Difference between revisions of "B18A"

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| other
 
| other
 
| usage-1 = other versions
 
| usage-1 = other versions
−
| link-1 = B18 (Family)
+
| link-1 = SAAB 18 (Family)
−
| usage-2 = the American bomber of similar designation
+
| usage-2 = the American bomber
 
| link-2 = B-18A
 
| link-2 = B-18A
 
}}
 
}}
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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Swedish bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]].
+
Sweden had been using the Ju 86K (designated as the [[B3C]]) bomber as their main bomber. In 1938, a requirement was put forth to Swedish aircraft manufacturers for a fast reconnaissance aircraft with a crew of three. SAAB was awarded the contract for the project and began to build the SAAB 18. The B18 was modified from being just a reconnaissance aircraft to also being a medium bomber. It was deemed underpowered with the two R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engines, but these would later be replaced by license-built DB 605 liquid-cooled engines. Later, the B18B variant was modified to operate as a dive bomber/ground attack variant which could be outfitted with three 120 kg bombs or 12 m/51 rockets. The mid-project changes caused a significant delay in the production of the aircraft which didn't roll out for duty until mid-1944.
  
−
Sweden had been using the Ju 86K (export version of the German Ju 86) or the B3C bomber as their main bomber. In 1938 a requirement was put forth to Swedish aircraft manufactures for a fast reconnaissance aircraft with a crew of three. SAAB was awarded the contract for the project and began to build the SAAB 18 alongside the smaller SAAB B17 bomber. At this point the B17 had the facilities priorities in construction, however, the B18 was modified from being just a reconnaissance aircraft to also being a medium bomber. The mid-project changes caused a significant delay in the production of the aircraft which didn’t roll out for duty until mid-1944.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.95 "Northern Wind"]]. This bomber can operate in two roles, either as a medium-altitude bomber working on destroying vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery targets or to bomb enemy bases. Flying at a higher altitude will help to avoid a majority of the fighter aircraft which tend to stay at the lower altitudes. The {{PAGENAME}} can also be pressed into service in the lower altitudes and even on the deck. When outfitted with rockets, the {{PAGENAME}} can dive-bomb ground targets to include tanks, bunkers, anti-aircraft artillery and naval ships.
−
 
 
−
Initially, the B18A aircraft was deemed underpowered with the two Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engines, but would later be replaced by license-built Daimler-Benze DB 605 liquid-cooled engines. Later the B18B variant was modified to operate as a dive bomber/ground attack variant which could be outfitted with three 120 kg bombs or 12 m/51 rockets which could utilize both the internal bomb bay and hardpoints on under the wings. A single defensive positions utilised two 13.2 mm Akan m/39 machine guns which had limited coverage the rear dorsal position of the aircraft. The pilot was in control of a single 13.2 mm m/39A machine gun.
 
−
 
 
−
The {{PAGENAME}} was a multi-role aircraft which filled a need for the Swedish air forces, which continued on until 1959. This bomber can operate in two roles, either as a medium-altitude bomber working on destroying vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery targets or to bomb enemy bases. Flying at a higher altitude will help to avoid a majority of the fighter aircraft which tend to stay at the lower altitudes. The {{PAGENAME}} can also be pressed into service in the lower altitudes and even on the deck. When outfitted with rockets, the {{PAGENAME}} can dive-bomb ground targets to include tanks, bunkers, anti-aircraft artillery and naval ships.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
<!--Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| 445 || 430 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.2 || 32.2 || 2.1 || 2.1 || rowspan="2" | 530
+
| 443 || 430 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 31.2 || 32.2 || 4.1 || 4.1 || rowspan="2" | 530
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 487 || 465 || 28.9 || 30.0 || 8.6 || 5.0
+
| 487 || 465 || 28.9 || 30.0 || 10.7 || 7.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 67: Line 63:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 490 || 440 || 290 || ~7 || ~3
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 467 || 438 || 290 || ~9 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
[[File:B18-T18 Armor Plates.png|450px|thumb|right|Protective components found in the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]
+
[[File:B18-T18 Armor Plates.png|250px|thumb|right|Protective components found in the '''{{PAGENAME}}'''.]]
 +
 
