War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

I-180S

2022-03-27T04:45:19Z

U52552378: added more details about using the I-180S in battles using what i've learned)

{{Specs-Card
|code=i_180
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=I-180S (USSR)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} Soviet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced during [[Update 1.87 "Locked On"]] as a reward for the 2019 [[wt:en/news/6145-special-battlefield-engineer-en|"Battlefield Engineer"]] event.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The I-180S is a quite a manoeuvrable aircraft at its BR, being able to turn better than many fighters of its tier.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 6,500 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 565 || 547 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 19.5 || 20.6 || 12.6 || 12.6 || rowspan="2" | 350
|-
! Upgraded
| 607 || 585 || 18.5 || 19.0 || 21.5 || 16.6
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 362 || 250 || ~12 || ~6
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 300 || < 240 || < 300 || > 190
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 8 mm Steel - Pilot's seat
* Large, single fuel tank in front of pilot
* Uncovered cockpit (no cockpit roof)

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Berezin UB (12.7 mm)|ShKAS (7.62 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 2 x 12.7 mm Berezin UB machine guns, nose-mounted (220 rpg = 440 total)
* 2 x 7.62 mm ShKAS machine guns, nose-mounted (650 rpg = 1,300 total)

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|FAB-50sv (50 kg)|FAB-100sv (100 kg)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 4 x 50 kg FAB-50sv bombs (200 kg total)
* 2 x 100 kg FAB-100sv bombs (200 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==


You can climb to about 4,000-5,000 m of altitude at the beginning of the battle and use Boom & Zoom tactic to get rid of some low-altitude enemies first. If there are any enemies above or at the same altitude as you, it is recommended to attempt to drag them into a dogfight. Head-on attacks are ill-advised against heavily armed and armoured planes such as the [[F4U (Family)|F4U Corsair]], [[P-40 (Family)|P-40 Warhawk]], and [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190]] because the I-180S lacks armour around many critical components, including the pilot and fuel tank. The I-180S's armament seems to push the nose up a small amount, but good aim prevents this from being that much of an issue.

Although the I-180S is fairly manoeuverable, there are some aircraft which can easily outturn it such as the British [[Spitfire (Family)|Spitfire]] and Japanese [[A6M (Family)|A6M Zero]]. Both of these fighter types have an excellent turn rate which means that dogfighting, even against a mediocre pilot, will most likely result in them getting on your tail. A recommended strategy to combat these types is to try to gain an altitude advantage or do a head-on with a quick snap-turn to out-run them and return for another pass.

In RB/SB modes, the I-180S has a nasty habit of entering stalls at low speeds, especially when turnfighting with manual rudder and elevator controls - at which point, it falls like a rock for a few hundred meters. Daring pilots may be able to use this to their advantage to throw off pursuing planes, but be careful not to crash yourself!

=== Manual Engine Control ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
|-
| Controllable || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Controllable Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable 2 gears || Not controllable
|-
|}

;Manual activation

* For those who manually activate the gearing, switch to second gear around 3,500 meters and drop the drop climb angle to 10-12 degrees which will make most effective use of the aircraft's engine and supercharger.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Great all-round fighter, a bit of turn fighter, a bit of Boom & Zoomer
* Excellent climb rate due to supercharger
* Small size means small target
* Great manoeuvrability
* Great roll rate
* Excellent armament packed tightly in the nose of the aircraft, making it easy to aim
* Can carry bombs for ground attack

'''Cons:'''

* Engine tends to overheat, must be careful with WEP
* Poor rudder control, difficult to perform wing-overs or hammerhead manoeuvres
* Underarmoured for its tier
* Damage to the wings, control surfaces, or engine modules can unbalance the aircraft and or cripple performance

== History ==


Development of the I-180 began in 1938, with the Polikarpov design bureau starting work on creating a new aircraft to meet the requirements of the Soviet Air Force at the time. In order to do so, engineers decided to base the new machine on a modified I-16 design and to install a more powerful radial engine. As a result, the I-180 was created. However, development and testing of prototypes was plagued with numerous issues, including many accidents. This, coupled with the arrival of new Soviet fighter designs quickly cast a shadow on the I-180 project which ultimately led to the project being cancelled by the end of 1940. Prior to the cancellation, a production version of the machine - the I-180S was built but only in very limited numbers. In total, around 13 I-180s were built, including prototypes, but none saw any active service.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6136-development-i-180s-sky-acrobat-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=i_180 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
File:I-180S WTWallpaper 001.jpg
File:I-180S WTWallpaper 002.jpg
File:I-180S WTWallpaper 003.jpg
File:I-180S WTWallpaper 004.jpg
File:I-180S WTWallpaper 005.jpg
File:I-180S WTWallpaper 006.jpg
File:I180s.png|The standard livery is mainly red, with some items in shiny silver.
File:I180s-summer.png|Summer livery, with red stars on the classic Soviet green and blue camouflage.
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|yWWFv8qY5rQ|'''Battlefield Engineer: all new vehicles''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 0:37 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|M8mN2rWvHbw|'''Is THIS the MOST FUN Plane? {{PAGENAME}} Review''' - ''Jengar''}}

