Difference between revisions of "Lancaster B Mk III"

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m (Added some extra information on the Lancaster B Mk 3's history.)
 
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{{About
 +
|about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
|usage = other versions
 +
|link = Lancaster (Family)
 +
}}
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=lancaster_mk3
 
|code=lancaster_mk3
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
−
}}
 
−
{{About
 
−
| about = British heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
−
| usage = other version
 
−
| link = Lancaster B Mk I
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{Break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
  
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 440 || 338 || 282 || ~4 || ~3
+
| 608 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 415 || 381 || 282 || ~4 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| < 400 || < 350 || < 350 || > 350
 
| < 400 || < 350 || < 350 || > 350
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 2,000 m || 5,535 hp || 6,876 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)|G.P. Mk.I (1,000 lb)|H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II (4,000 lb)}}
+
{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (250 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (500 lb)|M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}
 +
{{main|H.C. Mk.II (4,000 lb)|H.C. Mk.II (8,000 lb)|H.C Mk.I (12,000 lb)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 14 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (3,500 lb total)
+
* 14 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (3,500 lb total)
−
* 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 8 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (5,000 lb total)
+
* 14 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (7,000 lb total)
−
* 14 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (7,000 lb total)
+
* 6 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 8 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (5,000 lb total)
−
* 1 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bomb + 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs + 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (4,500 lb total)
+
* 14 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (14,000 lb total)
−
* 6 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs + 3 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (6,750 lb total)
+
* 1 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb + 6 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (4,500 lb total)
−
* 14 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (14,000 lb total)
+
* 6 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 3 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (6,750 lb total)
−
* 1 x H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II bomb + 6 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs + 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (10,500 lb total)
+
* 1 x 4,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb (4,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II bombs (8,000 lb total)
+
* 1 x 4,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb + 6 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (10,500 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 8,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb (8,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 8,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb + 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (11,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 12,000 lb H.C Mk.I bomb (12,000 lb total)
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
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|-
 
|-
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
| Protective vest
 
−
| Turret 7 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 
−
| AUBC No.1 Mark II
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Turret 12 mm
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
| New 12 mm MGs (turret)
 
−
| AUBC No.1 Mark I
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Great bomb-load
+
* Great bomb-load of up to 6 tons
−
* Multiple engines
+
* Powerful Merlin engines providing good performance
−
* Tail .50 cal guns are more effective than 7.7mm guns of previous bombers
+
* 4 engines means that it can maintain flying ability despite damage to some engines
 +
* Tail .50 cal machine guns are effective as defensive armament
 +
* H-tail means that if one rudder is shot off, the other one still works
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
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* Fairly slow
 
* Fairly slow
 
* Engine failures are common
 
* Engine failures are common
 +
* No armour plates protecting gunners
 
* Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
 
* Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
 +
* No turret coverage for the belly
 
* 7.7 mm machine gun fire won't do much against German fighters
 
* 7.7 mm machine gun fire won't do much against German fighters
 
* When using gunner view, the different calibre turrets make it difficult to hit a target with both bullet streams
 
* When using gunner view, the different calibre turrets make it difficult to hit a target with both bullet streams
−
* Even when the turrets hit, it doesn't do any damage, most fighters will knock out your engines before you can kill their engines or pilots or at all
+
* Even when the turrets hit, it doesn't do any damage, most fighters will knock out your engines before you can kill their engines or pilots or at all. Cannot effectively hurt heavily-armoured interceptors such as Me 410
  
 
== 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).''
+
The Lancaster B Mk 3 was made simultaneously with the Lancaster B Mk 1, and their exteriors are virtually indistinguishable from each other. However, this variant had Packard-built Merlin engines. These engines used Bendix-Stromberg pressure-injection carburettors, which meant the plane had to have different engine cut-off switches in the cockpit.
 +
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
  
−
=== In-game description ===
 
 
With RAF Bomber Command's focus being centred on the strategic bombing campaign against German industry, the RAF desperately required a force of heavy bombers to increase the capability provided by their medium bomber fleet. A twin engine Avro Manchester bomber was converted to be powered by four engines and first flown in January 1941. This and subsequent prototypes were deemed to be so successful that the first production variant of the new bomber, now named the Lancaster, was flown in October 1941.
 
