Difference between revisions of "AM-1"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Edits.)
m (Pros and cons)
(12 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=am_1_mauler
 
|code=am_1_mauler
|cockpit=411798/1438674
+
|cockpit=cockpit_am_1_mauler.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
Line 7: Line 7:
 
<!-- ''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 attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attacker {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]].
 +
 +
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.''
+
<!-- ''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="8" | Characteristics
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
 
! 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>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! 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>(metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! 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
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
|-
+
| ___ || 589 || __._ || 22.0 || __._ || 14.2
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,500 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
| ??? || 589 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || 22.0 || ??.? || 14.2 || 170
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== 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="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 420 || ~12 || ~6
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 420 || 350 || 300 || ~12 || ~6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 87: Line 63:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 450 || < 220 || < 410 || > 440
 
| < 450 || < 220 || < 410 || > 440
Line 121: Line 94:
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
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.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 135: Line 112:
 
<!-- ''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|HVAR|Mk.13/44}}
+
{{main|HVAR|Tiny Tim|Mk.13/44 (569 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
Line 143: Line 120:
 
* 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.13/44 torpedoes
+
* 3 x 569 mm Mk.13/44 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
Line 151: Line 128:
 
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
 
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
 
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
 
* 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x Mk.13/44 torpedoes
+
* 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x 569 mm Mk.13/44 torpedoes
 
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
 
* 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 12 x HVAR rockets (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)
Line 158: Line 135:
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
''Describe the tactics of playing in an 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).''
+
<!-- ''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 171: Line 156:
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Not controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 181: Line 164:
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
Line 221: Line 204:
  
 
=== 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
 
* 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
 
* 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 vehicles'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).'' -->
 +
 
 +
'''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 ordinance 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 256: Line 263:
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Martin}}
 
{{USA attackers}}
 
{{USA attackers}}

Revision as of 16:07, 25 October 2020

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Challenger DS Pack
AM-1
am_1_mauler.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/1/1a/Cockpit_am_1_mauler.jpg
AM-1
Research:35 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

GarageImage AM-1.jpg


The AM-1 Mauler is a rank IV American attacker 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

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 ___ 589 __._ 22.0 __._ 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 < 410 > 440
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,099 m 2,600 hp N/A
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,250 m 1,800 hp 2,782 hp

Survivability and armour

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.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: T31 (20 mm)

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 569 mm Mk.13/44 torpedoes
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb (2,000 lb total)
  • 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets
  • 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets
  • 3 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (1,500 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 12 x HVAR rockets (2,000 lb total)
  • 1 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb + 2 x Tiny Tim rockets + 12 x HVAR rockets (1,000 lb total)
  • 12 x HVAR rockets + 3 x 569 mm Mk.13/44 torpedoes
  • 1 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb + 12 x HVAR rockets (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
2 gears
Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator M64 FRC mk.2
II Compressor Airframe Offensive 20 mm M65
III Wings repair Engine Mk.13 LFRC mk.12
IV Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons M66

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 ordinance 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

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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