Difference between revisions of "Lancaster B Mk III"

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(Added basic information and tables.)
(Edits.)
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Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card|code=lancaster_mk3}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=lancaster_mk3}}
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[Lancaster_(Disambiguation)|Lancaster (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = British heavy bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other version
 +
| link = Lancaster B Mk I
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
 
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
  
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|]]
 
{{break}}
 
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy bomber {{Battle-rating|5}}. This aircraft was in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} British heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. This bomber aircraft has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
 +
 
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight Performance ===
 
=== Flight Performance ===
Line 16: Line 22:
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
Line 22: Line 28:
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
! ABN1K2-J
+
! AB
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
! AB
 
! AB
Line 29: Line 35:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
|445||435|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||49.6||50.3||6.8||6.8||750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at ?,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,048 m)
 
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
Line 46: Line 52:
 
! RB
 
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ???
+
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? ||750
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 61: Line 67:
 
! Arrestor gear
 
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
| X || X || X || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
+
| || || || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 77: Line 83:
 
! -
 
! -
 
|-
 
|-
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~2 || ~1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 90: Line 96:
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 250 || < 250 || < 250 || > 270
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 104: Line 110:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp  
+
| 2,000 m || 5,535 hp || 6,876 hp  
 
|-
 
|-
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
Line 126: Line 132:
 
=== 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
* No armour plating
+
* 8 mm Steel plates behind the pilot headrests.
 +
* 6.35 mm Steel plate behind the engines.
 +
 
 
* No armour glazing
 
* No armour glazing
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
Line 132: Line 140:
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
=== Offensive armament ===
+
<!--=== Offensive armament ===
<!--''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|MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)}}
+
=== Suspended armament ===
 +
<!--''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
 +
{{main|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance"
 +
 
 +
* 14 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs
 +
* 6 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs + 8 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs
 +
* 14 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs
 +
* 6 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs + 2 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs + 1 x G.P. 1000 lb Mk.I bomb
 +
* 3 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs + 6 x G.P. 1000 lb Mk.I bombs
 +
* 14 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bombs
 +
* 1 x H.C. 4000 lb Mk.II bomb + 6 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bombs + 2 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs
 +
* 2 x H.C. 4000 lb Mk.II bombs
  
* 4 x 7.5 mm [[MAC 1934 (7.5 mm)|MAC 1934]] machine guns (300 rpg = 1,200 total)
 
-->
 
<!--=== Suspended armament ===
 
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''-->
 
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''-->
 
<!--
 
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.''
+
<!--''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available remove this subsection.''-->
-->
+
{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)|Browning M2 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, nose turret (1,000 RPG = 2,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, dorsal turret (1,000 RPG = 2,000 total)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, tail turret (2,500 RPG = 5,000 total)
 +
 
 
== Usage in the battles ==
 
== Usage in the battles ==
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
+
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but 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).''-->It is best to fly the Lancaster at a high altitude, at least 4000m, to be able to be unhindered by fighter aircraft. Beware, the aircraft has no defensive armament on the underside of the plane allowing an easy kill for experienced pilots. Due to this, and the large bomb load of the plane, it is best to target mini-bases and airfields, as moving tank columns are extremely difficult to hit, and even static targets like pillboxes can be tricky. Its defensive armament is lacking, so it is best to avoid enemy fighters altogether rather than attempting to fend them off. If you do find yourself under attack, weaving the plane left/right and up/down can help you dodge most of the fire, while allowing your turrets to still shoot back.
 +
 
 +
In real life, the Lancaster was mainly used as a Strategic Night Bomber, used in very large numbers to carpet bomb large industrial areas and cities in Germany, a role which is performed in admirably. Fighters struggled to intercept them in the dark and Anti Aircraft guns would find it difficult to target them effectively, especially if they were used in large numbers. However, this role does not really fit War Thunder. You rarely come across night missions, you will probably be playing individually as opposed to in a bomber formation and the map will be swarming with enemy fighters, who will all be licking their lips at the concept of an easy bomber kill. Tie this in with poor defensive armament and not particularly impressive performance and you have a recipe for disaster. Therefore, the Lancaster suffers in War Thunder on arcade and realistic air battles and will be an exceptionally easy target in ground realistic battles. If it has any advantages, it is that it the Lancaster can carry a powerful payload. With the 2 x 4,000 lb bomb load, the plane can be put into a shallow dive to quickly reach and destroy 2 mini-bases (1 bomb for each), before most enemy fighters have climbed to altitude.
  
 
===Manual Engine Control===
 
===Manual Engine Control===
Line 165: Line 187:
 
! Type  
 
! Type  
 
|-
 
|-
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not ontrollable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Combined || rowspan="2" | Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 171: Line 193:
 
===Modules===
 
===Modules===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
!colspan = "1"| Tier
+
! colspan="1" | Tier
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
+
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
+
! colspan="1" | Survivability
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
+
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
Line 206: Line 228:
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Great bomb-load
 +
* Multiple engines
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
*
+
 
 +
* Big target
 +
* Fairly Slow
 +
* Engine failures are common
 +
* Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
 +
* 7.7 mm machine gun fire won't do much against German Fighters.
 +
* When using gunner view the different calibre turrets make it difficult to hit a target with both bullet streams.
 +
* Even when the turrets hit, it doesn't do any damage. most fighters will knock out your engines before you can kill their engines or pilots or at all
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
With RAF Bomber Command’s focus being centred on the strategic bombing campaign against German industry, the RAF desperately required a force of heavy bombers to increase the capability provided by their medium bomber fleet. A twin engine Avro Manchester bomber was converted to be powered by four engines and first flown in January 1941. This and subsequent prototypes were deemed to be so successful that the first production variant of the new bomber, now named the Lancaster, was flown in October 1941.
 +
 
