Difference between revisions of "B-57B"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American jet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American jet bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = Canberra (Family)
 
| link = Canberra (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== 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 a 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.'' -->
 
 
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.47 "Big Guns"]].
  
 
Concluding the legendary USA bomber line within War Thunder, the Martin B-57B jet bomber is a licensed-built version of the famous English Electric British aircraft that leads away from the standard gameplay found on most US heavy bombers before it. Placed well within Rank V after its predecessor, the [[B-57A]], with a top-end BR similar to the [[IL-28]] in both Arcade, [[Realistic_Battles|Realistic]] and [[Simulator_Battles|Simulator Battles]], the B-57B focuses more on low level ground attack by comparison to its predecessors and can carry large amounts of offensive external weaponry.
 
Concluding the legendary USA bomber line within War Thunder, the Martin B-57B jet bomber is a licensed-built version of the famous English Electric British aircraft that leads away from the standard gameplay found on most US heavy bombers before it. Placed well within Rank V after its predecessor, the [[B-57A]], with a top-end BR similar to the [[IL-28]] in both Arcade, [[Realistic_Battles|Realistic]] and [[Simulator_Battles|Simulator Battles]], the B-57B focuses more on low level ground attack by comparison to its predecessors and can carry large amounts of offensive external weaponry.
Line 18: Line 17:
  
 
== 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.''-->
+
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 762 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 762 m)
Line 39: Line 38:
 
|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="6" | Features
 
! colspan="6" | Features
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|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
! colspan="7" | Limits
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=== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
  
 
* No armour plating
 
* No armour plating
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armored glass windscreen
+
* 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured glass windscreen
 
* Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
 
* More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage
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== Armaments ==
 
== 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 M3 (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|M3 Browning (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
* 8 x 12.7 Browning M3 machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 2,400 total)
+
* 8 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 2,400 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.''-->
+
<!-- ''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.'' -->
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]&nbsp;,[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Rockets]]'''''
+
{{main|AN-M57 (250 lb)|AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M65A1 Fin M129 (1,000 lb)|HVAR}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordinance:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
 
* 21 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (5,250 lb total)
 
* 21 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (5,250 lb total)
 
* 9 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,500 lb total)
 
* 9 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,500 lb total)
 
* 13 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,500 lb total)
 
* 13 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,500 lb total)
* 4 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (8,000 lb total)
+
* 8 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 16 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 21 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (5,250 lb total)
+
* 21 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs + 16 x HVAR rockets (5,250 lb total)
* 8 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 13 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,500 lb total)
+
* 13 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 8 x HVAR rockets (6,500 lb total)
* 16 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 9 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,500 lb total)
+
* 9 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 16 x HVAR rockets (4,500 lb total)
* 16 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 4 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
+
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs + 16 x HVAR rockets (4,000 lb total)
* 8 x 127 mm HVAR rockets + 8 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (8,000 lb total)
+
* 8 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs + 8 x HVAR rockets (8,000 lb total)
<!--
 
=== 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.''
 
-->
 
  
== Usage in the battles ==
+
== Usage in battles ==
<!--''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).''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
Unlike the [[B-57A]] model before it, the B-57B included numerous improvements and modifications to the airframe and armament that allow it to play a much more aggressive and offensive role in the battle. Able to mount up to 16 x 127 mm [[HVAR]] rockets on its external pylons in conjunction with heavy bomb loads, the B-57B is best suited to taking out armoured targets or naval targets such as destroyers and cruisers.
 
Unlike the [[B-57A]] model before it, the B-57B included numerous improvements and modifications to the airframe and armament that allow it to play a much more aggressive and offensive role in the battle. Able to mount up to 16 x 127 mm [[HVAR]] rockets on its external pylons in conjunction with heavy bomb loads, the B-57B is best suited to taking out armoured targets or naval targets such as destroyers and cruisers.
  
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By comparison to its contemporary jet attack-bombers of other nations, the [[IL-28]], [[Ar 234 C-3|Arado C-3]], [[Canberra B (I) Mk 6|Canberra B (I) Mk 6]] and [[R2Y2 Kai V1|R2Y2]] series, the B-57B can carry the largest payload thanks to its external stores, making this the ideal choice for players who prefer more aggressive and direct attack roles in the skies.
 
