How to use and love Bomber Aircraft (War Thunder 2021 Guide)

How to use and love Bomber Aircraft (War Thunder 2021 Guide)
In this Bomber Aircraft guide, I am going to show you several tips and offer suggestions on how to get most out of your Bomber Aircraft in War Thunder playing both in Ground RB and Air RB.
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Timestamps :
00:00 Intro
02:26 Bomber view options
07:54 Drop bomb series control
09:31 Crew skills
14:05 Bomber aircraft modifications
17:27 Defensive armaments
27:26 TNT needed to destroy a base
30:27 Bomber aircraft in Ground RB
34:37 Miscellaneous
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Link to Google Spreadsheet for bombs and weapons :
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
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[@8BitDane]

Thanks for watching ! If you got something out of the video, please do me a solid and subscribe and like ! Leave a comment and if you have any suggestion for a plane to make a video about, do let me know. Just please, for now max BR is 6.7. I like to keep it where the war planes were fuzzy and adorable killing machines :)

[@Krelet]

This channel is the only place I've found that actually answers many of my questions about this game.

[@8BitDane]

Hi Krälet, glad you think so, I started making WT content mainly because of that, I was frustrated with not finding the answers I was looking for. When I in time found out myself, I thought I would make some content to help others avoid the frustration I went though. lol, especially with the Stuka bombing guide, I still cringe every time I see a Stuka never pulling out from a dive, makes me sad.

[@leafleap]

Dude, the alternative rear gunner view option made my day, I've been playing for nearly 2000 hours and I had no Idea that was even a thing. I've been playing a lot with the Swedish bombers recently and when I got to the T18B-1, I noticed how cramped and narrow the visibility got whilst using the rear gunner view compared to the earlier models. The supportive beams of the canopy (whilst viewing in the gunners view) creates blind spots which makes it super hard to track chasing planes. Tusen tack!

[@8BitDane]

Hey, man, super happy you got something out of it and I so agree, I too, have all these "AHA" moments still in the game with options and details that can improve my game and the gameplay in general. Those Swedish bombers are super strong, I think I have gotten more kills with the rear gunner than the forward firing guns. Velbekomme !

[@Kinarr.]

Not really on subject, but it is worth noting that although the T18B is a bomber, the T18B (57) is NOT. (Ignore the missiles, get rid of them quickly). It appears (deceptively) the same, but has a poor bombload and yet a huge cannon with 40 rounds, making it maybe the best bomber HUNTER in the game. Adding the fact it spawns at bomber height too, and can reach 6000m in 5 minutes, using it to chase bombers is worth knowing.

[@windowlicker6996]

I got another tip for bombing bases at a high altitude,. Cut the engine power to zero as your bombing reticle first touches the base. This will slow it right down as it passes over the base

[@Dagoth_ur_]

I personally do it right before to lose some meaningful speed and or air brakes

[@c00kedmilk]

Great vid, this must have taken effort to make, keep on uploading!

[@8BitDane]

Thanks ! - It did take a bunch of hours, but I have fun making the content and keep learning the software.

[@shiro9821]

Been flying the Heinkel 111 H3 and H6 for a while now and it's great so far. I started out with a Ju 87 Stuka flying with an SC1000 bomb, drop over a base and fly out, but I prefer He 111 now as it can carry better payload with 32 SC50s, I can destroy 3 bases and drop what's left over the airfield. The sideclimb never fails to get me to the target without getting shot down. Just make sure the enemy fighters and interceptors don't spot you. Sometimes, insane SBD Dauntless would also rather shoot you down than drop their own bombs. It doesn't matter if your arc radius is too big as long as you reach the target safely. I climb a 15° angle at around 160 km/h and it gets me at a safe altitude of 5000 or 6000 m. By the time I drop my bombs, the fighters have already thinned out and I'd have no problem gliding back to base with an idle engine, 20° angle of descent, and flaps on. Still testing the best behaviour to defend against fighters as nobody does formation with someone who sideclimbs.

