PLAY
Aviation
B-57B
V
Rank
AB
8.3
RB
8.3
SB
8.0
Battle rating
USA
Game nation
Bomber
Main role
61,000
RP
Research
340,000
SL
Purchase
General information

The Martin B-57B Canberra was the second version of the license-built British English Electric Canberra jet bomber/reconnaissance aircraft. Compared to the unarmed B-57A which was a complete copy of the original Canberra, the B-57B had several changes, most notably the inclusion of eight M3 Browning machine guns (and later four 20 mm M39 autocannons) as an offensive armament for strafing attack, an improved "fighter-style" cockpit that improved the pilot's visibility, a "rotary" bombing bay that improved the deployment time and accuracy of bombs, improved airbrakes, four additional hardpoints on the wings, and an addition of a radar warning receiver. These modifications proved to be a success, as it allowed the B-57B to be easily adapted into various roles, ranging from bombing to electronic warfare. In total, 202 B-57Bs were built, and served under the USAF in various roles through the Vietnam War before it was retired in 1983.

It was introduced in Update 1.47 "Big Guns". Compared to its predecessor the B-57A, the B-57B focuses more on low level ground attack and can carry large amounts of offensive external weaponry. B-57A players will rejoice upon unlocking the B-57B, as it is an improvement in almost every way, with actual offensive armament, better turn time, better payloads (including rockets and napalms), and overall versatility. Compared to the very similar Canberra B (I) Mk 6, the B-57B starts out with eight Browning machine guns mounted quite far on the wings, which results into a much worse anti-air capability, though this can be upgraded with four 20 mm M39 autocannons with an incredible rate of fire, giving it a much harder-hitting punch than its British counterpart.

Whilst a lone B-57B out in the open is an easy target for intercepting aircraft and is no match for the likes of the MiG-15 or Sabre in combat (especially with payloads), communication and coordination with teammates will allow pilots of this aircraft to effectively strike targets of strategic importance with precision and to devastating effect. Alternatively, a daring B-57B pilot may try their luck and use it as a makeshift "interceptor", not dissimilar to the French Vautour, and shred any plane below or in front of them with four blistering autocannons.



Flight performance
Max speed
at 762 m 963890987928 km/h
Rate of Climb 28.521.137.421.1 m/s
Turn time 5557.453.856.3 s
Max altitude 12,192 m
Takeoff Run 1,050 m

Combat
flaps
Take-off
flaps
Landing
flaps
Air
brake
General characteristics
Crew 2 persons
Gross weight 20.5 t
Engine 2 x Wright J65-W-5
Length 20 m
Wingspan 19.5 m

Limits:
Max Speed Limit (IAS) 990 km/h
Mach Number Limit 1
Gear Speed Limit (IAS) 320 km/h
Flap Speed Limit (IAS) 450 km/h
Offensive armament
8 × 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine gun
Ammunition 2,400 rounds
Fire rate 1,200 shots/min

BeltBelt fillingArmor penetration (mm) at a distance:
10 m100 m500 m1000 m1500 m2000 m
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4 × 20 mm M39 cannon
Ammunition 1,160 rounds
Fire rate 1,500 shots/min

BeltBelt fillingArmor penetration (mm) at a distance:
10 m100 m500 m1000 m1500 m2000 m
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Suspended armament
Max weight 4,010 kg

NameWeightSlot

125.6 kg
242.6 kg
362.4 kg
500.8 kg
401.4 kg
21 × 2,475.9 kg
9 × 2,183.4 kg
4 × 1,449.7 kg
4 × 2,003 kg
Economy
Repair cost Basic → Reference
AB 2,862 → 4,330 SL
RB 10,110 → 15,296 SL
SB 14,979 → 22,663 SL
Crew training 98,000 SL
Experts 780,000 SL
Aces 1,800 GE
Research Aces 340,000 RP
Reward multiplier AB / RB / SB
100 / 310 / 600 % SL
202 % RP
Total cost of modifications 101,700 RP
161,600 SL
Talisman cost 2,200 GE

Research order:
B-57B

Flight performance
Survivability
Weaponry
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