Martin Baltimore
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1941 · bomber
The Martin Baltimore was a twin-engine light bomber developed for British and Commonwealth service as an evolution of the Maryland, with a more powerful engine and deeper fuselage for better crew communication. It saw extensive combat in the Mediterranean theatre.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin-engine light bomber with narrow fuselage and tandem crew |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine light bomber with narrow fuselage and tandem crew
- Wright R-2600 Double Cyclone radials
- Dorsal turret immediately behind the cockpit
A twin-engine mid-wing bomber with a narrow tandem fuselage where crew members are stacked vertically; the slim fuselage and prominent twin-row radials distinguish it from the broader Martin Marauder.
Specifications
- The Martin Baltimore has a length of 14.78 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 18.69 m (61 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 491 km/h (305 mph).
- Typical crew: 4.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed to a British Purchasing Commission requirement and first flown in June 1941, the Baltimore was produced exclusively for British and Commonwealth forces. It served with the RAF, South African Air Force, and Australian Air Force across North Africa and Italy, proving fast and manoeuvrable at low and medium altitudes. Over 1,575 were built.
Variants
Marks I through V differed primarily in engine fit and defensive armament; the Mk V had four fixed forward-firing guns and an improved turret.
Where you'll see it
Operated extensively in the Mediterranean by the RAF and South African Air Force; not used by the USAAF. Some Greek Air Force use post-war.
Related aircraft
- Martin Baltimore Mk I
- Martin Baltimore Mk II
- Martin PBM-3 Mariner
- Glenn L. Martin XPB2M-1 Mars
- Avro Lancaster
- Avro Lancaster B.I
- Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress
- Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation Woomera
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