Difference between revisions of "Lancaster B Mk I"
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. | ||
| − | The Avro Lancaster B Mk | + | The Avro Lancaster B Mk I is a long-range heavy bomber optimised for destroying stationary targets such as pillboxes, bases, and airfields with bombs from high altitude. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
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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. | + | {{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)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
| − | * 14 x 250 lb G.P. | + | * 14 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (3,500 lb total) |
| − | * 6 x 500 lb G.P. | + | * 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 G.P. | + | * 14 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (7,000 lb total) |
| − | * 1 x 1,000 lb G.P. | + | * 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) |
| − | * 6 x 1,000 lb G.P. | + | * 6 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs + 3 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (6,750 lb total) |
| − | * 14 x | + | * 14 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (14,000 lb total) |
| − | * 1 x | + | * 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) |
| − | * 2 x | + | * 2 x H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II bombs (8,000 lb total) |
=== Defensive armament === | === Defensive armament === | ||
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}} | {{Specs-Avia-Defensive}} | ||
<!-- ''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 | + | {{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by: | ||
| − | * 2 x 7.7 mm Browning | + | * 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total) |
| − | * 2 x 7.7 mm Browning | + | * 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total) |
| − | * 4 x 7.7 mm Browning | + | * 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, tail turret (2,500 rpg = 10,000 total) |
== Usage in battles == | == Usage in battles == | ||
| − | <!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in | + | <!-- ''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 Lancaster carries the heaviest bomb load of any bomber before the American [[B-29A-BN|Boeing B-29 Superfortress]], at a fantastic 14,000 lb (6,363 kg), and the heaviest of any British bomber in the game. It can quickly end games if left to go about its business. The Lancaster also has relatively good performance and agility for a four-engined heavy bomber, significantly better than both the American B-17 and B-24 bombers. | The Lancaster carries the heaviest bomb load of any bomber before the American [[B-29A-BN|Boeing B-29 Superfortress]], at a fantastic 14,000 lb (6,363 kg), and the heaviest of any British bomber in the game. It can quickly end games if left to go about its business. The Lancaster also has relatively good performance and agility for a four-engined heavy bomber, significantly better than both the American B-17 and B-24 bombers. | ||
Unfortunately, the Lancaster is extremely vulnerable if intercepted by enemy fighters. Its defensive armament consists only of .303 in Browning machine guns; while they have a high rate-of-fire, they are not very lethal to enemy fighters outside of a lucky fire set by the incendiary bullets. In addition, the Lancaster has no ventral turret covering attacks from below due to H2S radar unit (a useless feature in the game). The aircraft itself is not very durable as well and is extremely vulnerable to cannons of 20 mm calibre and larger. | Unfortunately, the Lancaster is extremely vulnerable if intercepted by enemy fighters. Its defensive armament consists only of .303 in Browning machine guns; while they have a high rate-of-fire, they are not very lethal to enemy fighters outside of a lucky fire set by the incendiary bullets. In addition, the Lancaster has no ventral turret covering attacks from below due to H2S radar unit (a useless feature in the game). The aircraft itself is not very durable as well and is extremely vulnerable to cannons of 20 mm calibre and larger. | ||
| − | The safest way to use this bomber is to attack bases from around the map. Do a big circle-around, go to the corner, and aim the nose to the remaining enemy bases. Side climbing is not recommended because of the Lancaster's terrible climb rate; not to mention the ease that enemy fighters like German and American ones can easily reach the bomber even at 7,000 metres altitude. Instead stay between 2,500 and 4,000 metres and build up speed. Use the Lancaster's amazing payload and drop three of the 1,000 lb bombs onto each base. In the airfield bombing scenario, get altitude not less than 3,000 meters and drop all the bombs onto the main runway for better accuracy. Try to stay near friendly fighters for air cover. | + | The safest way to use this bomber is to attack bases from around the map. Do a big circle-around, go to the corner, and aim the nose to the remaining enemy bases. Side climbing is not recommended because of the Lancaster's terrible climb rate; not to mention the ease that enemy fighters like German and American ones can easily reach the bomber even at 7,000 metres altitude. Instead stay between 2,500 and 4,000 metres and build up speed. Use the Lancaster's amazing payload and drop three of the 1,000 lb bombs onto each base. In the airfield bombing scenario, get altitude not less than 3,000 meters and drop all the bombs onto the main runway for better accuracy. Try to stay near friendly fighters for air cover. |
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
| Line 154: | Line 132: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Oil | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type |
| − | ! Water | ||
| − | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| 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 | ||
| Line 170: | Line 146: | ||
* Powerful Merlin engines providing good performance | * Powerful Merlin engines providing good performance | ||
* Excellent handling and manoeuvrability | * Excellent handling and manoeuvrability | ||
