Difference between revisions of "Sunderland Mk IIIa"

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{{Specs-Card|code=sunderland_mk3a}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = the other version
 
| usage = the other version
 
| link = Sunderland Mk V
 
| link = Sunderland Mk V
−
}}
 
−
{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=sunderland_mk3a
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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}} British bomber and flying boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight performance ===
+
=== Flight Performance ===
−
{{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 Sunderland Mk IIIa is rather finicky in the air. Handling is not all that bad, turn time is about 20-25 seconds spaded with flaps. However, the wings can only take 3-4Gs before they snap off. Due to the low rip speed, this means you can potentially rip your wings when flying a spaded aircraft at top speed.
 
The Sunderland Mk IIIa is rather finicky in the air. Handling is not all that bad, turn time is about 20-25 seconds spaded with flaps. However, the wings can only take 3-4Gs before they snap off. Due to the low rip speed, this means you can potentially rip your wings when flying a spaded aircraft at top speed.
  
−
If there is no water available to land on, it will be necessary to belly land on the airfields. If so, take care to not let the pontoons touch the ground. However, after descending all the way for the landing, it will be necessary to continue the fight at a low altitude due to the Sunderland's atrocious climb rate forbidding any chance of reaching back to optimal bombing altitude in a timely manner. It's very hard to regain your energy once lost. Research engine upgrades as soon as you can, as these will make a massive improvement in your performance, in both level flying and climbing.
+
If there is no water available to land in, it will be necessary to belly land on the airfields. If so, take care to not let the pontoons touch the ground. However, after descending all the way for the landing, it will be necessary to continue the fight at a low altitude due to the Sunderland's atrocious climb rate forbidding any chance of reaching back to optimal bombing altitude in a timely manner. It's very hard to regain your energy once lost. Research engine upgrades as soon as you can, as these will make a massive improvement in your performance, both level flying and climbing.
−
 
+
{| 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 4,267 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,267 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
−
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
+
| 374 || 366 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.0 || 36.9 || 4.2 || 4.2 || 740
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Stock
+
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
−
| 374 || 366 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.0 || 36.9 || 4.2 || 4.2 || rowspan="2" | 740
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Upgraded
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,267 m)
−
| 418 || 394 || 34.1 || 35.0 || 9.7 || 6.5
+
! 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
 +
|-
 +
| 418 || 394 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.1 || 35.0 || 9.7 || 6.5 || 740
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==== Details ====
+
====Details====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flaps
 +
! Take-off flaps
 +
! Landing flaps
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 50: Line 72:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="7" | Limits
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
−
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+
! +
 +
! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 395 || 232 || 204 || ~3 || ~2
+
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~3 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 350 || < 350 || < 250 || > 312
 
| < 350 || < 350 || < 250 || > 312
Line 85: Line 111:
 
! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,450 m || 815 hp || 1,019 hp
+
| 1,450 m || 815 hp || 1,018 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
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! WEP Engine power
 
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 4,500 m || 750 hp || 938 hp
+
| 4,500 m || 750 hp || 937 hp
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
+
There is no armour protection on this aircraft. I''t is a very rugged aircraft so as a result small calibre machine-guns common at this BR aren't going to hurt you that badly.''
−
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
−
There is no armour protection on this aircraft. It is a very rugged aircraft so as a result small calibre machine guns common at this BR aren't going to hurt you that badly.
 
−
 
 
−
=== 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|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
+
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 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|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|S.A.P. Mk.II (500 lb)}}
+
{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 8 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 8 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
−
* 4 x 500 lb S.A.P. Mk.II bombs (2,000 lb total)
 
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
{{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 (7.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 .303 machine guns, nose turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
−
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
+
* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
−
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, tail turret (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)
+
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, tail turret (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- ''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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
=== As a traditional bomber ===
+
Side climbing is essential for the Sunderland Mk IIIa as, whilst it is a very rugged aircraft, the combination of slow climb rate and large bright (white) air frame makes you a very obvious target, meaning that you won't be flying for very long and find upgrading a real chore.
−
Side climbing is essential for the Sunderland Mk IIIa as, whilst it is a very rugged aircraft, the combination of slow climb rate and large bright (white) airframe makes you a very obvious target, meaning that you won't be flying for very long and find upgrading a real chore.
 
