10-15k):
---M-High (16-20k):
---High (21-30K):
---V-High (31+K):

Climb: 900ish

Max Alt: 21,000

Durability: ??

Armor: 1

End Month: ??

End Year: ??

Max Load: ??

Build Rate: ? What was Douglas' factory looking like in 1945?

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 10-20 Days?

Crew: 1

Flags:
Carrier Capable

Loadout:

Rng Max: 2050
Rng Ext: 870 (combat radius of 435 nm)
Rng Normal: 710 (combat radius of 355 nm)

Rng Max DT: 2980
Rng Ext DT: 1640 (combat radius of 820 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 1420 (combat radius of 710 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 04; Facing 00
Wpn 2: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 3: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 01; Facing 06
Wpn 4: 1861 (AN/APS-4 Radar); Num 01; Facing 00
Wpn 5: 205 (2000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 6: 205 (2000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 9: 1959 (300 gallon. DT); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 01; Facing 00

(On DT missions; they swap out the two outboard 2000 lb bombs for DTs)

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 04; Facing 00
Wpn 12: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 13: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 01; Facing 06
Wpn 14: 1861 (AN/APS-4 Radar); Num 01; Facing 00
Wpn 15: 204 (1000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 16: 204 (1000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 19: 1959 (300 gallon. DT); Num 02; Facing 12

(On DT missions; they swap out the two outboard 1000 lb bombs for DTs)

Note: Due to engine limitations, I have chosen to emphasize the extreme range of both the F8B and TB2D rather than their load carry capability; and also due to engine limitations regarding automatic hard coded torpedo= 2 x 500 lb bomb swaps; we can't accurately represent the four torpedo spam of TB2D.

WOW...like these for a mod I made of the war that runs long. I'll kick the tires on these!

Do you reccomend sub typing these 2 airframe types, or choosing a middle ground single type? Also, Dont know how the combat routine will handle a planes with multiple DB or TBD capabilities. Is there a single attack with greater chance of hit, or multiple attacks? Will this bork the game?

P-82C/D Twin Mustang:

(Note: P-82C uses SCR-270; P-82D uses APS-4)

Type: 00 Fighter
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade:??

Bitmap: 125 (if using Shep's unified aircraft mod)
Month: 12
Year: 45

Max Speed: 460
Cru Speed: 225

Endurance: 685

Manouver: 15 (P-82B has 16; gotta remember huge draggy pod)
---Low (<10K): 15
---Medium (10-15k): 15
---M-High (16-20k): 15
---High (21-30K): 14
---V-High (31+K): 12

Climb: 2700

Max Alt: 38,500

Durability: 42

Armor: 1

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 2000 (due to central pylons being consumed by radar pod)

Build Rate: 38 (Half that of P-82B).

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 10-20 Days

Crew: 1

Flags:

Rng Max: 950
Rng Ext: 750 (combat radius of 375 nm)
Rng Normal: 600 (combat radius of 300 nm)

Rng Max DT: 1800
Rng Ext DT: 1400 (combat radius of 700 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 1100 (combat radius of 550 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 06; Facing 08
Wpn 2: 1866/1861 (SCR-270 or APS-4 Radar); Num 01, Facing 00
Wpn 3: 204 (1000 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 9: 1956 (165 gallon. DT); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 02; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 06; Facing 08
Wpn 12: 1866/1861 (SCR-270 or APS-4 Radar); Num 01, Facing 00
Wpn 13: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 19: 1956 (165 gallon. DT); Num 02; Facing 12

Great Work!
Whenever possible, could you do G5N/G8N/G10N for Japan. Thank you. [&o]

PBB Sea Ranger

57 aircraft were ordered by the USN on 29 June 1940.

Construction of a huge factory in Renton, WA was begun by the USN to build this monster plane.

The PBB was cancelled in 1942 due to two reasons:

1.) Land-based B-24s could meet most/if not all of the range/payload requirements.

and most importantly:

2.) The R-3350 that the PBB were to use were in heavy demand by the B-29 program; and cancellation of the PBB would increase the supply of R-3350s to the B-29 program, as well as open up the Renton factory to B-29 production.

This plane is most likely to appear in a universe/alternate timeline in which the USAAF cannot convince G.C. Marshall of the BURNING NEED for the B-29; freeing up the Renton plant for the PBB, and R-3350 production for projects like this.

POWERPLANT:

2 x R-3350 Wright Cyclones
2,490 Gallons of Fuel in Protected Tanks
3,400 Gallons of Fuel in Unprotected Tanks
5,890 Gallons of Fuel Total (without JATO Assist)

DEFENSIVE ARMAMENT:

Nose Turret (2 x .50 cal MG)
Tail Turret (2 x .50 cal MG)
Upper Turret (2 x .50 cal MG)
1 x Left Waist .50 Cal MG
1 x Right Waist .50 Cal MG

Total of 3,200 rounds carried for MGs.

