Difference between revisions of "Buccaneer S.2B"

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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 32: Line 32:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 1,156 || 1,151 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.0 || 34.4 || 71.5 || 65.2 || rowspan="2" | 900
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
Line 46: Line 46:
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 61: Line 61:
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 518 || 463 || 370 || ~8 || ~5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 71: Line 71:
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || -
+
| < 585 || < 600 || < 548 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 79: Line 79:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
 
! colspan="3" | Engine
−
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
+
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
 
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
−
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
+
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
 
|-
 
|-
−
| colspan="2" | _____ || _
+
| colspan="2" | Rolls-Royce Spey 101 || 2
−
| colspan="2" | _,___ kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 14,526 kg || colspan="3" | 462 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
−
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
+
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross<br>Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
 
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel
+
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 43m fuel
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ___ kg || colspan="2" | ___
+
| 2,361 kg || colspan="2" | Low-bypass turbofan
−
| _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg || _,___ kg
+
| 16,686 kg || 17,808 kg || 19,446 kg || 21,725 kg || 25,613 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
 
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
−
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (___%/WEP)
+
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Condition || 100% || ___%/WEP
+
! Condition || 100% || WEP
−
! _m fuel || __m fuel || __m fuel || MGW
+
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 43m fuel || MGW
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Stationary'' || ___ kgf || ___ kgf
+
| ''Stationary'' || 5,020 kgf || -
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 0.60 || 0.56 || 0.52 || 0.46 || 0.39
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ''Optimal'' || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h) || ___ kgf<br>(_ km/h)
+
| ''Optimal'' || 5,120 kgf<br>(1,000 km/h) || -
−
| _.__ || _.__ || _.__ || _.__
+
| 0.61 || 0.58 || 0.53 || 0.47 || 0.40
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 136: Line 136:
  
 
* A choice between two presets:
 
* A choice between two presets:
−
** 30 x countermeasures
+
** 30 x large calibre countermeasures
−
** 90 x countermeasures
+
** 90 x large calibre countermeasures
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
Line 228: Line 228:
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
''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).''
 +
 +
=== [[wt:en/news/8760-development-buccaneer-s2b-swashbuckling-sky-pirate-en|Devblog]] ===
 +
Initially intended for the Royal Navy, the RAF showed little interest in the Buccaneer until the cancellation of both TSR-2 and the RAF's own version of the Aardvark, the F-111K, led to a decision to adopt the Buccaneer into service to fill a gap in capabilities. This coincided with the gradual retirement of Aircraft Carriers from the Royal Navy freeing up aircraft that could be provided to the RAF, as well as new build aircraft to the S.2B standard. This variant would initially see an enlarged "bulged" bomb bay and the capacity for Martel Anti-Ship missiles.
 +
 +
Operation Pulsator, supporting British forces in Lebanon in 1983, would see a further significant upgrade for the Buccaneer, introducing internal countermeasures to the aircraft for better self defence. AIM-9G and AIM-9L capability was also added, a notable improvement over earlier AIM-9Bs on earlier S.2s.
 +
 +
Despite its age, the Buccaneer would however still prove its worth as late as the 1991 Gulf War, acting as a laser designator aircraft for Tornado GR.1s to deliver their laser guided bombs before early TIALD pods became available for operations. Later in the conflict, Buccaneers would themselves take part in direct bombing attacks.
 +
 +
Initially not planned to take part in "Operation Granby", a handful of Buccaneer S.2Bs from No.12, 208 and 237 OCU were rushed over to the Gulf, hastily repainted in "Desert Pink" and equipped now with AIM-9Ls and Pave Spike pods. The pilots that would operate them dubbed themselves the "Sky Pirates" and were famous for their skull and crossbones flag and colourful nose art adorning many of the aircraft that took part.
 +
 +
The Tornado would however fully replace the last Buccaneers in service shortly after the Gulf War, covering all roles that it had previously maintained. The last Buccaneers would bow out of service with the RAF in 1994, 36 years after the first Buccaneer took to the skies.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=buccaneer_s2b Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|VN1s4oSSLj8|'''The Shooting Range #404''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:24 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 237: Line 254:
 
* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
;Related development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
 
 +
* [[Buccaneer (Family)]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 07:44, 23 August 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the strike aircraft Buccaneer S.2B. For other versions, see Buccaneer (Family).
Buccaneer S.2B
buccaneer_s2b.png
GarageImage Buccaneer S.2B.jpg
Buccaneer S.2B
Britain flag.png Britain
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.7 10.7 10.7
Class:
Research:300 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:830 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