−
 
 
−
However don't be scared if an enemy plane is coming at you, chances are that if they don't have anything more than small calibre machine guns, they aren't going to hurt you that badly. Focus on getting to your target, bombing and then returning to reload. Flying the Sunderland is like a shuttle-bus, focus on your target and try not to get distracted along the way, as it's very hard to regain your energy once lost. Research engine upgrades as soon as you can, as these will make a massive improvement in your performance, both level flying and climbing.
 
  
−
=== As a very heavy fighter ===
+
However don't be scared if an enemy plane is coming at you, chances are that if they don't have anything more than small calibre machine-guns, they aren't going to hurt you that badly. Focus on getting to your target, bombing and then returning to reload. Flying the Sunderland is like a shuttle-bus, focus on your target and try not to get distracted along the way, as it's very hard to regain your energy once lost. Research engine upgrades as soon as you can, as these will make a massive improvement in your performance, both level flying and climbing.
−
[[File:Sunderland Attacking Do 17 bomber.png|thumb|]]
 
−
Another approach, albeit more dangerous, is to use your flying boat... as a gunship! The Sunderland has many .303 machine guns, from the four the pilot controls, to the three turrets that can be used to extreme effect in a skilled pilot's hands. As said above, small calibre machine guns from enemy planes typically don't do a lot of damage to your big boat, and you want them to come close so they can taste your cloud of 7.7mm rounds! You may want to watch out for damage to your engines (for fear of internal combustion switching to external combustion) and fuel tanks, since fires are not easily put out. Another thing that can happen is the loss of controls. While it is not such an issue if one wing or the tail controls fail, having all controls become inoperable is obviously bad and will result in an eventual fiery crash nine times out of 10.
 
  
−
=== Manual Engine Control ===
+
===Manual Engine Control===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil !! Water !! Type
+
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="1" | Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
+
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Offensive 7 mm
 +
| HMBC mk.2
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Turret 7 mm
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 7 mm MGs
 +
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 171: Line 221:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Very rugged airframe
+
* Very rugged air frame.
−
* Very good durability, will absorb a lot of bullets before going down
+
* Very good durability, will absorb a lot of bullets before going down.
−
* The Sunderland is a flying boat and thus it can land on water
+
* The Sunderland is a flying boat and thus it can land on water.
−
* Good handling with full fuel load
+
* Good handling with full fuel load.
−
* Excellent manoeuvrability and handling with minimum fuel loadout
+
* Excellent manoeuvrability and handling with minimum fuel load out.
−
* Excellent handling at low speeds
+
* Excellent handling at low speeds.
−
* Good acceleration
+
* Good acceleration.
−
* Excels in destroying ground targets
+
* Excels in destroying ground targets.
−
* Has four frontal machine guns
+
* Has four frontal machine guns.
−
* Powerful defensive armament that will deter enemy planes especially biplanes
+
* Powerful defensive armament that will deter enemy planes especially biplanes.
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Structural damage (wing rips) occurs at 414 km/h (260 mph)
+
* Structural damage (wing rips) occurs at 414 km/h (260 mph).
−
* Landing too hard (on water) can cause major internal damage (i.e. the control cables breaking)
+
* Landing too hard (on water) can cause major internal damage (i.e. The control cables breaking).
−
* No wheels and thus cannot land safely on an airfield
+
* No wheels and thus cannot land safely on an airfield.
−
* No armour or protection at all
+
* No armour or protection at all.
−
* Cannon armed planes will destroy it very easily
+
* Cannon armed planes will destroy it very easily .
−
* Will be ripped to shreds easily by certain planes with large cannons like the [[Hurricane Mk IV]], [[Ki-45 otsu]] and the [[Ki-44-II otsu]]
+
* Will be ripped to shreds easily by certain planes with large cannons like the [[Hurricane Mk IV]], [[Ki-45 otsu]] and the [[Ki-44-II otsu]].
 