With RAF Bomber Command's focus being centred on the strategic bombing campaign against German industry, the RAF desperately required a force of heavy bombers to increase the capability provided by their medium bomber fleet. A twin engine Avro Manchester bomber was converted to be powered by four engines and first flown in January 1941. This and subsequent prototypes were deemed to be so successful that the first production variant of the new bomber, now named the Lancaster, was flown in October 1941.
  
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The Lancaster was first used operationally in March 1942 by No. 44 Squadron. It soon became the backbone of RAF Bomber Command's offensive against the heart of Germany, but was also used against targets all across occupied Europe. The majority of Lancaster operations took place at night, due to RAF Bomber Command's policy of night bombing whilst the bombers of the United States Army Air Force tackled targets by day.
 
The Lancaster was first used operationally in March 1942 by No. 44 Squadron. It soon became the backbone of RAF Bomber Command's offensive against the heart of Germany, but was also used against targets all across occupied Europe. The majority of Lancaster operations took place at night, due to RAF Bomber Command's policy of night bombing whilst the bombers of the United States Army Air Force tackled targets by day.
  
−
For defence, the Lancaster had eight 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk.II machine guns located in three turrets: two guns were located in the nose, two in the dorsal turret, and four in the tail turret. The maximum ordinance capacity of the Lancaster was the highest of any heavy bomber in World War II: 14,000 lb (6,356 kg). Besides standard bombs, the aircraft could carry an 8,000 lb (3,632 kg) "blockbuster" or two 4,000 lb (1,816 kg) high-explosive "cookie" bombs. Special modifications of the bomber could carry even larger bombs, such as the 22,000 lb 'Grand Slam' bomb. The Lancaster became legendary on the night of May 17th 1943 when bombers of No 617 Squadron breached the Mohne and Eder dams in Germany with Barnes Wallis' genius 'bouncing bomb'. Lancasters of Nos 9 and 617 Squadrons also sank the German battleship 'Tirpitz' with 12,000 lb 'Tallboy' bombs, also designed by Wallis.
+
For defence, the Lancaster had eight 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk.II machine guns located in three turrets: two guns were located in the nose, two in the dorsal turret, and four in the tail turret. The maximum ordnance capacity of the Lancaster was the highest of any heavy bomber in World War II: 14,000 lb (6,356 kg). Besides standard bombs, the aircraft could carry an 8,000 lb (3,632 kg) "blockbuster" or two 4,000 lb (1,816 kg) high-explosive "cookie" bombs. Special modifications of the bomber could carry even larger bombs, such as the 22,000 lb 'Grand Slam' bomb. The Lancaster became legendary on the night of May 17th 1943 when bombers of No 617 Squadron breached the Mohne and Eder dams in Germany with Barnes Wallis' genius 'bouncing bomb'. Lancasters of Nos 9 and 617 Squadrons also sank the German battleship 'Tirpitz' with 12,000 lb 'Tallboy' bombs, also designed by Wallis.
  
 
A total of 3,039 BIII bombers were produced. The bomber was finally decommissioned in Great Britain in 1950, and is a serious contender to the claim of being the most capable bomber of the entire war.
 
A total of 3,039 BIII bombers were produced. The bomber was finally decommissioned in Great Britain in 1950, and is a serious contender to the claim of being the most capable bomber of the entire war.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=lancaster_mk3 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Avro}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Avro}}
 
{{Britain bombers}}
 
{{Britain bombers}}

Latest revision as of 09:56, 31 October 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the British bomber Lancaster B Mk III. For other versions, see Lancaster (Family).
Lancaster B Mk III
lancaster_mk3.png
GarageImage Lancaster B Mk III.jpg
Lancaster B Mk III
Britain flag.png Britain
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
5.0 5.3 6.0
Class:
Research:27 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Lancaster B Mk III is a rank IV British heavy bomber with a battle rating of 5.0 (AB), 5.3 (RB), and 6.0 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 048 m462 km/h
Turn time48 s
Max altitude7 620 m
Engine4 х Rolls-Royce Merlin-28
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight31 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,048 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 447 434 7620 49.2 50.4 6.9 6.8 750
Upgraded 476 462 47.0 48.0 10.4 8.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
608 338 415 381 282 ~4 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 400 < 350 < 350 > 350

Survivability and armour

Crew5 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear338 km/h
  • 8 mm Steel plates behind the pilot headrests.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plate behind the engines.
  • No armour glazing
  • Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • More fuel tanks located in wings

