Martin B-26 Marauder
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1940 · bomber
The Martin B-26 Marauder was an American twin-engine medium bomber that served extensively in both the European and Pacific theatres of World War II. Despite its early reputation for being difficult to fly, it ultimately achieved the lowest loss rate of any American bomber in the European theatre.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 17.75 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- WWII American medium bomber with very short high-aspect-ratio wings
- Twin Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radials in large nacelles
- Earned nickname 'Widow Maker' early in service due to high landing speed
Mid-wing twin-engine bomber with noticeably short, narrow wings relative to its fuselage, very large engine nacelles, tricycle undercarriage, and a prominent tail gunner's position.
Specifications
- The Martin B-26 Marauder has a length of 17.75 m (58 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 21.65 m (71 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 454 km/h (282 mph).
- Typical crew: 7.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The B-26 was the result of a 1939 US Army Air Corps competition demanding extremely high performance. The Martin design was accepted without a prototype, leading to direct production in 1940. Early models suffered numerous accidents from their demanding high-speed landing characteristics, but intensive pilot training resolved the issue. By mid-war the Marauder was the USAAF's most capable medium bomber, serving prominently in North Africa, Italy, France, and the Pacific.
Variants
Variants from B-26 through B-26G progressively increased wingspan and incorporated defensive improvements; the JM-1/JM-2 served the US Navy as target tugs; the AT-23 was a trainer variant.
Where you'll see it
Served with the USAAF in every major theatre; the Free French Air Force also operated Marauders in North Africa and Europe; South Africa flew the type in Italy.
Related aircraft
- Martin Baltimore
- Martin Baltimore Mk I
- Martin Baltimore Mk II
- Martin Maryland
- Arkhangelsky Ar-2
- B-25 Mitchell
- BB-MAI
- Bloch MB.162
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