FirePower Series Aircraft

 

Ta 183 Huckebein (Raven) Interceptor / Fighter

 

History:

The Ta 183 Huckebein was the immediate predecessor to aircraft like the Mig-15.  A simple, delta-winged fighter with a single engine in the fuselage, the Ta 183's design set the standard for nearly all the jet fighters that would come to dominate the Korean conflict.  As the aircraft was never built or flown, no one knows how it would have performed in combat.  The Firepower version is designed to meet the actual RLM specifications for this aircraft.  Very fast and very maneuverable, its biggest shortcoming is a very small combat radius -- less than 350 kilometers.

 

Distinctive characteristics:

 

Cockpit Panel:

 

Four 30mm cannons – serious firepower

   

 

Rocket equipped

 

 

Flying characteristics:

The Ta-183 is a significant step forward in design.  It is a well-harmonized platform, with the engine being built into the fuselage.  This plane flies fast, and remains responsive at speeds near 600mph.  Use care not to over-control the aircraft at slower speeds.

 

Pilot Comments:

“The Ta 183 would likely have handled very much like a Korean-war vintage jet fighter.  With a projected top speed of nearly 600 mph at altitude, and a climb rate of nearly 6,000 fpm, the Ta 183 would have easily disposed of any piston engine fighter with its four cannon.”

 

Combat tactics:

Engaging fighters:

Despite its high maneuverability at even slower speeds, the 183 has such a decisive edge with speed and power, it is almost always in your best interest to keep your energy at its absolute peak.  Having four 30mm cannons in the nose gives you a crushing amount of firepower, so just a split second in your sights should be enough to take out any fighter.  Your only vice is having a single jet engine, which like all jet engines, is vulnerable to even small arms fire.

 

Engaging bombers:

You can attack from any angle with the 183.  The rear, as always, is the least attractive, especially with a single, vulnerable jet engine.  A single .50 caliber hit can turn you from the hunter to the hunted.  Four 30mm cannons will shred anything that flies to pieces, regardless its size or armor.  You can literally tear aircraft in half.  Hit hard and fast.  Command the battle.  Just be aware, that your engine cannot take much damage.  Bomber crews will spray bullets in your direction as you evade, hoping for a lucky shot.  One .50 caliber round up your tailpipe just may be all it takes.

 

Ground attack:

Being able to put four 30mm cannons on any target will inflict considerable damage.  A single hit to trucks and lightly armored vehicles can destroy them.  Your biggest vice is getting close to hostiles on the ground, with a single, vulnerable jet engine.  You need to put as much firepower into your targets on the first pass, and only make a second if enemy fire is low or non-existent.  Don’t slow down, as prop fighters can catch you if they jump you from above. 

 

 

Specifications:

Type:  Fighter / Interceptor  Power Plants:  Engine: Heinkel HeS 011 rated at 2960 lbs. static thrust  Armament: 4x 30mm MK108 cannons in the nose  Weights:  Empty equipped 8256 lb

 

Firepower Certified Specifications:

Ta 183 Huckebein (Raven) Interceptor / Fighter

TAKEOFF (8256 lbs.)

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

CLIMBING

LANDING (7129 lbs.)

Firepower Certified Specifications: