Aircraft
From FreeHost
FAQ Aircraft
Here's the most exciting part of FH! A bunch of new aircrafts are created here.
Soviet VVS
Yak-1 series 20
Bringing the Yakovlev series to the early war, FH introduces the Yak-1 to WB. This was the first addition that the Russian team created for the game. As most Soviet planes, Yak-1 is best low, having loss in performance at higher altitudes.
2x 7.62mm ShKAS 1x 20mm ShVAK * 2x 100kg bombs * 6x RS-82 rockets
Yak-1 series 111
Combat of Yak-1 discovered need in making it more agile, that was obtained thhtough more powerful engine M-105PF (instead of M-105P) and thorough weight reducing. These modifications generated Yak-1 series 111 (also known as Yak-1B unofficially). Even more lightened version went to PVO (Air Defence) regiments. Yak-1 is best low, having loss in performance at higher altitudes.
1x 12.7 ShKAS +1x 20mm ShVAK or 1x 20mm ShVAK
Yak-7B series 22
When USSR urged for fighters at any cost, S. Yakovlev proposed to modify UTI-26 advanced trainer into real fighter. The modification was named Yak-7 and production started on Moscow Plant No.301. But soon plant was evacuated to Novosibirsk and merged with Plant No.153. The really massive production started with Yak-7B modification that featured slightly more powerful weapon than Yak-7A. Since series 22 an upgraded M-105PF replaced previous M-105PA. Yak-7 seen several interesting modifications, including experiments with 37 and 57mm cannons. But the most long living version was Yak-7DI (Dalniy Istrebitel - Long range fighter) that was soon renamed to Yak-9.
1x 12.7mm UBS 1x 20mm ShVAK * 6x RS-82 rockets * 2x 100kg bombs
Yak-9D and Yak-9T
In 1943 when Red Army began to overtake strategical initiative over Wehrmacht, it required to provide a new fighter with longer range and time of flight. Therefore Yakovlev's OKB installed additional fuel tanks into wing consoles of Yak-9. New version was named Yak-9D from "Dalniy" that means "Long Range". (In 1944 VVS received some quantity of Yak-9DD with even longer range, and Yak-9DD escorted B-17's and B-24's of "Frantic" operation [1].) In the same time, plants were working on production quality, and Yak-9D has better aerodynamics than Yak-9. An even more heavily armed Yak-9, this sub-model uses a 37mm cannon, feeding the needs of the one-shot-kill pilots. It entered action in July 1943 during the Kursk battle, countering the also heavily armed Focke-Wulf 190's that now could no longer face their enemy head-on. As most Soviet planes, Yak-9T is best low, having loss in performance at higher altitudes.
Yak-9 as a fighter that origins from Yak-7 (Yak-7DI, saying exactly), a pilot trainer modified for combat usage. Yak-9, a dedicated fighter, was an excellent plane for the army in this role. It may not be the best performer, but it did great at low altitude air war in the Soviet-German front. It was reliable and easy for production and service. Yak-9 is a good platform for further modifications, such as Yak-9D (Dalniy = long range), Yak-9T (Tankovyi = of tank, meaning it's a "tank-buster"), Yak-9U (Ulutshenniy = improved) and the Yak-9UT (a challenge for P-51H and Ta 152H).
1x 12.7mm UBS +1x 20mm ShVAK or 1x 12.7mm UBS +1x 37mm NS-37
MiG-3
The MiG-3 was developed with pre-war high-alt dogfights conception in mind. However, the needs on the Eastern front were focused at low altitudes, relegating the MiG-3 to ground attack missions. When it's mission is not strafing, it is unmatched at altitudes above 6 km until around 1944, and is already a hard opponent for Bf 109's and Fw-190's at 5 km.
2x 7.62mm ShKAS + 1x 12.7mm UBS or 2x 12.7mm UBS * 2x 100kg bombs * 6x RS-82 rockets
MiG-3 (5 guns)
Excellent high-altitude AM-35A engine doesn't allow to mount any guns into it, in difference to V. Klimov-105 and Daimler Benz 601/603/605 engines. Therefore MiG-3 cannot house an axis firing cannon or even machine gun, causing low firepower of MiG-3. In seeking for increasing firepower of MiG-3, two gunpods were added under wing consoles, each having one UBK machine gun, trading a certain loss of perforance.
2x 7.62mm ShKAS 1x 12.7mm UBS +2x 12.7mm UBK*
- UB (rus. "Universalnyi, Berezina" = "Berezin's (design) Universal (gun)") machine gun has three versions: Krylyevoi (Wing mounted), Synkhronnyi (Synchronised) and Turelnyi (Turret), marked as UBK, UBS and UBT respectively.
Hurricane II USSR modification
Soon after USSR got lend-leased Hurricanes IIA/B from British RAF, aviators discovered that fire-power is not adequate for Soviet requirements. Autumn'41 crews began field modifications and Spring'42 commission of OKB-15 (constructor bureau No.15) analysed the problem in general. Commission recommended two gun variants: 2*12.7mm+2*20mm or 4*12.7mm. Due to some lack of 12.7mm guns, 2*12.7mm+2*20mm variant was accepted as a standard modification for Hurricanes, and the rearming job was charged to Plant No.81. Besides of Soviet guns, Hurricane received 8 RS-82 rockets. 925 Hurricanes were converted during 1942.
2x 12.7mm UBT (note turret variant, not a wing mounted UBK) 2x 20mm ShVAK * 8x RS-82 rockets * 2x 100kg bombs
or as a lend-leased Hurricane Mk. IID 2x 7.7mm Brownigs 2x 40mm Vickers "S"
I-153
The I-153 is one of the nimblest fighter in FH, unofficially named "Chaika" (seagull in Russian) because of upper wing line. This addition brings one of the most common bi-plane that saw action in World War Two. Outturning even the Japanese Ki-43, this Soviet plane is maneuverable, but suffers from low speed and lack of firepower. This makes this plane require new tactics during air combat, bringing a new atmosphere into the FH arenas.
