Difference between revisions of "Stirling B Mk I"

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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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}}
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{{Break}}
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.55 "Royal Armour"]].
  
The Stirling B Mk I plays as a standard long range bomber. Climbing to high altitudes and using alternative routes or flying at tree-top level to bomb targets to prevent engagement is recommended as the Stirling B Mk I likely won't survive any due to poor armour and strength. It is not well defended at all with low calibre machine guns, which are not very effective at the battle rating of 4.3/5.0. It is extremely flammable and fragile when engaged with cannons, although it may survive machine gun fire lower than 10 mm calibre.
+
The Stirling B Mk I plays as a standard long range bomber. Climbing to high altitudes and using alternative routes or flying at tree-top level to bomb targets to prevent engagement is recommended as the Stirling B Mk I likely won't survive any due to poor armour and strength. It is not well defended at all with low calibre machine guns, which are not very effective at its battle rating. It is extremely flammable and fragile when engaged with cannons, although it may survive some small-calibre machine gun fire.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
The general flight performance of this aircraft is lacking. The Stirling has a very poor climb rate - especially when stock. The turn time is sluggish, as well as acceleration and top speed.
 
The general flight performance of this aircraft is lacking. The Stirling has a very poor climb rate - especially when stock. The turn time is sluggish, as well as acceleration and top speed.
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| 372 || 358 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 51.9 || 53.8 || 5.3 || 5.3 || rowspan="2" | 1,170
+
| 373 || 359 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 51.9 || 53.8 || 5.3 || 5.3 || rowspan="2" | 1,170
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
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|}
 
|}
  
====Details====
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==== Details ====
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
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=== 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.'' -->
{{main|G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}
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{{main|G.P. Mk.IV (250 lb)|G.P. Mk.IV (500 lb)|M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I (1,000 lb)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
* 27 x 250 lb G.P. 250 lb Mk.IV bombs (6,750 lb total)
+
* 27 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (6,750 lb total)
* 27 x 500 lb G.P. 500 lb Mk.IV bombs (13,500 lb total)
+
* 27 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (13,500 lb total)
 
* 9 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (9,000 lb total)
 
* 9 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (9,000 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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:
 
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)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg)
* 1 x 7.7 mm Browning .303 machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg)
+
* 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, tail turret (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)
  
 
== Usage in 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 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).'' -->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
  
===== ''Offensive'' =====
+
;Offence
The Stirling B Mk I is very large and very heavy. It has multiple loadout options of bombs, which can get 3 bases with its heavier bombloads. This is also the heaviest bombload at its tier.
+
The Stirling B Mk I is very large and very heavy. However, it has the ability to carry the heaviest bombload for its rank with the 9 x 1,000 lb preset, allowing it to take out all three bases in a single flyout.
  
===== ''Defensive'' =====
+
;Defence
Its onboard LMG defensive armament most probably will not be effective against targets at BR 4.3/5.0. Defensive armament does not have 360° coverage, although it is somewhat effective against attacks from behind, where you can fire the dorsal/ventral and tail guns in unison.
+
The defensive complement of eight 7.7 mm machine guns in total is generally insufficient against common aggressors. The turrets do not have 360° coverage, notably the majority of the underside of the aircraft is completely undefended. Try to keep any opponents above and behind you, allowing both the dorsal and tail turrets to target them together, maximising your potential firepower. However, the low-calibre machine guns are rather underpowered, so cannot be relied upon barring some lucky hits into their pilot or engine.
  
===== ''Mobility'' =====
+
;Mobility
The Stirling B Mk I has 4 engines with enormous wing surface area, It makes for a good climb rate but it also struggles with heavier bombloads. Fortunately, the control surfaces are extremely large as well, which helps a lot with controlling the plane.
+
The Stirling B Mk I has 4 engines with enormous wing surface area, giving it a reasonable climb rate though it can struggle when equipped with the heavier bombloads. Fortunately, the control surfaces are extremely large as well, which helps a lot with controlling the plane.
  
