Difference between revisions of "AM-1"
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{{Specs-Card | {{Specs-Card | ||
|code=am_1_mauler | |code=am_1_mauler | ||
| − | |cockpit= | + | |images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}} |
| + | |cockpit=cockpit_am_1_mauler.jpg | ||
}} | }} | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' --> | ||
| − | + | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American strike aircraft {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]]. | |
| − | + | ||
| − | The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American | + | The {{PAGENAME}} is a classic American attack aircraft. As typical, it is heavy and cumbersome yet hard-hitting and versatile due to the weapons it can carry. Don't expect to effectively dogfight in the Mauler as the main purpose of this aircraft is to strike and eliminate the enemy's ground units. The {{PAGENAME}} has the option to outfit HVARS and Tiny Tims rockets and bombs of all sizes depending on the targets to be hit. Enemy fighters should be avoided as they will typically be faster, more manoeuvrable and better equipped for air-to-air combat at which the {{PAGENAME}} is at a significant disadvantage, however, when pressed into air combat some Mauler pilots end up working miracles and survive the encounter. |
== General info == | == General info == | ||
=== Flight performance === | === 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.'' | + | {{Specs-Avia-Flight}} |
| + | <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' --> | ||
| + | The {{PAGENAME}} is a rather cumbersome and heavy aircraft. For pilots new to the aircraft, they will notice even without a payload, the aircraft feels sluggish and can be even more frustrating early on while the aircraft is still in its stock phase. At low speeds, this aircraft is an easy target to prey on. Despite the circumstances, it is decently manoeuvrable for a single-seated attack aircraft allowing for the targeting of ground targets, however, care must be taken when it is necessary to manoeuvre as this aircraft bleeds energy very quickly. | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%" |
| − | + | ! rowspan="2" | Characteristics | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | ! | ||
| − | |||
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,500 m) | ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,500 m) | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres) |
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds) | ||
| − | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>( | + | ! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>( | + | ! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres) |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! AB | + | ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB |
| − | ! RB | ||
| − | ! AB | ||
| − | ! RB | ||
| − | ! AB | ||
| − | ! RB | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | 566 || 547 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.0 || 23.8 || 10.9 || 10.9 || 170 | + | ! Stock |
| + | | 566 || 547 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 23.0 || 23.8 || 10.9 || 10.9 || rowspan="2" | 170 | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! | + | ! Upgraded |
| − | | | + | |617|| 589 ||21.1|| 22.0 ||18.4|| 14.2 |
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|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
==== Details ==== | ==== Details ==== | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
! colspan="5" | Features | ! colspan="5" | Features | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Combat flaps | + | ! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear |
| − | ! Take-off flaps | ||
| − | ! Landing flaps | ||
| − | ! Air brakes | ||
| − | ! Arrestor gear | ||
|- | |- | ||
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> | | ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ <!-- ✓ --> | ||
| Line 69: | Line 46: | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | + | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%" |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan=" | + | ! colspan="7" | Limits |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! rowspan="2" | | + | ! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h) |
| − | ! rowspan="2" | Gear | + | ! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h) |
| − | ! | + | ! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h) |
! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ! colspan="2" | Max Static G | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! + | + | ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! - |
| − | ! - | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | {{Specs|destruction| | + | | {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 350 || 300 || ~12 || ~6 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities | + | ! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h) |
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Ailerons | + | ! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator |
| − | ! Rudder | ||
| − | ! Elevators | ||
| − | ! Radiator | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | < 450 || < 220 || < | + | | < 450 || < 220 || < 500 || > 440 |
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
| − | + | === Survivability and armour === | |
| − | + | {{Specs-Avia-Armour}} | |
| − | + | <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' --> | |
| − | + | ||
| − | ! | + | The pilot is protected in the front by 40 mm of bulletproof glass and in the back by 9.5 mm of steel. There are also two 9.5 mm steel plates under the engine and cooling system. |