OFFENSIVE ARMAMENT:

Each wing contained five internal bomb bays and each accomodate one bomb in each bay up to 1,000 lb size, for a total of ten bombs that could be carried internally.

Total offensive armament could be up to:

20 x 1,000 lb Bombs
20 x 500 lb bombs
20 x 100 lb bombs
20 x 325 lb DC
20 x 650 lb DC
2 x Mk 15 or Mk 13-2 Torpedoes (Externally)

PERFORMANCE:

Data From 5/1/1943 BuAero Performance Data Sheet:

Patrol (2 x 500 lb) at 62,000 lb gross weight

2,171 Gallons of Fuel
214 MPH @ Sea Level
228 MPH @ 14,200 ft (VMAX)
980 fpm climb
22,400 ft service ceiling
2,670 miles at 127 MPH Cruise

Patrol (2 x 500 lb) at 75,000 lb gross weight

4,197 Gallons of Fuel
206 MPH @ Sea Level
219 MPH @ 13,800 ft (VMAX)
620 fpm climb
18,300 ft service ceiling
4,720 miles at 133 MPH Cruise

Bomber (10 x 500 lb) at 75,000 lb gross weight

2,786 Gallons of Fuel
206 MPH @ Sea Level
219 MPH @ 13,800 ft (VMAX)
620 fpm climb
18,300 ft service ceiling
3,210 miles at 132 MPH Cruise

ASW Patrol (10 x 325 lb DC) at 75,000 lb gross weight

3,843 Gallons of Fuel
206 MPH @ Sea Level
219 MPH @ 13,800 ft (VMAX)
620 fpm climb
18,300 ft service ceiling
4,200 miles at 135 MPH Cruise

Torpedo Bomber (2 x Mk13-2 TT) at 75,000 lb gross weight

3,672 Gallons of Fuel
201 MPH @ Sea Level
212 MPH @ 13,800 ft (VMAX)
610 fpm climb
18,000 ft service ceiling
3,850 miles at 133 MPH Cruise


----------------------------------------------

WITP AE Statistics:

Type: 09 Patrol
Side: 01 Allied; 04 - US Navy
Upgrade:??

Bitmap: xx
Month: ??
Year: ??

Max Speed: 210
Cru Speed: 130

Endurance: ??

Manouver: 6

Climb: 700

Max Alt: 20,000

Durability: 65

Armor: 1

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 20000? Or mayber just 10000

Build Rate: 20-40 (Renton apparently built 160 B-29s a Month at their maximum) Could adjust it downward to 12 if this breaks the game.

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 15-25 Days

Crew: 2

Flags:
Amphibian

Rng Max: 4100
Rng Ext: 3000 (combat radius of 1500 nm)
Rng Normal: 2400 (combat radius of 1200 nm)

Rng Max DT: 0
Rng Ext DT: 0
Rng Normal DT: 0

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 01: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 02: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 01
Wpn 03: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 04: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 05: 1856 (ASB Radar???); Num 01; Facing 00
Wpn 06: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 10; Facing 11
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 02; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 12: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 01
Wpn 13: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 14: 161 (Browning 50 MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 15: 1856 (ASB Radar???); Num 01; Facing 00
Wpn 16: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 5; Facing 11

EDIT: recalcualted range, as I made a booboo in range/radius.

P-76 "Super" Airacobra and P-63 Kingcobra

The P-76 was the production version of the XP-39E; which was basically an early version of the Kingcobra. It had a new square tipped laminar flow wing and had the Allison V-1710-47 with a two stage supercharger.

On 24 February 1942, four thousand (!) were ordered to be built at Bell's new facility at Marietta Georgia.

However just a few months later on 20 May 1942, the order was cancelled to free up Bell-Atlanta and it's engineers for B-29 production.

A significant amount of R&D done for this ended up in the P-63 Kingcobra program however; so it's very much possible that the P-79C is identical to the P-63A; the P-79D is equal to the P-63C; and the P-79F is equal to the P-63E.

Likely to appear in Alt-history scenarios where B-29 production is curtailed severely, opening up Bell-Atlanta for Airacobra production.

---------
DEVICES
----------

There were some special automatic cannons that flew in the P-39/P-63 series:

Later in the P-63 series, the 37mm M10 Automatic Cannon was introduced, which could fire 160 RPM (compared to the M4's 140 RPM); but fired the same ammunition. The main difference was that while the M4 could only fit 30 rounds in it's ammunition hopper, the M10 switched to a distengrating belt, allowing 58 rounds to be loaded. But the game really does not model ammunition capacity of aircraft; so the M-10 is only really possible as "fluff" as a clone of the present M4 device.