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 376 → 3 264 Sl icon.png
RB6 503 → 8 935 Sl icon.png
SB13 156 → 18 076 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications46 700 Rp icon.png
84 700 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 500 Ge icon.png
Crew training52 000 Sl icon.png
Experts185 000 Sl icon.png
Aces940 Ge icon.png
Research Aces480 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 220 / 510 % Sl icon.png
166 / 166 / 166 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 100 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 100 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods bulletproof vest.png
Protective vest
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
2 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 400 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg303_turret_new_gun
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
AUBC No.1 Mark II
Research:
2 600 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 700 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Research:
3 900 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 100 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50raf_turret_new_gun
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
AUBC No.1 Mark I
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow right 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
AUBC No.1 Mark IV
Research:
2 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
4 500 Sl icon.png
210 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (11)
Setup 114 x M.C. 250 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 28 x M.C. 250 lb Mk.I bomb
6 x M.C. 500 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 314 x M.C. 500 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 42 x M.C. 250 lb Mk.I bomb
1 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bomb
6 x M.C. 500 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 53 x M.C. 250 lb Mk.I bomb
6 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 614 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bomb
Setup 76 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bomb
2 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
1 x 4000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb
Setup 81 x 4000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb
Setup 96 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
1 x 8000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb
Setup 101 x 8000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb
Setup 111 x 12000 lb H.C Mk.I bomb
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), M.C. Mk.I (250 lb), M.C. Mk.I (500 lb), M.C. Mk.I (1,000 lb)
Main articles: H.C. Mk.II (4,000 lb), H.C. Mk.II (8,000 lb), H.C Mk.I (12,000 lb)

The Lancaster B Mk III can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 14 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (3,500 lb total)
  • 14 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (7,000 lb total)
  • 6 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 8 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (5,000 lb total)
  • 14 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (14,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bomb + 6 x 500 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (4,500 lb total)
  • 6 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 3 x 250 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs (6,750 lb total)
  • 1 x 4,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb (4,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 4,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb + 6 x 1,000 lb M.C. Mk.I bombs + 2 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (10,500 lb total)
  • 1 x 8,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb (8,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 8,000 lb H.C. Mk.II bomb + 6 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (11,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 12,000 lb H.C Mk.I bomb (12,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition5000 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
2 х Turret2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition2000 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Main articles: M2 Browning (12.7 mm), Browning (7.7 mm)

The Lancaster B Mk III is defended by:

  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (2,500 rpg = 5,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)

Usage in battles

It is best to fly the Lancaster at a high altitude, at least 4,000 m, to be able to be unhindered by fighter aircraft. Beware, the aircraft has no defensive armament on the underside of the plane allowing an easy kill for experienced pilots. Due to this, and the large bomb load of the plane, it is best to target mini-bases and airfields, as moving tank columns are extremely difficult to hit, and even static targets like pillboxes can be tricky. Its defensive armament is lacking, so it is best to avoid enemy fighters altogether rather than attempting to fend them off. If you do find yourself under attack, weaving the plane left/right and up/down can help you dodge most of the fire, while allowing your turrets to still shoot back.

In real life, the Lancaster was mainly used as a strategic night bomber, used in very large numbers to carpet bomb large industrial areas and cities in Germany, a role which is performed in admirably. Fighters struggled to intercept them in the dark and anti-aircraft guns would find it difficult to target them effectively, especially if they were used in large numbers. However, this role does not really fit War Thunder. You rarely come across night missions, you will probably be playing individually as opposed to in a bomber formation and the map will be swarming with enemy fighters, who will all be licking their lips at the concept of an easy bomber kill. Tie this in with poor defensive armament and not particularly impressive performance and you have a recipe for disaster. Therefore, the Lancaster suffers in War Thunder on Arcade and Realistic air battles and will be an exceptionally easy target in ground Realistic battles. If it has any advantages, it is that it the Lancaster can carry a powerful payload. With the 2 x 4,000 lb bomb load, the plane can be put into a shallow dive to quickly reach and destroy 2 mini-bases (1 bomb for each), before most enemy fighters have climbed to altitude.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great bomb-load of up to 6 tons
  • Powerful Merlin engines providing good performance
  • 4 engines means that it can maintain flying ability despite damage to some engines
  • Tail .50 cal machine guns are effective as defensive armament
  • H-tail means that if one rudder is shot off, the other one still works