| − | * Has a total of | + | * Has a total of 4 x 7.7 mm MG facing upper rear area which can be lethal to some targets with careful aiming |
* 4 engines means that it can maintain flying ability despite damage to some engines | * 4 engines means that it can maintain flying ability despite damage to some engines | ||
* H-tail means that if one rudder is shot off, the other one still works | * H-tail means that if one rudder is shot off, the other one still works | ||
| Line 178: | Line 154: | ||
* Very low durability | * Very low durability | ||
* Is a big and slow target | * Is a big and slow target | ||
| − | * No | + | * No armour plates protecting gunners |
| − | * Pathetic defensive armament due to their small | + | * Pathetic defensive armament due to their small calibre and bad damage. Cannot effectively hurt heavily armoured interceptors such as Me 410. |
* No turret coverage for the belly | * No turret coverage for the belly | ||
* Easily damaged elevators and tail controls | * Easily damaged elevators and tail controls | ||
== 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 Lancaster first Lancasters were built and designed by A.V.Roe and Company (or Avro) as a long-range heavy bomber. It was developed as an "upgrade" from the Avro Manchester which was disliked by crews for its difficulty to fly and underpowered engines. | The Lancaster first Lancasters were built and designed by A.V.Roe and Company (or Avro) as a long-range heavy bomber. It was developed as an "upgrade" from the Avro Manchester which was disliked by crews for its difficulty to fly and underpowered engines. | ||
| Line 190: | Line 166: | ||
The Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and first flew on 9th January 1941; entering service in 1942. It was produced by Avro, Armstrong Whitworth, Austin Motors, Metropolitan-Vickers, Vickers Armstrong and Victory Aircraft (for the RCAF) | The Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and first flew on 9th January 1941; entering service in 1942. It was produced by Avro, Armstrong Whitworth, Austin Motors, Metropolitan-Vickers, Vickers Armstrong and Victory Aircraft (for the RCAF) | ||
| − | The Lancaster's long, unobstructed bomb bay enabled it to carry the largest bombs the RAF used (including, | + | The Lancaster's long, unobstructed bomb bay enabled it to carry the largest bombs the RAF used (including 4,000, 8,000, 12,000 and - when modified - 22,000 lb bombs). Because of this, it soon became the most widely used British bomber of the 2nd World War. |
No. 617 squadron famously used modified Lancasters during Operation Chastise in raids dams in the Ruhr Valley using Barnes Wallace's Upkeep Mine (or "Bouncing Bomb" as it became known as). This gave 617 squadron the nickname "The Dambusters", sparking the creation of a film by the same name. | No. 617 squadron famously used modified Lancasters during Operation Chastise in raids dams in the Ruhr Valley using Barnes Wallace's Upkeep Mine (or "Bouncing Bomb" as it became known as). This gave 617 squadron the nickname "The Dambusters", sparking the creation of a film by the same name. | ||
| Line 197: | Line 173: | ||
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. | ||
| − | Powered by four Rolls Royce Merlin XX engines rated at 1280 hp, (later upgraded to Merlin 22 or 24s) the Lancaster B.I was capable of reaching speeds of up to 275 mph. With a standard fuel load it could carry 10,000 lbs of bombs over 1000 miles. The maximum | + | Powered by four Rolls Royce Merlin XX engines rated at 1280 hp, (later upgraded to Merlin 22 or 24s) the Lancaster B.I was capable of reaching speeds of up to 275 mph. With a standard fuel load it could carry 10,000 lbs of bombs over 1000 miles. The maximum ordnance capacity of the Lancaster was one of 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. 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. This defensive armament was considerably lighter than that of the Lancaster's US counterparts; it relied on darkness for protection rather than firepower. However, even though on paper the Lancaster was an impressive strategic asset, it still had its weaknesses: whereas the Halifax and Stirling could both claim a crew survival rate of 25% in the event of destruction, the Lancaster could only claim a survival rate of 15% for its crews. 58% of all RAF Lancasters were destroyed in combat; a higher loss percentage than any other British aircraft during the entire war. |
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 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. | 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 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. | ||
| Line 213: | Line 189: | ||
== 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;'' | ||
| − | * ''other literature.''--> | + | * ''other literature.'' --> |
* Video on "Grand Slam" bomb (History section) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Mm-zFW_nA&feature=relmfu | * Video on "Grand Slam" bomb (History section) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Mm-zFW_nA&feature=relmfu | ||
Revision as of 09:35, 7 May 2021
| This page is about the British heavy bomber Lancaster B Mk I. For the other version, see Lancaster B Mk III. |
Contents
Description
The Lancaster B Mk I is a rank IV British bomber with a battle rating of 5.0 (AB), 5.3 (RB), and 5.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.43.
The Avro Lancaster B Mk I is a long-range heavy bomber optimised for destroying stationary targets such as pillboxes, bases, and airfields with bombs from high altitude.
General info
Flight performance
Max speed
at 3 048 m451 km/h
Turn time42 s
Max altitude7 800 m
Engine4 х Rolls-Royce Merlin-24
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight29 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 | 437 | 423 | 7800 | 43.2 | 44.4 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 750 |
| Upgraded | 465 | 451 | 40.9 | 42.0 | 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 | + | - | ||
| 0 | 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 plate on each pilot's headrest.
- 6.35 mm Steel plate behind each engine.