| − | + | ||
| − | + | The aircraft has three self-sealing fuel tanks: one behind the pilot, and one in either wing root. Since the fuel tanks are not particularly large, and since they're all located in one location, fuel fires are unlikely in this vehicle. However, if a fire does occur, the centralized location of the tanks near all of the vehicle's critical components means that the fire is not likely to put itself out. | |
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| − | === | + | === Modifications and economy === |
| − | + | {{Specs-Economy}} | |
== Armaments == | == Armaments == | ||
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Armaments}} | ||
=== Offensive armament === | === Offensive armament === | ||
| + | {{Specs-Avia-Offensive}} | ||
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | <!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' --> | ||
{{main|T31 (20 mm)}} | {{main|T31 (20 mm)}} | ||
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with: | ||
| + | |||
* 4 x 20 mm T31 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total) | * 4 x 20 mm T31 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total) | ||
=== Suspended armament === | === Suspended armament === | ||
| + | {{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|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}} | {{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}} | ||
| − | {{main|Tiny Tim | + | {{main|HVAR|Tiny Tim|Mk.13-1 Case (1,927 lb)}} |
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance: | ||
| + | |||
* Without load | * Without load | ||
* 14 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total) | * 14 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total) | ||
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total) | * 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total) | ||
* 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total) | * 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total) | ||
| − | * 3 x Mk.13 | + | * 3 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedoes |
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total) | * 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total) | ||
* 12 x HVAR rockets | * 12 x HVAR rockets | ||
* 2 x Tiny Tim rockets | * 2 x Tiny Tim rockets | ||
| − | * 2 x Tiny Tim rockets | + | * 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets |
| − | + | * 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total) | |
| − | * 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs | + | * 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total) |
| − | * 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb | + | * 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total) |
| − | * 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x Mk.13 | + | * 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedoes |
| − | * 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb | + | * 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total) |
* 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (4,000 lb total) | * 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (4,000 lb total) | ||
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (4,500 lb total) | * 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (4,500 lb total) | ||
| Line 156: | Line 120: | ||
== 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 AM-1 is a classic attacker, and it will come as no surprise that its manoeuvrability is lacking. It's fine at high speeds, but at low speeds, the aircraft quickly becomes sluggish, even when no payload is equipped. The plane also has poor acceleration and poor manoeuvring energy retention, all of which means that this plane struggles in a dogfight. If the pilot does find themselves in an engagement against a dedicated fighter aircraft, the best thing to do would be to fly towards a teammate who can help. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Where this plane shines is in a ground-attack role. The cannons, when using ground target belts, can take out lightly armoured targets quite effectively, and the high ammo count is certainly a nice bonus. Additionally, this plane receives an incredible number of ordnance options, from [[HVAR]] and [[Tiny Tim]] rockets to up to 5000 lbs of bombs. In Air Realistic battles these can destroy the most heavily armoured ground targets, and in Ground Realistic these allow the pilot to achieve 7 kills against enemy ground units without landing to reload. | ||
| + | |||
| + | This plane also receives three torpedoes for use in naval battles. | ||
| + | |||
| + | All in all, the AM-1 is a below-average fighter with incredible anti-ground capabilities. Although sluggish, it more than makes up for it in pure firepower. | ||
=== Manual Engine Control === | === Manual Engine Control === | ||
| Line 169: | Line 141: | ||
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | ! Oil | + | ! Oil !! Water !! Type |
| − | ! Water | ||
| − | ! Type | ||
|- | |- | ||
| − | | Not controllable || | + | | Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable |
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|} | |} | ||
=== Pros and cons === | === Pros and cons === | ||
| − | ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' | + | <!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' --> |
'''Pros:''' | '''Pros:''' | ||
| − | * | + | |
| + | * Large and versatile payload | ||
| + | * Decent 20 mm cannons for head-ons or ground attack purposes | ||
| + | * Airbrakes and arresting hook | ||
| + | * 3 torpedoes in ship battles can cause serious damage to several large ships | ||
'''Cons:''' | '''Cons:''' | ||
| − | * | + | |