But...later the 37mm M9 Automatic Cannon came along. It fired the same cartridge as the 37mm anti-tank gun (37x223SR), which enabled a 608 gram HE shell to be fired at 850 m/sec (compared to 476 grams at 640 m/sec for the M4/M10) at 140 RPM.

Even more importantly, in tests at a distance of 460 meters, the M9 could penetrate 60mm of armor plate; compared to just 20mm for the M4.

It was flown on a single P-63D, but could have been an option for future Kingcobra production.

So I propose this device:

Name: 37mm M9 Cannon
Type: 00 - Aircraft Cannon
Upgrade: (same)
Side: 01 - Allied
Available: 4112
Can Build: 00 - No
Build Rate: 0
Pool: 0
Range: 5 (kiloyds)
Acc: 8
Pen: 8 (mm)
Effect: 4
Anti-Armor: 80
Anti-Soft: 6
Load Cost: 200

Perhaps someone can quibble over the rating of that.

Not too sure on my ratings for it.

---------------------------------

XP-39E Stats

ARMAMENT:
1 x 37mm M4 (30 RPG)
2 x .50 Cal (Nose, 300 rpg)
4 x .50 Cal (Wings, 300 rpg)

Performance:
386 MPH at 21,680 (VMAX)
205 MPH Cruising speed
20,000 feet in 9.3 minutes
35,200 ft service ceiling
500 miles on 50 gallons of internal fuel
800 miles on 150 gallons of total fuel

I do think that sanity would soon return and the internal fuel increased back to a range between 80-100 gallons; increasing range to 600-700 miles and extended range to 900-1,000 miles for the production P-76s.

The above stats may not sound uh, impressive. But when you consider that the P-39Q had a top speed of 385 MPH at....11,000 feet; this is a whole new beast. It's capable of fighting up high in thin air. It's pretty much the restoration of the XP-39A's performance of 390 MPH at 20,000 feet, and in a production run larger (4,000 vs 3,300) than the P-63.

P-63A Stats

Ordered 29 September 1942. Production began October 1943.

408 MPH at 24,450
378 MPH cruise
43,000 ft service ceiling
25,000 ft in 7.3 minutes
390 miles on internal fuel at 378 MPH.
450 miles with 500 lbs of bombs
2,575 miles in ferry mode with special 175 gallon DT
100 gallons of internal fuel
6375 lb empty weight, 8,800 lb GTOW, 10,500 lb max

1 x 37mm M4 (30 rpg in P-63A-1)
or
1 x 37mm M10 (58 rpg in P-63A-9)
2 x .50 MG (Nose with 270 rpg)
2 x .50 MG (Wing with 250 rpg)
500 lb bomb or 75 gallon drop tank on centerline hardpoint (P-63A-1)

P-63A-6+ had two more hardpoints added on the outboard wings to carry two more 75 gal drop tanks OR two more 500 lb bombs. Rocket rails added in P-63A-10.

P-63C Stats

410 MPH at 25,000
356 MPH cruise
38,600 ft service ceiling
25,000 ft in 8.6 minutes
xx miles on internal fuel at 356 MPH.
320 miles with 500 lbs of bombs
2100 miles in ferry mode
107 gallons of internal fuel
6800 lb empty weight, 8,800 lb GTOW, Max 10,700 lb

1 x 37mm M10 (58 rpg)
2 x .50 MG (Nose with 270 rpg)
2 x .50 MG (Wing with 250 rpg)
Centerline Hardpoint: 500 lb bomb or 75 gal DT
Two Outer Wing Hardpoints: 500 lb bomb or 75 Gal DT on each.
Rocket Rails for HVAR.

P-63E Stats (2,930 for lend lease were cancelled after only 10 built)

410 MPH at 25,000
188 MPH cruise
39,000 ft service ceiling
28,000 ft in 7.6 minutes
725 miles on internal fuel
950 miles with 500 lbs of bombs and possibly DTs?
2150 miles in ferry mode
7300 lb empty weight, 9,400 lb GTOW, Max 11,200 lb

1 x 37mm M10 (58 rpg)
2 x .50 MG (Nose with 270 rpg)
2 x .50 MG (Wing with 250 rpg)
Centerline Hardpoint: 500 lb bomb or 75 gal DT
Two Outer Wing Hardpoints: 500 lb bomb or 75 Gal DT on each.
Rocket Rails for HVAR.