 
* 10 mm steel - cockpit floor under pilot's seat
 
* 10 mm steel - cockpit floor under pilot's seat
 
* 10 mm steel - pilot's seatback
 
* 10 mm steel - pilot's seatback
Line 102: Line 99:
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
* 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39A machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)
 
* 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39A machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)
  
Line 110: Line 108:
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
* 18 x 50 kg sb m/42 bombs (900 kg total)
 
* 18 x 50 kg sb m/42 bombs (900 kg total)
 
* 3 x 250 kg mb m/40 bombs (750 kg total)
 
* 3 x 250 kg mb m/40 bombs (750 kg total)
Line 122: Line 121:
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
* 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39 machine gun, dorsal turret (300 rpg)
 
* 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39 machine gun, dorsal turret (300 rpg)
 
* 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39 machine gun, ventral turret (300 rpg)
 
* 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39 machine gun, ventral turret (300 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 +
 
 +
The B18A is a really good aircraft in all game modes. Its frontal armament is really powerful, using HEF shells. It does have a low ammo count of 300 for all guns, including the turrets. The B18A is a good bomber hunter, as you'll be facing He 111s which have such poor defensive armaments. You can easily destroy axis bombers with this plane. The G4M1 and He 111 don't hold a candle to this bomber. You can use this plane in all roles, even fighter.
 +
 
 +
'''Bomber:''' This plane can carry enough bombs to destroy 2 and a half bases on maps with three bases, and 1 base on maps with four respawning bases with its max bomb payload. Once you drop your payload, you can kill any remaining bombers or fighters still hanging around. Remember, if an aircraft is on your six, outspeed them and use your turrets to your advantage.
 +
 
 +
'''Ground Attacker/CAS:''' With 2 x 500 kg + 8 x 50 kg bombs, this plane is a devastating ground attacker. The 500 kg bombs will one shot anything in a huge radius, while the 50 kg ones require more precise drops. It is a great aircraft for ground support. Watch out for SPAAs though, as they will find you a large and easy target.
 +
 
 +
'''Fighter/Bomber Hunter:''' The 13 mm is absolutely devastating. When you prepare for an engagement with a bomber, go head-on, and try to bait them into getting behind you. Use your turrets from below where they have no coverage, and aim for the cockpit. For fighter engagements, you need to ask yourself three things. Am I faster than them? Am I higher than them? Can I dive at least 1.5 kilometers? If the answer to any of them is yes, go for the engagement. Otherwise, run away, and use your good turret coverage and acceleration to speed away and chip with your turrets.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Extremely quick for a twin engine aircraft, especially at altitude - able to cruise at ~560 km/h @ 5 km and even outrun some single-engine fighters
 +
* Blisteringly fast maximum top speed, able to reach over 700 km/h without ripping wings
 +
* Above average climb rate for an aircraft of its size
 +
* Defensive 13.2 mm machine guns have HEF bullets, which will melt any enemies that attack from behind
 +
* Forward-facing 13.2 mm MG is also a very deadly offensive weapon
 +
* Air spawn gives it a good opportunity for chasing down enemy bombers with its superior speed
 +
* Versatile secondary weapons allow it to take on a variety of roles
 +
* Very strong ground attacker, can carry 2 x 500 kg + 8 x 50 kg bombs
 +
* Effective airbrakes
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Gunners are vulnerable and die easily
 +
* Higher than average chance of getting set on fire
 +
* Single forward facing 13.2 mm MG is inadequate for taking down larger aircraft like the BV 238
 +
* Very nose heavy when landing, must take great care not to tip forward and crash, leave the airbrake retracted when landing
 +
* As with most DB engined aircraft, the cooling system is vulnerable and you will find yourself overheating after only a few hits
 +
* Low ammo count of 300 rounds per gun for each gun, including the turrets - it is advisable to reload your turrets after an engagement
 +
* There is a slight delay upon bomb release, you need to take it into account to accurately bomb your target
 +
* Not adequate for base bombing in RB due to a small bomb load, only enough for one full base on a large map
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The B18A is the initial production variant of the Saab 18 bomber used by the Swedish air force during and after the Second World War. Initially designed to replace the older Ju 86 bombers in Swedish service, the Saab 18 series were capable of fulfilling fast reconnaissance, bomber and attack roles. Upon its introduction in 1944, the B18A became the mainline Swedish medium bomber and was later complemented by the B18B and T18B variants. The last Saab 18s were retired at the end of the 1950s as advanced jet aircraft, such as the Saab 32 Lansen, became widely available.
 +
 