[@8BitDane]

I usually do the same, depending on the map, plane used and BR. It is not a playstyle for everyone, but I also happen to find it entertaining and effective nearly all the time.

[@sinisabalentovic9617]

I do sideclimbs with my loved He 111 H3

[@rudolphantler6309]

Thanks for this guide. It was helpful!

[@zhin5443]

Great vid 🙏

[@nolansbrickcreations]

My guy, you really gave some great pointers. Excellent video and thanks for the advice!!

[@8BitDane]

Glad it was of use to you.

[@ronkaufhold6253]

extremly helpful video. actually got some answers about things i was wondering. thank you and keep making this good content!

[@8BitDane]

Hi Pinguin, thanks ! glad it was of some use to you 🙂

[@cybrpypr]

This was a fantastic video. I learned so much and you answered alot of questions that I had in my bombing techniques and calculations. I really appreciate this video.

[@8BitDane]

hi T.C - thanks, glad the info was useful to you.

[@srirachasponsorship6265]

got urself a sub bro, most helpful one ive seen on youtube!

[@8BitDane]

Hi Srirache, glad the video helped out, and thanks for the sub !

[@averageuser2007]

really helpful thanks so much mate

[@kenworth_tc]

nice video. thank you 😊

[@JWL07]

Wonderful video. It helped me a lot. Thank you.

[@8BitDane]

Hi Jim, glad you got something useful out of the video and thank you for the sub :)

[@pipluml1458]

very informative! thank you

[@xilongli821]

Omg I finally found what I was looking for! Thank you so much!

[@8BitDane]

Hi Dragon, glad you found my little corner of YT. I have made a playlist on bombing topics and bomber reviews, might be something you would be interested in.

[@meatymonkey8782]

Love your vids! Gives a lot of detailed info, Keep up he good work!

[@8BitDane]

Appreciate it!

[@rahulsamant2003]

VERY HELPFUL VIDEO, thx man👍

[@8BitDane]

Thanks Rahul, glad you found it useful.

[@cdawg826]

8bitdane vids are awesome, always helpful!!!

[@8BitDane]

Appreciate it, glad you find them of use 🙂

[@DJMIChaos]

Thx man, pretty nice infos. much apreciated

[@8BitDane]

Glad it was helpful!

[@olddigger7933]

Thanks for putting this info together. I'm always learning but this has sped things up a bit and given me a few settings to try out. Cheers

[@8BitDane]

Hi Digger, good to hear that the video helped out some. Appreciate the feedback.

[@olddigger7933]

@@8BitDane I changed the controls around like you mentioned have have been doing much better. Strange thing though, I have been team killed for taking out more bombers than fighters in some AB matches. I guess I need to learn the unwritten team rules.

[@8BitDane]

@@olddigger7933 Never heard anything so stupid in WT, why would there be unwritten team rules when it comes to that kind of thing ? I hope you report them right away, team killing of any kind should not be tolerated. Those are just dumb little kids. Screw them. No one but you should dictate how you want to enjoy the game. There is a couple things I do not do. For instance shot at a plane that someone else has set ablaze or you can see is close to killing, just normal courteous thinks like that. I have never ever team killed anyone and definitely not for some boneheaded unwritten rule like you mentioned. But glad the control changes helped you out :)

[@TheSlugstoppa]

Very useful info and thank you for making this Tutorial.

[@8BitDane]

Glad you got something useful from the video, thanks !

[@calebsmith1259]

Very helpful!! Thank you!

[@8BitDane]

Hi Caleb, thanks, good you got something out of the vid.

[@dakinoytc986]

Big thanks to you

[@magna3728]

Great video, very helpful.

[@8BitDane]

Thanks GiantRobot, good you got something useful from the video !👍

[@kaygokek9238]

Thank you bro this video was like an angel came down from the sky’s for all bomber player thank you

[@8BitDane]

Hi Rommel, thanks ! Glad you found it useful 🙂

[@baronpapa88]

Thank you, helped a lot! 🍻

[@8BitDane]

Hi Baron, glad you got something useful from the video

[@ghostcat5303]

Great video, quite inspiring.

