Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile
M.B.174A-3
France · Rank I · Bomber
- Acquisition Type
- Tech Tree
- Air RB battle rating
- 2.7Observed October 8, 2026
Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.
Aircraft overview
M.B.174A-3 needs a bombing route that leaves a way home. Check where friendly bombers are heading, choose your target and watch the enemy climb. Once the bombs are away, leave the target area before deciding whether to make another run.
How to fly it
Set up the first engagement
Look at the friendly bomber routes and the enemy climb before choosing your target. Avoid stacking onto the same direct line when another route leaves more room.
Finish the run and leave
Keep the bombing approach stable only as long as it remains safe. If a fighter is setting up, protect the aircraft and use defensive guns when fitted rather than staring through the bombsight.
Know when to break off
If an interceptor reaches the run, leave the bombsight and deal with the attack. Choose a new release line only after you have room again.
Common mistakes
- Forcing the original plan. Treating defensive turrets as permission to fly a straight line through an interceptor’s guns.
- Watching only the bombsight. Check the sky during the approach and after release. A good drop does not help you survive the interception.
Strengths & limitations
Strengths
Make the first burst count
With 2 × 7.5 mm MAC 1934 machine gun, line up the shot before you close. Fire a short burst as the target crosses the sight, then look outside the gunsight before deciding to follow.
Make the route work
A settled approach makes the release easier to judge. Use the quiet part of the route to check the target, then keep the sky in the scan as you close.
Limitations
The bombing line is predictable
An interceptor can aim well ahead of a bomber holding a steady course. Break the run if necessary; remaining lined up with the target is not worth giving them a free attack.
Do not offer a settled interception
A fighter lining up behind you has time to aim if you hold the same course. Interrupt the attack and head toward cover; defensive guns, when fitted, do not make a straight escape safe.
Recommended Air RB loadouts
Choose a sortie you can finish
Check the available preset and weapon controls before taking off. Pick a reachable objective and a route back to friendly cover instead of carrying extra weight without a target in mind.
Radar & defenses
Keep a visual threat scan
Look behind and above between attacks. Do not wait for a warning sound before checking whether someone has begun an interception.
Ground attack & CAS
Keep the sortie focused on air cover
Use the forward guns against aircraft first. A ground strafing pass is worth considering only when the target suits the gun and you can leave without offering a fighter an easy interception.
Handling & fuel
Leave room for the loaded aircraft
Begin the pullout before the terrain forces it. A heavy load makes a last-second correction a bad plan; line the run up early and abandon an awkward angle.
Plan the return
Check fuel, ammunition and damage before starting another chase. Turn toward a reachable friendly airfield while the aircraft can still make the return safely.
Battle Rating History
| Observation | Battle rating |
|---|---|
| October 8, 2026 · Archive | 2.7 |
Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 2.7.