Martin Baltimore Mk I
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1941 · bomber
The Martin Baltimore Mk I is the initial production variant of the American-designed light bomber operated exclusively by the Royal Air Force and Commonwealth air forces during World War II. It was derived from the earlier Martin Maryland but featured a deeper fuselage allowing internal communication between crew stations.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Twin-engine light bomber with deep oval fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine light bomber with deep oval fuselage
- Dorsal turret and ventral gun position
- Mid-mounted tapered wing with Wright GR-2600 Twin Cyclone engines
Distinguished by its notably deep oval fuselage (deeper than the Maryland), twin Twin Cyclone radials, mid-mounted tapered wing, and the dorsal turret position offset to starboard on early marks.
Specifications
- The Martin Baltimore Mk I 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 specifically to a British Purchasing Commission requirement in 1940, the Baltimore first flew in June 1941. The Mk I entered RAF service in the Middle East theatre, where it was used intensively against Axis forces in North Africa. Unlike the Maryland, the Baltimore was never operated by the USAAF.
Variants
Production progressed through Mk I to Mk V and then the GR Mk VI maritime variant; later marks introduced uprated engines, more powerful armament, and improved crew positions.
Where you'll see it
Operated principally by the RAF, SAAF, RAAF, and other Commonwealth air forces in the Middle East and Mediterranean; saw action at El Alamein and throughout the North African campaign.
Related aircraft
- Martin Baltimore
- 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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