[@8BitDane]

Appreciate it, good you got something positive from the video.

[@AnimationSensei]

If we had an H-bomb like Major King Kong in the thumbnail, we'd win every game hands down. (Or maybe a draw, since every ground unit and plane in the whole scenario would be wiped out.)

[@8BitDane]

Mj Kong is not riding the the H-bomb from the movie, but a German 1k ton bomb :) I think its bad enough that we have the meme FAB 5000 bomb the Pe-8 can carry (wish that thing would be removed) and of course the nukes you can spawn in with, not really a fan of gimmicks like those.

[@priscacara]

Tx for the vid it was exactly what I needed to watch to see what I was doing wrong!

[@8BitDane]

Hi Pris, glad the video was helpful to you !

[@notinsectanimoh4108]

Thanks, my friend. Very useful. I even think i began to enjoy playing a bomber

[@8BitDane]

Good to hear, glad you found the video helpful 🙂

[@psycheisssdelic]

good vid actually learned some things thanks

[@8BitDane]

Glad I could help

[@klemmer_kalle]

Very Nice Video Buddy! 🤟😃

[@8BitDane]

HI Karl, thanks ! glad you liked it

[@TGthepro728]

You earnt another sub :)

[@8BitDane]

Hi TG, much appreciated 👍

[@Osinivos4]

My mind = blown lol this just changed everything for me when it comes to bombers

[@8BitDane]

Ah cool, there is quite a lot too it, takes time to get just some of it under control :)

[@spectrum4700]

Good and informative video

[@8BitDane]

Hi Sepectrum, thanks, appreciate it ! 🙂

[@Banditten4700]

Jeg havde ikke set dit navn før jeg hørte accenten. Men jeg kunne høre det danske :D Tak for en god video.

[@8BitDane]

Velbekomme :-)

[@adolfohernandez4619]

Another good guide. Btw what do u think about weapon maintenance for bombers. Is it worth it?

[@8BitDane]

Hi Adolfo, thanks ! - and yes, it is worth it, it improves the accuracy of the bombs and rockets.

[@WolfyDaddy]

I think i will keep saying your channel is underrated until you get the recognition you deserve

[@8BitDane]

I really appreciate that, Wolfy. I figured from the start I would pour energy into making decent videos (but it is a learning process of course) in the hopes that it eventually will bear fruit. That is also why I decided to make all the guides and reviews since they will be evergreens. Besides, I can't be funny on demand like other WT creators, ill leave that to them.

[@altair3232]

6:00 I was looking for that god damn auto instructor guner control bullshit for so long that i gived up, i thought that they took it away on realistic battles and made it only avible on sim battles. Thanks to you i now know where to look :) let them fear again

[@8BitDane]

Hi Altair, glad you got something out of the video. Yes, function is not easy to find !

[@altair3232]

@@8BitDane and it is soooo help full! Thx again, btw really cool vid about rockets, helped me a lot since i Got whole idea wrong 😅 now i know how to Use them

[@gizzard3054]

genuinely one of the only in depth tutorials i have seen for bombers, subscribed.

[@8BitDane]

Hi Glizzard, thanks - glad you got something useful from the video. I am currently working on a series covering every prop bomber then jet bomber in WT. The first video covering Japan is out kzbin.info/www/bejne/hV6ceKB6gLt4ndE maybe that might interest you - and thanks for the sub !

[@enderground9542]

fun fact: in war thunder it does not matter where the crew is shot so if you shoot someones head it will deal the same damage as shot at their feet

[@Twizted86]

lol had to google wtf the ½ key was for bomb series.. for anyone else on a US keyboard layout it's the tilde/grave accent next to number 1 *~ / `* - 🤣 great info though, thanks for the tips.

