Air RB / Aircraft Database / Profile
S.M.79 serie 8
Germany · Rank II · Bomber
- Acquisition Type
- Legacy research
- Air RB battle rating
- 2.0Observed October 8, 2026
Former research-tree aircraft; unavailable to new researchers. Existing owners retain it.
Official War Thunder Wiki ↗Weapons & equipment checked October 14, 2026.
Aircraft overview
S.M.79 serie 8 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
Choose a target after checking friendly routes and the enemy climb. Keep a route away from the interception rather than committing to the closest base automatically.
Finish the run and leave
Make the planned release and leave the target area. Reassess the next target after you have checked for fighters and set a safe route.
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. Remaining on the release line while an enemy is already lining up a gun pass.
- 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 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT 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.
Choose the payload for the route
12 × 50 kg GP 50 bomb gives you a bombing load to plan around. Set the release sequence for the target before takeoff. Do not empty the whole load onto an already burning base just because it was the closest one.
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
Set up the bomb release
For 12 × 50 kg GP 50 bomb, set the release sequence before takeoff and watch what the first drop does. Base durability varies between missions; stop dropping when the target is already finished.
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
Bomb the route you planned
With 12 × 50 kg GP 50 bomb, line the release up early and leave once the drop is complete. Do not drag a loaded bomber into low circles over individual tanks; it gives fighters and ground defenses time to aim.
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 | 2.0 |
Unchanged on . Profile rating observed October 8, 2026: 2.0.