JU-88A4 dorsal MG131

[Anaxogoras]

Wayyy back, when the JU88 was introduced to warbirds 1.11, it had a MG131 in the dorsal mount for defense.  Now I see that the AH version has two little pee-shooters instead.  Anyone know why?  It sure would improve the appeal of this bomber for the LW types if it had the MG131 instead.

[Lusche]

We do have the Ju-88 A4, a relatively early version. Unlike later models it was dive-bombing capable (hence we do have divebrakes) but the MG 131 was introduced in later versions. I will try to look up which 88 did feature 131's for the first time.

However, for low level attacks it was possible to change the front MG to a 20mm MG FF without any problems. Would like to see that option when our  Ju 88 get's an overhaul someday


EDIT: I have to correct my above statement concerning the MG 131. While more prevalent in later versions, a small number of late production Ju 88A-4's did indeed have MG 131 in dorsal position (and an even smaller number did replace the nose MG 81  with a flexible MG 131 too). But I guess HTC did choose the rather typical armament variant.

[Charge]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SiBIC-jjW8&feature=related

It was argued if only the A14 variant had a MG-FF in the nose but in this film you can seen a Finnish A4 with MG-FF. It had either the MG-FF or the level bombing sight. AFAIK there is also a list available which lists MG-FF belonging to A4 delivery package. If it was fixed the pilot could aim and fire it but also the bombardier could release the gun and aim and fire it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ju88#cite_note-31

-C+

[Pannono]

oh noes if we get 13mms in dorsal there goes my easy kills :/

[Noir]

oh noes if we get 13mms in dorsal there goes my easy kills :/

Right now I can only dream of it...but the 13mms have a price, weight.

[Krusty]

The 12.7mm in the tail of the IL2 doesn't save it much, does it?

The 2x 50cal in the Boston doesn't save it much, does it?

The 1xMG131 instead of 2xMG17 wouldn't make too much of an impact (only 33% more power in that one position, maybe slight increase in efficiency not having to jump from left to right gun) isn't going to make it a super killer.

IMO I like the 2xMG17 setup because it's more interesting, and looks a lot more like JU88s I mentally picture when I hear the name Junkers.

[Motherland]

I thought talking about the MG81Z in the ventral tray not the two behind the cockpit?

Ah never mind dorsal not ventral.

[Pannono]

The 12.7mm in the tail of the IL2 doesn't save it much, does it?

i dont even know of anytime ive shot down/been shot down by a Il2 tail gun
reasons its not used: lack of ammo, vulnerable tail gunner

The 2x 50cal in the Boston doesn't save it much, does it?

they're 2 .303s mounted on the top with a very restricted fire arc, not 2 .50s
boston has a great climb rate and great speed for a reason use it to get high and fast

[Anaxogoras]

Since I've actually shot down attacking fighters in the JU-88, the 13mm dorsal would make a difference.  Far more often the attacker sits on your 6 and destroys all three bombers suffering only an oil leak, and I'm a decent shot with the defensive guns.  The 13mm would at least keep them honest.

[Nilsen]

Since I've actually shot down attacking fighters in the JU-88, the 13mm dorsal would make a difference.  Far more often the attacker sits on your 6 and destroys all three bombers suffering only an oil leak, and I'm a decent shot with the defensive guns.  The 13mm would at least keep them honest.

bingo

[Denniss]

The Ju 88 used MG 15, MG 81 or MG 81 Z but never MG 17.

[Krusty]

Whatever, it's all variations of the same gun in different installations 

[Motherland]

D'oh! I meant MG81Z

[RMrider]

heehee, we put a heavier gun in the dorsal and we are going to change from a 500 ft/min climb to a 250 ft/min climb. 

[Motherland]

heehee, we put a heavier gun in the dorsal and we are going to change from a 500 ft/min climb to a 250 ft/min climb. 

You're replacing two guns with one, with the added bonus of taking out all of the extra mounting equipment (weight) for the second gun... if the weight didn't stay equal I'd imagine it would only get lighter.

I don't remember whether the guns in the back were MG15s or MG81s... if they were MG15s the combined weight was 25 kgs and if they were MG 81s the combined weight would be 13 kgs. The MG 131 weighs 16.5 kgs.