 +
During the late interwar period, Sweden looked for a new medium bomber to replace their obsolete Ju 86 bombers. Saab was awarded the contract for this aircraft shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, but was forced to slow down development in order to expedite production of the Saab 17 due to the start of WWII. The first Saab 18 flew in June of 1942, and tests soon proved that the aircraft was quite underpowered for its size. Despite this, the aircraft was ordered into production as the B18A.
 +
 
 +
The B18A had a relatively conventional design with a mid-mounted wing and a pair of vertical stabilisers. The aircraft was manned by a crew of three: a pilot, navigator and bombardier. The aircraft had a fixed armament of three 13.2 mm machine guns for defensive purposes along with up to 1000 kilograms of bombs internally along with eight 50 kg bombs on the wings.
 +
 
 +
The B18A entered service in 1944 with the Swedish air force, with a total of 62 aircraft built. The aircraft was later developed into the improved B18B variant, which was refined for dive-bombing. This variant was in turn developed into the T18B, which was originally designed to serve as a torpedo bomber but ended up as an attack aircraft, fitted with additional frontal-firing weapons including a 57 mm cannon. The B18A was finally phased out in the late 1950s, replaced by the Saab 32 Lansen. Not a single B18A survives today, though a single B18B is on display at the Swedish Air Force Museum.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
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<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
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<!--;Images
 
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<div><ul>
 
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:(Insert image name.jpg/png here|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:(Insert image name.jpg/png here|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:(Insert image name.jpg/png here|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 
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<li style="display: inline-block;"> [[File:(Insert image name.jpg/png here|thumb|none|250px|]] </li>
 
−
</ul></div>
 
  
−
;Videos-->
+
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=saab_b18a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Images
 +
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200px">
 +
File:B18A upper rear view.jpg|B18A from above rearside view
 +
File:B18A frontal side view.jpg|B18A frontal side view
 +
</gallery>
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
<!--;Related development
+
 
−
* [[?-?? (Family)]]
+
;Related development
 +
* [[SAAB 18 (Family)]]
  
−
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
+
;Aircraft of similar role and configuration
  
−
* Airplane manufacture name [[Airplane name]]-->
+
* [[Ju 88 A-4]]
 +
* [[Ki-21 (Family)|Ki-21]]
 +
* [[Martin 167-A3]]
 +
* [[Potez 633]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/474731-saab-b18a/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Saab}}
 
{{Sweden bombers}}
 
{{Sweden bombers}}

Latest revision as of 20:37, 4 July 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the Swedish bomber B18A. For other versions, see SAAB 18 (Family). For the American bomber, see B-18A.
B18A
saab_b18a.png
GarageImage B18A.jpg
B18A
Sweden flag.png Sweden
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 2.7 2.3
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Sweden had been using the Ju 86K (designated as the B3C) bomber as their main bomber. In 1938, a requirement was put forth to Swedish aircraft manufacturers for a fast reconnaissance aircraft with a crew of three. SAAB was awarded the contract for the project and began to build the SAAB 18. The B18 was modified from being just a reconnaissance aircraft to also being a medium bomber. It was deemed underpowered with the two R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engines, but these would later be replaced by license-built DB 605 liquid-cooled engines. Later, the B18B variant was modified to operate as a dive bomber/ground attack variant which could be outfitted with three 120 kg bombs or 12 m/51 rockets. The mid-project changes caused a significant delay in the production of the aircraft which didn't roll out for duty until mid-1944.

It was introduced in Update 1.95 "Northern Wind". This bomber can operate in two roles, either as a medium-altitude bomber working on destroying vehicles and anti-aircraft artillery targets or to bomb enemy bases. Flying at a higher altitude will help to avoid a majority of the fighter aircraft which tend to stay at the lower altitudes. The B18A can also be pressed into service in the lower altitudes and even on the deck. When outfitted with rockets, the B18A can dive-bomb ground targets to include tanks, bunkers, anti-aircraft artillery and naval ships.