Cons:

  • Big target
  • Fairly slow
  • Engine failures are common
  • No armour plates protecting gunners
  • Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
  • No turret coverage for the belly
  • 7.7 mm machine gun fire won't do much against German fighters
  • When using gunner view, the different calibre turrets make it difficult to hit a target with both bullet streams
  • Even when the turrets hit, it doesn't do any damage, most fighters will knock out your engines before you can kill their engines or pilots or at all. Cannot effectively hurt heavily-armoured interceptors such as Me 410

History

The Lancaster B Mk 3 was made simultaneously with the Lancaster B Mk 1, and their exteriors are virtually indistinguishable from each other. However, this variant had Packard-built Merlin engines. These engines used Bendix-Stromberg pressure-injection carburettors, which meant the plane had to have different engine cut-off switches in the cockpit.


Archive of the in-game description

With RAF Bomber Command's focus being centred on the strategic bombing campaign against German industry, the RAF desperately required a force of heavy bombers to increase the capability provided by their medium bomber fleet. A twin engine Avro Manchester bomber was converted to be powered by four engines and first flown in January 1941. This and subsequent prototypes were deemed to be so successful that the first production variant of the new bomber, now named the Lancaster, was flown in October 1941.

The immediate success of the Lancaster Mk I (redesignated the BI in 1942) caused it to be pushed ahead in terms of production priorities. In turn, this threatened the supply of Rolls Royce Merlin engines which powered it, so alternative engines needed to be sourced. The BII was powered by Bristol Hercules engines, but this caused a drop in performance and payload. The BIII was powered by Packard Merlin engines, a license built version manufactured in the United States. Internal differences between the BI and BIII were very few; the two models had near identical technical characteristics and armament and externally the BIII had only a larger bomb aimer's bubble window, but the change in designation was necessary since the different engines had different servicing requirements.

The Lancaster was first used operationally in March 1942 by No. 44 Squadron. It soon became the backbone of RAF Bomber Command's offensive against the heart of Germany, but was also used against targets all across occupied Europe. The majority of Lancaster operations took place at night, due to RAF Bomber Command's policy of night bombing whilst the bombers of the United States Army Air Force tackled targets by day.

For defence, the Lancaster had eight 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk.II machine guns located in three turrets: two guns were located in the nose, two in the dorsal turret, and four in the tail turret. The maximum ordnance capacity of the Lancaster was the highest of any heavy bomber in World War II: 14,000 lb (6,356 kg). Besides standard bombs, the aircraft could carry an 8,000 lb (3,632 kg) "blockbuster" or two 4,000 lb (1,816 kg) high-explosive "cookie" bombs. Special modifications of the bomber could carry even larger bombs, such as the 22,000 lb 'Grand Slam' bomb. The Lancaster became legendary on the night of May 17th 1943 when bombers of No 617 Squadron breached the Mohne and Eder dams in Germany with Barnes Wallis' genius 'bouncing bomb'. Lancasters of Nos 9 and 617 Squadrons also sank the German battleship 'Tirpitz' with 12,000 lb 'Tallboy' bombs, also designed by Wallis.

A total of 3,039 BIII bombers were produced. The bomber was finally decommissioned in Great Britain in 1950, and is a serious contender to the claim of being the most capable bomber of the entire war.


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See also

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  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
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Avro Aircraft
Bombers  Lancaster B Mk I · Lancaster B Mk III · Lincoln B Mk II · Shackleton MR.Mk.2
Export/Licensed  Lancaster MR.7

Britain bombers
Torpedo  Swordfish Mk I · Swordfish Mk II · ▄Avenger Mk II
Dive  V-156-B1
Hydroplanes  ▄Catalina Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk V
Light  Blenheim Mk IV · Beaufort Mk VIII · ▄Hudson Mk V · Brigand B 1
Based on A20  ▄Havoc Mk I · ▄Boston Mk I · ▄DB-7
Hampden  Hampden Mk I · Hampden TB Mk I
Wellington  Wellington Mk Ic · Wellington Mk Ic/L · Wellington Mk III · Wellington Mk X
Halifax  Halifax B Mk IIIa
Stirling  Stirling B Mk I · Stirling B Mk III
Lancaster  Lancaster B Mk I · Lancaster B Mk III
Lincoln  Lincoln B Mk II
Shackleton  Shackleton MR.Mk.2

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