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB1 961 → 2 655 
RB5 429 → 7 350
SB9 980 → 13 512
Total cost of modifications40 500 
78 000
Talisman cost1 400 
Crew training45 000
Experts155 000
Aces820
Research Aces440 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 200 / 460 %
160 / 160 / 160 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Suspended armament
The Lancaster B Mk I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 14 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV 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 G.P. Mk.IV bombs (7,000 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)
- 6 x 1,000 lb G.P. Mk.I bombs + 3 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (6,750 lb total)
- 14 x M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (14,000 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)
- 2 x H.C. 4,000 lb Mk.II bombs (8,000 lb total)
Defensive armament
2 х Turret2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition2000 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Turret4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition10000 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
The Lancaster B Mk I is defended by:
- 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)
- 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, tail turret (2,500 rpg = 10,000 total)
Usage in battles
The Lancaster carries the heaviest bomb load of any bomber before the American Boeing B-29 Superfortress, at a fantastic 14,000 lb (6,363 kg), and the heaviest of any British bomber in the game. It can quickly end games if left to go about its business. The Lancaster also has relatively good performance and agility for a four-engined heavy bomber, significantly better than both the American B-17 and B-24 bombers.
Unfortunately, the Lancaster is extremely vulnerable if intercepted by enemy fighters. Its defensive armament consists only of .303 in Browning machine guns; while they have a high rate-of-fire, they are not very lethal to enemy fighters outside of a lucky fire set by the incendiary bullets. In addition, the Lancaster has no ventral turret covering attacks from below due to H2S radar unit (a useless feature in the game). The aircraft itself is not very durable as well and is extremely vulnerable to cannons of 20 mm calibre and larger.
The safest way to use this bomber is to attack bases from around the map. Do a big circle-around, go to the corner, and aim the nose to the remaining enemy bases. Side climbing is not recommended because of the Lancaster's terrible climb rate; not to mention the ease that enemy fighters like German and American ones can easily reach the bomber even at 7,000 metres altitude. Instead stay between 2,500 and 4,000 metres and build up speed. Use the Lancaster's amazing payload and drop three of the 1,000 lb bombs onto each base. In the airfield bombing scenario, get altitude not less than 3,000 meters and drop all the bombs onto the main runway for better accuracy. Try to stay near friendly fighters for air cover.
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:
- Massive bombload of up to 6 tons
- Powerful Merlin engines providing good performance
- Excellent handling and manoeuvrability
- Has a total of 4 x 7.7 mm MG facing upper rear area which can be lethal to some targets with careful aiming
- 4 engines means that it can maintain flying ability despite damage to some engines
- H-tail means that if one rudder is shot off, the other one still works
Cons:
- Very low durability
- Is a big and slow target
- No armour plates protecting gunners
- Pathetic defensive armament due to their small calibre and bad damage. Cannot effectively hurt heavily armoured interceptors such as Me 410.
- No turret coverage for the belly
- Easily damaged elevators and tail controls
History
The Lancaster first Lancasters were built and designed by A.V.Roe and Company (or Avro) as a long-range heavy bomber. It was developed as an "upgrade" from the Avro Manchester which was disliked by crews for its difficulty to fly and underpowered engines.
The Lancaster was designed by Roy Chadwick and first flew on 9th January 1941; entering service in 1942. It was produced by Avro, Armstrong Whitworth, Austin Motors, Metropolitan-Vickers, Vickers Armstrong and Victory Aircraft (for the RCAF)
The Lancaster's long, unobstructed bomb bay enabled it to carry the largest bombs the RAF used (including 4,000, 8,000, 12,000 and - when modified - 22,000 lb bombs). Because of this, it soon became the most widely used British bomber of the 2nd World War.
No. 617 squadron famously used modified Lancasters during Operation Chastise in raids dams in the Ruhr Valley using Barnes Wallace's Upkeep Mine (or "Bouncing Bomb" as it became known as). This gave 617 squadron the nickname "The Dambusters", sparking the creation of a film by the same name.
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.
Powered by four Rolls Royce Merlin XX engines rated at 1280 hp, (later upgraded to Merlin 22 or 24s) the Lancaster B.I was capable of reaching speeds of up to 275 mph. With a standard fuel load it could carry 10,000 lbs of bombs over 1000 miles. The maximum ordnance capacity of the Lancaster was one of 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. 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. This defensive armament was considerably lighter than that of the Lancaster's US counterparts; it relied on darkness for protection rather than firepower. However, even though on paper the Lancaster was an impressive strategic asset, it still had its weaknesses: whereas the Halifax and Stirling could both claim a crew survival rate of 25% in the event of destruction, the Lancaster could only claim a survival rate of 15% for its crews. 58% of all RAF Lancasters were destroyed in combat; a higher loss percentage than any other British aircraft during the entire war.
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 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.
Over 3400 Lancaster B.Is were manufactured between November 1941 and March 1946, making it the most numerous of the Avro Lancaster variants. In addition to RAF operations, the Lancaster was also used by the RAAF and RCAF.
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
- Video on "Grand Slam" bomb (History section) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-Mm-zFW_nA&feature=relmfu
- Lancaster "Data Card" (History section) click here
- Heavy Bombs (History Section) https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/205210816
- General Information (History Section) https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=0SkDAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA48-IA3&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false
| 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 |