* Red lines at 400 km/h (250 mph)
 
* Red lines at 400 km/h (250 mph)
 
* Engines overheat very fast
 
* Engines overheat very fast
−
* Not responsive when red lining
+
* Not responsive when red lining.
−
* Bombs are rather inadequate for its size (and will fail to take out a single enemy base with the entire bombload)
+
* Only one pilot, no co-pilot unlike other bombers at the tier.
−
* No bomb bay, the bombs are slid from the fuselage onto the wings, thus there is a delay from pressing the space bar (or whatever key is bound). This must be taken into consideration when flying
+
* Bombs are rather inadequate for its size.
 +
* No Bomb bay, the bombs are slid from the fuselage onto the wings, thus there is a delay from pressing the space bar (or whatever key is bound). This must be taken into consideration when flying.
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
[[File:Sunderland IIIa sets afire SM.79.png|thumb|320x320px|]]
 
−
The Short Sunderland was a British flying boat aircraft crafted for the Royal Air Force pre-WW2 by the Short Brothers. Making its first test flight in 1937, it grew to become one of the most popular flying boat series used during World War II. It was operated by not only the RAF but the RNZAF (New Zealand), RCAF (Canada), RAAF (Australia), the French Navy, and many other nations. Powered by four Bristol Pegasus 9-cylinder radial engines, (and later, 14 cylinder Twin Wasp engines), it was also one of the most powerful flying boats used during WW2.
 
  
−
The Sunderland was used as a naval patrol and anti-submarine bomber to great extent during and after WW2. A Sunderland of the RAAF performed an unassisted sinking of a German U-Boat in July 1940, marking the first time the type had done such a feat. The Germans referred to the Sunderland as the "Flying Porcupine", owing to an event in April 1940 where a single Sunderland demonstrated its defensive powers by managing to throw off 6 Junkers Ju 88 (one Ju 88 was destroyed, one was forced down in Norway, and the rest broke away).
+
The '''Short S.25 Sunderland''' was a British flying boat patrol bomber, developed and constructed by Short Brothers for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The aircraft took its service name from the town (latterly, city) and port of Sunderland in North East England.
  
−
After U-Boats received new technology that allowed them to pick up on ASV Mark II radar, Sunderlands were redesigned with the new ASV Mark III radar and were as such designated as the '''Sunderland Mk IIIa'''. As a result of the massive losses caused by Sunderlands and other anti-submarine bombers, U-Boats had 3.7 cm and quad 2 cm anti-aircraft cannons installed (such as the ones mounted on the Ostwind and Wirbelwind SPAAG units in-game) to fend off these new threats.
+
The Sunderland was one of the most powerful and widely used flying boats throughout the Second World War. In addition to the RAF, the type was operated by other Allied military air wings, including the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), South African Air Force (SAAF), Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), French Navy, Norwegian Air Force, and the Portuguese Navy. During the conflict, the type was heavily involved in Allied efforts to counter the threat posed by German U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic.
  
−
The venerable Sunderland served until 1959 in the Royal Air Force, and finally was out of service in 1967 by the RNZAF. Today, only a handful survive (with only one airworthy example).
+
Sunderlands also played a major role in the Mediterranean theatre, performing maritime reconnaissance flights and logistical support missions. During the evacuation of Crete, shortly after the German invasion of the island, several aircraft were used to transport troops. Numerous unarmed Sunderlands were also flown by civil operator British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), traversing routes as far afield as the Pacific Ocean.
  