The I-153 is an evolution of the I-15, a famous fighter of the Spanish civil war and called "Chato" (due to it's flat nose). Chaika was already obsolete by the time the war begun, but it saw much action until the Soviet air force was reequipped. It fought mainly in China's skies and the Russo-Finnish winter war.
Index of this plane comes from I-15, Istrebitel-15 (fighter-15), which next versions were I-15bis (sometimes I-152) and I-153 (sometimes I-15ter).
4x 7.62mm ShKAS * 2x 100kg bombs * 8x RS-82 rockets
I-16
This is another famous Polikarpov design, an incredibly agile aircraft that is an excellent counter-weapon for the A6M zeke. It's displaced center of gravity causes some instability, making it snap stall if pushed too much beyond it's limits. As most Soviet planes, the I-16 is best low, having loss in performance at higher altitudes.
This plane comes in two types: Type 28 and Type 29. The first carries a pair of 20mm ShVAK cannons. The second carries a single 12.7mm UBS machinegun instead, but is capable of carrying air-to-ground ordinances and has slightly better speed and maneuverability.
I-16, first aircraft in the world to have retractable gears, saw action in many conflicts: Spanish civil war, Chino-Japanese war, Soviet-Japanese conflict over Khalkin-Gol, and the Russo-Finnish war. Even though it was outperformed by the Bf 109 E, this plane saw action for the first 8 months of the Eastern front battles until newer models came to replace it.
For curiosity, it's nickname amongst Russians is "Ishachok" or "Ishak" that means "little donkey" or "donkey" respectively. These origin from pronouncing the official index, "istrebItel shestnAdtsaty "(=fighter-16th). Folks, again, the letter in "I-16" is INDIA.
Amongst Spanish republicans, it was "Mosca" that means "Fly". Amongst Spanish fascists it was "Rata", being used later by German pilots too. Translated to English it becomes "Rat". The Lavochkin-5 (resembling in silhouette) was called "Neue Rata" (new rat).
I-16 Type 28 2x 7.62mm ShKAS 2x 20mm ShVAK
I-16 Type 29 2x 7.62mm ShKAS 1x 12.7mm UBS * 2x 100kg bombs * 6x RS-82 rockets
LaGG-3
Designed of Lavochkin, Gorbunov and Gudkov, the LaGG-3 is mixing together B&Z and T&B capabilities without being the top dog in any of those areas. Being built from a heavier delta-wood, the LaGG-3 is more durable than Yaks. However, the heavier materials also make this plane underpowered. As most Soviet planes, LaGG-3 is best low, having loss in performance at higher altitudes.
LaGG-3 series 1 2x 7.62mm ShKAS 3x 12.7mm UBS
LaGG-3 series 4 2x 7.62mm ShKAS 2x 12.7mm UBS 2x 20mm ShVAK
LaGG-3 series 8 2x 12.7mm UBS 2x 20mm ShVAK
LaGG-3 series 11 2x 12.7mm UBS 2x 20mm ShVAK * 2x 100kg bombs * 6x RS-82 rockets
La-5
Trying to solve underpowering problems of LaGG-3, Gudkov and Lavochkin used experience of Polikarpov that already dealt with radial engines in all his fighters (I-5, I-15, I-16, I-180, I-185), but they went separate ways. In 1942 a version of Lavochkin was adopted for serial production.
A fast plane that yet maintains reasonable maneuverability, the La-5 is an excellent energy fighter. But, at over 3 km, other planes like the Fw190 A-4 outmatch this aircraft. La-5 is slower and nimbler than La-5FN, being slower than the Fw190 A-4. However, it remains faster than most of enemy planes. It's a successful outcome of installing a more powerful M-82 radial engine instead of the M-105 inline engine into the underpowered LaGG-3.
M-105 engine was later renamed to VK-105 after head designer V. Klimov.
M-82 engine was later renamed to ASh-82 after head designer A. Shvetsov.
2x 20mm ShVAK * 2x 50kg bombs
La-5F
Continuing La-5 development, Semyon Alekseyevich Lavochkin installed more powerful engine M-82F (later renamed to ASh-82F). La-5F is not quite official title. Officially it was named La-5 Type 37 with M-82F engine and had only one mark painted on the cowling as difference to previous La-5 Type 37 with M-82 (Type 37 could be produced even with M-82FN).
2 x 20mm ShVAK * 2x 100kg bombs
La-5FN
This is an improved version of the La-5F with direct injection M-82FN (ASh-82FN) engine. Strict index is "La-5FN Type 39 with M-82FN engine", that points to some structural and aerodynamical differences from Type 37. By the time it enters the war, it's unmatched in speed at low altitudes and still quite maneuverable. But over 3 Km it suffers with loss in performance, fighting with Fw190 A-4 on an equal basis. That's mostly because ground operations were decisive in the Eastern front, bringing both Soviet and German attentions to high performances at lower altitudes.
2 x 20mm ShVAK * 2x 100kg bombs
La-7
The La-7 is the top of the Lavochkin models to see action in the war. Sometimes referred to as an engineering miracle, this fighter brings good firepower with fantastic performance. Due to gameplay issues, this plane has been tuned down, but is still one of the best planes in the game.
La-7's performance improvements are simply refinements in aerodynamics' design of La-5FN, having shocking results. However, above 5-6 km it loses it's extraordinary power.
2x 20mm ShVAK * 2x 100kg bombs
IL-2 production 1941
This is the Shturmovik. The unique anti-tank/CAS aircraft of soviet designer Sergey Ilyushin with no equivalent counterparts in other armies. It had only 2 square meters of vulnerable area, being all the rest well protected. However, it had two drawbacks: it's second man (radio operator and rear gunner) was removed from the initial design, and it had a semi-wooden structure due to the lack of aviation metals in the USSR during the early war. This version was equipped with 20mm ShVAK cannons or 23mm Volkov & Yartsev cannons, but FH models the version of Moscow plant with 20mm barrels. Suffering from Luftwaffe fighters, field crews often modified Il-2, removing central fuel tank and placing second man behind pilot, armed with whatever found: ShKAS, UBT or DShK machine-guns. With new weight aboard, bomb load decreased down to 200kg. These modified aircrafts were flying in formations of Il-2, and also took part in ground attacking.
