Spartan B-4 Valiant
The Valiant was one of the most successful bombers of the late 30's and 40's. It was faster and carried a larger bombload than the Vanguard or Venerable bombers. The design performed well during the Leticia conflict, though the weapons loadout was highly modified by the Squadron deployed.
Mk-1 1935
Dimensions: Length 66.2 ft, Wingspan 140 ft
Engines: 4 Spartan V-1500-1 V-12
Performance: 1,495 hp at 15,000 feet, Top Speed 275 mph at 15,000 ft, Operational Ceiling 25,000 ft, Range 1,405 miles
with 10,607 lbs payload, Climb rate 621 fpm, Cruise 187 kts = 215 mph (346kmh)
at 15,000 ft
Armament: 6x7.7mm LMG in two dorsal turrets (nose and ventral) and two fixed 7.7mm LMG (engine mounts), 4,535 kg (10,000lb) bomb load.
Notes: original configuration
Mk-2 1938
Dimensions: Length 66.2 ft, Wingspan 140 ft
Engines: 4 Spartan V-1500-2 V-12
Performance: 1,550 hp at 15,000 feet, Top Speed 256 kts = 294 mph (473kmh) at 15,000 ft, Operational Ceiling 25,000 ft, Range 1,505 miles
with 10,607 lbs payload
at 15,000 ft
Armament: four 12.7mm MG in two twin turrets (chin and tail), two 7.7mm in upper nose, two 7.7mm LMG in dorsal turret, two 7.7mm LMG in blisters amidships and two ventral 7.7mm LMG (engine mounts), 4,535 kg (10,000lb) bomb load.
Notes armament considerably increased, most Mk-1's were upgraded to this configuration (Mk-2-1)
Mk-3 1940
Dimensions: Length 66.2 ft, Wingspan 140 ft
Engines: 4 Spartan V-1500-4 V-12
Performance: 1,950 hp at 15,000 feet, Top Speed 275 kts = 316 mph (518kmh) at 15,000 ft, Operational Ceiling 29,800 ft, Range 2,300 miles
with 10,607 lbs payload, Climb rate 977 fpm
at 15,000 ft
Armament: 4x12.7mm MG in two dorsal turrets (chin and ventral) 1 20mm in tail turret and two fixed ventral 20mm LMG (under cockpit), 4,535 kg (10,000lb) bomb load.
Notes: Armament further modified, Mk-1's not upgraded to Mk-2 configuration were upgraded to Mk-3 standards (Mk-3-1)
Mk-4 1943
Dimensions: Length 66.2 ft, Wingspan 140 ft
Engines: 4 Spartan V-1500-8 V-12
Performance: 1,950 hp at 15,000 feet, Top Speed 275 kts = 316 mph (518kmh) at 15,000 ft, Operational Ceiling 29,800 ft, Range 2,300 miles
with 4,811 kg (10,607lbs) payload, Climb rate 977 fpm
at 15,000 ft
Armament: four 12.7mm MG in two dorsal turrets (chin and ventral) two 12.7mm in blisters amidships, one 20mm in tail turret and two fixed ventral 20mm (under cockpit), 4,535 kg (10,000lb) bomb load.
Notes: The engines on the Mk-4 were upgraded to V-1500-8 which also required the engine mounted MG's to be removed which improved aerodynamics. All aircraft in this configuration were new aircraft.
Mk-4N 1943
Dimensions: Length 66.2 ft, Wingspan 140 ft
Engines: 4 Spartan V-1500-8 V-12
Performance: 1,950 hp at 15,000 feet, Top Speed 275 kts = 316 mph (518kmh) at 15,000 ft, Operational Ceiling 29,800 ft, Range 2,300 miles
with 10,607 lbs payload, Climb rate 977 fpm
at 15,000 ft
Armament: four 12.7mm MG in two dorsal turrets (chin and ventral), one 20mm in tail turret and two fixed ventral 20mm LMG (under cockpit), 4,535 kg (10,000lb) bomb load.
Notes: A naval version of the Mk-4 allocated to coastal squadrons capable of carrying 2x21" torpedo's and bombs.
Mk-1-3X 1935
Dimensions: Length 66.2 ft, Wingspan 140 ft
Engines: 4 Spartan V-1500-8 V-12
Performance:1,950 hp at 15,000 feet, Top speed 295 mph (474kmh) at 15,000 ft, Operational Ceiling 29,800 ft, Range 2,000 miles
with 10,607 lbs payload, Climb rate 621 fpm, Cruise 187 kts = 215 mph (346kmh)
at 15,000 ft
Armament: 3x7.7mm LMG in tail turret, 4,535 kg (10,000lb) bomb load.
Notes: This version was used as a mother ship for various experimental rocket/jet aircraft. All armaments except tail turret were removed and engines upgraded to V-1500-8 which also required the engine mounted MG's to be removed.