== See 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.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6136-development-i-180s-sky-acrobat-en|[Devblog] I-180S: Sky Acrobat]]
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/453805-i-180/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]

{{AirManufacturer Polikarpov}}
{{USSR fighters}}
{{USSR premium aircraft}}

Sunderland Mk IIIa

2020-05-01T04:57:16Z

U52552378: just added "flying boat" in the first paragraph

{{Specs-Card|code=sunderland_mk3a}}
{{About
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Sunderland Mk V
}}

== Description ==

[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber and flying boat {{Battle-rating}}. 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 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.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,267 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 374 || 366 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.0 || 36.9 || 4.2 || 4.2 || 740
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,267 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 418 || 394 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.1 || 35.0 || 9.7 || 6.5 || 740
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~3 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 350 || < 350 || < 250 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,450 m || 815 hp || 1,019 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,500 m || 750 hp || 938 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|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

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

=== Suspended armament ===

{{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:

* 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|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 ==

=== 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.

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 ===
[[File:Sunderland Attacking Do 17 bomber.png|thumb|Some say this flying boat is actually a Spitfire in the wrong body.]]
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 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | 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 ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | 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 (turret)
|
|-
|}

=== 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.
* Bombs are rather inadequate for its size (and will fail to take out a single enemy base with the entire bombload.)
* 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 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.)

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 3.7cm and quad 2cm 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 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).

== Media ==
[[File:Sunderland IIIa sets afire SM.79.png|thumb|320x320px|The frontal machine guns of this Sunderland should not be laughed at. ]]
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)|Sunderland Mk V]]
* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)]]
* [[PBY-5 Catalina]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

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

{{AirManufacturer Short}}
{{Britain bombers}}

Sunderland Mk IIIa

2020-05-01T04:56:39Z

U52552378: I added a new strategy that pilots can use! I also added some screenshots, and the history of the craft.

{{Specs-Card|code=sunderland_mk3a}}
{{About
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = the other version
| link = Sunderland Mk V
}}

== Description ==

[[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 ==
=== 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 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.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,267 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 374 || 366 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.0 || 36.9 || 4.2 || 4.2 || 740
|-
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
|-
! colspan="2" | Max Speed (km/h at 4,267 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (meters)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (meters)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
| 418 || 394 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 34.1 || 35.0 || 9.7 || 6.5 || 740
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! + !! -
|-
| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 520 || ~3 || ~2
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
|-
! Ailerons (km/h)
! Rudder (km/h)
! Elevators (km/h)
! Radiator (km/h)
|-
| < 350 || < 350 || < 250 || > 312
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 1,450 m || 815 hp || 1,019 hp
|-
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
|-
! Optimal altitude
! 100% Engine power
! WEP Engine power
|-
| 4,500 m || 750 hp || 938 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|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

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

=== Suspended armament ===

{{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:

* 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|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' 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 ==

=== 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.

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 ===
[[File:Sunderland Attacking Do 17 bomber.png|thumb|Some say this flying boat is actually a Spitfire in the wrong body.]]
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 ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | 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 ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Tier
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! Survivability
! colspan="2" | 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 (turret)
|
|-
|}

=== 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.
* Bombs are rather inadequate for its size (and will fail to take out a single enemy base with the entire bombload.)
* 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 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.)

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 3.7cm and quad 2cm 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 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).

== Media ==
[[File:Sunderland IIIa sets afire SM.79.png|thumb|320x320px|The frontal machine guns of this Sunderland should not be laughed at. ]]
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''

== See also ==


* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)|Sunderland Mk V]]
* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)]]
* [[PBY-5 Catalina]]

== External links ==
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

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

{{AirManufacturer Short}}
{{Britain bombers}}

File:Sunderland Attacking Do 17 bomber.png

2020-05-01T04:48:20Z

U52552378:

A Sunderland IIIa shooting at a Do 17 with its main front turret.

File:Sunderland IIIa sets afire SM.79.png

2020-05-01T04:43:25Z

U52552378:

The Sunderland IIIa taking a bite out of an SM.79 bomber aircraft using its frontal 7.7 machineguns.