Soviet's P-39

[shelby]

i found these books and i saw something intresting info
https://www.scribd.com/document/210962882/Monografie-Lotnicze-No-58-Bell-P-39-Airacobra-Cz-1
https://www.scribd.com/document/175303711/Monografie-Lotnicze-No-59-Bell-P-63-Kingcobra-XFL-1-Airabonita-P-39-Airacobra-Cz-2
https://www.scribd.com/document/195020410/Bell-P-39-Airacobra
the Soviet's P-39 N&Q model did not have guns in the wings and also had this
https://html2-f.scribdassets.com/9lhpc8brb43amuv7/images/53-9cc1e75128.jpg

[ddr]

Would be nice to have the modified version(s) in game
+1 :)

[Pursuivant]

Another error in the P-39/P-400 models is that many models don't have US and Commonwealth bomb options.

The P-39Q-10 model in the game doesn't have wing guns, but doesn't have the DF loop either. It was one of the "ace" planes in the original game.

Practically, without animated DF loops, it doesn't really matter if it is present or not. Even with all the useful navigation aids added to the game, there are still some simplifications.

On the other hand, distinctly "Soviet" Airacobras had different firepower and performance (removed guns = better roll performance) so would make a difference in the game.

[Avimimus]

As for the early Kittyhawk/Tomahawk (P-40) versions - they also sometimes deleted the wing guns to save weight... so the armament was two 0.50 cal mounted on the nose. I modded in this variant at one point - and it was fun to fly.

P.S.
We could also do with providing options for the Ar-234 to not carry under-engine bombs (in reality they often flew with only the centerline bomb - and sometimes with the 20mm guns removed in order to make them faster and harder to intercept).

Also, something like 2/3rds of the P.11c's in service had no wing guns... so for realism in the Battle of Poland we need the option of deleting those guns.

[Pursuivant]

There's also evidence that later model P-40 used in Italy were equipped with "bazooka" type rockets.

There were also plenty of variants of the Buffalo where some of the weapons were removed, ammo was reduced, and/or equipment and armor were removed in order to make the plane lighter and more maneuverable.

Ideally, players should be able to choose any combination of historical load-outs for ammo, guns, ordinance, armor, fuel tanks, cargo, radio equipment, navigation equipment, crew, and safety equipment (e.g., flak vests, rubber rafts, fire extinguishers, oxygen systems) from a separate "arming" screen. Players should be able to "mix and match" loadouts as they wish, as long as the total mass isn't so great that the plane can't take off or fly.

[Avimimus]

While we are listing details about weapon modifications: There are at least two different variants of the Po-2 which had fixed forward firing machine guns (either built in PV-1 or a field mod ShKAS on the wing). There are sufficient photographic references for either of these.

[Sita]

just curious ... what you will do by two PV-1 on U2?)))

both variants Pv-1 and Shkas was only few planes ... very small numbers...

[Avimimus]

just curious ... what you will do by two PV-1 on U2?)))

both variants Pv-1 and Shkas was only few planes ... very small numbers...

Hello Sita,

I have a fairly good idea: I actually created this mod with expanded armament for the U-2... I just ran out of time due to my studies at University before I could finish polishing it and release it at SAS1946. I can send it as an example if you would like.

I used the ShKAS for a couple of things:

- Mainly taking out searchlights.

- Sometimes I also used the gun for attacking vehicles (700 rds of 7.62mm allows me to take out two or three trucks). It is challenging and enjoyable, especially with the recoil effects from the wing gun.

- Although I admit using the weapon defensively seems silly, I've also damaged the radiators on a Gloster Gladiator and an Ar-196... when they overshot after attacking me and flew in front of the Po-2.


I made a similar mod for the Lisunov-2 which activated the forward firing ShKAS (there is already a model for it if you look closely). In that case I used it almost exclusively for attacking searchlights. This is actually fairly useful in-game as using RS-82 and ShKAS to remove search lights makes it much safer for the other night-bombers to attack!


P.S. I should credit Anatoly Borovik for providing me with references and advice.

[Sita]

Sounds interesting)


about Li2 we know ... and even made gun sight for nosw shkas)

[stugumby]

Can you post those pictures and references?

[Avimimus]

Sounds interesting)

about Li2 we know ... and even made gun sight for nosw shkas)

Wonderful! This is exciting!

One thing to note: The standard Shturmovik type AI will cause the Li-2 to shed its wings in dives - so it may be best to use a bomber AI and leave it for the player only to use the ShKAS.

However, if you could create an AI variant that used shallower, gentler attacks, or started/stopped firing at a long range - it would be great.

I tried making a Grokhovskiy G-52 but the AI had similar problems. It was still fun to use though.

Can you post those pictures and references?

See these threads (you may have to register to see the pictures though):

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,6666.0.html

http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,7869.0.html

Sadly, it seems that no photographic records of the Lisunov-2 armed with a pair of NS-45 45mm autocannons have emerged.