aircraft:wb3_phoenix
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| WB.3 Phoenix | |
|---|---|
 WB.3M Phoenix, 1970 |
|
| Role | Supersonic bomber |
| National origin | Wingarde |
| Manufacturer | Wingarde Aerospace |
| First flight | 27 July 1965 |
| Introduction | 11 October 1966 |
| Retired | 1989 |
| Primary user | Wingarde Federal Air Force |
| Produced | 1966–1981 |
| Major variants | • Supersonic (nuclear) strike • Maritime strike • Electronic warfare |
The WB.3 Phoenix (German: Phönix) was a supersonic bomber designed to penetrate deep into enemy territory and deliver precision strikes, nuclear if necessary, using its speed to outrun any possible retaliation. The aircraft's profile also made it a suitable candidate for anti-shipping missions, albeit exclusively from land bases.
A specialized platform, by the latter half of the 1980s, its role became increasingly supplanted by more versatile, modern air assets, such as the WF.17 Falchion. The idea of negating enemy defenses with sheer speed was revisited starting 2005, with the project that eventually gave birth to the WB.7 Archangel.
Variants
- WB.3 (1966): Original production version. Strategic/tactical, nuclear-capable bomber.
- WB.3B (1979): Improved original variant, with upgraded avionics and greater ordnance compatibility.
- WB.3M (1967): Maritime strike variant, able to carry up to 4 large anti-ship missiles.
- WB.3M2 (1979): Improved maritime striker.
- WB.3E (1975): Initial electronic warfare platform.
- WB.3E2 (1981): Upgraded EW suite and aerodynamic profile.
Specifications (WB.3X Phoenix)
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 (1 pilot, 1 weapons officer)
- Length: 28 m (92 ft)
- Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft)
- Height: 7.51 m (25 ft)
- Empty weight: 25,221 kg (55,603 lb)
- Max. takeoff weight: 37,109 kg (81,811 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × XXXX afterburning turbojet engines, 25,000 lbf (111 kN), 32,000 lbf (142 kN) with afterburner
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 (2,626 km/h, 1,632 mph) at altitude, Mach 1 (1,194 km/h, 742 mph) at sea level
- Range: 1,200 km (standard combat, 746 mi, 648 nmi), 4,400 km (maximum, 2,734 mi, 2,376 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 12,000 m (40,000 ft)
Armament
Combinations of the following ordnance:
- Bombs:
- 16 × 250 kg bombs in weapons bay
- 8 × 500 kg bombs in weapons bay
- 2 × 250kt nuclear bombs in weapons bay
- 2 × 500-litre drop tanks on inner wing hardpoints
- Missiles:
- 4 × large anti-ship missiles (2 in weapons bay, 2 on inner wings)
- 2 × Nuclear-capable (optional, 150kt) cruise missiles on inner wing hardpoints
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