2x 20mm ShVAK 2x 7.62mm ShKAS * 16x RS-82 rockets * 6x 50kg bombs +8x RS-82 rockets * 4x 100kg bombs +8x RS-82 rockets * 6x 100 kg bombs * 2x 250 kg bombs +8x RS-82 rockets * 4x 50kg bombs +8x RS-82 rockets, plus gunner with ShKAS
IL-2 production 1943
This is a later model of the IL-2 Sturmovik. Dual 23mm Volkov & Yartsev (VYa) cannons, more powerful engine and rockets, restored rear gunner, and aggressive tactics allow this plane to knock out opponents that may come to underestimate this plane. Anyways, primary role of this plane is CAS and anti-tank, which it carries out quite effectively. Since this attacker is heavily armoured and has low power-to-weight ratio, watch your energy carefully either you are demolishing bases or forced to repulse fighters.
2x 7.62mm ShKAS 2x 23mm VYa 1x 12.7mm UBT (defencive) * 8x RS-132 rockets * 4x 100kg bombs +8x RS-132 rockets * 6x 100kg bombs +8x RS-132 rockets * 2x 250kg bombs +8x RS-132 rockets
IL-2 with NS-37
Preparing for great tank battle near Kursk, Soviet Supreme Command ordered to produce as much anti-tank planes as possible and sought for special anti-tank weapon. Since 1942 Il-2 was tested with ShFK 37mm cannons, but in mid 1943 cannon version carried NS-37 (Nudelman & Suranov). Bomb load was decreased dramatically, while the main goal was chased - armour penetrating capabilities. It actually entered Kursk battle, but real practice shown that accuracy of shooting from such a barrels with such a recoil is far from desirable. Moreover, having not perfect agility of Il-2, Il-2/NS-37 have it even more decreased. In second half of 1943 Il-2 switched to newly invented weapon - multiple cumulative bomblets, such as PTAB 2.5-1.5, 192 of which could be taken aboard. Cumulative bomblets proved to be far more effective than NS-37, almost shocking Wehrmacht panzer regiments. But anyways, 37mm version left a trace of it's presence. Enjoy Soviet "Kanonenvogel" in this game!
2x 7.62mm ShKAS 2x 23mm VYa 1x 12.7mm UBT (defencive) * 4x 50kg bombs * 2x 100kg bombs
DB-3F etalon 1940
Another major project of Sergey Ilyushin: a soviet long range medium bomber, giving Allies a good bomb load in the early war. This aircraft is also capable of carrying a pair of torpedoes (as DB-3T and Il-4T versions), similarly to the Axis Ju 88 A-17 (torp version of Ju 88 A-4).
As soon as the blitzkrieg began against USSR, several raids of these bombers struck Berlin in August, 1941. Originally it was named DB-3 (Dalniy Bombardirovshik = long range bomber in Russian), but was re-indexed as IL-4 in 1942.
FreeHost offers DB-3F (modernisation stage "F") etalon of production for 1940 from a variety DB-3/Il-4 versions.
3x 7.62mm ShKAS * 3x 100kg bombs +10x 100kg bombs * 3x 250kg bombs +10x 100kg bombs * 3x 500kg bombs +10x 100kg bombs * 1x 1000kg bombs +10x 100kg bombs * 2x 1000kg bombs * 2x Torpedoes
Pe-2
The Pe-2 is a very fast light and dive bomber, similar to the Mosquito IV. When it's released, only a limited number of axis aircraft manage to chase it.
This project of V.M. Petlyakov, initially named "100", aimed at making a high-altitude interceptor, but two factors doomed it not to became a one. First one is absence of "potential enemy"'s high-altitude bombers, and second one is the Stuka's great success. Ar-2 as SB development was not a good dive bomber, thus a Petlyakov's project has purpose being changed to dive bomber. Westerners call Pe-2 the "Russian Mossie", but it's the Mosquito that should be called the "English Peshka", since the soviet plane was designed earlier.
However, urging to counter bombing raids to Moscow with night barraging interceptors, Soviets produced some quantity of Pe-3. Interceptor Pe-3 was designed in hastening from serial Pe-2's with some minor modifications, and retained some bombing capabilities which were also used during Battle of Moscow.
Developers introduced two series of Pe-2: series 13 for early war and series 206 for middle of war. Also note Pe-3 interceptor and fighter-bomber version of Pe-2 inside Pe-2 ser.13 slot, as well as Pe-3bis long-range fighter inside Pe-2 ser.206 slot.
Pe-2 series 13 1x 12.7mm UBK +1x 7.62mm ShKAS 1x 12.7mm UBT (defencive) 1x 7.62mm ShKAS (defencive) * 8x 100kg bombs * 2x 250kg bombs +6x 50kg bombs * 4x 250kg bombs * 2x 500kg bombs * Pe-3 versions of inteceptor and fighter-bomber (within Pe-2-13)
Pe-2 series 206 has all ShKAS's replaced by UB and M-105R is replaced by M-105PF (VK-105PF).
Pe-8 production 1943
Hard fate of Pe-8 bomber decreased influence to war history to minimum level. Actually FH developers did not intend to model it, but an occasion occurred that brought this bomber to virtual life of the game. Anyways, here's a briefing on this plane.
Initially born in Anatoliy Nikolayevich Tupolev's OKB and therefore named ANT-42, the design was then renamed to TB-7 (Tyazholyi Bombardirovshik 7 - Heavy Bomber 7th, confer it to TB-1 and TB-3) and passed to V. M. Petlyakov. Different engines were tried in the serial production, amongst which AM-35A was selected for etalon of production. In 1943 another engine was installed, M-82A, establishing etalon of 1943 production. Version with AM-35A had better flight characteristics, while lower consuming M-82A gave longer range of flight. In 1942 TB-7 was renamed to Pe-8 after V. M. Petlyakov. Preventing game disbalance with such a high firepower, Pe-8 was put to scene in 1943.