| + | * No defensive armament | ||
| + | * Sluggish at low speeds | ||
| + | * Poor acceleration | ||
| + | * Bleeds energy quickly if manoeuvring | ||
| + | * Engine overheats fairly quickly | ||
== 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 | + | <!-- ''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).'' --> |
| + | |||
| + | '''Development''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | In the 1930's and 1940's the Navy had two designations for carrier-based bombers: dive bombers and torpedo bombers, which each had a crew of 2-3 men. It was found during the war that more than 1 crewman was unnecessary, even in combat situations. In addition, if the two classes of naval bombers were combined into one aircraft, it would allow for a carrier's air group to have more flexibility and to increase the amount of fighters on the carrier. The Navy asked for design proposals for a multi-purpose bomber in 1943, and chose 4 designs to continue. These were the Curtiss XBTC, Douglas XBT2D Skyraider, Kaiser-Fleetwings XBTK, and the Martin XBTM. The Navy asked Martin to create a design using the Pratt and Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major engine as a backup to the Curtiss design, which the Navy feared was overly complex. | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Design''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | The XBTM-1 was a low-wing monoplane with folding wings for carrier storage, and conventional landing gear. It featured a single-seat cockpit with a teardrop shaped canopy right behind the engine. There was a 150 gallon fuel tank behind the cockpit. There was a dive break that ran the length of the trailing edge of the wing. The wing design was ideal for dive bombing, because of the large surface area, but the ailerons were much less efficient, as they were not wide. The pilot and oil cooler were protected by heavy armor. The primary armament consisted of four 20 mm T-31 cannons in the wings with 200 rounds per gun. Additional armament was suspended on one centerline hardpoint, and two outer hardpoints. These hardpoints could carry bombs, drop tanks, or torpedoes up to 2,300 pounds. The outer hardpoints could also take an AN/APS-4 search radar pod. 6 hardpoints could be added to the outer wings to carry 500 pound bombs or 5 inch rockets. After testing of the first two prototypes, slight modifications were made to the engine cowling, propeller, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The BTM-1 was redesignated as the AM-1 in 1946. | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''Production and Service''' | ||
| + | |||
| + | The Navy ordered 750 BTM-1's in January of 1945, but changed the order to only 99 after the Japanese surrender in August. After the modifications to the design, and the re-designation to AM-1, deliveries began in March of 1947. A number of issues were found, including a badly layed out cockpit, tailhook issues, elevator control, and structural weakness of the fuselage. These issues were solved and mitigated. The Navy ordered 50 more AM-1's, known as the AM-1 Mauler. An electronic countermeasure version was created, known as the AM-1Q. The AM-1Q added an electronics operator in the fuselage, where the fuel tank used to be. The Mauler was found to be a hard to handle aircraft. It did not do well in carrier landings, and was hard to fly in a formation, plus it had maintenance issues. Despite this, it could carry more ordnance than the AD Skyraider, and was more stable when dive bombing. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The AM-1 was given to squadrons in the Atlantic Fleet. It served for a relatively short amount of time, as although the Skyraider could carry less secondary armament, it flew better, landed better, and was more reliable. In 1950, all Mauler's were moved to shore-based squadrons, but they were abandoned in the same year to Naval Reserve squadrons. They were retired from service with the Naval Reserve squadrons in 1953. | ||
== 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.'' --> |
| + | |||
| + | ;Videos | ||
| + | {{Youtube-gallery|Ze0dEvB77fE|'''Best Combo #3''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 3:18 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}} | ||
== 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.'' --> |
| + | |||
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era | ||
| Line 245: | Line 201: | ||
== 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.'' --> |
| + | |||
| + | * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/453522-am-1/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance] | ||
| − | {{USA | + | {{AirManufacturer Martin}} |
| + | {{USA strike aircraft}} | ||
Revision as of 10:29, 5 May 2021
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/1/1a/Cockpit_am_1_mauler.jpg
Contents
Description
The AM-1 Mauler is a rank IV American strike aircraft with a battle rating of 5.7 (AB/RB) and 5.3 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy".
The AM-1 is a classic American attack aircraft. As typical, it is heavy and cumbersome yet hard-hitting and versatile due to the weapons it can carry. Don't expect to effectively dogfight in the Mauler as the main purpose of this aircraft is to strike and eliminate the enemy's ground units. The AM-1 has the option to outfit HVARS and Tiny Tims rockets and bombs of all sizes depending on the targets to be hit. Enemy fighters should be avoided as they will typically be faster, more manoeuvrable and better equipped for air-to-air combat at which the AM-1 is at a significant disadvantage, however, when pressed into air combat some Mauler pilots end up working miracles and survive the encounter.