Following the defeat of the British forces during the Aden Emergency, and seeing other conflicts happening at that time near the Suez, the RAF (Royal Air Force) saw the need to update their anti-shipping capability vastly during the turn of the '70s. This saw the joint development of the AJ-168 Martel anti-ship missile between Britain and France. However, the problem of carrying it still existed and, strapped on budget and time, the RAF decided to simply modify a selection of their existing Buccaneer S.2 aircraft with the required avionics and data bus to use the AC-226 HS datalink pod, allowing for terminal "Man-in-the-loop" TV guidance for the Martel missiles. 49 of this new variant, called the Buccaneer S.2B, were built between 1973 and 1977, with three going to the Ministry of Defence for weapons trials and testing, and the rest (46) entering active service. While the Royal Navy's Buccaneers had a long and fruitful service life, the RAF's Buccaneer's sat collecting dust mostly for nearly two decades, with their most interesting deployment being to be on station in Germany to laser-designate targets in case the Cold War went hot. The RAF Buccaneers were seemingly finally going to face their trial by fire during the Gulf War in the early '90s, when 12 RAF Buccaneer S.2Bs were deployed at short notice to the Gulf during Operation 'Granby'. However, these Buccaneers' mission was only to laser designate targets for Royal Air Force Tornados and Jaguars, with almost no real strike missions flown by the Buccaneers.

The Buccaneer S.2B was introduced in Update "Alpha Strike". Being a direct upgrade to its predecessor in the tree, the Buccaneer S.2, the S.2B variant not only has access to the powerful AJ 168 Martel missiles, but various new hardware and avionics upgrades over the older S.2. For starters, the S.2B has access to built-in countermeasures and the all-aspect AIM-9L missile, a major upgrade over the external countermeasures pod and the AIM-9B of its predecessor. More importantly for a strike aircraft, the S.2B has access to the Pave Spike laser targeting pod alongside Paveway laser guided bombs, or alternatively, the AJ-168 Martel TV guided anti-ship missile, which due to its TV guidance, can also be used against ground targets in mixed ground battles, where it proves its potency thanks to having one of the highest TV lock ranges in-game and a very powerful warhead. Players must still be aware of the usual shortfalls of the Buccaneer family, being its large size and weight resulting in cumbersome flight performance, along with the lack of any built-in cannon armament.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 0 m1 166 km/h
Turn time32 s
Max altitude15 000 m
Engine2 х Rolls-Royce Spey 101
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight28 t

Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 1,156 1,151 15000 33.0 34.4 71.5 65.2 900
Upgraded ___ ___ __._ __._ __._ __._

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1181 416 518 463 370 ~8 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 585 < 600 < 548 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Rolls-Royce Spey 101 2 14,526 kg 462 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 43m fuel
2,361 kg Low-bypass turbofan 16,686 kg 17,808 kg 19,446 kg 21,725 kg 25,613 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 13m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 43m fuel MGW
Stationary 5,020 kgf - 0.60 0.56 0.52 0.46 0.39
Optimal 5,120 kgf
(1,000 km/h) 		- 0.61 0.58 0.53 0.47 0.40

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural1 181 km/h
Gear416 km/h

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.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 754 → 4 469 Sl icon.png
RB7 797 → 12 654 Sl icon.png
SB8 929 → 14 491 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications260 000 Rp icon.png
404 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training240 000 Sl icon.png
Experts830 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 000 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 140 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 320 / 600 % Sl icon.png
238 / 238 / 238 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine extinguisher.png
EFS(a)
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
540 LB
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
Matra №7 Mk 1
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
13 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
370 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk.10 1000lb
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
430 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods laser guided bomb.png
Mk.13/18
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
16 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
25 000 Sl icon.png
460 Ge icon.png
Mods agm missile.png
AJ.168
Research:
21 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
33 000 Sl icon.png
600 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon RedXCross.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon RedXCross.png

Offensive armament

The Buccaneer S.2B is armed with:

  • A choice between two presets:
    • 30 x large calibre countermeasures
    • 90 x large calibre countermeasures