Pe-8 and Yer-2 bombers were a polygon for testing diesel aviation engines M-30 and M-40, designed by A. Charmosky. Engines were hard to debug and caused many flight and service problems to Yer-2 and Pe-8. Moreover, since Pe-8 was outside of Soviet doctrine, production of this bomber ceased and restarted many times, resulting in only 97 aircrafts produced during entire war.
Historical role of Pe-8 is not bright, but it was the plane that bombed Berlin in August 1941 (along with DB-3F and Yer-2 bombers) and dropped FAB-5000 (5000kg) bombs in 1943.
2x 20mm ShVAK 2x 12.7mm UB 2x 7.62mm ShKAS (dual .303 Browning is used to replace dual 7.62mm ShKAS) * 48x 50kg bombs * 8x 250kg +16x 100kg Bombs * 12x250kg Bombs * 4x500kg +16x 100kg Bombs * 8x500kg bombs * 2x1000kg +18x 100kg Bombs * 2x1000kg +4x 500kg Bombs * 4x1000kg Bombs
P-39Q-5-BE <Airacobra>
The P-39Q was the version of the Bell P-39 "Airacobra" sent to USSR under the lend-lease program (most of Airacobra's produced were sent to USSR). It's an improved version of the P-39D and P-39N, influenced by Russian pilots' requests, with better top speed and dive characteristics. An update that comes once the P-39D is already an obsolete aircraft, giving this model a longer life in the game. It also includes an option for removing two of the four machineguns for better performance.
2x .50" Browning M2 2x .50" Browning M2 (removable) 1x 37mm M4 * 1x 250kg bomb
Li-2
This is the new allied troop transport: the Soviet licensed version of the DC-3 Gooney Bird, also known as the C-47. With the addition of this aircraft, only axis have access to the Ju-52, and only the allies to the Li-2, separating the transports in the game among the two sides. However, this plane was produced without license by Showa Plants as the L2D transport, leaving the question of availability of the Li-2 for the Axis open.
1x 7.62mm ShKAS * 18 paratroopers * 4x 250kg bombs (You can download Il-4 cockpit to have bomb sight)
British RAF
Spitfire Mk. IIa
Castle Bromwich produced Spitfire Mk. Ia with a little more powerful Merlin-XII engine instead of Merlin-III and marked this aricraft as Spitfire Mk. IIa. We cannot recall wether it was modelled against Bf 109 F-2 or whatever. But it's here finally.
8x .303" Browning Mk. II
Spitfire Mk. Vb
Freehost have Spitfire Mark V splitted into two versions: Mk. Vb and Mk. Vc bringing more historical precision. Spitfire Mk. Vb is inferior to already known Mk. Vc, but... Dura lex, sed lex.
2x 20mm Hispano Mk. II 4x .303" Browning Mk. II * 2x 250lb bombs * 1x 500lb bomb
Spitfire LF Mk. IXc
Having troubles with excellent rolling rate of Fw 190 A, englishmen made a clipped wing version of Spitfire Mark IX. Also, this version is propulsed by more powerful Merlin-66 engine, instead of Merlin-61. In outcome we have an excellent low-to-medium altitude dogfighter, capable to oppose Fw 190 A.
2x 20mm Hispano Mk. II 4x .303" Browning Mk. II * 2x 250lb bombs * 1x 500lb bomb
Typhoon Mk. IB series 3
A long awaited addition: the Hawker Typhoon. Armed with a lethal pack of quad 20mm Hispano cannons, this plane brings the highest top speeds of 1942 in FH. Although it suffers from lack of performance in climbing and rolling, the Typhoon is still one of the best aircraft available when it's released. Besides its heavy guns, this plane can still carry extra bombs, making it useful in ground attacks as well.
4x 20mm Hispano Mk. II * 2x 500lb bombs
Tempest Mk. V series 2
Continuing to model Hawker's birds, FreeHost developers offer a deeply redesigned version of Typhoon: Hawker "Tempest" Mk. V series 2. Trying to improve high-altitude performance of Typhoon, Sydney Camm (designer of Hurricane and Typhoon) unexpectedly received a dramatic improvement of rolling characteristics as well. With all advantages of Typhoon, players can also enjoy improved maneuverability, speed and altitude characteristics when flying Tempest.
4x 20mm Hispano Mk. II * 8x HE-RP 5" rockets * 2x 500lb bombs * 2x 1000lb bombs
Beaufighter Mk. IC
This plane opens possibility to fly a two-engined gun platform in early war for Allies side. Bristol Beaufighter has a lethal battery of 4x20mm and 6x7.69mm guns, and can vapourise any unlucky enemy occasioned on Beau's course.
4x 20mm Hispano Mk. II 6x .303" Browning Mk. II * 2x 250lb bombs * 1x Torpedo (as Mk.VIC and TF Mk.X)
Meteor Mk. III
Due to constant request of luft... ehm... some part of player community, FreeHost makes Me 262 A more available by setting it to exact historical date 1944'Oct. It is became possible with balancing Schwalbe with Allied counterpart Gloster Meteor F Mk. III.
"During the Second World War the Meteor F Mk.III served with Nos.616 and 504 squadrons, but only No.616 used them in action. In January 1945 a flight of four aircraft moved to Melsbrook in Belgium, partly to defend the airfield, and partly in the hope that the Me 262 might appear. The entire squadron moved to the continent in March, and spent the rest of the war carrying out armed reconnaissance and ground attack missions. The much anticipated clash with the Me 262 never came." (Rickard, J (12 February 2008), Gloster Meteor F Mk.III , [2])
"Four Meteors came across a number of Fw 190s, as the British jets prepared to engage enemy, a number of Tempests and Spitfires mistook Meteors for Me 262s and prepared to attack what they thought were enemy aircraft. The confusion caused Meteor to break off their attack on German fighters."(Aircraft in action #1152, "Meteor")
4x 20mm Hispano Mk. II * 16x 3"RP * 2x 500lb bombs
German Luftwaffe
Bf 109 T-1
Part of an incomplete German Graf Zeppelin project, the Bf 109 T-1 was originally designed to take off from aircraft carriers. But due to many problems project was cancelled, having it's units transferred to land bases. In FH, this aircraft is the only German fighter capable of taking off a CV. In performance and firepower, it is equivalent to a Bf 109 E-4, except for the extra weight of naval equipment.