By comparison to its contemporary jet attack-bombers of other nations, the [[IL-28]], [[Ar 234 C-3|Arado C-3]], [[Canberra B (I) Mk 6|Canberra B (I) Mk 6]] and [[R2Y2 Kai V1|R2Y2]] series, the B-57B can carry the largest payload thanks to its external stores, making this the ideal choice for players who prefer more aggressive and direct attack roles in the skies.
  
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
| Fuselage Repair
+
| Fuselage repair
|  
+
|
|  
+
|
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
| Offensive 12 mm
 
| EESBC No.2 Mark 2
 
| EESBC No.2 Mark 2
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
|  
+
|
| Comprssor
+
| Compressor
 
| Airframe
 
| Airframe
|  
+
|
 
| EELBC No.1 Mark 3
 
| EELBC No.1 Mark 3
 
|-
 
|-
 
| III
 
| III
| Wings Repair
+
| Wings repair
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
|  
+
|
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
| New 12 mm MGs
 
| EERC No.3 Mark 1
 
| EERC No.3 Mark 1
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
| G-Suit
+
| G-suit
|  
+
|
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
|  
+
|
 
| EERC No.3 Mark 2
 
| EERC No.3 Mark 2
 
|-
 
|-
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=== 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:'''
Line 200: Line 195:
 
* Good low altitude performance
 
* Good low altitude performance
 
* Great horizontal manoeuvrability
 
* Great horizontal manoeuvrability
* Outruns pre-Korean War jets.
+
* Outruns pre-Korean War jets
 
* Excellent offensive armament of 8 x Browning M3s
 
* Excellent offensive armament of 8 x Browning M3s
 
* Impressive and versatile payload
 
* Impressive and versatile payload
* Bomber Spawn(AB/RB)
+
* Bomber spawn (AB/RB)
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 210: Line 205:
 
* Slower than most enemy jets it faces
 
* Slower than most enemy jets it faces
 
* Gun convergence problematic for offensive armament
 
* Gun convergence problematic for offensive armament
* Hostile Matchmaker
+
* Hostile matchmaker
 
* Poor performance at altitude
 
* Poor performance at altitude
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
<!--''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/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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 long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
The Martin B-57B was a development of the licence-built version of the British [[Canberra B Mk 2|Canberra B Mk 2]], the [[B-57A]]. After its impressive performances at the Farnborough airshows in the early 1950s, the United States of America were keen to acquire the record setting jet bomber to fulfil the role of fast attacker similar to their current [[A-26C-45|A-26]] model. America had no suitable replacements for the Invader’s position and experiences in Korea had proven the value of an Interdiction attacker.
+
The Martin B-57B was a development of the licence-built version of the British [[Canberra B Mk 2|Canberra B Mk 2]], the [[B-57A]]. After its impressive performances at the Farnborough airshows in the early 1950s, the United States of America were keen to acquire the record setting jet bomber to fulfil the role of fast attacker similar to their current [[A-26C-45|A-26]] model. America had no suitable replacements for the Invader's position and experiences in Korea had proven the value of an Interdiction attacker.
  
As such, licence production of the Canberra was given by English Electric to Martin for the B-57A. Whilst the A model was essentially the same as the British variant, the B model had numerous improvements and changes over the A model that distinguishes it from the original Canberra design. Features such as a redesigned canopy that required 2 crew rather than 3, newer engines, improved wing strength coupled with pylons for large external stores, more effective airbrakes and the Martin’s reduced drag rotary bomb bay from previous test aircraft were all included into the B model. As well as this, the B-57B also had offensive armament in the form of 8 Browning M3 machine guns with 4 in each wing, however, this was later updated to 4 x 20 mm M39 cannon.
+
As such, licence production of the Canberra was given by English Electric to Martin for the B-57A. Whilst the A model was essentially the same as the British variant, the B model had numerous improvements and changes over the A model that distinguishes it from the original Canberra design. Features such as a redesigned canopy that required 2 crew rather than 3, newer engines, improved wing strength coupled with pylons for large external stores, more effective airbrakes and the Martin's reduced drag rotary bomb bay from previous test aircraft were all included into the B model. As well as this, the B-57B also had offensive armament in the form of 8 Browning M3 machine guns with 4 in each wing, however, this was later updated to 4 x 20 mm M39 cannon.
  