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 3 500 m589 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude9 600 m
EnginePratt & Whitney R-4360-4W
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
The AM-1 is a rather cumbersome and heavy aircraft. For pilots new to the aircraft, they will notice even without a payload, the aircraft feels sluggish and can be even more frustrating early on while the aircraft is still in its stock phase. At low speeds, this aircraft is an easy target to prey on. Despite the circumstances, it is decently manoeuvrable for a single-seated attack aircraft allowing for the targeting of ground targets, however, care must be taken when it is necessary to manoeuvre as this aircraft bleeds energy very quickly.
| Characteristics | Max Speed (km/h at 3,500 m) |
Max altitude (metres) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (metres/second) |
Take-off run (metres) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | |||
| Stock | 566 | 547 | 9600 | 23.0 | 23.8 | 10.9 | 10.9 | 170 |
| Upgraded | 617 | 589 | 21.1 | 22.0 | 18.4 | 14.2 | ||
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flaps | Take-off flaps | Landing flaps | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Limits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wings (km/h) | Gear (km/h) | Flaps (km/h) | Max Static G | |||
| Combat | Take-off | Landing | + | - | ||
| 0 | 700 | 420 | 350 | 300 | ~12 | ~6 |
| Optimal velocities (km/h) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons | Rudder | Elevators | Radiator |
| < 450 | < 220 | < 500 | > 440 |
Survivability and armour
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear700 km/h
The pilot is protected in the front by 40 mm of bulletproof glass and in the back by 9.5 mm of steel. There are also two 9.5 mm steel plates under the engine and cooling system.
The aircraft has three self-sealing fuel tanks: one behind the pilot, and one in either wing root. Since the fuel tanks are not particularly large, and since they're all located in one location, fuel fires are unlikely in this vehicle. However, if a fire does occur, the centralized location of the tanks near all of the vehicle's critical components means that the fire is not likely to put itself out.
Modifications and economy
Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 970 → 3 730 
RB4 631 → 5 816
SB9 375 → 11 775
Total cost of modifications61 600 
102 500
Talisman cost1 800 
Crew training61 000
Experts210 000
Aces1 200
Research Aces570 000
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 190 / 600 %
178 / 178 / 178 %
| Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
Armaments
Offensive armament
The AM-1 is armed with:
- 4 x 20 mm T31 cannons, wing-mounted (200 rpg = 800 total)
Suspended armament
The AM-1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- Without load
- 14 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (3,500 lb total)
- 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
- 3 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
- 3 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedoes
- 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
- 12 x HVAR rockets
- 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
- 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
- 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (1,500 lb total)
- 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (2,000 lb total)
- 12 x HVAR rockets + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb (1,000 lb total)
- 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 Case torpedoes
- 12 x HVAR rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
- 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (4,000 lb total)
- 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 10 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (4,500 lb total)
- 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 12 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (5,000 lb total)
Usage in battles
The AM-1 is a classic attacker, and it will come as no surprise that its manoeuvrability is lacking. It's fine at high speeds, but at low speeds, the aircraft quickly becomes sluggish, even when no payload is equipped. The plane also has poor acceleration and poor manoeuvring energy retention, all of which means that this plane struggles in a dogfight. If the pilot does find themselves in an engagement against a dedicated fighter aircraft, the best thing to do would be to fly towards a teammate who can help.
Where this plane shines is in a ground-attack role. The cannons, when using ground target belts, can take out lightly armoured targets quite effectively, and the high ammo count is certainly a nice bonus. Additionally, this plane receives an incredible number of ordnance options, from HVAR and Tiny Tim rockets to up to 5000 lbs of bombs. In Air Realistic battles these can destroy the most heavily armoured ground targets, and in Ground Realistic these allow the pilot to achieve 7 kills against enemy ground units without landing to reload.
This plane also receives three torpedoes for use in naval battles.