−
== Media ==
+
Production quickly changed in December 1941 to the Sunderland Mark III, which featured a revised hull configuration which had been tested on a Mark I the previous June. This modification improved seaworthiness, which had suffered as the weight of the Sunderland increased with new marks and field changes. In earlier Sunderlands, the hull "step" that allows a flying boat to "unstick" from the surface of the sea was an abrupt one, but in the Mk III it was a curve upwards from the forward hull line.
−
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
 
 +
The Mark III turned out to be the definitive Sunderland variant, with 461 built. Most were built by Shorts at Rochester and Belfast, a further 35 at a new (but temporary) Shorts plant at White Cross Bay, Windermere; while 170 were built by Blackburn Aircraft. The Sunderland Mark III proved to be one of the RAF Coastal Command's major weapons against the U-boats, along with the Consolidated Catalina.
 +
 
 +
As the U-boats began to use ''Metox'' passive receivers the ASV Mk II radar gave away the presence of aircraft and the number of sightings diminished drastically. The RAF response was to upgrade to the ASV Mk III, which operated in the 50 cm band, with antennas that could be faired into fewer more streamlined blisters. During the Mk III's life there were a large number of almost continuous improvements made, including the ASV Mk IIIA and four more machine guns in a fixed position in the wall of the forward fuselage just behind the turret (developed on RAAF aircraft first) with a simple bead and ring sight for the pilot. Sunderlands with upgraded ASV Mk III equipment were designated Mk IIIA.
 +
 
 +
Offensive weapons loads increased too. The introduction of the hydrostatically fused 250 lb (110 kg) depth charge meant that additional weapons could be carried on the floor of the bomb room in wooden restraints, along with ammunition boxes of 10 and 25 lb anti-personnel bombs that could be hand launched from various hatches to harass U-boat crews otherwise manning the twin 37 and dual quadruple 20 mm cannons with which U-boats were fitted.
 +
 
 +
As radar detection became more effective there were more night patrols to catch U-boats on the surface charging their batteries. Attacking in the dark was a problem that was solved by carrying one inch (25.4 mm), electrically initiated flares and dropping then out of the rear chute of the aircraft as it got close to the surface vessel. Sunderlands were never fitted with Leigh lights.
 +
 
 +
At the end of the Second World War, a number of new Sunderlands built at Belfast were simply taken out to sea and scuttled as there was nothing else to do with them. In Europe the type was removed from service relatively quickly but in the Far East, where well developed runways were less common and large land based maritime patrol aircraft like the new Avro Shackleton could not be used so easily, there was still a need for it, and it remained in service with the RAF Far East Air Force at Singapore until 1959, and with the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 5 Squadron RNZAF until 1967.
 +
 
 +
Variants:
 +
 
 +
Sunderland Mark I
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Sunderland Mark II
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Sunderland Mark III
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Sunderland Mark IV
  
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;Skins
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[[Sunderland Mk V|Sunderland Mark V]]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sunderland_mk3a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
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;Videos
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== Media ==
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{{Youtube-gallery|kbjbdcxBcYw|'''The Shooting Range #330''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:35 discusses the encounter of a Sunderland Mk IIIa with 6 Junkers 88.}}
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''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
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* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
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* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)|Sunderland Mk V]]
 
* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)|Sunderland Mk V]]
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303446-short-sunderland-mk-iii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
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** [http://uboat.net/allies/aircraft/sunderland.htm Fighting the U-boats: Short Sunderland]
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** [http://splashdown2.tripod.com/id12.html Short Sunderlands of 205/209 Squadron]
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** [https://web.archive.org/web/20081006155823/http://www.killifish.f9.co.uk/Malta%20WWII/Index.htm Sunderland Flying Boat 228 Squadron Malta (Photos)]
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** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGyrHU4PmxI Newsreel footage of Sunderland G-AGJM being towed into a Southampton berth] (1948) from British Pathé ([http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=46668 Record No:46668]) at YouTube
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** [http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1939/1939%20-%200185.html ''Flight'' article of 1939]
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** [http://www.calshotdivers.com/dive-sites/34-wreck-dive.html Calshot's Sunderland Wreck]
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** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d75NcEwfVys ITV Meridian's PP118 News Story]
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**
  
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{{AirManufacturer Short}}
 
 
{{Britain bombers}}
 
{{Britain bombers}}

Revision as of 14:16, 21 October 2019

Rank 6 USA
F-5C Pack
Sunderland Mk IIIa
sunderland_mk3a.png
Sunderland Mk IIIa
Britain flag.png Britain
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 1.7 1.7
Class:
Research:7 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:10 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British bomber Sunderland Mk IIIa. For the other version, see Sunderland Mk V.