[@8BitDane]

Hi Twizted, Thanks for mentioning that ! had forgotten that the layout is different ! I have been living in the US for a number of years and when I returned, I could for the love of everything not find the @ key on DK keyboards either, and kept hitting the US key for it with a very different result 🙃

[@andreassteyer1404]

Thanks a lot. Greets from Germany

[@8BitDane]

Hi Andreas, you're welcome - glad you got something useful from the video 👍

[@andreassteyer1404]

@@8BitDane Yes now iam a nightmare for all Fighters and Bombers ;) i watch your video for Air Denfense with Anti Aircraft Vehicle and after that a lot of your stuff. Its best in internet i could find. Already told to my best friend in my Kampfgruppe

[@8BitDane]

@@andreassteyer1404 Very glad to hear the content can be useful to you, that was the main goal of the channel. Hals- und Beinbruch!

[@rhgwizard]

i have a corsair scrimitar and am wondering what to put as the buttons on the side any recomendations?

[@8BitDane]

Well I have flap controls amongst some of the things. One button for lowering them though the settings and another one for raising them. Air brakes could also be useful.

[@priscacara]

I watched a couple more of your vids last night and will work my way through them, I had forgotten to sub to the channel but have fixed that now :-) I'm going to embarrass myself here but lets just call it a brain fade, what is the 1/2 key you mentioned in the vid for helping drop the bombs better?

[@8BitDane]

Hi Pris, thanks for the sub ! I use the 1/2 key for the Bomb Series function, where you can set how many bombs you want to drop with one hit of a key. It is useful, but it is a fixed set of options you have depending on the type of aircraft you use. But still much better than having to hammer the regular bomb key 10 times, besides, by that point you are past the target with your bomb sight.

[@priscacara]

@@8BitDane tx for the quick reply it makes sense now, I look forward to trying it out tomorrow :-)

[@gamermuitoaleatorio8402]

hey man so in realistic tank battles what is the best option for bombs 3 to 1 big bombs or multiple bombs from 100kg to 250kg

[@8BitDane]

It depends on the bomber. Some are nimble enough to survive longer on in the field so you can take the smaller but numerous bomb load. On larger and poorly manouverable ones, use larger bombs that requires less precise aiming so you can drop them in one or two passes and then head back to base.

[@yoonseongdo3303]

How do you manage to shoot off the fighters at your tail or sides with defensive turrets? I always miss most of my shots and they just snipe my pilot off and fly away

[@8BitDane]

Hi Yoonseong, lots of practice, but I would say that you should lead the planes you are shooting at much more than you think. I try to anticipate where they are going and shoot where they will be a second or two ahead in time. Nations wise there are also large differences. For instance with the US, their bombers 99% of the time have 12.7mm mg turrets which behaves the same way, so that makes them predictable with leading, where other nations uses a mix of defensive weapons with different leading needed. But it really comes down to practice in the end.

[@shmeckle666]

x2 play back speed. Good video with the playback speed, sped up.

[@proeramoka9168]

Which crosshair shows where the bombs gonna go in bomber view?

[@8BitDane]

Hi King, its the thick white cross in the center of your screen in bomber view, the thinner double line is your artificial horizon.

[@Stormcloakvictory]

The german 20mm's might have very lacking penetration, but doesn't a hit do more damage when it lands? (Specially when talking about pilots/gunners)

[@8BitDane]

Hi Sigma, the 151s do have more filler than other nations 20 mm shells, the Minengeschoß, the HE shell is great in that way. Sadly they do lack the pen to be good for ground RB.

[@Stormcloakvictory]

@@8BitDane alright thanks! Keep up the good work btw 👍

[@WolfyDaddy]

really really enjoyed this but could you update this thanks.

[@8BitDane]

Hi Wolfy, I will eventually, but it will take time and so far it is still bringing in the views. It has a pretty good placement when it comes to searches :)

[@GileadMyrrh]

The Google Spreadsheet has been deleted. Do you know if i can find it somewhere else?

[@8BitDane]

Oh that sucks, found this one, its older, from 2018 but not sure how accurate it is today. docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/1/d/1Px6G3kvcWbiS-sdIR6r4s7lSwfcxguUgJw95qj0NIzs/htmlembed

[@nardo3154]

which nation has the best bomber, that is also good for grinding sl or rp?

[@8BitDane]

The absolute best bomber for rewards and also being very effective is the German BR 6.0 Ju 288. It is a premium vehicle, but the rewards are very much worth its price.

