[Coming Soon] Tu-4: The Atomic Bear

Historical note

The Tu-4 Soviet strategic bomber became one of the most significant aviation projects of the early post-war years, emerging as a result of reverse engineering the American Boeing B-29 Superfortress. In 1945, the Soviet industry was tasked with reproducing three aircraft of this type that had made emergency landings in the Far East. While retaining the general structure, airframe geometry, and pressurized cabin systems, the aircraft received its own cannon armament, more powerful engines, and different radio equipment.

Entering service in 1949, the Tu-4 (Product "R") formed the backbone of Soviet Long-Range Aviation for the first post-war decade. Its maximum range of 5,100 km did not allow for strikes against the continental United States, but the aircraft was regarded as an effective deterrent on the European theater of operations. By the early 1960s, the Tu-4 was retired from Long-Range Aviation units, giving way to jet-powered strategic bombers.

Tu-4 (Rank IX)

Brief Analysis

• Strengths: colossal payload, cannon defensive armament with no blind spots, good speed for its class.
• Weaknesses: very low maneuverability, susceptibility to fires after hits, vulnerable wing spars.
• Role in battle: one of the finest strategic bombers in the game, boasting an immense bomb load and cannon turrets.

In battle

The Tu-4 arrives in War Thunder Mobile – one of the most heavily laden bombers in the game and a true flying fortress that greets pursuing fighters with dense volleys from its automatic cannons!

This colossal Tu-4 sets a new record for payload capacity. Pilots of this silver giant can take up to 12 tons of bombs into battle, available in 100, 250, 500, 1,000, 1,500 and 3,000 kg calibers! In essence, with skillful handling and a fair share of luck, a single Tu-4 can turn the tide of any battle.

Of course, such a dangerous yet cumbersome target as the Tu-4 will be prime prey for fighters, including jets. Unlike the machine gun-armed B-29, its Soviet counterpart features cannon defensive armament. Five turrets with twin 23 mm automatic cannons have no blind spots and can engage enemies at long range.

Prospective Tu-4 pilots should pay special attention to engaging at extreme distances. The fact is, when loaded with bombs, the aircraft handles very poorly, and its speed — while good for a bomber — is no match for that of a jet fighter. Therefore, active defense is the key to survival for the Tu-4! Firing precise bursts from nearly 2 km away will come as an unpleasant surprise to attackers, and 23 mm shells can disable a pursuing fighter with a single hit.

Premium ♠Tu-4♠︎ (Rank IX)

The Premium variant is an extra plane for your roster! The premium warplane maintains the same performance as the standard variant, though it comes in a unique camouflage. With this premium warplane you’ll be able to enjoy faster Silver Lion and Research Point gains, and earn some Golden Eagles in your battles.

If you’re lucky enough to unlock both the premium and the standard variants, you will be able to use them both in the same battle!

*Vehicle specifications and camouflages are still a work in progress and may change upon release.

The Tu-4 (Rank IX) aircraft will appear in War Thunder Mobile (WTM) in the seasonal update in the Medium and Big Trophies of the Aviation Campaign.