This craft was a revision to the original Sturgeon platform. After the great success seen with that vehicle, AAB saw the model as fit to upgrade and standardize. The original Sturgeon was a hastily thrown together medium bomber using off the shelf parts. Fit and finish was not even considered during the original run. The B model looked to change all of that.

Pilots were immediately familiar with the Sturgeon B because on paper it fits the same bill as the A. The finer details being mulled over made this plane a much more competent bomber however. Following the original blueprint, the AAB core decided to make most parts bespoke to this model. While the overall shape and function didn't change, everything else did. A revised layout gave room for more crew and thus more functionality was added.

This craft serves as a day/night medium bomber and assault escort. A new gunner in the rear (not turreted, sorry, I don't know how yet) provided 180 degree protection for this craft and others in formation. There were later revisions adding even more turret positions but this is where the changes started. Up front 4 heavy machine guns are operated by the bombing spotter when necessary. The rocket systems from the A model also return here and have been updated with better pneumatic reload systems alongside other adjustments. The overall bombload for the craft has increased and new armaments were made available for use.

Outside of armaments the craft saw a major up-armoring and performance upgrade. While the top speed is around the same at 410 GS MPH the massive weight increases due to armor, weaponry, and fuel storage changes make that speed all the more impressive. The Sturgeon B was not the final revision of the vehicle, nor the only permutation, but it did serve as the gold standard. Because of the B model's changes and improvements, the A model was phased out very quickly and replaced. The only downside to this craft was really its cost due to all the bleeding edge tech placed into it.

As far as flight characteristics go, it flies about as well as you'd expect from a weighty medium bomber. Pilots are able to line up, pack their punch, and leave without too much fuss from the craft. Takeoff and Landing is a bit of a chore as the layout for gear on the plane is unconventional and there is a lot of weight to stop moving or get going. There is a pull to the left when taking off and this returns when landing. Yaw, careful brake work and patience take care of all this however.

The impact this plane had on the conflicts it flew in was notable. Pilots felt safe and protected by this beast, the casualty record was low compared to comparable aircraft in the division. Due to the advantages of the airframe layout, many aircraft would be built based on the Sturgeon in at least their earliest phases.

Note: First release after 1.11 here we go. I will improve as time goes on by "re-releasing" my previous aircraft. This one took a long time but I'm sure I'll speed up going forward. The cockpit is fully detailed but not polished very well. This is another area that I'm just learning. I dont get gauges, variables, and otherwise yet like some of ya'll. I hope you enjoy it!

AG 1 Bomb Doors and Arming
AG 2 Canopy open/close
AG 3 Rocket arm and front lights
AG 4 Running lights
AG 5 Airbrakes
AG 6 Night Mode (does nothing, who knows what its there for)
AG 7 Rear Gunner Arm (mainly because its disappointing just being static)
AG 8 Engine Kill