[@nardo3154]

@@8BitDane any f2p options? Thanks for the quick reply btw

[@esellipion8157]

How do you acces Gunner view?

[@8BitDane]

Hi Jaden, on the PC you can cycle through the view controls until it pops up, or even better set a special key for it in the controls. Personally, I am using the number 8 key, but I am using an MMO mouse so it is bound so I can just tab it with my thumb. You can change the key binding in Controls - Aircraft and then just search for "gunner" in the search bar, the exact name is Gunner View.

[@esellipion8157]

@@8BitDane Ok

[@memerguy9101]

Gun targeting distance for b-17 ? pls

[@8BitDane]

I usually have it on 500 or 600, if you set it to 800 it can sometimes mean that you overshoot when the planes chasing you are getting very close.

[@memerguy9101]

@@8BitDane Thanks

[@MausOfTheHouse]

What tips do you have for the Me 264?

[@8BitDane]

Hi Maus, I would say Climb to 6 or 7k meters / 20-23k feet and set the gunners convergence to 600-800m. You already spawn on the top as a long range bomber, making it easier to climb even higher. You are also faster at higher altitudes. The altitude will also increase you chance of getting to the target and deliver your bombs. Only few players are willing to spend time climbing that high. It is especially bitter to lose the Me 264 since the repair cost is quite high for its BR.

[@MausOfTheHouse]

@@8BitDane Thanks for replying. I am researching the 50mm Me 262, and needed SL, so I bought it. Great decision.

[@8BitDane]

@@MausOfTheHouse some planes can be real SL makers, I also think the Me 410 A-1 at BR 3.7 with the 50mm cannon is great for making SL with ground pounding, its not too expensive if you lose it, but it can easily pay itself back especially destroying AI tanks. Best of all is, that it is not even a premium.

[@MausOfTheHouse]

@@8BitDane I prefer bombers with great bomb loads and gunners. Can you recommend any? I use the Halifax and the Me 264.

[@8BitDane]

@@MausOfTheHouse the DO 217 E-2 is nice too. its fast so you can dive to your target and can carry 4x 1000kg bombs and the SL rewards are good. Often you can deliver the bombs low level and fast before the fighters catch up to you.

[@hubabuba33]

Im new to Warthunder and my problem is, i am 30 secs in the fight, getting altitude and a single plane shoots me 2 times and i explode. How to avoid that? great vid tho!

[@8BitDane]

Are you playing Air Arcade or Air Realistic and do you mean in bombers or fighters ?

[@hubabuba33]

@@8BitDane hey, thanks for answering. I just play arcade, i am still not that experienced. I mean when i play bomber and the enemy fighter attacks me

[@8BitDane]

@@hubabuba33 An idea would be to wait with using your bomber until later in the matches, usually most fights will be near the ground then, where they turn fight each other. Use your fighter planes first, also to thin out the other players. I realize that the bases will probably be gone by then, but there should be plenty of tanks and artillery to bomb still. Arcade is a good way to learn the game and earn some planes, too. Air Realistic is very different, but I just prefer it to arcade. But no doubt, it can be frustrating to play bomber at times :)

[@hubabuba33]

@@8BitDane Thanks for the help, i will try to use my fighters first. keep up the good work!

[@8BitDane]

@@hubabuba33 You might be able to at least get to drop your bombs that way, but sometimes its all about luck and the team compositions, too - Thanks ! Will do

[@jay667]

But how do you climb altitude?

[@8BitDane]

if you mean side climbing, just fly left or right instead of continuing on a straight line from where you spawn. That way you have more time to get to higher altitude before you turn back towards the bases. Look through the bomber sight and put the bomber into a 5 to 15 degree climb.

[@BrianLTU]

Your voice sounds like younger Churchill.

[@8BitDane]

He is my spirit animal 🙂

[@BrianLTU]

@@8BitDane xD

[@lakai2305]

Just shot someone with my gunner (flying He111) like 1,6km away ... i felt like god lol

[@8BitDane]

ooh, that is very cool, considering its only 7.92 rounds. Was it a golden BB ? knocking out the pilot ?