Suspended armament

The Buccaneer S.2B can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5
Hardpoints Buccaneer S.2.png
500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs 6 6 4 6 6
540 lb Mk.M2 bombs 6 6 4 6 6
1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs 3 3 4 3 3
1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs 2, 3 2, 3 4 2, 3 2, 3
1,000 lb L.D H.E. M.C. Mk.1 bombs 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3 2, 3
546 kg Mk.13 bombs 1* 1* 1*
RP rockets 36 36 36 36
AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles 1 1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1
AJ.168 missiles 1† 1† 1†
Data link pod 1†
Pave Spike targeting pod 1*
440 gal drop tanks 1
* Pave Spike pod must be equipped when carrying Mk.13 guided bombs
† Data link pod must be equipped when carrying AJ.168 missiles
Default weapon presets
  • 24 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs + 1 x 440 gal drop tank (12,000 lb total)
  • 2 x AIM-9G Sidewinder missiles
  • 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 144 x RP rockets
  • 3 x AJ.168 missiles
  • 28 x 500 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.II bombs (14,000 lb total)
  • 28 x 540 lb Mk.M2 bombs (15,120 lb total)
  • 12 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 bombs + 8 x 1,000 lb L.D H.E. M.C. Mk.1 bombs (12,000 lb total)
  • 16 x 1,000 lb H.E. M.C. Mk.13 No.117 bombs (16,000 lb total)
  • 3 x 546 kg Mk.13 bombs (1,638 kg total)

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).

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".

Pros:

Cons:

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: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Devblog

Initially intended for the Royal Navy, the RAF showed little interest in the Buccaneer until the cancellation of both TSR-2 and the RAF's own version of the Aardvark, the F-111K, led to a decision to adopt the Buccaneer into service to fill a gap in capabilities. This coincided with the gradual retirement of Aircraft Carriers from the Royal Navy freeing up aircraft that could be provided to the RAF, as well as new build aircraft to the S.2B standard. This variant would initially see an enlarged "bulged" bomb bay and the capacity for Martel Anti-Ship missiles.

Operation Pulsator, supporting British forces in Lebanon in 1983, would see a further significant upgrade for the Buccaneer, introducing internal countermeasures to the aircraft for better self defence. AIM-9G and AIM-9L capability was also added, a notable improvement over earlier AIM-9Bs on earlier S.2s.

Despite its age, the Buccaneer would however still prove its worth as late as the 1991 Gulf War, acting as a laser designator aircraft for Tornado GR.1s to deliver their laser guided bombs before early TIALD pods became available for operations. Later in the conflict, Buccaneers would themselves take part in direct bombing attacks.

Initially not planned to take part in "Operation Granby", a handful of Buccaneer S.2Bs from No.12, 208 and 237 OCU were rushed over to the Gulf, hastily repainted in "Desert Pink" and equipped now with AIM-9Ls and Pave Spike pods. The pilots that would operate them dubbed themselves the "Sky Pirates" and were famous for their skull and crossbones flag and colourful nose art adorning many of the aircraft that took part.

The Tornado would however fully replace the last Buccaneers in service shortly after the Gulf War, covering all roles that it had previously maintained. The last Buccaneers would bow out of service with the RAF in 1994, 36 years after the first Buccaneer took to the skies.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #404 - Metal Beasts section at 00:24 discusses the Buccaneer S.2B.

See also

Related development

External links


Blackburn Aircraft Ltd.
Fighters  Firebrand TF Mk IV · Firecrest
Strike aircraft  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B

Britain jet aircraft
Blackburn  Buccaneer S.1 · Buccaneer S.2 · Buccaneer S.2B
British Aerospace  Harrier GR.7 · Sea Harrier FRS.1 (e) · Sea Harrier FRS.1 · Sea Harrier FA 2
British Aircraft Corporation  Strikemaster Mk.88
English Electric  Canberra B Mk 2 · Canberra B (I) Mk 6 · Lightning F.6 · Lightning F.53
Gloster  Meteor F Mk 3 · Sea Meteor F Mk 3 · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41F · Meteor F Mk 4 G.41G · Meteor F Mk 8 G.41K · Meteor F Mk.8 Reaper
  Javelin F.(A.W.) Mk.9
de Havilland  Vampire F.B.5 · Venom FB.4 · Sea Venom FAW 20 · Sea Vixen F.A.W. Mk.2
Hawker  Sea Hawk FGA.6 · Hunter F.1 · Hunter F.6 · Hunter FGA.9 · Harrier GR.1 · Harrier GR.3
Panavia  Tornado GR.1 · Tornado GR.4 · Tornado F.3 · Tornado F.3 Late
SEPECAT  Jaguar GR.1 · Jaguar GR.1A · Jaguar IS
Supermarine  Attacker FB 1 · Attacker FB.2 · Scimitar F Mk.1 · Swift F.1 · Swift F.7
Foreign  Phantom FG.1 (USA) · Phantom FGR.2 (USA) · F-4J(UK) Phantom II (USA)
Australia  F-111C
India  ▄MiG-21 Bison
South Africa  ▄JAS39C

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