-------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for P-76A (XP-39E)
-------------------------------

Type: 00 Fighter
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade: to P-76C

Bitmap: 338 (with forthcoming Shep Unified Art Mod v3)
Month: 3
Year: 43

Max Speed: 386
Cru Speed: 205

Endurance: 234

Manouver: 19
---Low (<10K): 19
---Medium (10-15k): 19
---M-High (16-20k): 19
---High (21-30K): 17
---V-High (31+K): 14

Climb: 2800

Max Alt: 35,200

Durability: 32

Armor: 1

End Month: 10
End Year: 43

Max Load: 500

Build Rate: 40

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 5-15 Days

Crew: 1

Flags:

Rng Max: 430
Rng Ext: 340 (combat radius of 170 nm)
Rng Normal: 270 (combat radius of 135 nm)

Rng Max DT: 795
Rng Ext DT: 450 (combat radius of 225 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 360 (combat radius of 180 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 173 (30mm M4); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 2: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 4: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 9: 1951 (75 Gal DT); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 01; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 173 (30mm M4); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 12: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 13: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 14: 202 (250 lb GP Bomb); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 19: 1951 (75 Gal DT); Num 01; Facing 08

-------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for P-76C (P-63A)
-------------------------------

Type: 00 Fighter
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade: to P-76D

Bitmap: 338 (with forthcoming Shep Unified Art Mod v3)
Month: 10
Year: 43

Max Speed: 408
Cru Speed: 378

Endurance: 400

Manouver: 19
---Low (<10K): 19
---Medium (10-15k): 19
---M-High (16-20k): 19
---High (21-30K): 17
---V-High (31+K): 14

Climb: 2900

Max Alt: 43,000

Durability: 32

Armor: 1

End Month: 12
End Year: 44

Max Load: 500

Build Rate: 40

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 5-15 Days

Crew: 1

Flags:

Rng Max: 500
Rng Ext: 475 (combat radius of 238 nm)
Rng Normal: 380 (combat radius of 190 nm)

Rng Max DT: 2500
Rng Ext DT: 625 (combat radius of 312 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 500 (combat radius of 250 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 173 (30mm M4); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 2: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 4: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 9: 1951 (75 Gal DT); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 01; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 173 (30mm M4); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 12: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 13: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 14: 202 (250 lb GP Bomb); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 19: 1951 (75 Gal DT); Num 01; Facing 08

-------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for P-76D (P-63C)
-------------------------------

Type: 00 Fighter
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade: to NONE

Bitmap: 338 (with forthcoming Shep Unified Art Mod v3)

Month: 12
Year: 44

Max Speed: 410
Cru Speed: 356

Endurance: 353

Manouver: 19
---Low (<10K): 19
---Medium (10-15k): 19
---M-High (16-20k): 19
---High (21-30K): 17
---V-High (31+K): 14

Climb: 2900

Max Alt: 38,600

Durability: 34 (more armor)

Armor: 1

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 1500

Build Rate: 40

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 5-15 Days

Crew: 1

Flags:

Rng Max: 500
Rng Ext: 450 (combat radius of 225 nm)
Rng Normal: 360 (combat radius of 130 nm)

Rng Max DT: 2100
Rng Ext DT: 560 (combat radius of 280 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 450 (combat radius of 225 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: xx (30mm M10); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 2: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 4: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 9: 1951 (75 Gal DT); Num 01; Facing 12
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 01; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 1: xx (30mm M10); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 2: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 4: 202 (250 lb GP Bomb); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 9: 1951 (75 Gal DT); Num 01; Facing 12

A-38 Grizzly

The Beech A-38 Grizzly began life as the Beech Model 28 two seat fighter for bomber interception armed with a 75mm gun.

However, due to the existence of the XP-71 program filling the same role, it was reordered as the XA-38 on 23 September 1942.

First flight was on 7 May 1944; and the XA-38 displayed excellent flying qualities. But production was not proceeded with due to R-3350 production being swallowed up by the B-29 program.

XA-38 Stats

ARMAMENT:
1 x 75mm Cannon (Nose, autoloading 20 RPG)
2 x .50 Cal (Nose)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Dorsal Remote Control Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Ventral Remote Controlled Turret)

POWERPLANT:
2 x R-3350-53s
825 to 1,425 gallons of fuel

Performance:
376 MPH at 4,800 ft
344 MPH Cruising speed
Climb to 10,000 ft in 5 minites
27,800 ft service ceiling
1,070 miles with 2,000 lbs of bombs
1,960 miles in ferry mode

-------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for A-38 Grizzly
-------------------------------

Type: 04 Level Bomber
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade: to NONE (might want to have some smaller planes like the A-29 Hudson etc upgrade to it?)

