- Yes
- No
Fiat Type Yi (イ式重爆撃機)
Fiat Type Yi aircraft were purchased by Japan in 1938 due to the high demand for bombers. 75 or 85 were purchased, which served from 1938 to 1939 as bombers, and until 1941 were used as transport aircraft.
History
In July 1937, the Second Sino-Japanese War began, which led to the need for heavy bombers. The only heavy bomber that Japan had was the Ki-1, although in 1937 tests of the new Ki-21 bomber were already underway. The Japanese army urgently needed bombers until more Ki-21 aircraft were introduced, so it was decided to purchase a bomber from abroad. Initially, it was planned to buy the He 111 aircraft from Germany, but there was opposition from the Wehrmacht. Due to the refusal from Germany, it was decided to buy bombers from Italy. A Japanese delegation was sent to check which Italian aircraft was best suited for Japanese requirements. The Italian Air Force presented two B.R. 20 and Ca.135 bombers to the Japanese delegation. The Japanese decided on the B.R. 20 as it was a more modern aircraft than the Ca.135. The Japanese decided to purchase 75 or 85 B.R. 20 aircraft, the first of which was delivered in early 1938.The Japanese army in B.R. 20 aircraft improved the defensive armament, removing the 12.7 mm MG from the dorsal turret and attaching a 20 mm cannon there. The aircraft quickly entered combat use, where they received very negative evaluations by the crews. The performance and range were criticized, in addition, the B.R. 20 often broke down in the harsh conditions of Manchuria, the Japanese praised only the defensive capabilities of the aircraft. In 1939 there were serious problems with the bomb load, because the bomb bays did not fit Japanese bombs, it was necessary to use exported Italian bombs, which quickly began to run out. In addition, due to crew errors, enemy fighters and technical reasons, the Japanese lost about 20 B.R 20s by the beginning of 1939. The Japanese army was already receiving large numbers of Ki-21 aircraft, so it was decided to withdraw the B.R. 20 aircraft from combat units. The planes were directed to transport and courier duties, but due to the lack of spare parts, none of the remaining B.R.20 aircraft was able to fly until 1941.
Structure description
Changes to the Japanese B.R. 20 compared to the Italian version:
- replacement of the top 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT turret machine guns for a turret with a 20mm cannon of unknown type
No other changes have been made
General characteristics
- Length: 16.10 m
- Width: 21.50 m
- Total height: 4.30 m
- Wing area: 74.0 m2
- Weight: 6,500 kg
- Total weight: 10,100 kg
- Engines: 2 x Fiat A.80 RC.41 (air-cooled, two-in-line, 14-cylinder) 1,000 hp
- Crew: 6 people
Performance
- Maximum speed: 430 km/h at an altitude of 4,100 m above sea level.
- Cruising power: 3,000 km
- Climb force: 6 minutes 30 seconds to 2,000 m, 14 minutes to 4,000 m, 18 minutes to 5,000 m
- Service ceiling: 9,000 m
Armament
- Armament:
- 2 x 12.7mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns (nose and rear down)
- 1 x 1 x 20mm Cannon (Rear, Up)
- Bombs:
- 1000kg
Summary
The Fiat Type Yi/B.R.20 would be a very interesting addition for Japan in War Thunder. It will be a very interesting low-Br bomber that will provide a different experience than Japanese bombers. Thanks to its defensive capabilities, it will be able to destroy enemy fighters with ease, which is a plus for this aircraft. I encourage you to discuss in the comments and to share your own knowledge on this subject.
Finally, I apologize for the linguistic and logical errors because unfortunately English is not my main language and I had to use google translator.
source
イ式重爆撃機 - Wikipedia
Fiat BR.20 Cicogna - Wikipedia
Fiat BR-20s in Japanese service - Axis History Forum
Fiat BR.20 Cicogna - bomber (aviastar.org)
旧陸軍「イ式重爆撃機」2年足らずで使い捨ての理由と背景 不遇のイタリア機…なぜ？ | 乗りものニュース- (2) (trafficnews.jp)
イ式重爆撃機とは (イシキジュウバクゲキキとは) [単語記事] - ニコニコ大百科 (nicovideo.jp)
Type “Yi” Heavy Bomber (Fiat BR.20) - Japan - War Thunder - Official Forum