Difference between revisions of "Sunderland Mk IIIa"

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{{Specs-Card|code=sunderland_mk3a}}
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{{About
 +
| about = British bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = the other version
 +
| 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 needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part 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"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{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.
 +
 
 +
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" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 4,267 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 374 || 366 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 36.0 || 36.9 || 4.2 || 4.2 || rowspan="2" | 740
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 418 || 394 || 34.1 || 35.0 || 9.7 || 6.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| 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}} || 395 || 232 || 204 || ~3 || ~2
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 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 ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-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.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.''
+
{{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 (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, nose-mounted (500 rpg = 2,000 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== 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.''
+
{{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. 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. Mk.IV bombs (2,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 500 lb G.P. 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 ===
−
''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.''
+
{{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 (7.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
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 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)
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
=== 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) 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 ===
 +
[[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.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
{| 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<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Very rugged airframe
 +
* 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 loadout
 +
* 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:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Structural damage (wing rips) occurs at 414 km/h (260 mph)
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* 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 ==
 +
[[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).
 +
 
 +
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 ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=sunderland_mk3a Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{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.}}
  
−
== Read also ==
+
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
+
 
 +
* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)|Sunderland Mk V]]
 +
* [[Catalina Mk IIIa (Great Britain)]]
 +
* [[PBY-5 Catalina]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
 
−
* ''other literature.''
+
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303446-short-sunderland-mk-iii/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Short}}
 +
{{Britain bombers}}

Latest revision as of 10:18, 4 November 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the British bomber Sunderland Mk IIIa. For the other version, see Sunderland Mk V.
Sunderland Mk IIIa
sunderland_mk3a.png
GarageImage Sunderland Mk IIIa.jpg
ArtImage Sunderland Mk IIIa.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

Description

The Sunderland Mk IIIa is a rank II British bomber and flying boat 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

Max speed
at 4 267 m394 km/h
Turn time35 s
Max altitude6 096 m
Engine4 х Bristol Pegasus XVIII
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight26 t

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.

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

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
414 450 395 232 204 ~3 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 350 < 350 < 250 > 312
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,450 m 815 hp 1,019 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,500 m 750 hp 938 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew7 people
Speed of destruction
Structural414 km/h
Gear450 km/h

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

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB454 → 613 Sl icon.png
RB608 → 821 Sl icon.png
SB865 → 1 168 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications6 940 Rp icon.png
6 770 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost530 Ge icon.png
Crew training3 000 Sl icon.png
Experts10 000 Sl icon.png
Aces125 Ge icon.png
Research Aces160 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
40 / 80 / 160 % Sl icon.png
112 / 112 / 112 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_belt_pack
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
HMBC mk.2
Research:
350 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg303_new_gun
Research:
520 Rp icon.png
Cost:
510 Sl icon.png
95 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg303_turret_belt_pack
Research:
580 Rp icon.png
Cost:
560 Sl icon.png
110 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg303_turret_new_gun
Research:
560 Rp icon.png
Cost:
550 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition2 000 rounds
Fire rate1 000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Sunderland Mk IIIa is armed with:

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

Suspended armament

List of setups (3)
Setup 18 x G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 24 x G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bomb
Setup 34 x 500 LB S.A.P. Mk.II bomb
Main articles: G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb), G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb), S.A.P. Mk.II (500 lb)

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

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

Defensive armament

Turret2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition2000 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Turret2 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition1000 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Turret4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun
Ammunition4000 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Sunderland Mk IIIa 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 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)

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) 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

Sunderland Attacking Do 17 bomber.png

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

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very rugged airframe
  • 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 loadout
  • 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

Sunderland IIIa sets afire SM.79.png

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 3.7 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

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #330 - Pages of History section at 03:35 discusses the encounter of a Sunderland Mk IIIa with 6 Junkers 88.

See also

External links


Short Brothers plc
Bombers  Stirling B Mk I · Stirling B Mk III · Sunderland Mk IIIa · Sunderland Mk V

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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