General info

Flight performance

Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 4 000 m465 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude9 100 m
Engine2 х SFA STWC3
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight9 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 443 430 9100 31.2 32.2 4.1 4.1 530
Upgraded 487 465 28.9 30.0 10.7 7.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
735 320 467 438 290 ~9 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 370 < 350 < 400 > 320

Survivability and armour

Crew3 people
Speed of destruction
Structural735 km/h
Gear320 km/h
Protective components found in the B18A.
  • 10 mm steel - cockpit floor under pilot's seat
  • 10 mm steel - pilot's seatback
  • 10 mm steel - rear gunner protective plate
  • 10 mm steel - cockpit floor under gunner's seat
  • 10 mm steel - aft protective plate

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB482 → 613 Sl icon.png
RB825 → 1 050 Sl icon.png
SB1 188 → 1 512 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 930 Rp icon.png
6 760 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 70 / 150 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
13_2_akan_m39_belt_pack
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
m/40(250)
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
13_2_akan_m39_turret_belt_pack
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
13_2_akan_m39_new_gun
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
m/41
Research:
430 Rp icon.png
Cost:
420 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
13_2_akan_m39_turret_new_gun
Research:
750 Rp icon.png
Cost:
730 Sl icon.png
140 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Akan m/39A (13.2 mm)

The B18A is armed with:

  • 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39A machine gun, nose-mounted (300 rpg)

Suspended armament

Main articles: sb m/42 (50 kg), mb m/40 (250 kg), mb m/41 (500 kg)

The B18A can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 18 x 50 kg sb m/42 bombs (900 kg total)
  • 3 x 250 kg mb m/40 bombs (750 kg total)
  • 3 x 250 kg mb m/40 bombs + 8 x 50 kg sb m/42 bombs (1,150 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg mb m/41 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg mb m/41 bombs + 8 x 50 kg sb m/42 bombs (1,400 kg total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Akan m/39 (13.2 mm)

The B18A is defended by:

  • 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39 machine gun, dorsal turret (300 rpg)
  • 1 x 13.2 mm Akan m/39 machine gun, ventral turret (300 rpg)

Usage in battles

The B18A is a really good aircraft in all game modes. Its frontal armament is really powerful, using HEF shells. It does have a low ammo count of 300 for all guns, including the turrets. The B18A is a good bomber hunter, as you'll be facing He 111s which have such poor defensive armaments. You can easily destroy axis bombers with this plane. The G4M1 and He 111 don't hold a candle to this bomber. You can use this plane in all roles, even fighter.

Bomber: This plane can carry enough bombs to destroy 2 and a half bases on maps with three bases, and 1 base on maps with four respawning bases with its max bomb payload. Once you drop your payload, you can kill any remaining bombers or fighters still hanging around. Remember, if an aircraft is on your six, outspeed them and use your turrets to your advantage.

Ground Attacker/CAS: With 2 x 500 kg + 8 x 50 kg bombs, this plane is a devastating ground attacker. The 500 kg bombs will one shot anything in a huge radius, while the 50 kg ones require more precise drops. It is a great aircraft for ground support. Watch out for SPAAs though, as they will find you a large and easy target.

Fighter/Bomber Hunter: The 13 mm is absolutely devastating. When you prepare for an engagement with a bomber, go head-on, and try to bait them into getting behind you. Use your turrets from below where they have no coverage, and aim for the cockpit. For fighter engagements, you need to ask yourself three things. Am I faster than them? Am I higher than them? Can I dive at least 1.5 kilometers? If the answer to any of them is yes, go for the engagement. Otherwise, run away, and use your good turret coverage and acceleration to speed away and chip with your turrets.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Extremely quick for a twin engine aircraft, especially at altitude - able to cruise at ~560 km/h @ 5 km and even outrun some single-engine fighters
  • Blisteringly fast maximum top speed, able to reach over 700 km/h without ripping wings
  • Above average climb rate for an aircraft of its size
  • Defensive 13.2 mm machine guns have HEF bullets, which will melt any enemies that attack from behind
  • Forward-facing 13.2 mm MG is also a very deadly offensive weapon
  • Air spawn gives it a good opportunity for chasing down enemy bombers with its superior speed
  • Versatile secondary weapons allow it to take on a variety of roles
  • Very strong ground attacker, can carry 2 x 500 kg + 8 x 50 kg bombs
  • Effective airbrakes