 
All of this combined lead to the emergence of a highly effective interdiction aircraft that now differed greatly from its British counterpart to which it was based upon. Even with the rapid pace of jet aircraft development, the B-57B continued on in service thanks to its flexibility and versatility of combat roles. Numerous payloads options and configurations existed that allowed for a multitude of possible tasks including interdiction, reconnaissance or high altitude bombing. Whilst the primary models would retire in the late 1970s towards the early 1980s, highly modified variants still continue to serve in research and development roles for NASA even today.
 
All of this combined lead to the emergence of a highly effective interdiction aircraft that now differed greatly from its British counterpart to which it was based upon. Even with the rapid pace of jet aircraft development, the B-57B continued on in service thanks to its flexibility and versatility of combat roles. Numerous payloads options and configurations existed that allowed for a multitude of possible tasks including interdiction, reconnaissance or high altitude bombing. Whilst the primary models would retire in the late 1970s towards the early 1980s, highly modified variants still continue to serve in research and development roles for NASA even today.
  
 
== 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.''
  
== 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.''-->
 
  
* [http://warthunder.com/en/devblog/current/748/ [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> B-57B-2 and T-28E]
+
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/748/|[Devblog] B-57B-2 and T-28E]]
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/3099/current/ [Vehicle Profile<nowiki>]</nowiki> B-57B Canberra [Decal Included<nowiki>]</nowiki>]
+
* [[wt:en/news/3099/current/|[Vehicle Profile] B-57B Canberra [Decal Included]]]
  
== 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 aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Martin}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Martin}}
{{USA jet aircrafts}}
+
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Revision as of 14:10, 18 June 2020

Introducing Wiki 3.0
B-57B
b-57b.png
B-57B
AB RB SB
8.3 8.3 8.0
Research:61 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:340 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
This page is about the American jet bomber B-57B. For other versions, see Canberra (Family).

Description

GarageImage B-57B.jpg


The B-57B Canberra is a rank V American jet bomber with a battle rating of 8.3 (AB/RB) and 8.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.47 "Big Guns".

Concluding the legendary USA bomber line within War Thunder, the Martin B-57B jet bomber is a licensed-built version of the famous English Electric British aircraft that leads away from the standard gameplay found on most US heavy bombers before it. Placed well within Rank V after its predecessor, the B-57A, with a top-end BR similar to the IL-28 in both Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles, the B-57B focuses more on low level ground attack by comparison to its predecessors and can carry large amounts of offensive external weaponry.

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 CL-13 in combat, communication and coordination with teammates will allow pilots of this aircraft to effectively strike targets of strategic importance with precision and to devastating effect. Equally organizing squads paired with escorting fighters who can work in conjunction with B-57s or even a whole wing of attack aircraft can have a massive impact on top tier games.

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.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 762 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 918 892 12192 56.2 57.4 22.7 21.2 1,050
Upgraded 996 963 53.9 55.0 32.8 28.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 450 520 520 320 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 561 < 523 < 510 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Wright J65-W-5 2 13,350 kg 226 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 50m fuel
1,260 kg Axial-flow turbojet 15,402 kg 16,066 kg 17,394 kg 19,386 kg 20,050 kg 25,854 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100%)
Condition 100% WEP 15m fuel 20m fuel 30m fuel 45m fuel 50m fuel MTOW
Stationary 3,265 kgf N/A 0.42 0.41 0.38 0.34 0.33 0.25
Optimal 3,265 kgf
(0 km/h)
N/A 0.42 0.41 0.38 0.34 0.33 0.25

Survivability and armour

  • No armour plating
  • 38 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured glass windscreen
  • Critical components located in front of aircraft (fuel, pilot, engine, controls)
  • More fuel tanks located in wings near fuselage

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M3 Browning (12.7 mm)

The B-57B is armed with:

  • 8 x 12.7 mm M3 Browning machine guns, wing-mounted (300 rpg = 2,400 total)

Suspended armament

The B-57B can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 21 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs (5,250 lb total)
  • 9 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (4,500 lb total)
  • 13 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs (6,500 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 8 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 21 x 250 lb AN-M57 bombs + 16 x HVAR rockets (5,250 lb total)
  • 13 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 8 x HVAR rockets (6,500 lb total)
  • 9 x 500 lb AN-M64A1 bombs + 16 x HVAR rockets (4,500 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs + 16 x HVAR rockets (4,000 lb total)
  • 8 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 Fin M129 bombs + 8 x HVAR rockets (8,000 lb total)

Usage in battles

Unlike the B-57A model before it, the B-57B included numerous improvements and modifications to the airframe and armament that allow it to play a much more aggressive and offensive role in the battle. Able to mount up to 16 x 127 mm HVAR rockets on its external pylons in conjunction with heavy bomb loads, the B-57B is best suited to taking out armoured targets or naval targets such as destroyers and cruisers.