Bitmap: 238 (with Shep Unified Art Mod v2)

Month: 2
Year: 45

Max Speed: 376
Cru Speed: 344

Endurance: 340

Manouver: 12

Climb: 1250

Max Alt: 27,800

Durability: 40

Armor: 1

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 2000

Build Rate: 40 (?)

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 5-15 Days

Crew: 1

Flags:
Attack Bomber

Rng Max: 1700
Rng Ext: 940 (combat radius of 470 nm)
Rng Normal: 750 (combat radius of 375 nm)

Rng Max DT:
Rng Ext DT:
Rng Normal DT:

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 2: 1907 (75mm T13E1 Cannon); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 4: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 5: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 04; Facing 12
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 02; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 12: 1907 (75mm T13E1 Cannon); Num 01; Facing 08
Wpn 13: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 14: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 15: 202 (250 lb GP Bomb); Num 04; Facing 12

R6O/R6V Constitution

The R6O began as a joint study by the USN, PanAm and Lockheed for something to be better than the Navy's currenty fleet of large flying boats.

50 Aircraft were ordered for a price of $111.2 million dollars. But on V-J Day, it was scaled back to just two planes for $27 million.

Powerplant
4 x R-4360 Wasp Majors

Data from 1 April 1949 Standard Aircraft Characteristics:

Cargo - Transport
184,000 lb GTOW
20,000 lb payload
37,421 lbs of fuel
Vmax 258 knots at 23,700 ft
710 fpm climb rate
27,200 ft service ceiling
2,030 nm at 148 kts range

Cargo - Passengers
184,000 lb GTOW
35,280 lb payload (168 Passengers)
22,955 lbs of fuel
Vmax 258 knots at 23,700 ft
710 fpm climb rate
27,200 ft service ceiling
1,170 nm at 148 kts range

---------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for R6O
---------------------------------

Type: 08 Transport
Side: 01 Allied - 04 US Navy
Upgrade: 00

Bitmap: 481 (using my unified side mod)

Month: 10
Year: 45

Max Speed: 296
Cru Speed: 170
Endurance: 1060
Manouver: 6
Climb: 710
Max Alt: 27200
Durability: 60
Armor: 0
End Month:0
End Year: 0

Max Load: x (See Below)

Service Rating of 15-25 Days

Crew: 2

-------------------------

<With 20,000 lb max payload - Design Capability>

Rng Max: 3000
Rng Ext: 2030
Rng Normal: 1620

-------------------

<With 16,500 lb max payload -- C-54 level capability>

Rng Max: 3000
Rng Ext: 2500
Rng Normal: 2000

-------------------

Weapon 1-10 (Normal Range)
Weapon 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 04; Facing 00

B-24N Liberator

The single tailed B-24 began with the XB-24K, a modified B-24D that first flew on 9 September 1943. The improvements in handling qualities and the field of fire for the tail guns were so great that on 26 April 1944, Eglin recommended that all B-24s from that point on be ordered with single tails.

A XB-24N-FO was delivered in November 1944; and seven YB-24Ns were delivered during May-June 1945.

V-J Day put an end to orders for 5,168 further B-24N-FO production models.

XB-24N Stats

ARMAMENT:
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Nose Ball Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Dorsal Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Ball Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (L/R Waist Guns)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Tail Guns)

POWERPLANT:
4 x R-1830-75s

Performance:
294 MPH at 30,000 ft VMAX
213 MPH Cruising speed
Climb to 20,000 ft in 29 minutes
28,000 ft service ceiling
2,000 miles with 5,000 lbs of bombs
3,500 miles in ferry mode

-------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for B-24N Liberator
-------------------------------

Type: 04 Level Bomber
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade: to NONE (obviously, B-24s would upgrade to this)

Bitmap: 294 (with Shep Unified Art Mod v2)

Month: 9
Year: 45

Max Speed: 294
Cru Speed: 213

Endurance: 985

Manouver: 9 (Compared to 7 for stock B-24 model -- might be a bit high, maybe only 8?)

Climb: 800

Max Alt: 28,000

Durability: 64 (improvement over 61 for B-24J, due to the much easier handling characteristics provided by single tail)

Armor: 1

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 8000

Build Rate: 38

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 15-25 Days

Crew: 2

Flags:
Heavy Bomber

Rng Max: 2300
Rng Ext: 1475 (combat radius of 738~ nm)
Rng Normal: 1180 (combat radius of 590 nm)

Rng Max DT:
Rng Ext DT:
Rng Normal DT:

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 2: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 01
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 4: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 5: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 6: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 10; Facing 11
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 04; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 00
Wpn 12: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 01
Wpn 13: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 14: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 15: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 16: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 05; Facing 11

B-39 Superfortress

Developed as an alternative to ensure that the Boeing "VLR" would get into active service even if the first engines of choice, the Wright R-3550s failed to meet design goals.