[@lakai2305]

​@@8BitDane Im not sure maybe i hit the elevator flaps or the pilot ^^ Didnt remember to save the replay sadly

[@8BitDane]

@@lakai2305 no matter, somewhat of a feat at that range

[@Purpmaster]

When I try to fly using keyboard while in gunner view, as soon as I let go of the keys the plane automatically turns back to where the static pointer aim cursor is. Even after turning autopilot off. Any idea how to override this? Excellent video btw, great work 👍

[@8BitDane]

Hi Panzer, yes there is an option to turn it off, it has a secondary function as well, when you turn it off, it also makes it possible to control you plane freely when using the bombsight. its under Options - Air Battle Settings - "Autopilot for gunner and bombsight modes". Thank you for the kind words :)

[@Purpmaster]

@@8BitDane thanks for the reply. Yes this is the option that I have turned off, it works in bomb sight, but in gunner sight the plane still goes back to original pointer location as soon as I let go of the keys. I play on Xbox with mouse and key. Possibly Xbox is bugged?

[@Purpmaster]

Btw, the gunner view option is great! I’ve been playing for about a year, and never knew I could do this when flying planes with single back gunners!

[@8BitDane]

@@Purpmaster Oh, I think I misunderstood earlier. As far as I know, you cannot change that at all, at soon as you change view the gunners reset. I think they did it as not to confuse players about where the turrets were aiming once you return to the gunners.

[@8BitDane]

@@Purpmaster that option can be very useful, some planes have really bad 1st person views, where its limited with the planes cockpit structures get in the way. In a plane like the Russian SU6 - the 1st person center of aim does not match the graphics of the gun at all, that is super annoying, much easier with the 3rd person view then.

[@joaogomes9405]

Step 1: Don't use the PBY as your first ever heavy bomber. It will put you off of playing bombers with how terrible it performs in every metric, from payload, to speed, to survivability, to the fact that it has 12.7mm defensive guns and still doesn't do anything to BR 1.0 planes made of canvas and wood.

[@Darth_Barnaby]

I once got the Soviet premium PBY in a chest, or something like that, but never used it (bc i rarely play air battles, mostly ground rb). A few days sgo i decided i wanted to try it out, as a long range bomber (with 4x 1000lb bombs), and i love it. It might be because i normally play with aircraft in arcade mode, where there isnt that much competetion, but it does makes the early grind more fun none the less

[@grognard23]

Okay, the imaginary girlfriend and the pet got you a subscribe - comedy gold there mate.

[@8BitDane]

Glad you liked it 😋 and thanks for the sub !

[@4funrc11]

2022 AB mode? 😳

[@8BitDane]

Sorry, I doubt it - I never play AB myself and would have to relearn a bunch 🙃

[@4funrc11]

@@8BitDane Ugh... Wheras Ugh is a my problem. 😩 Meanwhile, okey dokey. ✌

[@8BitDane]

@@4funrc11 yeah sorry, I just early on decided to concentrate on Realistic modes.

[@cliffthelightning]

I just want people to play bombers with lol

[@8BitDane]

🙃

[@pauloriosneira6435]

8 months ago....a guide 2021....😅😅😅😅

[@8BitDane]

yup, since the info is still valid

[@TommTooTone]

14:23 dude that is way better than the striker version i didnt even see it. also your bomber guides taught me to always get in the gunner seat and see how full of shit this games gunner guidance stats are.

[@8BitDane]

the AI gunner engagement distance should at least be 200 meters further for starters.

[@TommTooTone]

@@8BitDane yeh and the wing turrets say 85 degrees but it feels like i can reach somewhat to the front more like 95 degrees. i just watched ur french bomber guide and now im chasing the pby american with 6 duel 50 cals? oh man i cant wait to be an AC 130 lol i might be the only guy who likes to let the AI do the turrets as i list lazily to the left.

[@8BitDane]

😋@@TommTooTone

[@andreamolinari7105]

Were you on drugs?