FirePower Series Aircraft

 

 

Arado Ar 234 B Blitz (Lightning)

 

History:

The Arado Ar 234 Blitz was the only high speed, jet-powered bomber to become operational during World War II.  Originally designed as a reconnaissance aircraft, it was ultimately put to use late in the war as a reconnaissance bomber.  Capable of carrying up to 1,500 kg of bombs externally, its high speed and turbojet power set it apart from other aircraft in its class.

 

Distinctive characteristics:

 

Cockpit Panel:

 

Superior forward view

 

 

Large weapon carrying capacity

 

Aft-firing cannons with Periscope

 

 

Flying characteristics:

The AR234 is a fast, heavy bomber that is slow to get going, and hard to slow down.  Once it develops a good head of steam, only the most advanced prop fighters can keep up.  The AR234 is not immune to compression, and if your indicated airspeed ever reaches close to 600mph, the plane will nose down, and the controls will seize.  Avoid stalls by keeping your speed high at all times.  If you do inadvertently enter into a spin, you will likely require thousands of feet to recover, so prepare to bail before your altitude gets too low.

 

Pilot Comments:

"The Blitz was a wonderful aircraft to fly, with excellent handling and well-harmonized controls."

 

Combat tactics:

Engaging fighters:

Your best defense is your speed.  If fighters from above jump you, use your periscope and aft firing cannons to make their ability to line you up as a target difficult.  Your turbojets are your life, and like any jet engine, they are sensitive to any type of enemy fire.

 

Ground attack:

You need to develop the ability to accurately bomb while keeping your speed at its maximum.  Your speed is your only defense, and just the slightest amount of engine damage taken from flack or even smaller caliber enemy fire, can damage or completely seize an engine.  If this happens, you should be able to make it home on one engine, but if any enemies are nearby, you are a highly prized, sitting duck.  Make one pass, and head for home.  Also, beware of your altitude when dropping bombs due to the sensitivity of your jet engines to damage.

 

 

Specifications:

Type:  Bomber  Power Plants:  Engines: 2x Junkers Jumo 004B turbojets rated at 1984 lbs. static thrust for takeoff Armament: 2x fixed MG151 cannon firing aft Weights:  Empty equipped 18,609 lb; Loaded 21,715 lb Dimensions:  Span, 46 ft 3 ½ in; length 41 ft 5 ½ in; height 14 ft 1 in

 

Firepower Certified Specifications:

Arado Ar 234 B Blitz Bomber

ENGINE STARTING

After starting both engines -- whether using auto start or manual start -- allow at least 30 seconds for thrust to stabilize.  Then open the throttles to 50% with the brakes set.  Allow thrust to even out for ten seconds.  Then advance the throttles to 100% and release the brakes.  Failure to do this may result in uneven thrust of the engines during the takeoff roll.

GROUND HANDLING

The Ar 324 B has a very narrow track undercarriage, and great care must be taken when maneuvering on the ground.

TAKEOFF (18609 lbs.)

TAKEOFF (21715 lbs.)

Note: A long runway, such as that at Tegel, Berlin is needed for takeoff at maximum gross weight.  It is possible to exceed the maximum weight with the available payloads; adjust the fuel and ammunition sliders as needed to maintain a maximum weight of 21715 pounds.

Rotate smoothly and allow the aircraft to fly itself off the runway.  After takeoff it will be necessary to trim the nose down somewhat as the aircraft builds airspeed and lift.  Retract the flaps after an airspeed of 180 mph and altitude of 500 feet have been achieved.

Throttle limitations: Use of full throttle is limited to 30 seconds except for takeoff.  Longer than this can result in overspeed and aircraft damage.  Normal maximum throttle is 90 percent.

CLIMBING

LANDING (14,983 lbs.)

Firepower Certified Specifications: