Author Topic: B17 max bomb load (Read 205 times)

zipity · « **on:** February 10, 2002, 07:46:27 PM »

I was reading today that the normal bomb load for a B-17 was 6000 lbs as it is here in AH. However, the article also stated that the max bomb load for the B17 was 12,500 lbs.

I was thinking that it would be real nice if you could configure the B-17 (and all other planes for that matter) to a max takeoff weight. That would allow you (in some cases) to increase the planes bomb load by decreasing the amount of fuel or ammo.

Tac · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2002, 08:58:21 PM »

Would be nice IF HTC modelled the buff fuel to be just enough to go 100% gas across the map (but not back).

Right now a b17 or lanc barely has to take 25% fuel to cover their distance + climb time and back. a 25% b26 goes about 7 sectors (3 in, circle target as you bomb equivalent to flying 1 sector, and 3 back). climbing to 15k or so.

pimpjoe · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2002, 10:04:29 PM »

i agree in a sence but...arent all the burn rates decreased proportionately?

AcId · « **Reply #3 on:** February 11, 2002, 08:35:37 AM »

Getting back to zipity's first sentence, I've often wondered why the 17 only had the 6k bombload in AH. I then end up at the old addage "Balance in Gameplay". If we had 12k carrying 17's noone would up the Lanc due to inferior gun protection with a nearly similar bombload. If I had to the choice of 3 mg mounts and 14k bombs or 6 mg mounts and 12k, you bet I'm in the 17

Staga · « **Reply #4 on:** February 11, 2002, 09:13:40 AM »

Weren't there external hardpoints in early B-17's ? Maybe they were needed to achieve the maximum loadout ?
Edit: copy&paste from Boeings site

Span: 103 feet 9 inches (B-17G)
Length: 74 feet 9 inches (B-17G)
Gross weight: 65,000 pounds (B-17G)
Top speed: 287 mph (B-17G)
Cruising speed: 150 mph (B-17G)
Range: 3,750 miles (B-17G)
Ceiling: 35,600 feet (B-17G)
Power: Four 1,200-horsepower Wright R-1820-97 engines (B-17G)
Accommodation: 2 pilots, bombardier, radio-operator, 5 gunners (B-17G)
Armament: 11 to 13 machine guns, 20,000-pound bomb load (B-17G)

EditII:
http://www.b17.org/flying_fortress.html says "Bomb Load: 2,600 - 8,000 lbs.(long range) up to 17,600 lbs.(short range)"

Guess it would be harder to code way that max bomb load depends of fuel load.

Replicant · « **Reply #5 on:** February 11, 2002, 04:59:18 PM »

As Staga mentioned, I believe up to the B17E or B17F there was an option to fit wing mounted bomb pylons between the main fuselage and the first set of engines. As the weight was dramatically increased it could not be used for long missions and also caused increased fatigue to the wings.

I think I've got a pic of a B17 with the wing mounted bombs so I'll have a hunt for it!

regards

Nexx

Tac · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2002, 05:27:19 PM »

My point is that while all planes have their burn rate increased (1.5X I think?) in MA, it only affects fighters. A buff can take 25% fuel now and is able to climb to 15k or so and reach a target 2 sectors away and back. or 4 sectors if on a suicide sortie. And thats a b26/ju88.. lancs and b17s go much further.

Imo, buff fuel rate should be increased more. Take a b17 with full gas, or a lanc with full gas and TRY to make those amazing turns and split-s's we're so used to seeing in the MA... you will have a hard time doing them.

If the buff fuel burn rate was such that if the one with the farthest range (lanc or b17?) had to take FULL gas in order to fly one-way from one end of the map to the other (but not come back) while climbing to 20k or so, then fuel could enter the equation in the buff's manouvering.

Having an option of carrying more bombs (or more ammo for gunners) by reducing fuel is also a good idea. When you select 75% fuel then the overload bomb option would become avaliable.