The difference between distance 2 and 3 is significant that is why but wings being speed 2 is such a handicap

Range 1 or Engagement range is 7.6cm

Range 2 is 4.8cm

Range 3/4/5 is 6cm

So the new upgrade that lets you shuffle squadrons along, means B-wings just went from 20cm threat range, to 27.6cm threat range, or +7.6cm per upgrade used on them. Quite a significant boost, add in Torryn and Bomber Command, and B-wings just became super nasty.