Used large inline liquid cooled X-24 double vee engines from Allison. Actually would have flew faster, higher, and further than the radial-engined B-29 (more on this later).

Delayed massively due to the company which carried the conversion out; Fisher Body Aircraft -- being ordered to focus on the P-75A Eagle in early 1944. The P-75A also used the same engine as the B-39.

Once the P-75A was cancelled by October 1944; the damage to the B-39 program had been done; and by this time the B-29 was in combat service and slowly working through it's teething problems so there was no need anymore for the B-39.

B-39 Superfortress Stats

The date below is from a 1 October 1943 Data Sheet on the XB-39 I have. This is for the plane with turbosuperchargers installed.

Due to a shortage of turbosuperchargers, the XB-39 had to make it's test flights with NO turbosuperchargers at all, leading to abmysal range -- 2,840 miles with only 4,000 lbs -- this is what gets quoted in books.

ARMAMENT:
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Upper Fwd Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Dorsal Fwd Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Upper Rear Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Dorsal Rear Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs and 1 x 10mm (Tail Turret)

POWERPLANT:
4 x V-3420-11 Inlines; 2,600 hp takeoff, 2,600 hp at 40,000 ft

Performance:
388 MPH at 25,000 ft VMAX (vs 360~ for B-29)
250 MPH Cruising speed (vs 220~ for B-29)
1610 ft/min climb at military power
39,000 ft service ceiling
4,800 miles with 2,000 lbs of bombs at 110,300 lb GTOW
3,100 miles with 20,000 lbs of bombs at 120,000 lb GTOW
5,700 miles in ferry mode

-------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for B-39 Superfortress
-------------------------------

Type: 04 Level Bomber
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade: to NONE

Bitmap: 368 (with Shep Unified Art Mod v2)

Month: 4
Year: 44

Max Speed: 388
Cru Speed: 250

Endurance: 1368

Manouver: 2

Climb: 1200

Max Alt: 39,000

Durability: 70

Armor: 1

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 20,000

Build Rate: 18

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 20-30 Days

Crew: 2

Flags:
Heavy Bomber

Rng Max: 4950
Rng Ext: 3275 (combat radius of 1638~ nm)
Rng Normal: 2620 (combat radius of 1310 nm) (B-29 has a range of only 2230)

Rng Max DT:
Rng Ext DT:
Rng Normal DT:

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 2: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 4: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 5: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 6: 168 (20mm Hispano); Num 01; Facing 02
Wpn 7: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 20; Facing 11
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 04; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 12: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 13: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 14: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 04
Wpn 15: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 16: 168 (20mm Hispano); Num 01; Facing 02
Wpn 17: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 10; Facing 11

B-42 Mixmaster


Artwork from Douglas Promotional Brochure found at the National Archives II

The XB-42 resulted from a company-funded study by Douglas to design a twin engined bomber that could fly at 400+ MPH and carry 2,000 lbs of bombs to any target within a 2,000 mile radius.

An unsolicted proposal was delivered to the USAAF in May 1943; and it interested the USAAF enough to get a contract for two of them issued on 25 June 1943 as the XA-42.

Shortly afterwards, the USAAF seeing the possibilities of the XA-42 in matching the B-29's range at a fraction of the cost re-designated it the XB-42 on 26 November 1943.

First flight of the XB-42 was on 6 May 1944. Speed was within 1% of predicted, range and rate of climb were better than projected.

Despite outstanding performance from both prototypes; by the winter of 1944/45 the coming end of the war in sight had the USAAF decide against production of the B-42, in favor of more advanced jet bombers soon to be coming down the pike.

What made the B-42 unique, besides it's unusual buried engine layout for minimal drag, was that it was a bomber which could use drop tanks!

A pair of 300 gallon drop tanks could be put on the wings; extending range significantly by doubling the fuel capacity of the aircraft.

I was able to find a Brochure that was assembled by Douglas in 1944 for the B-42 in the US National Archives; and it is a very fun look back; and has much information that was not easily findable; like the drop tanks.

Also; it's proof that the Military-Industrial-Complex must be able to SELL it's products through advertising aimed at it's target audience.