Description

GarageImage Sunderland Mk IIIa.jpg


The Sunderland Mk IIIa is a rank II British bomber with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB) and 1.7 (RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March".

General info

Flight Performance

The Sunderland Mk IIIa is rather finicky in the air. Handling is not all that bad, turn time is about 20-25 seconds spaded with flaps. However, the wings can only take 3-4Gs before they snap off. Due to the low rip speed, this means you can potentially rip your wings when flying a spaded aircraft at top speed.

If there is no water available to land in, it will be necessary to belly land on the airfields. If so, take care to not let the pontoons touch the ground. However, after descending all the way for the landing, it will be necessary to continue the fight at a low altitude due to the Sunderland's atrocious climb rate forbidding any chance of reaching back to optimal bombing altitude in a timely manner. It's very hard to regain your energy once lost. Research engine upgrades as soon as you can, as these will make a massive improvement in your performance, both level flying and climbing.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,267 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
374 366 6096 36.0 36.9 4.2 4.2 740
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 4,267 m) 		Max altitude
(meters) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(meters/second) 		Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
418 394 6096 34.1 35.0 9.7 6.5 740

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h) 		Gear limit
(km/h) 		Combat flaps
(km/h) 		Max Static G
+ -
520 ~3 ~2
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h) 		Rudder
(km/h) 		Elevators
(km/h) 		Radiator
(km/h)
< 350 < 350 < 250 > 312
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,450 m 815 hp 1,018 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,500 m 750 hp 937 hp

Survivability and armour

There is no armour protection on this aircraft. It is a very rugged aircraft so as a result small calibre machine-guns common at this BR aren't going to hurt you that badly.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: Browning .303 (7.7 mm)

The Sunderland Mk IIIa is armed with:

  • 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)

Suspended armament

Main articles: G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)

The Sunderland Mk IIIa can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 8 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning .303 (7.7 mm)

The Sunderland Mk IIIa is defended by:

  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, nose turret (1,000 rpg = 2,000 total)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, dorsal turret (500 rpg = 1,000 total)
  • 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, tail turret (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)

Usage in battles

Side climbing is essential for the Sunderland Mk IIIa as, whilst it is a very rugged aircraft, the combination of slow climb rate and large bright (white) air frame makes you a very obvious target, meaning that you won't be flying for very long and find upgrading a real chore.

However don't be scared if an enemy plane is coming at you, chances are that if they don't have anything more than small calibre machine-guns, they aren't going to hurt you that badly. Focus on getting to your target, bombing and then returning to reload. Flying the Sunderland is like a shuttle-bus, focus on your target and try not to get distracted along the way, as it's very hard to regain your energy once lost. Research engine upgrades as soon as you can, as these will make a massive improvement in your performance, both level flying and climbing.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Offensive 7 mm HMBC mk.2
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs
III Wings repair Engine Turret 7 mm
IV Engine injection Cover New 7 mm MGs

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very rugged air frame.
  • Very good durability, will absorb a lot of bullets before going down.
  • The Sunderland is a flying boat and thus it can land on water.
  • Good handling with full fuel load.
  • Excellent manoeuvrability and handling with minimum fuel load out.
  • Excellent handling at low speeds.
  • Good acceleration.
  • Excels in destroying ground targets.
  • Has four frontal machine guns.
  • Powerful defensive armament that will deter enemy planes especially biplanes.

Cons:

  • Structural damage (wing rips) occurs at 414 km/h (260 mph).
  • Landing too hard (on water) can cause major internal damage (i.e. The control cables breaking).
  • No wheels and thus cannot land safely on an airfield.
  • No armour or protection at all.
  • Cannon armed planes will destroy it very easily .
  • Will be ripped to shreds easily by certain planes with large cannons like the Hurricane Mk IV, Ki-45 otsu and the Ki-44-II otsu.
  • Red lines at 400 km/h (250 mph)
  • Engines overheat very fast
  • Not responsive when red lining.
  • Only one pilot, no co-pilot unlike other bombers at the tier.
  • Bombs are rather inadequate for its size.
  • No Bomb bay, the bombs are slid from the fuselage onto the wings, thus there is a delay from pressing the space bar (or whatever key is bound). This must be taken into consideration when flying.