Cons:

  • Gunners are vulnerable and die easily
  • Higher than average chance of getting set on fire
  • Single forward facing 13.2 mm MG is inadequate for taking down larger aircraft like the BV 238
  • Very nose heavy when landing, must take great care not to tip forward and crash, leave the airbrake retracted when landing
  • As with most DB engined aircraft, the cooling system is vulnerable and you will find yourself overheating after only a few hits
  • Low ammo count of 300 rounds per gun for each gun, including the turrets - it is advisable to reload your turrets after an engagement
  • There is a slight delay upon bomb release, you need to take it into account to accurately bomb your target
  • Not adequate for base bombing in RB due to a small bomb load, only enough for one full base on a large map

History

The B18A is the initial production variant of the Saab 18 bomber used by the Swedish air force during and after the Second World War. Initially designed to replace the older Ju 86 bombers in Swedish service, the Saab 18 series were capable of fulfilling fast reconnaissance, bomber and attack roles. Upon its introduction in 1944, the B18A became the mainline Swedish medium bomber and was later complemented by the B18B and T18B variants. The last Saab 18s were retired at the end of the 1950s as advanced jet aircraft, such as the Saab 32 Lansen, became widely available.

During the late interwar period, Sweden looked for a new medium bomber to replace their obsolete Ju 86 bombers. Saab was awarded the contract for this aircraft shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, but was forced to slow down development in order to expedite production of the Saab 17 due to the start of WWII. The first Saab 18 flew in June of 1942, and tests soon proved that the aircraft was quite underpowered for its size. Despite this, the aircraft was ordered into production as the B18A.

The B18A had a relatively conventional design with a mid-mounted wing and a pair of vertical stabilisers. The aircraft was manned by a crew of three: a pilot, navigator and bombardier. The aircraft had a fixed armament of three 13.2 mm machine guns for defensive purposes along with up to 1000 kilograms of bombs internally along with eight 50 kg bombs on the wings.

The B18A entered service in 1944 with the Swedish air force, with a total of 62 aircraft built. The aircraft was later developed into the improved B18B variant, which was refined for dive-bombing. This variant was in turn developed into the T18B, which was originally designed to serve as a torpedo bomber but ended up as an attack aircraft, fitted with additional frontal-firing weapons including a 57 mm cannon. The B18A was finally phased out in the late 1950s, replaced by the Saab 32 Lansen. Not a single B18A survives today, though a single B18B is on display at the Swedish Air Force Museum.

Media

Skins
Images

  • B18A from above rearside view

  • B18A frontal side view

See also

Related development
Aircraft of similar role and configuration

External links


Swedish Aeroplane Company Ltd. (SAAB)
  Pre-SAAB: SA / ASJA
SA 'Jaktfalken'  J6B
SAAB 17  B17A · B17B · S17BS
SAAB 18  B18A · B18B · T18B · T18B (57)
SAAB 21  J21A-1 · J21A-2 · A21A-3 · J21RA · A21RB
SAAB 29 'Tunnan'  J29A · A29B · J29D · J29F
SAAB 32 'Lansen'  J32B · A32A · A32A Röd Adam
SAAB 35 'Draken'  J35A · J35D
SAAB 37 'Viggen'  JA37C · JA37D · JA37DI · JA37DI F21 · AJ37 · AJS37
SAAB 39 'Gripen'  JAS39A · JAS39C
SAAB 105  SK60B · SAAB-105G
License Production  B3C (Ju 86K)
Export  SAAB-105OE · J35XS · ▄JAS39C · ◔JAS39EBS HU C

Sweden bombers
B3  B3C
B17  B17A · B17B · S17BS
SAAB 18  B18A · B18B · T18B · T18B (57)
T 2  T 2
Finland  ▄Ar 196 A-5 · ▄Ju 88 A-4

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