Difference between revisions of "B-18A"

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(Restored page from version archived 12-01-19.)
(Updated)
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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.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update_1.59_"Flaming_Arrows"|Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]].  
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows"]].
  
−
This is the first multi-engine land plane bomber available in the American Bomber tech tree. With a maximum bomb load of 2000 lbs, it is a decent medium bomber, although its gunner's field of fire are somewhat poor, the only viable one being the dorsal turret gunner which suffers for the large blind spot the rudder creates directly behind the aircraft. It is recommended to level bomb at high altitude, as its poor maneuverability means you will have a hard time bombing moving ground targets at low altitude without a relatively straight bombing run.
+
This is the first multi-engine land-based bomber available in the American Bomber tech tree. With a maximum bomb load of 2000 lbs, it is a decent medium bomber, although its gunners' fields of fire are somewhat poor, the only viable one being the dorsal turret gunner which suffers from the large blind spot the rudder creates directly behind the aircraft. It is recommended to level bomb at high altitude, as its poor manoeuvrability means you will have a hard time bombing moving ground targets at low altitude without a relatively straight bombing run.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 23: Line 23:
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 32: Line 32:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
|353||344|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||22.2||22.8||4.7||5.7||500
+
| 357 || 344 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.9 || 22.8 || 5.7 || 5.7 || 500
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,049 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,049 m)
−
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
−
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
+
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 49: Line 49:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? ||500
+
| 395 || 375 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.1 || 21.0 || 10.3 || 7.7 || 500
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 58: Line 58:
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps
−
! Take-off flap
+
! Take-off flaps
−
! Landing flap
+
! Landing flaps
 
! Air brakes
 
! Air brakes
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
|✓||✓||✓|| X || X <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 74: Line 74:
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
Line 80: Line 80:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} ||340|| ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 340 || ~10 || ~4
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,158 m || 860 hp || 1,032 hp  
+
| 1,158 m || 860 hp || 1,032 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 2,926 m || 850 hp || 1,020 hp  
+
| 2,926 m || 850 hp || 1,020 hp
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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.'' -->
 
* No armour
 
* No armour
 
* Engines and fuel tanks in root of wing
 
* Engines and fuel tanks in root of wing
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
<!--''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|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is able to be equipped with:
 
  
−
* 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
* 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs
+
* 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
−
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs
+
* 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 2 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs
+
* 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 1 x 2000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb
+
* 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
+
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|Browning (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
−
 
+
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, chin turret (500 rpg)
−
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, chin turret, 500 rpg
+
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
−
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret, 500 rpg
+
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)
−
* 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret, 500 rpg
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles 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 an aircraft, the features of using vehicles 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).'' -->
−
As the first non-naval bomber available to the Americans, this plane is faster than its predecessors in the tech tree, the PBY flying boats. It's bomb load isn't half bad for tier 1, with it's maximum bomb load being a single 2000 lb bomb, which is enough to destroy a base in one strike in RB as of 1.77. The defensive armament is somewhat lackluster however, with only 3 defensive positions, and of the 3 only one is somewhat viable for the defense of the aircraft. The lower ventral gunner is almost useless, and easily taken out, and the frontal gunner is only useful if your current enemy is directly in front and below you. The last turret, and massive dorsal contraption, can only fire in a 180 degree arc rear of the aircraft, and a significant bind spot is formed by the turrets proximity to the rather large rudder. Overall this bomber can be considered a trainer for the later American heavy bombers with it's slow lumbering presence and high bomb load, coupled with multiple defensive positions.
+
As the first non-naval bomber available to the Americans, this plane is faster than its predecessors in the tech tree, the PBY flying boats. Its bomb load isn't bad for tier 1, with its maximum bomb load being a single 2000 lb bomb, which is enough to destroy a base in one strike in RB (as of Update 1.77). The defensive armament is somewhat lacklustre however, with only 3 defensive positions, and of the 3 only one is somewhat viable for the defence of the aircraft. The lower ventral gunner is almost useless, and easily taken out, and the frontal gunner is only useful if your current enemy is directly in front and below you. The last turret, a massive dorsal contraption, can only fire in a 180 degree arc rear of the aircraft, and a significant bind spot is formed by the turrets proximity to the rather large rudder. Overall this bomber can be considered a trainer for the later American heavy bombers with its slow lumbering presence and high bomb load, coupled with multiple defensive positions.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
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! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Oil
 