History

The Short S.25 Sunderland was a British flying boat patrol bomber, developed and constructed by Short Brothers for the Royal Air Force (RAF). The aircraft took its service name from the town (latterly, city) and port of Sunderland in North East England.

The Sunderland was one of the most powerful and widely used flying boats throughout the Second World War. In addition to the RAF, the type was operated by other Allied military air wings, including the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), South African Air Force (SAAF), Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), French Navy, Norwegian Air Force, and the Portuguese Navy. During the conflict, the type was heavily involved in Allied efforts to counter the threat posed by German U-boats in the Battle of the Atlantic.

Sunderlands also played a major role in the Mediterranean theatre, performing maritime reconnaissance flights and logistical support missions. During the evacuation of Crete, shortly after the German invasion of the island, several aircraft were used to transport troops. Numerous unarmed Sunderlands were also flown by civil operator British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), traversing routes as far afield as the Pacific Ocean.

Production quickly changed in December 1941 to the Sunderland Mark III, which featured a revised hull configuration which had been tested on a Mark I the previous June. This modification improved seaworthiness, which had suffered as the weight of the Sunderland increased with new marks and field changes. In earlier Sunderlands, the hull "step" that allows a flying boat to "unstick" from the surface of the sea was an abrupt one, but in the Mk III it was a curve upwards from the forward hull line.

The Mark III turned out to be the definitive Sunderland variant, with 461 built. Most were built by Shorts at Rochester and Belfast, a further 35 at a new (but temporary) Shorts plant at White Cross Bay, Windermere; while 170 were built by Blackburn Aircraft. The Sunderland Mark III proved to be one of the RAF Coastal Command's major weapons against the U-boats, along with the Consolidated Catalina.

As the U-boats began to use Metox passive receivers the ASV Mk II radar gave away the presence of aircraft and the number of sightings diminished drastically. The RAF response was to upgrade to the ASV Mk III, which operated in the 50 cm band, with antennas that could be faired into fewer more streamlined blisters. During the Mk III's life there were a large number of almost continuous improvements made, including the ASV Mk IIIA and four more machine guns in a fixed position in the wall of the forward fuselage just behind the turret (developed on RAAF aircraft first) with a simple bead and ring sight for the pilot. Sunderlands with upgraded ASV Mk III equipment were designated Mk IIIA.

Offensive weapons loads increased too. The introduction of the hydrostatically fused 250 lb (110 kg) depth charge meant that additional weapons could be carried on the floor of the bomb room in wooden restraints, along with ammunition boxes of 10 and 25 lb anti-personnel bombs that could be hand launched from various hatches to harass U-boat crews otherwise manning the twin 37 and dual quadruple 20 mm cannons with which U-boats were fitted.

As radar detection became more effective there were more night patrols to catch U-boats on the surface charging their batteries. Attacking in the dark was a problem that was solved by carrying one inch (25.4 mm), electrically initiated flares and dropping then out of the rear chute of the aircraft as it got close to the surface vessel. Sunderlands were never fitted with Leigh lights.

At the end of the Second World War, a number of new Sunderlands built at Belfast were simply taken out to sea and scuttled as there was nothing else to do with them. In Europe the type was removed from service relatively quickly but in the Far East, where well developed runways were less common and large land based maritime patrol aircraft like the new Avro Shackleton could not be used so easily, there was still a need for it, and it remained in service with the RAF Far East Air Force at Singapore until 1959, and with the Royal New Zealand Air Force's No. 5 Squadron RNZAF until 1967.

Variants:

Sunderland Mark I

Sunderland Mark II

Sunderland Mark III

Sunderland Mark IV

Sunderland Mark V

Media

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

See also

External links


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

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