B-42 Statistics

POWERPLANT:
2 x V-1710-103s

ARMAMENT -- GLASS-NOSE BOMBER
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Nose)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Port Wing Rearward Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Starboard Wing Rearward Turret)

ARMAMENT -- SOLID-NOSE ATTACKER #1
1 x 75mm Cannon (Nose, 20 rpg)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Nose)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Port Wing Rearward Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Starboard Wing Rearward Turret)

ARMAMENT -- SOLID-NOSE ATTACKER #2
2 x 37mm High Velocity Cannon (Nose, 75 rpg)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Nose)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Port Wing Rearward Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Starboard Wing Rearward Turret)

ARMAMENT -- SOLID-NOSE ATTACKER #3
8 x .50 Cal MGs (Nose)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Port Wing Rearward Turret)
2 x .50 Cal MGs (Starboard Wing Rearward Turret)

BOMB BAY CONFIGURATIONS:

1 x 8,000 lb British BLOCKBUSTER
or
2 x 4,000 lb British Bombs
or
1 x 4,000 lb US Bomb
or
4 x 2,000 lb bombs
or
6 x 1,000 lb bombs
or
12 x 500 lb bombs
or
12 x 250 lb bombs
or
40 x 100 lb bombs
or
2 x Mk 13 Torpedoes
or
6 x 325 lb Depth Charges
or
4 x 275 Gallon Droppable Fuel Tanks

(Each Droppable tank is the size of a 2,000 lb bomb, so you can have two tanks and two 2,000 lb bombs; or any combination thereof)

FUEL:
660 Gallons of Internal Fuel
4 x 275 Gallon Bomb Bay Tanks
2 x 300 Gallon Drop Tanks (Wing)

1,260 gallons with Wing Drop Tanks
2,360 gallons with Wing Drop Tanks and Bomb Bay Tanks

Performance #1 (75mm Solid Nose; 600 gallons of fuel)
470 MPH at 21,000 ft VMAX
40,800 ft service ceiling
2,100 miles absolute range

Performance #2 (.50 Cal Solid Nose; 1,810 gallons of fuel)
467 MPH at 21,000 ft VMAX
38,200 ft service ceiling
4,700 miles absolute range

Performance #3 (Bomber; 660 gallons of fuel)
471 MPH at 21,000 ft VMAX
37,000 ft service ceiling
1,900 miles absolute range with 8,000 lbs of bombs

Performance #4 (Bomber; 1,260 gallons of fuel)
469 MPH at 21,000 ft VMAX
36,000 ft service ceiling
3,300 miles absolute range with 8,000 lbs of bombs

Performance #5 (Bomber; 2,085 gallons of fuel)
471 MPH at 21,000 ft VMAX
37,500 ft service ceiling
5,530 miles absolute range with 2,000 lbs of bombs

Performance #6 (Ferry; 2,360 gallons of fuel)
472 MPH at 21,000 ft VMAX
38,000 ft service ceiling
6,270 miles absolute range

Cruising speed was 303~ MPH.

-------------------------------
Suggested Statistics for B-42A Mixmaster
-------------------------------

Type: 04 Level Bomber
Side: 01 Allied; 05 - US Army
Upgrade: to NONE

Bitmap: 367 (with Shep Unified Art Mod v2)

Month: 5
Year: 45

(Or a combination of the Spring-Summer of 1945).

Max Speed: 440

(this is what it achieved in tests; I think a discrepancy between the brochure is that it computes maximum speed at target weight -- e.g. when half the fuel's been burned off; while we have to consider the fact that the Mixmaster can be bounced on missions closer to home)

Cru Speed: 315

Endurance: 1240

Manouver: 11 (on par with A-26 Invader)

Climb: 1350

Max Alt: 38,000

Durability: 35

(I feel that rating it as 42 durability like the A-26/B-26/B-25 is not right; due to the fact unlike those planes; there's a single point of failure -- the two engines are closely coupled in the fuselage and there's only a single prop; so a good solid hit can make the Mixmaster go down; while on a conventional twin engine job; you can feather the dead engine/prop.)

Armor: 1

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 8000

Build Rate: 80 (a bit less than the A-26C; also a Douglas product)

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 10-20 Days

(Higher than comparable twin engine jobs; due to the buried engine complicating life)

Crew: 1

Flags:
Medium Bomber

Rng Max: 2100
Rng Ext: 1910 (combat radius of 956~ nm)
Rng Normal: 1530 (combat radius of 756 nm)

Rng Max DT: 5450
Rng Ext DT: 3040 (combat radius of 1,520 nm)
Rng Normal DT: 2430 (combat radius of 1,215 nm)

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 2: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 3: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 4: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 12; Facing 11
Wpn 5: 1959 (300 Gal DT); Num 02; Facing 12
Wpn 10: 1852 (Engine); Num 02; Facing 00

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 08
Wpn 12: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 13: 161 (.50 Browning MG); Num 02; Facing 02
Wpn 14: 203 (500 lb GP Bomb); Num 6; Facing 11
Wpn 15: 1959 (300 Gal DT); Num 02; Facing 12

G10N1 Fugaku

Powerplant
6 x Mitsubishi Ha-50 (2,500 hp each)

NOTE: There's no definitive ENGLISH language version of data on the G10N1; most of the data quotes performance figures for the one with four 5,000 hp engines; not the one with six 2,500 hp engines, which was the one that was reverted to when it was found that the 5,000 hp engines were totally infeasible.