! Oil
 
! Water
 
! Water
−
! Type  
+
! Type
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" |Controllable<br>No automatic pitch
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
−
| rowspan="2" |Controllable<br>Auto control available
 
−
| rowspan="2" |Controllable<br>Auto control available
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" |Controllable<br>2 gears
 
−
| rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
−
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
 
| Radiator
 
| Radiator
−
|  
+
|
−
| Turret 7.62 mm belts
+
| Turret 7 mm
 
| LBC-17
 
| LBC-17
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
−
| New 7.62 mm MGs (turret)
+
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
−
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
 
| SBC-17
 
| SBC-17
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
| Engine Injection
+
| Engine injection
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
−
|  
+
|
 
| MBC-17
 
| MBC-17
 
|-
 
|-
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize 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:'''
−
 
+
* Fairly manoeuvrable for a bomber.
−
* Fairly maneuverable for a bomber.
+
* Single 2000 lb bomb can destroy a entire base, decimate vehicle formations, and be of great use in battles.
−
* Single 2000lb bomb can destroy a entire base, decimate vehicle formations, and be of great use in battles.
 
 
* Frontal gunner has a bigger field of fire allowing some flexibility in engaging other aircraft.
 
* Frontal gunner has a bigger field of fire allowing some flexibility in engaging other aircraft.
−
* Fairly fast for its tier and class, meaning you can outrun most biplanes, russian I-153s being an exception.
+
* Fairly fast for its tier and class, meaning you can outrun most biplanes, Russian I-153s being an exception.
 
* Similar playstyle to the B-10, so any players new to the Bolo that have used the B-10 can expect the same general performance.
 
* Similar playstyle to the B-10, so any players new to the Bolo that have used the B-10 can expect the same general performance.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
 
* Rather slow.
 
* Rather slow.
 
* Weak defensive armament won't help you very well against enemy fighters.
 
* Weak defensive armament won't help you very well against enemy fighters.
 
* Nose machine gun can't fire directly to the front.
 
* Nose machine gun can't fire directly to the front.
 
* Very large plane and can be a easy target to shootdown without a fighter escort.
 
* Very large plane and can be a easy target to shootdown without a fighter escort.
−
* Defences armament: .30cal MG's cannot compete with its Russian, German or nations that have a fire rate advantage.
+
* Defensive armament: .30cal MGs cannot compete with its Russian or German counterparts, or other nations that have a fire rate advantage.
−
* The engines are fairly easy to target and be knocked out with centerlined weaponry. Yak-1 and LaGG series being very deadly to a B-18
+
* The engines are fairly easy to target and be knocked out with centerlined weaponry. Yak-1 and LaGG series are very deadly to a B-18
 
* It has gained a notoriety for its bombload, meaning you are a team wide target.
 
* It has gained a notoriety for its bombload, meaning you are a team wide target.
 
* When doing a loop, it commonly overshoots the cursor, leading to a loss (or gain) of speed.
 
* When doing a loop, it commonly overshoots the cursor, leading to a loss (or gain) of speed.
  
 
== 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 big, 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>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === Encyclopedia Info ===, 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
The B-18 Bolo was designed because the US Army wanted a new bomber that was faster and carried a heavier bomb load than the existing Martin B-10.
 
The B-18 Bolo was designed because the US Army wanted a new bomber that was faster and carried a heavier bomb load than the existing Martin B-10.
  
−
Two competitors showed up. Boeing model 299 (B-17), and the Douglas DB-1. Although the Boeing design was clearly superior (heavier bombload, longer range, and better defensive armament) The Boeing model 299 crashed upon takeoff, and the Army immediately switched to the Douglas model. The lower price also counted in favour of the B-18 ($58,000 compared to $99,260). The B-18 played a stop-gap role until better bombers (B-17 and B-24) to replace it. The B-18 was not very widely used due to the lack of defensive armament and speed. Only 350 B-18s were built until production stopped and the plane declared obsolete.
+
Two competitors showed up. Boeing model 299 (B-17), and the Douglas DB-1. Although the Boeing design was clearly superior (heavier bombload, longer range, and better defensive armament) The Boeing model 299 crashed upon take-off, and the Army immediately switched to the Douglas model. The lower price also counted in favour of the B-18 ($58,000 compared to $99,260). The B-18 played a stop-gap role until better bombers (B-17 and B-24) were built to replace it. The B-18 was not very widely used due to the lack of defensive armament and speed. Only 350 B-18s were built until production stopped and the plane was declared obsolete.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 250: Line 236:
 
== 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.''
Line 256: Line 241:
 
== 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;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 12:33, 15 April 2019

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
B-18A
b_18a.png
B-18A
USA flag.png USA
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.3 1.3 1.7
Class:
Research:2 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage B-18A.jpg


The B-18A is a rank I American bomber with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB/RB) and 1.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.59 "Flaming Arrows".

