Sunderland Mk IIIa - Revision history

U38088265: /* Suspended armament */ Updated

2023-11-04T10:18:15Z

‎Suspended armament: Updated

U9202753: Specs-Card ArtImage Added

2023-03-15T10:12:33Z

Specs-Card ArtImage Added

U44629479: /* Media */ Added Shooting Range episode

2022-11-27T23:47:37Z

‎Media: Added Shooting Range episode

U44629479: Edits

2022-05-07T19:27:51Z

Edits

U44629479: Undo revision 96026 by U107657844 (talk)

2021-03-04T07:48:25Z

Undo revision 96026 by U107657844 (talk)

U107657844: /* Pros and cons */

2021-03-04T03:18:15Z

‎Pros and cons

U13682523: /* Details */ Corrected flap rip speed

2021-02-18T15:32:10Z

‎Details: Corrected flap rip speed

U3312106: /* External links */

2021-01-24T09:54:21Z

‎External links

U38088265: Updated format

2020-12-30T21:06:23Z

Updated format

U36063762 at 11:30, 24 December 2020

2020-12-24T11:30:36Z

@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 {{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.'' -->
-{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}
+{{main|Browning (7.7 mm)}}
 The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
-* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
+* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
 === 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.'' -->
-{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)}}
+{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|S.A.P. Mk.II (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)
+* 8 x 250 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 G.P. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
 === 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.'' -->
-{{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}
+{{main|Browning (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 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)
+* 2 x 7.7 mm Browning 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)
+* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, tail turret (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)
 == Usage in battles ==

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 {{Specs-Card
 |code=sunderland_mk3a
-|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 }}

@@ Line 210: / Line 210: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sunderland_mk3a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 == See also ==

@@ Line 140: / Line 140: @@
 <!-- ''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).'' -->
 === 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 <u>very</u> heavy fighter ===
+=== 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.]]
+[[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.
+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 ===
@@ Line 170: / Line 170: @@
 '''Pros:'''
-* Very rugged air frame.
+* Very rugged airframe
-* 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 load out.
+* Excellent manoeuvrability and handling with minimum fuel loadout
-* 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:'''
-* 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)
 * 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.)
+* 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.
+* 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 ==
+[[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 <u>6 Junkers Ju 88</u>! (One Ju 88 was destroyed, one was forced down in Norway, and the rest broke away.)
+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.
+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 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.'' -->
 ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 == See also ==
@@ Line 220: / Line 222: @@
 == External links ==
 <!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.''-->

@@ Line 166: / Line 166: @@
 === Pros and cons ===
-a good long distance plane since it has a lot of fuel if you are playing in realistic mode<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 '''Pros:'''

@@ Line 61: / Line 61: @@
 ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 232 || 213 || ~3 || ~2
+| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 395 || 232 || 204 || ~3 || ~2
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{About
 | about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 | usage = the other version
 | link = Sunderland Mk V
 }}
 == 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.'' -->
 The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber and flying boat {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
@@ Line 164: / Line 162: @@
 |-
 | Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 236: / Line 197: @@
 == 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 <u>6 Junkers Ju 88</u>! (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 ==

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Specs-Card|code=sunderland_mk3a}}
+{{Specs-Card
 {{About
 | about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
@@ Line 14: / Line 17: @@
 == General info ==
 === Flight performance ===
 <!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 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.
@@ Line 96: / Line 100: @@
 === Survivability and armour ===
 <!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 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 ===
 <!-- ''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 .303 (7.7 mm)}}
@@ Line 109: / Line 119: @@
 === 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|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)}}
@@ Line 118: / Line 129: @@
 === 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.'' -->
 {{main|Browning .303 (7.7 mm)}}