Later units were modified, having naval equipment removed, and further production of Bf 109 T-2 was used with considerable success as STOL fighter-bombers in Northern regions of the war.
2x 7.92mm MG 17 2x 20mm MG FF/M * 4x 50kg bombs * 1x 250kg bombs
Bf 109 F-2
Meeting players' requirements to obtain Friedrich as early as possible, developers created Bf 109 F-2 version. Better climber than Bf 109 E, better turning, a good match for incoming Spitfire Mk. IIa and Mk. Vb. However, Galland and Udet discussed wether weapon salvo should be decreased at cost of engine-mounted high-accuracy cannon. You decide what you choose: a pair of wing mounted MG FF/M of Bf 109 E-4 or axis firing MG 151/15 of Bf 109 F-2.
2x 7.92 MG 17 1x 15mm MG 151/15 * 4x 50kg bombs * 1x 250kg bombs
Bf 109 G-2
Bf 109 G-2 is about the best climber of the 109'series (nearly equal to the Bf 109 K-4), being even better than Bf 109 F-4. Bf 109 G-2 can climb at around 21 m/s in a sustained shallow climb. It has still the light armor of F versions, consequently being almost as maneuverable. Bf 109 G-2 outperforms later Bf 109 G-6 in almost every category. Bf 109 G-2 is a very good fighter as it's performance stays good at high altitudes and it could be considered the best 109 model ever built. (some pilots say the same for Bf 109 F-4.)
2x 7.92mm MG 17 1x 20mm MG 151/20 E * 4x 50kg bombs * 1x 250kg bombs
Bf 109 G-2/R6
Having problems with intercepting RAF Bomber Command and USAF 8th Air Force hordes, Bf 109 G-2/R6 conversion enables effective snapshots, but makes escaping trickier. Many FH pilots like to use gondolas (2x MG 151/20 E under wing pods), but it really limits the plane's performance, especially in climb. The firepower of 1x 20mm MG 151/20 E is well enough if you go in close as you should in German fighters.
2x 7.92mm MG 17 3x 20mm MG 151/20 E
Bf 109 G-14
Latest Gustav serie armed with the MK 108 cannon (Bf 109 G-6/U4 with MK 108 became available en mass in August 1944, so Bf 109 G-14 is set to this date). The first 30mm single-engined fighter is the favorite until Bf 109 K-4 comes into availability in FH.
2x 13mm MG 131 1x 30mm MK 108 (or 1x 20mm MG 151/20 E) * 2x Werfergranade 21cm "Dodel" rockets (Bf 109 G-14/R2) * 4x 50kg bombs * 1x 500kg bomb
Bf 109 G-14/R6
For those who prefer 3x 20mm cannons instead of the hard-to-hit-with MK 108, this is an excellent option.
2x 13mm MG 131 3x 20mm MG 151/20 E
Fw 190 A-3
Stretching Fw 190 era to early times, Freehost developers suggest you to fly Anton-3. It is equipped with BMW 801 Dg that lacks boost of BMW 801 D-2's of Fw 190 A-4. Nevertheless, it's genuine Fw 190 , with all it's character!
2x 7.92mm MG 17 (removable) 2x 20mm MG 151/20 2x 20mm MG FF/M (removable) * 4x 50kg bombs * 1x 250kg bombs
Fw 190 A-6
This version stands between Fw 190 A-4 and Fw 190 A-8 well known before. Two words: an excellent hunter. P.S. two more words: good jabo.
2x 7.92mm MG 17 2-4x 20mm MG 151/20 E * 2x Werfergranade 21cm "Dodel" rockets (Fw 190 A-6/R6 Pulkzerstorer) as Fw 190 G-3 and Fw 190 A-6 Jabo-einsatz: * 8x 50kg bombs * 1x 250kg bomb +4x 50kg bombs * 2x 250kg bomb * 1x 500kg bomb
Fw 190 A-8
Late series of Anton version of Fw 190 with engine boost raised. Flown with care, it is possible to rack up a dozen of kills in a single sortie. A-8 also models such versions as /R2 with wing cannons replaced by 30mm MK 108 and /R6 with a pair of air-to-air unguided rockets.
Fw 190 F-8, being an armoured version of Fw 190 A-8, became the heaviest Axis jabo, comparable to a loaded P-47. Fw 190 F-8 gives player a wide variety of air-to-ground weapon.
2x 13mm MG 131 +2x 20mm MG 151/20 E +2x 20mm MG 151/20 E + or 2x 13mm MG 131 +2x 20mm MG 151/20 E +2x 30mm MK 108 * 2x Wfr.Gr.21
or 2x 20mm MG 151/20 E with air-to-ground load * 8x 50kg bomb * 1x 500kg bomb +4x 50kg bombs * 1x 500kg bomb +2x 250kg bombs * 12x Panzerblitz 1 (R4M/HL) rockets
Ju 87 B-2 <Stuka>
Resolving IEN's error in appearance of late Stuka version in early war, we offer you a really early version Bertha. Ju 87 B-2 has a proper firepower in 1940 and Ju 87 D-3 in 1942.
<Stuka> is abbreviation of "Sturmkampfflugzeug", that is "Attacking combat aircraft" in German.
2x 7.92mm MG 17 1x 7.92mm MG 15 (defencive) * 1x250kg bombs +4x 50kg bombs * 1x500kg bombs +4x 50kg bombs * 1x1000kg bomb (minus rear gunner!)
Ju 87 D-5 <Stuka>
A little ambiguity brought to virtual life even more FreeHost version of Stuka: Ju 87 D-5. It differs from Dora-3 by wing mounted MG 151/20 E and sligthly increased wingspan. Very probably Ju 87 D-5 will replace Ju 87 D-3 in Freehost Warbirds because of close ressemblance to the latter.