This is the first multi-engine land-based bomber available in the American Bomber tech tree. With a maximum bomb load of 2000 lbs, it is a decent medium bomber, although its gunners' fields of fire are somewhat poor, the only viable one being the dorsal turret gunner which suffers from the large blind spot the rudder creates directly behind the aircraft. It is recommended to level bomb at high altitude, as its poor manoeuvrability means you will have a hard time bombing moving ground targets at low altitude without a relatively straight bombing run.

General info

Flight Performance

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

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,049 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
357 344 7500 21.9 22.8 5.7 5.7 500
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,049 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
395 375 7500 20.1 21.0 10.3 7.7 500

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
340 ~10 ~4
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 200 < 270 < 250 > 324
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,158 m 860 hp 1,032 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,926 m 850 hp 1,020 hp

Survivability and armour

  • No armour
  • Engines and fuel tanks in root of wing

Armaments

Suspended armament

Main articles: AN-M30A1 (100 lb), AN-M57 (250 lb), AN-M64A1 (500 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)

The B-18A can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (1,200 lb total)
  • 8 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning (7.62 mm)

The B-18A is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, chin turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.62 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (500 rpg)

Usage in battles

As the first non-naval bomber available to the Americans, this plane is faster than its predecessors in the tech tree, the PBY flying boats. Its bomb load isn't bad for tier 1, with its maximum bomb load being a single 2000 lb bomb, which is enough to destroy a base in one strike in RB (as of Update 1.77). The defensive armament is somewhat lacklustre however, with only 3 defensive positions, and of the 3 only one is somewhat viable for the defence of the aircraft. The lower ventral gunner is almost useless, and easily taken out, and the frontal gunner is only useful if your current enemy is directly in front and below you. The last turret, a massive dorsal contraption, can only fire in a 180 degree arc rear of the aircraft, and a significant bind spot is formed by the turrets proximity to the rather large rudder. Overall this bomber can be considered a trainer for the later American heavy bombers with its slow lumbering presence and high bomb load, coupled with multiple defensive positions.

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 Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Turret 7 mm LBC-17
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs (turret)
III Wings repair Engine SBC-17
IV Engine injection Cover MBC-17

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Fairly manoeuvrable for a bomber.
  • Single 2000 lb bomb can destroy a entire base, decimate vehicle formations, and be of great use in battles.
  • Frontal gunner has a bigger field of fire allowing some flexibility in engaging other aircraft.
  • Fairly fast for its tier and class, meaning you can outrun most biplanes, Russian I-153s being an exception.
  • Similar playstyle to the B-10, so any players new to the Bolo that have used the B-10 can expect the same general performance.

Cons:

  • Rather slow.
  • Weak defensive armament won't help you very well against enemy fighters.
  • Nose machine gun can't fire directly to the front.
  • Very large plane and can be a easy target to shootdown without a fighter escort.
  • Defensive armament: .30cal MGs cannot compete with its Russian or German counterparts, or other nations that have a fire rate advantage.
  • The engines are fairly easy to target and be knocked out with centerlined weaponry. Yak-1 and LaGG series are very deadly to a B-18
  • It has gained a notoriety for its bombload, meaning you are a team wide target.
  • When doing a loop, it commonly overshoots the cursor, leading to a loss (or gain) of speed.

History

The B-18 Bolo was designed because the US Army wanted a new bomber that was faster and carried a heavier bomb load than the existing Martin B-10.

Two competitors showed up. Boeing model 299 (B-17), and the Douglas DB-1. Although the Boeing design was clearly superior (heavier bombload, longer range, and better defensive armament) The Boeing model 299 crashed upon take-off, and the Army immediately switched to the Douglas model. The lower price also counted in favour of the B-18 ($58,000 compared to $99,260). The B-18 played a stop-gap role until better bombers (B-17 and B-24) were built to replace it. The B-18 was not very widely used due to the lack of defensive armament and speed. Only 350 B-18s were built until production stopped and the plane was declared obsolete.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

See also

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;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


USA bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner"

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