Havoc

Douglas Havoc Mk.I

Douglas Havoc
Specifications
Type	Bomber
Armament	4 x 0.303 in (7.7 mm) Browning machine guns fixed in nose, 1 x 0.303 (7.7 mm) Vickers K Machine Gun (dorsal), 944 kg Bomb Payload
Crew	3: (Pilot, Bombardier, Top Gunner)
Weight	7,514kg
Top Speed	495km/h
Armored Glass Windscreen	Yes
Pilot Armor (back/head)	Yes/Yes

History

The Douglas DB-7/A-20 Boston/Havoc was one of the most popular and effective light bombers of the Second World War. A total of 7478 were built, serving with the French Armee de l'Air under the designation DB-7, with the USAAF under the designation A-20, and with the RAF, RAAF, and SAAF under the designation Boston and Havoc depending on the variant. The Soviet Union was the largest single user of the Boston/Havoc with over 3000 ending up in service with the Red Air Force (VVS). The Havoc had good performance and excellent handling characteristics.

The Havoc in RAF service originated from a redirected French order, cut short by the surrender in 1940. Originally intended as a short-range tactical attack aircraft by the French, the recently acquired aircraft had too short a range for the RAF to be able to use them as light bombers against German targets in Europe, a problem that was subsequently remedied with the improved Havoc II. For this reason, and because of the need for an airframe capable of carrying a cumbersome airborne radar, the former French machines were converted to act as night fighters and night intruders.

The Havoc/A-20 was truly a legendary attack aircraft that contributed greatly to maintaining offensive pressure in every theatre where it served. While the early models, such as presently offered in Battleground Europe, were only armed with four forward- rifle caliber machine guns and one defensive dorsal gunner, later versions would normally carry six .50 caliber heavy machine guns or four 20mm cannons and two .50 HMG. and include a twin-barreled dorsal turret in place of the single dorsal machine gun. British Havoc I’s were employed with good success against airfields and pin-point strategic targets in Occupied Europe, and the later Havoc III fought with distinction during the famous Channel Dash, and in North Africa. Further orders were sidetracked to Russia from June 1941 onwards, but deliveries of fresh bombers resumed by the end of 1942 and the type saw action until the end of hostilities.

Game Play

The Havoc comes loaded with eight 250 lb General Purpose bombs, four forward-firing machineguns and a single dorsal gunner. Though not quite as devastating as the bombs carried by the DB-7, the Havoc payload is nevertheless sufficient to deal considerable damage to German factories and is especially well suited for battlefield demands. One or two bombs is enough to wreck all but the heaviest German tanks, and any unarmored target is easily dismantled.

Like its sister the DB-7, the Havoc is a potent air-to-air platform as well as a hard-hitting attack aircraft. Once the bomb-bay is empty the Havoc can act as a heavy fighter against enemy bomb carriers, and can spring nasty surprises on single-seat fighters who do not treat the Havoc with proper respect: given half a chance, this is one bomber that can fight back. If you are forced into a turning fight with the Havoc, make heavy use of elevator trim; reverse in 45 degree nose-high attitudes; employ flaps momentarily to increase lift and generally strive to fight the enemy in opposite circles (i.e. work to set up nose-to-nose encounters).

When combating single enemy aircraft, the Havoc formation need not sit idly by and wait for punishment: go into a gentle dive to neutralize the bandit's closure rate and use separation and your forward-firing guns to set up classic 'drag-and-bag' situations.

It is as a level bomber and fast attack aircraft that the Havoc is best suited however. Flying in formation with fighter escort is a grand experience and one that the Havoc does exceptionally well due to its good rate of speed. For attack purposes or when operated in the CAS role, the Havoc can be brought to bear by simple glide bombing practice (see Guides below) or by low-level Rhubarb tactics where bombs are thrown in level flight without using the bombsight.

It is perhaps auspicious to note that the DB-7/Havoc is equipped with hydraulically operated bomb bay doors, requiring the bombardier to open and close said doors by a separate keyboard command (D) at the appropriate time.

Guides

Location and explanation of Havoc cockpit instruments

Level Bombing, Practice and Settings

Low altitude attack, not using bombsight

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