==== Tactics ====
+
;Tactics
The Stirling has a huge payload but delivering it may be challenging. This is because the plane is very weak for a BR 5.0. Going straight to bomb and enemy base as soon as you spawn is suicide. Keep in mind that if an enemy plane finds you, you are dead. It is much bigger than a Wellington and catches fire easier; a short burst from a Bf 109 or La-7 and you go down in flames. Stay away from any enemy plane if possible as your defensive armament is almost useless and you can only rely on stealth (WWII Stirlings were used primarily on night missions). Depending on the map, you can choose to go at tree top level, or take a long route away from the combat zone, hidden in the clouds. When attacking ground targets at low altitude, pay attention to anti-aircraft guns and trucks, they can set you on fire easily.
+
The Stirling has a huge payload but delivering it may be challenging, as it lacks the defensive armament, survivability, or flight performance of its contemporaries. Avoid enemy aircraft at all costs. Going straight to bomb an enemy base as soon as you spawn can sometimes net some quick RP, but don't expect to survive for long. Instead, side-climbing and utilising cloud cover is often the better option to stay hidden all the way to the bases. If forced down, try to fly at tree-top level to make yourself a more difficult target to hit, as well as preventing any enemy aircraft from sneaking around under your unprotected belly.
  
==== Specific enemies worth noting ====
+
;Specific enemies worth noting
Any fighter is very dangerous for the Stirling B Mk I. The [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109]], [[La-5]], [[La-7]], [[A6M (Family)|A6M]], and the [[C.205N2|C.205]] are the most lethal opponents. If any risk of engagement is present, the player should seek fighter support.
+
Any fighter is very dangerous for the Stirling, particularly any aircraft equipped with cannons (though large-calibre machine guns are still a threat). Common opponents can include [[Bf 109 (Family)|Bf 109s]], [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190s]], [[G.55 (Family)|G.55s]], [[Do 335 (Family)|Do 335s]], [[La-7 (Family)|La-7s]], and [[A6M (Family)|A6Ms]], as well as any heavily-armed heavy fighters climbing specifically to prey on easy bombers such as the Stirling. If any heavy fighter or bomber hunter reaches you, you can expect to be sent back to the hangar immediately.
  
==== Counter-tactics ====
+
;Counter-tactics
Directly firing and not using any tactics is enough to kill the Stirling B Mk I. Its defensive armament can be ignored, although attacking from the top will minimize damage. Aiming at wings where the fuel tanks are is recommended, as it will most probably result in a fire.
+
Tactics are not required to down a Stirling B Mk I. However, to maximise efficiency, it is recommended to aim for the wings, increasing the chances of an engine or fuel fire, or simply breaking the wing itself, while the large, empty fuselage can sometimes soak up rounds. The defensive machine guns aren't too much to worry about, as long as you keep moving to avoid allowing multiple shots into critical components such as your pilot or engine, but you should attack from below if possible, as turret coverage is severely limited below the aircraft.
  
===Manual Engine Control===
+
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
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! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
! Water
 
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
===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
 
|-
 
|-
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== 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 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>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
''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).''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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== See 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.''
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== External links ==
 
== 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;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 11:43, 5 November 2020

stirling_mk1.png
Stirling B Mk I
Research:26 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:76 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the British bomber Stirling B Mk I. For the other version, see Stirling B Mk III.

Description

GarageImage Stirling B Mk I.jpg


The Stirling B Mk I is a rank III British bomber with a battle rating of 4.0 (AB/RB) and 5.0 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.55 "Royal Armour".

The Stirling B Mk I plays as a standard long range bomber. Climbing to high altitudes and using alternative routes or flying at tree-top level to bomb targets to prevent engagement is recommended as the Stirling B Mk I likely won't survive any due to poor armour and strength. It is not well defended at all with low calibre machine guns, which are not very effective at its battle rating. It is extremely flammable and fragile when engaged with cannons, although it may survive some small-calibre machine gun fire.

General info

Flight performance

The general flight performance of this aircraft is lacking. The Stirling has a very poor climb rate - especially when stock. The turn time is sluggish, as well as acceleration and top speed.

Without performance upgrades, this aircraft will struggle to climb at all carrying a payload.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,268 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 373 359 6098 51.9 53.8 5.3 5.3 1,170
Upgraded 422 396 48.3 50.0 11.4 7.9

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 + -
0 258 350 350 245 ~4 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 350 < 350 < 350 > 302
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
762 m 1,325 hp 1,656 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
4,267 m 1,200 hp 1,500 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 8 mm Steel plate in the left pilot's seat.
  • 9 mm Steel plate in front of engine cooling systems.