As well as its ability to deliver massive offensive potential to targets at high speeds, it is also equipped with 8 wing-mounted 12.7 mm Browning M3 machine guns that hold a healthy 2,800 rounds of ammunition, allowing it to attack light targets with ease, but also provides air-to-air combat potential for pilots. However, these HMGs are fitted far on the outside of each wing making gun convergence a big issue. Another novel feature of the B model is its rotating bomb bay that can hold large stores of a variety of bombs to complement its wing-mounted payloads. With a maximum potential loadout of 8 x 1,000 lb bombs coupled with 8 x 127 mm HVAR rockets, the B-57B is one of the most versatile aircraft in-game at rank V.

By comparison to its contemporary jet attack-bombers of other nations, the IL-28, Arado C-3, Canberra B (I) Mk 6 and R2Y2 series, the B-57B can carry the largest payload thanks to its external stores, making this the ideal choice for players who prefer more aggressive and direct attack roles in the skies.

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Offensive 12 mm EESBC No.2 Mark 2
II Compressor Airframe EELBC No.1 Mark 3
III Wings repair Engine New 12 mm MGs EERC No.3 Mark 1
IV G-suit Cover EERC No.3 Mark 2

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good low altitude performance
  • Great horizontal manoeuvrability
  • Outruns pre-Korean War jets
  • Excellent offensive armament of 8 x Browning M3s
  • Impressive and versatile payload
  • Bomber spawn (AB/RB)

Cons:

  • Big target
  • Slower than most enemy jets it faces
  • Gun convergence problematic for offensive armament
  • Hostile matchmaker
  • Poor performance at altitude

History

The Martin B-57B was a development of the licence-built version of the British Canberra B Mk 2, the B-57A. After its impressive performances at the Farnborough airshows in the early 1950s, the United States of America were keen to acquire the record setting jet bomber to fulfil the role of fast attacker similar to their current A-26 model. America had no suitable replacements for the Invader's position and experiences in Korea had proven the value of an Interdiction attacker.

As such, licence production of the Canberra was given by English Electric to Martin for the B-57A. Whilst the A model was essentially the same as the British variant, the B model had numerous improvements and changes over the A model that distinguishes it from the original Canberra design. Features such as a redesigned canopy that required 2 crew rather than 3, newer engines, improved wing strength coupled with pylons for large external stores, more effective airbrakes and the Martin's reduced drag rotary bomb bay from previous test aircraft were all included into the B model. As well as this, the B-57B also had offensive armament in the form of 8 Browning M3 machine guns with 4 in each wing, however, this was later updated to 4 x 20 mm M39 cannon.

All of this combined lead to the emergence of a highly effective interdiction aircraft that now differed greatly from its British counterpart to which it was based upon. Even with the rapid pace of jet aircraft development, the B-57B continued on in service thanks to its flexibility and versatility of combat roles. Numerous payloads options and configurations existed that allowed for a multitude of possible tasks including interdiction, reconnaissance or high altitude bombing. Whilst the primary models would retire in the late 1970s towards the early 1980s, highly modified variants still continue to serve in research and development roles for NASA even today.

Media

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

See also

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


Glenn L. Martin Company
Attackers  AM-1
Bombers  B-10B · B-26B · PBM-1 · PBM-3 · PBM-5A
Jet bombers  B-57A* · B-57B*
Export  Martin 139WC · Martin 167-A3 · B-26C
  * These aircraft were license-built from The English Electric Company Limited who developed and built the British English Electric Canberra.

USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-14  F-14A Early · ▄F-14A IRIAF · F-14B
F-15  F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C · AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late · A-10C
F-111  F-111A · F-111F
Other  A-6E TRAM · F-105D · F-117
  Bombers
B-57  B-57A · B-57B