2x 20mm MG 151/20 E 1x 7.92mm MG 81Z (defencive) * 1x250kg bombs +4x 50kg bombs * 1x500kg bombs +4x 50kg bombs * 1x500kg bombs +2x 250kg bombs * 1x1000kg bomb * 1x1800kg bomb (minus rear gunner!)
Bf 110 F-1
This version covers a lacune between Bf 110 C-8 and Bf 110 G-2. That's it.
2x 20mm MG FF/M 4x 7.92mm MG 17 1X 7.92mm MG 15 (defencive) * 2x 250kg bombs +4x 50kg bombs * 2x 500kg bombs +4x 50kg bombs
Me 410 A-2 <Hornisse>
Many update projects followed the obsolescence of the Bf 110 fighter-bomber. After the failure of the Me 210 project, the Hornisse (hornet in English) was consolidated as it proved to be useful for the Luftwaffe, as their current needs demanded high-velocity bombers (schnellbombers). Faster, stronger, and much better armed characteristics opened its doors for successful deployment. Carrying numerous bomb kits and weapon configurations, this plane becomes very versatile to the Axis needs. From one-ton bombs to 50 kg eggs, from a pair of 20mm cannons to a pair of pairs of them. The Hornisse was also successful in intercepting enemy bomber raids, until the US 8AF began performing fighter-sweeps.
Name <Hornisse> (Bumble-bee) comes from P.R.d actions of II/ZG.26 "Hornissegeschwader" (Bumble-bee Escadre).
2x 7.92mm MG 17 2x 20mm MG 151/20 E (or 4 x 20mm MG 151/20 E as Me 410 A-1/U2) 2x 13mm MG 131 (defencive) * 8x 50kg bombs * 2x 250kg bombs * 2x 500kg bombs * 1x 1000kg bombs
Me 410 B-2 <Hornisse>
With new engines, this version presents performance improvements. the "Bertha" version also includes extra weapon kits, including a pair of 30mm MK 108 cannons or a team of 4 20mm MG 151/20 E cannons.
2x 7.92mm MG 17 2x 20mm MG 151/20 E 2x 13mm MG 131 (defencive) * 2x 30mm MK 108 (as Me 410 B-2/R2) * 2x 20mm MG 151/20 E (as Me 410 B-2/R4) * 8x 50kg bombs * 2x 250kg bombs * 2x 500kg bombs * 1x 1000kg bombs
Ju 88 A-1
This plane models early Luftwaffe bomber, while Ju 88 A-4 was removed to his own proper date.
3x MG 15 * 28x 50kg bombs * 4x 250kg bombs +18x 50kg bombs * 2x 500kg bombs +18x 50kg bombs * 4x 500kg bombs * 2x 1000kg bombs
Ju 88 S-1
Long awaited schellbomber for Axis, allowing to revenge Pe-2's and Mosquito's terror. High velocity, good load, what do you need more for comfortable raids deep into enemy territory?
1x 13mm MG 131 * 18x 50kg bombs * 2x250kg bombs +10x 50kg bombs * 2x500kg bombs +10x 50kg bombs * 2x1000kg bombs +10x 50kg bombs * 1x1800kg bomb +10x 50kg bombs * 1x1800kg bomb +1x 1000kg bomb
He 177 A-3/R2 <Greif>
with the He 177 A-3/R2, FreeHost has inserted the first Axis heavy bomber into the game. Capable of carrying incredible loads and having a 20mm rear gunner, this is one of the best heavy buffs in the game. It's main drawback is it's maximum altitude - only 7 km (~21,000 ft.).
<Greif> is Gryphon(Griffon) in German.
2x 20mm MG 151/20 E 1x 13mm dual MG 131 (replaced by dual .50" Browning M2) 1x 13mm MG 131 1x 7.9mm MG 81Z * 48x 50 kg bombs * 8x250kg bombs +16x50kg bombs * 12x 250 kg bombs * 4x500kg bombs +16x50kg bombs * 6x 500kg bombs * 4x 1000kg bombs * 2x 1800kg bombs +2x 1000kg bombs
Japan IJA
Ki-27b
Try hazard and furious dogfights in 1930 style with this very agile bird. Nakajima offers such a possibility with Ki-27b, an old enemy of I-16 and I-153 over Khalkin-Gol (Nomongan) and China. Ki-27b is the nimbliest plane in the game, but like all early japanese planes it buys it's agility at cost of lacking armouring and low firepower.
1x 7.69 Army Type 89 Model 2 1x 12.7mm Army Type 1 (Ho-103) * 4x 25kg bombs * 2x 50kg bombs
Ki-44-IIb <Shoki>
Along with Ki-43-II, another Nakajima's design is a quite non-typical for japanese doctrine of aerial battle. This is an aircraft born for climb rate and speed. Also, this interceptor is somehow armoured leaving "origami era" behind. Don't underestimate this opponent, since it is unexpectedly good dogfighter as well. And don't forget that it can carry half of a ton of bombs too.
<Shoki> is american misswriting based on japan pronunciation "Syoki" of mythological chinese knight Chung Kuei, that guarded his emperor from daemons. This personage is quite popular in Japan. Semantics of Ki-44 name could be considered as "devil queller" by those who doesn't want to know about that certain personage.
as Ki-44-II Hei (Ki-44-IIc) 4x 12.7mm Ho-103 * 2x 50kg bombs * 2x 250kg bombs
as Ki-44-II Otsu (Ki-44-IIb) 2x 12.7mm Ho-103 2x 40mm Ho-301
Ki-45 KAI-Tei (KAId) <Toryu>
Progressively filling gaps of original game, FH proposes Japan heavy fighter with 37mm anti-tank cannon for ground/sea strafing and interception purposes. It's more maneuverable than P-38, though a bit slower.
2x 20mm Ho-5 1x 37mm Ho-203 * 2x 250kg bombs
Ki-61-I KAI-Hei (KAIc) <Hien>
This was the most common sub-version of the Ki-61 "Hien" during the war. With a pair of Ho-5 20mm cannons in the nose (in the place of two of the Ki-61-Ib's four 12.7mm Ho 103 machineguns), it carries a much more lethal punch, but enters the war in a later date and loses a bit of performance with the extra weight. Keeping in mind that 388 Ki-61-I fighters were equipped with imported MG 151/20 before Ho-5 weapon became available, we allow cannon version of Ki-61 to enter the game earlier.