 +
The immediate success of the Lancaster Mk I (redesignated the BI in 1942) caused it to be pushed ahead in terms of production priorities. In turn, this threatened the supply of Rolls Royce Merlin engines which powered it, so alternative engines needed to be sourced. The BII was powered by Bristol Hercules engines, but this caused a drop in performance and payload. The BIII was powered by Packard Merlin engines, a license built version manufactured in the United States. Internal differences between the BI and BIII were very few; the two models had near identical technical characteristics and armament and externally the BIII had only a larger bomb aimer’s bubble window, but the change in designation was necessary since the different engines had different servicing requirements.
 +
 
 +
The Lancaster was first used operationally in March 1942 by No. 44 Squadron. It soon became the backbone of RAF Bomber Command’s offensive against the heart of Germany, but was also used against targets all across occupied Europe. The majority of Lancaster operations took place at night, due to RAF Bomber Command’s policy of night bombing whilst the bombers of the United States Army Air Force tackled targets by day.
 +
 
 +
For defence, the Lancaster had eight 0.303 inch Colt-Browning Mk.II machine guns located in three turrets: two guns were located in the nose, two in the dorsal turret, and four in the tail turret. The maximum ordinance capacity of the Lancaster was the highest of any heavy bomber in World War II: 14,000 lb (6,356 kg). Besides standard bombs, the aircraft could carry an 8,000 lb (3,632 kg) “blockbuster” or two 4,000 lb (1,816 kg) high-explosive “cookie” bombs. Special modifications of the bomber could carry even larger bombs, such as the 22,000 lb ‘Grand Slam’ bomb. The Lancaster became legendary on the night of May 17th 1943 when bombers of No 617 Squadron breached the Mohne and Eder dams in Germany with Barnes Wallis’ genius ‘bouncing bomb’. Lancasters of Nos 9 and 617 Squadrons also sank the German battleship ‘Tirpitz’ with 12,000 lb ‘Tallboy’ bombs, also designed by Wallis.
 +
 
 +
A total of 3,039 BIII bombers were produced. The bomber was finally decommissioned in Great Britain in 1950, and is a serious contender to the claim of being the most capable bomber of the entire war.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 219: Line 261:
 
== Read also ==
 
== Read also ==
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 225: Line 268:
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
 
''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;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''

Revision as of 10:58, 20 May 2019

Rank VI Israel | Premium | Golden Eagles
Merkava Mk.2D Pack
Lancaster B Mk III
lancaster_mk3.png
Lancaster B Mk III
Research:27 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:185 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British heavy bomber Lancaster B Mk III. For other version, see Lancaster B Mk I.

Description

GarageImage Lancaster B Mk III.jpg


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

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,048 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
445 435 7620 49.6 50.3 6.8 6.8 750
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 3,048 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ?  ? 7620  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ??.? 750

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
0 338  ??? ~2 ~1
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 250 < 250 < 250 > 270
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
2,000 m 5,535 hp 6,876 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 8 mm Steel plates behind the pilot headrests.
  • 6.35 mm Steel plate behind the engines.
  • No armour glazing
  • Critical components located at the front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • More fuel tanks located in wings near the fuselage

Armaments

Suspended armament

Main article: Suspended armaments

The Lancaster B Mk III can be outfitted with the following ordinance"

  • 14 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs
  • 6 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs + 8 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs
  • 14 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs
  • 6 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs + 2 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs + 1 x G.P. 1000 lb Mk.I bomb
  • 3 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs + 6 x G.P. 1000 lb Mk.I bombs
  • 14 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bombs
  • 1 x H.C. 4000 lb Mk.II bomb + 6 x M.C. 1000 lb Mk.I bombs + 2 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs
  • 2 x H.C. 4000 lb Mk.II bombs

Defensive armament

The Lancaster B Mk III is defended by:

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

Usage in the battles

It is best to fly the Lancaster at a high altitude, at least 4000m, to be able to be unhindered by fighter aircraft. Beware, the aircraft has no defensive armament on the underside of the plane allowing an easy kill for experienced pilots. Due to this, and the large bomb load of the plane, it is best to target mini-bases and airfields, as moving tank columns are extremely difficult to hit, and even static targets like pillboxes can be tricky. Its defensive armament is lacking, so it is best to avoid enemy fighters altogether rather than attempting to fend them off. If you do find yourself under attack, weaving the plane left/right and up/down can help you dodge most of the fire, while allowing your turrets to still shoot back.

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

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable Not controllable Controllable Combined Controllable Controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator
II Compressor Airframe
III Wings Repair Engine
IV Engine Injection Cover

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Great bomb-load
  • Multiple engines

Cons:

  • Big target
  • Fairly Slow
  • Engine failures are common
  • Wings are big and thus commonly torn off by gunfire
  • 7.7 mm machine gun fire won't do much against German Fighters.
  • When using gunner view the different calibre turrets make it difficult to hit a target with both bullet streams.
  • Even when the turrets hit, it doesn't do any damage. most fighters will knock out your engines before you can kill their engines or pilots or at all

History

Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.

In-game description

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

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

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

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

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

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read 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.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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