All in all, the AM-1 is a below-average fighter with incredible anti-ground capabilities. Although sluggish, it more than makes up for it in pure firepower.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Not controllable | Controllable Auto control available |
Controllable Not auto controlled |
Controllable Auto control available |
Separate | Not controllable 1 gear |
Not controllable |
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Large and versatile payload
- Decent 20 mm cannons for head-ons or ground attack purposes
- Airbrakes and arresting hook
- 3 torpedoes in ship battles can cause serious damage to several large ships
Cons:
- No defensive armament
- Sluggish at low speeds
- Poor acceleration
- Bleeds energy quickly if manoeuvring
- Engine overheats fairly quickly
History
Development
In the 1930's and 1940's the Navy had two designations for carrier-based bombers: dive bombers and torpedo bombers, which each had a crew of 2-3 men. It was found during the war that more than 1 crewman was unnecessary, even in combat situations. In addition, if the two classes of naval bombers were combined into one aircraft, it would allow for a carrier's air group to have more flexibility and to increase the amount of fighters on the carrier. The Navy asked for design proposals for a multi-purpose bomber in 1943, and chose 4 designs to continue. These were the Curtiss XBTC, Douglas XBT2D Skyraider, Kaiser-Fleetwings XBTK, and the Martin XBTM. The Navy asked Martin to create a design using the Pratt and Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major engine as a backup to the Curtiss design, which the Navy feared was overly complex.
Design
The XBTM-1 was a low-wing monoplane with folding wings for carrier storage, and conventional landing gear. It featured a single-seat cockpit with a teardrop shaped canopy right behind the engine. There was a 150 gallon fuel tank behind the cockpit. There was a dive break that ran the length of the trailing edge of the wing. The wing design was ideal for dive bombing, because of the large surface area, but the ailerons were much less efficient, as they were not wide. The pilot and oil cooler were protected by heavy armor. The primary armament consisted of four 20 mm T-31 cannons in the wings with 200 rounds per gun. Additional armament was suspended on one centerline hardpoint, and two outer hardpoints. These hardpoints could carry bombs, drop tanks, or torpedoes up to 2,300 pounds. The outer hardpoints could also take an AN/APS-4 search radar pod. 6 hardpoints could be added to the outer wings to carry 500 pound bombs or 5 inch rockets. After testing of the first two prototypes, slight modifications were made to the engine cowling, propeller, rudder, and vertical stabilizer. The BTM-1 was redesignated as the AM-1 in 1946.
Production and Service
The Navy ordered 750 BTM-1's in January of 1945, but changed the order to only 99 after the Japanese surrender in August. After the modifications to the design, and the re-designation to AM-1, deliveries began in March of 1947. A number of issues were found, including a badly layed out cockpit, tailhook issues, elevator control, and structural weakness of the fuselage. These issues were solved and mitigated. The Navy ordered 50 more AM-1's, known as the AM-1 Mauler. An electronic countermeasure version was created, known as the AM-1Q. The AM-1Q added an electronics operator in the fuselage, where the fuel tank used to be. The Mauler was found to be a hard to handle aircraft. It did not do well in carrier landings, and was hard to fly in a formation, plus it had maintenance issues. Despite this, it could carry more ordnance than the AD Skyraider, and was more stable when dive bombing.
The AM-1 was given to squadrons in the Atlantic Fleet. It served for a relatively short amount of time, as although the Skyraider could carry less secondary armament, it flew better, landed better, and was more reliable. In 1950, all Mauler's were moved to shore-based squadrons, but they were abandoned in the same year to Naval Reserve squadrons. They were retired from service with the Naval Reserve squadrons in 1953.
Media
- Videos
Best Combo #3 discusses the AM-1 at 3:18 - War Thunder Official Channel
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
External links
| Glenn L. Martin Company | |
|---|---|
| Attackers | AM-1 |
| Bombers | B-10B · B-26B · PBM-1 · PBM-3 |
| Jet bombers | B-57A* · B-57B* |
| Export | Martin 139WC · Martin 167-A3 · B-26C |
| * These aircraft were license-built from The English Electric Company Limited who developed and built the British English Electric Canberra. | |
| USA strike aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Douglas | A-20G-25 · A-26B-10 · A-26B-50 · A2D-1 · AD-2 · AD-4 · A-1H |
| North American | A-36 · PBJ-1H · PBJ-1J |
| Other | AM-1 · AU-1 · XA-38 |
