Why the Avro Lancaster Superior Outperformed the B-17 as a Strategic Bomber
Many discussions about the World War II era strategic bombers focus heavily on the illustrious B-17 Flying Fortress, a symbol of American might and resilience. However, the Avro Lancaster, while often overshadowed, was a highly efficient and superior bomber with its own unique advantages. This article aims to shed light on why the Avro Lancaster might have been an even better choice for missions over Europe.
Advantages of the Avro Lancaster
Both the Avro Lancaster and B-17 were iconic four-engine heavy bombers of the 1940s. However, the Avro Lancaster among RAF and Commonwealth air forces showcased several key advantages that made it a superior choice compared to the B-17.
A. Larger Bomb Load and Fuel Efficiency: The Avro Lancaster was a 1940s design that was optimized with the latest technology. It could carry a greater bomb load and offered better fuel efficiency. The Lancaster could handle up to 8,000 pounds of bombs, while the B-17 typically carried around 6,000 pounds. The Lancaster’s advanced features like improved radio direction finders, radar, and improved navigation systems provided better overall technical specifications.
B. Fewer Crew and Higher Operational Efficiency: The Avro Lancaster’s crew compartment was more spacious and provided better protection, reducing fatigue and improving morale. With a crew of seven, compared to the B-17’s ten-man crew, the Lancaster required fewer men and had a lower rate of loss due to enemy fire. This meant that with equivalent numbers of bombers, the Lancaster could maintain a higher operational efficiency and lower the risk of crew fatalities.
C. Effectiveness of Bombs and Mission Accuracy: Although the initial bombs used in missions (such as 1,000lb TNT-filled bombs) were less devastating than modern weaponry, they still posed significant damage. However, the Avro Lancaster’s enhanced navigation and bombing systems, including the H2S radar, enabled the RAF to strike more accurately, leading to better mission outcomes.
Impact of Bomber Command
Contrary to popular belief, the accuracy and impact of Bomber Command’s missions were far from perfect. The heavy losses and limited effectiveness of missions are underlined by the statistics and reports of the time.
A. Inaccurate Targeting and Minimal Industrial Impact: After four years of strategic bombing, German aircraft and armored vehicle production saw significant increases. In a publication titled 'No Lightesion for the RAF', it is noted that from 1939 to 1943, German aircraft production almost doubled, and armored vehicle production saw a similar trend despite the intense bombing. This contradicts the notion that Bomber Command had a major impact on German industrial production.
B. Turning Points and Strategic Success: In May 1944, the turning point was the strategic bombing campaign against Germany's synthetic oil industry. As mentioned, the 935 Bomber Command sorties on 12 May 1944 against the synthetic oil plants in Germany resulted in significant damage but not a decisive blow. However, subsequent attacks by the Eighth and Fifteenth Air Forces, combined with increased U.S. strategic bombing effort, did have a marked impact.
Conclusion
The Avro Lancaster, while not as glamorous as the B-17, was a highly effective and efficient strategic bomber. Its larger payload, better fuel efficiency, and advanced bomb targeting capabilities made it a superior choice in many regards. The discrepancies in targeting accuracy and the true impact of Bomber Command operations underscore the need for a more nuanced understanding of the strategic bombing campaigns.
Note: For a deeper understanding, the recommended book 'No Lightnening' provides extensive insights and detailed statistics on the effectiveness of strategic bombing during World War II.