<Hien> is Swallow in Japanese.
2x 20mm Ho-5 2x 12.7mm Ho-103 * 2x 50kg bombs * 2x 250kg bombs
Japan IJN
A6M5b Model 52B <Reisen>
Just a little gift from rgreat, the A6M5b is an A6M5a with one 12.7mm Ho instead of one 7.7mm machine gun. Although, historically, IJ Navy had 13.2 Type 3 machine gun, not Ho-103.
The A6M5b became the most successful version of the "Zeke", with improved dive characteristics and passive defense measures (such as self-sealing fuel tanks, etc).
<Reisen> is abbreviation of japanese "Rei Siki Sentoki", that means simply "Type 0 Fighter". 0 means that it was adopted for IJN in year 2600 of Japanese Koki Era (confer it to Type 100 Bomber Ki-49, adopted in the same year).
btw, 2600 Koki = 1940 A.D.
1x 7.69mm Navy Type 97 1x 12.7mm Ho 103 2x 20mm Navy Type 99 Mk. 2 * 2x 50kg bombs * 1x 250kg bombs (unreal for A6M5, but real for A6M7 light dive bomber)
N1K1-J <Shiden>
This is the Japanese interceptor, converted from float fighter N1K1 "Kyofu" (Mighty Wind). The "Shiden" (Violet Lightning) is armed with 4x 20mm cannons, and has deadly firepower. However, it compresses easily, losing controls at approximately 550 km/h. Even so, it is a dangerous opponent in experienced hands.
2x 7.7mm Navy Type 97 (N1K1-J only, not N1K1-Jb) 4x 20mm Navy Type 99 Mk. 2 * 4x 50kg bombs * 2x 250kg bombs
N1K2-J <Shiden KAI>
This is an update of the previous N1K1-J interceptor mentioned above. In the reality, Japanese were too late to launch the Mitsubishi A7M2 Reppu as a carrier based fighter and tried to fix the gap with outdated A6M Reisen models. A backup project planned N1K3-A and N1K4-A carrier based fighters, but when prototypes were ready for production, IJN lost most of it's carriers and was in need of ground based interceptors for the desperate fight for the main islands. For game balance purposes, both N1K1-Jb and N1K2-J are available from CV's.
KAI is japanese hyeroglyph meaning "modified".
4x 20mm Navy Type 99 Mk. 2 * 4x 50kg bombs * 2x 250kg bombs
Italian Reggia Aeronautica
C.202 series I, VII <Folgore>
The Macchi "Folgore" (Thunder) is an agile, reasonably climbing and fast diving fighter. Although under-gunned, the Italian Bf 109 -inspired aircraft can be seen as an early and more maneuverable P-51, having one of the fastest top speeds when it's released.
2x 7.62mm Breda SAFAT (series VII only) 2x 12.7mm Breda SAFAT * 2x 113kg bombs (modelling rare calibre of RA - 150kg)
C.205V series I, III <Veltro>
Developing MC.202 Folgore, Mario Castoldi installed more powerful DB 605A engine instead of DB 601A-1. So, MC.205V "Veltro" (Grey Hound) appeared. This upgrade made old Macchi's fighter quite an adequate in 1943. Fast, maneuverable, with a modern firepower, this plane is a good weapon.
series I 2x 7.62mm Breda SAFAT 2x 12.7mm Breda SAFAT * 2x 113kg bombs (modelling rare calibre of RA - 150kg)
series III 2x 12.7mm Breda SAFAT 2x 20mm MG 151/20 E * 2x 113kg bombs (modelling rare calibre of RA - 150kg)
S.M.79 series II <Sparviero>
Sparviero, the backbone of Reggia-Aeronautica bomber forces is finally modelled at FreeHost. This airplane, converted from passenger origin, became a famous bomber of Spanish Civil War and WWII.
1x 12.7mm Breda SAFAT operated by pilot 1x 12.7mm Breda SAFAT in top turret 2x 7.62mm Breda SAFAT in fuselage boards * 12x 50kg bombs * 12x 100kg bombs * 5x 250kg bombs * 2x 500kg bombs * 2x Torpedoes
French Armee de l'Air
D.520
For those who want to understand how Frenches fought in 1940, a best fighter of Armee de l'Air is modelled in the game. Saying frankly, French reports about D.520 vs Bf 109 E comparison are pessimistic: Dewoitine is only diving better than Emil. In all other aspects it's hardly equal, if not loosing to Emil. However, diving in this "chasseur" is quite pleasant: it's fast and perfectly controllable at high speeds, much better than any opponent, as in real life. Always try to boom-and-zoom your opponents, since in all other situations you'd better flee from troubles. Since Vichy France and Bulgarian Air forces operated this plane on Axis side, this plane is available for both sides in the game.
1x 20mm Hispano Mk. II (instead of real 20mm Hispano Suiza 404) 4x .30" Browning M2 (instead of real 7.5mm MAC 1934 Modele 39)
US Navy
F6F-3 <Hellcat> and F4U-1A <Corsair>
IEN put F6F-5 and F4U-1D to dates of F6F-3 and F4U-1, so we just made little refinements to restore the just. Both have lesser bomb load, and have rocket weapon and WEP removed. Pratt & Whitney R-2800 did not have water injection in 1943, eh?
US Army Air Corpse
P-39D-2-BE <Airacobra>
This model represents a grasp of P-39D-2-BE airplanes, backed up with following numerous P-39K and P-39L series. All models are powered with V-1710-63 engine that gives more output than V-1710-35 of P-39D-BE. It helps players to wait for P-39Q-5-BE.
1x 37mm M4 2x .5" Browning M2 4x .30" Browning M2 * 1x 500lb bomb
Fantastics
FOO
The Foo was a little secret inside WB revealed to us by rgreat. Having very interesting characteristics, it even carries 4 MK 108s. Be sure to download it's cockpit at iEN's site. Of course, this plane isn't available online at FH.