The survivability of the Stirling B Mk I is very poor. Any encounter with a fighter or bomber hunter will end badly. The entire structure is relatively weak, and it wont take many cannon rounds to tear off the tail or a wing. The fuel tanks are vulnerable and catch fire easily too. For armour, there is a 9 mm plate in front of the cooling systems of each engine, and an 8 mm plate protecting the pilot from rounds coming from the rear of the aircraft.

Due to the engines being radial, you do not have to worry so much about cooling as there is no liquid cooling system. Oil leaks and high temperature are still a concern though.

If a player does decide to sit on your rear, you do have six 7.7 mm machine guns that can shoot in that direction. Good preparation and a few well placed shots will quickly shred them, if they have not destroyed you first.

Armaments

Suspended armament

The Stirling B Mk I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 27 x 250 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (6,750 lb total)
  • 27 x 500 lb G.P. Mk.IV bombs (13,500 lb total)
  • 9 x 1,000 lb M.C. 1,000 lb Mk.I bombs (9,000 lb total)

Defensive armament

Main article: Browning (7.7 mm)

The Stirling B Mk I 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)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Browning machine gun, ventral turret (1,000 rpg)
  • 4 x 7.7 mm Browning machine guns, tail turret (1,000 rpg = 4,000 total)

Usage in battles

Offence

The Stirling B Mk I is very large and very heavy. However, it has the ability to carry the heaviest bombload for its rank with the 9 x 1,000 lb preset, allowing it to take out all three bases in a single flyout.

Defence

The defensive complement of eight 7.7 mm machine guns in total is generally insufficient against common aggressors. The turrets do not have 360° coverage, notably the majority of the underside of the aircraft is completely undefended. Try to keep any opponents above and behind you, allowing both the dorsal and tail turrets to target them together, maximising your potential firepower. However, the low-calibre machine guns are rather underpowered, so cannot be relied upon barring some lucky hits into their pilot or engine.

Mobility

The Stirling B Mk I has 4 engines with enormous wing surface area, giving it a reasonable climb rate though it can struggle when equipped with the heavier bombloads. Fortunately, the control surfaces are extremely large as well, which helps a lot with controlling the plane.

Tactics

The Stirling has a huge payload but delivering it may be challenging, as it lacks the defensive armament, survivability, or flight performance of its contemporaries. Avoid enemy aircraft at all costs. Going straight to bomb an enemy base as soon as you spawn can sometimes net some quick RP, but don't expect to survive for long. Instead, side-climbing and utilising cloud cover is often the better option to stay hidden all the way to the bases. If forced down, try to fly at tree-top level to make yourself a more difficult target to hit, as well as preventing any enemy aircraft from sneaking around under your unprotected belly.

Specific enemies worth noting

Any fighter is very dangerous for the Stirling, particularly any aircraft equipped with cannons (though large-calibre machine guns are still a threat). Common opponents can include Bf 109s, Fw 190s, G.55s, Do 335s, La-7s, and A6Ms, as well as any heavily-armed heavy fighters climbing specifically to prey on easy bombers such as the Stirling. If any heavy fighter or bomber hunter reaches you, you can expect to be sent back to the hangar immediately.

Counter-tactics

Tactics are not required to down a Stirling B Mk I. However, to maximise efficiency, it is recommended to aim for the wings, increasing the chances of an engine or fuel fire, or simply breaking the wing itself, while the large, empty fuselage can sometimes soak up rounds. The defensive machine guns aren't too much to worry about, as long as you keep moving to avoid allowing multiple shots into critical components such as your pilot or engine, but you should attack from below if possible, as turret coverage is severely limited below the aircraft.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator SUBC mk.I
II Compressor Airframe Turret 7 mm
III Wings repair Engine MBC mk.III
IV Engine injection Cover New 7 mm MGs (turret)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Rear gunner and top fuselage gunner can fire in unison (If the rear gunner gets knocked-out, The top gunner will still be able to defend)
  • Best payload at rank III, enough to destroy 3 bases

Cons:

  • Very large target
  • Cannot take many hits
  • Flammable
  • Mediocre LMG defence
  • Almost no armour
  • Vulnerable fuel tanks
  • Very bad climb rate with full payload
  • Sways very heavily in RB when trying to climb
  • Huge glass cockpit means near-certain death from head-on attacks

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 long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <ref></ref>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <references />. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under === In-game description ===, also if applicable).

Media

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

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

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


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