So I just decided to borrow the B-36A Peacemaker with the early 3,000 hp R-4360s and file off the numbers:

Performance of B-36A
347 MPH at 35,000 ft VMAX
216 MPH cruise
39,000 ft ceiling

9,500 miles with 10,000 lbs (4,500 kg) of bombs
4,000 miles with 70,400 lbs (31,900 kg) of bombs

Now; lets boost it to say...355 MPH max and 225 MPH cruise; and 40,000 ft ceiling; because the Japanese simply did not put a heavy armament on the G10N1, or armor protection for the crew/self sealing fuel tanks -- these were MAJOR drivers in the B-36 design for retractable gun turrets etc...

Weapons (of G10N1)
1 x 20mm Cannon (Nose)
1 x 20mm Cannon (Tail Gun)
2 x 20mm Cannon (Top Turret)

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Suggested Statistics for Mitsubishi Ha-50
-------------------------------

Device Slot 248:

Name: Mitsubishi Ha-50
Type: 27 (A/C Engine)
Side: 00 (Japanese)
Avail: 4512 (we gotta pick a date man)

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Suggested Statistics for G10N1 Fugaku
-------------------------------

Type: 04 Level Bomber
Side: 00 Axis; 02 - IJ Navy
Upgrade: to NONE

Bitmap: None so far

Month: ?
Year: ?

Max Speed: 355
Cru Speed: 225

Endurance: 2777

Manouver: 1

Climb: 800

Max Alt: 40,000

Durability: 95

Armor: 0

End Month: ??
End Year: ??

Max Load: 44,000

Build Rate: ??

Pool: 0

Serv Rating: 20-30 Days

Crew: 2

Flags:
Heavy Bomber

Rng Max: 9000
Rng Ext: 8250 (combat radius of 4,125~ nm)
Rng Normal: 6600 (combat radius of 3,300 nm)

Rng Max DT:
Rng Ext DT:
Rng Normal DT:

Weapons 1-10 (Normal Range)
Wpn 1: 188 (20mm Type 99 Cannon); Num 01; Facing 00
Wpn 2: 188 (20mm Type 99 Cannon); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 3: 188 (20mm Type 99 Cannon); Num 01; Facing 02
Wpn 4: 1881 (250 kg GP Bomb); Num 18; Facing 11
Wpn 10: 248 (Mitsubishi Ha-50); Num 06; Facing 00 <-- This Device must be added!!

Weapons 11-20 (Extended Range)
Wpn 11: 188 (20mm Type 99 Cannon); Num 01; Facing 00
Wpn 12: 188 (20mm Type 99 Cannon); Num 02; Facing 03
Wpn 13: 188 (20mm Type 99 Cannon); Num 01; Facing 02
Wpn 14: 1881 (250 kg GP Bomb); Num 9; Facing 11
Wpn 20: 248 (Mitsubishi Ha-50); Num 06; Facing 00 <-- This Device must be added!!

Ryan,

I appreciate all your work on these. I am in the process of uploading these into a mod I am making. Any mass transfer method into the editor that you might know of would be appreciated. Also, can you walk me through again on where the artwork is / transfer / upload procedures - and your thoughts on how broadly you would create squadron eligibility?

Did you ever consider the following empire variants (or any others):
2. Ki-64 Rob - Prototype next generation fighter with counter-rotating twin engines. fast fighter with top speed over 420MPH. Both prototypes crashed in late 43 and program not continued.
3. Kayaba Katsuodori - Swept wing rocket assist scram jet fighter prototype. speed 559 MPH. Prototype Never flew.
4. Mansyu Ki-98 - Sleek twin book pusher (rear) propoller fighter (somewhat similar to P38). 1943 drawing board - never built
5. Mitsubishi J4M1 "Luke" - similar to Ki-98 - never built because the Kyushu J7W1 Shinden aircraft was pursued
6. Kyushu J7W1 Shinden - traditional Tojo style aircraft 228 / 466 mph. prototype Finished at end of war
7. Tachikawa Ki-94 - 237 / 443 mph prototype fighter built at end of war but did not fly
8. Mizuno Shinryu - drawingboard hypthetical rocket assisted suicide interceptor / kamikaze. Never even built prototype
9. Yokosuka R2Y2 - Prototype fighter with 6 blade prop flew at very end of war. Cancelled due to dissapointing performance.

Thanks in again and in advance for all your hard work and help...