4x 30mm MK 108
Observer Craft
This thing was created with scenarios and tournaments in mind. Allowing people to be spectators without interfering, it's invisibility and absence of weapons makes it ideal. It can be flown at near zero speed, reaching 500 mph and stopping again in a jiffy. And of course, this plane also isn't available online at FH. We temporarily removed Observer from FHL 1.68 for modelling another airplane.
Asking for new aircraft
Are you sure you want that airplane? Then provide the team with the sufficient information. Here is a list of what you need:
1. Necessity
- A brief text (50 words) describing players' interest for this airplane, or game play issues. I can say that Douglas Dauntless is outsider in the game, since it's tasks could be performed better by other airplanes.
- Auditory that has urge for this airplane (e.g. Dutch, French, etc.) and its size.
- Intended or expected auditory growth or other changes on appearance of the unit spoken.
2. Historical info
- Numbers and dates of production and appearance of the airplane.
- Indexes of army units armed with the weapon spoken, dates of delivery and quantities. I mean army units that played a significant role in the war. For example, there were 6-8 operative Kondors in all second half of 1940, which makes it senseless to model the Kondor in the game.
- A brief description of main war operations and strategical consequences after these.
3. Rolling Plane Set (RPS)
- A proposal how to introduce the airplane into the game: dates, sides and field types. Dates of retirement are also desirable.
The above information is the first part on which the overall decision will be based on. The second part below should be prepared after a positive reaction from the FH team. Of course, you may prepare the second part without confirmation and may even improve the chances of implementation of your airplane, but you have the risk of doing it for nothing.
4. Graphic image
- 3 projection draws: It is desirable to add/replace them by a convenient AutoCAD or 3DS Max model (Further details at PG Monster's site)
- RGB code of colors of the painting scheme, or at least a statement that they could be taken directly from bitmaps provided. Scheme of markings used, with it's places, dimensions, and colors. If given in FST (Federal Standard Colors), a RGB representation is needed.
- Due to limited possibilities of 2D graphic mode of WB (camouflage stripes and spots could not be shown), a suggestion of single color (RGB) for upper and lower surfaces.
- Cockpit photos from inside: instrument panel with gauges commentaries and colors, fields of view in all possible directions. Could be replaced by ready-to use 640*480 and 1024*768 bitmaps corresponding to WB view directions, and adapted for better ergonomics of player. Could be replaced by suggestion about what ready cockpit (P-40/P-51, Ki-61 or else) to use instead. (For information on creating cockpits, visit PG Monster's site)
5. Technical data
- Chart of engine power in HP x Altitude
- Emergency, extreme combat modes description (power and allowed usage instructions)
- Weight of fuel, internal, and, if present, external
- Scheme of positions and dimensions of main details: fuel tanks, engine, oil tanks and radiators, weapons
- Aerodynamic surfaces values
- Aerodynamic coefficients, such as drag and lift (could be replaced by index of aerodynamic profiles used, and data on these profiles)
6. Flight data
- Table of top speeds at different altitudes with as small increments as possible
- Table of sustained turn rates and radii by altitude with as small increments as possible
- Chart of climb rate
- Values of maximal construction speed and dive characteristics
- Chart of acceleration by altitude, if possible
- Roll, pitch, yaw characteristics for different speeds and altitudes.
- Any additional data could be taken in consideration of modeling flight characteristics. Relational comparisons are acceptable, such as "Bf 109 E gets at Mig-3's six after the fifth 360° turn at 3000 meters alt".
7. Pilotage notes
- Simplicity or complexity of flight regimes and maneuvers.
5,6,7. Interpolation trick: you can take a good model of the airplane, for example from MS Flight Simulator, check it's authenticity in control points of characteristics known and take more detailed values from the model.
8. Defense
- Scheme of armor defenses, with description of armor plates. Field tests of armor elements durability is desirable.
- Details on other types of passive defense such as self-sealing fuel tanks, etc.
9. Weapon
- Description of every type of weapon used. We have info on ShKASes, Brownings, MGs, Ho and Types, and some more. But no info on specific weapon such as MAC 1934, Hispano 404, Breda-SAFAT, Vickers-S, Ho-203, B-20 or other weapons not yet used by WB.
- Muzzle velocity, weight of shell and projectile, type of ammunition, weight of "warhead" if applicable, dispersion of trajectories etc.
- Enumeration of weapon used, with positions, directions, and sectors (if applicable), ammo load.
- Description of droppable weapon hard-points (bomb bays, wing/fuselage racks) with positions, weights designed and ammo intended (bombs, torpedoes with marks, calibers, etc)
- Variants of weapon kits used on the airplane suggested.
10. Versions
- Description of construction evolution: engines, construction, weapon, other avionics and accessories.
- Changes in performance.
- Dates of production start and end, dates of delivery and retirement, first combat action, manufactured quantity of version.
12. Specifics
- Any specific information of any nature about airplane suggested.
13. Proof
- Complete and detailed list of sources where all this information is extracted from, each fragment. We prefer publicly available information that is easy to check. We prefer not to buy or order books or other materials from other countries, since developers have no enthusiasm to spend even more money then what they spend already. And Russia has not too convenient and reliable ways to pay outward, and to delivering material goods. Digitized sheets (papers scanned to image files) could be added, since they *are* the sources.
Note 1: Composing such a dossier is relatively hard work. But this game and its development are enthusiastic, so show us your enthusiasm. We hope you won't be upset, but be ready and willing to work together.
Note 2: It is preferable to compose a ready dossier, rather than spamming us with vast volumes of info where we must extract the data needed from. Even worse if you make us to gather info on airplanes of no interest to ourselves. E.g. soviet airplanes are very interesting to us, so developers made research themselves. You must prove that airplanes you suggest are interesting, and prepare as much information needed as possible. If you provide about 70% of the data listed above, your plane will have a good opportunity for implementation.
Note 3: Before you send in all this information, post a note at the forum with preliminary information so FH team may tell you where to send the dossier.
Note 4: You can accelerate the process of implementation of your aircraft by sending in a pre-made 3D model of it. To learn how to, visit PG Monster's site.
