Martin Baltimore GR Mk VI

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1944 · transport aircraft

The Baltimore GR Mk VI was the maritime general-reconnaissance variant of the Baltimore, fitted with ASV (air-to-surface vessel) radar and adapted for overwater patrol rather than tactical bombing.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	Deep oval fuselage with twin Wright Cyclone radials
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Maritime reconnaissance Baltimore with ASV radar
Bomb-bay modified for search equipment carriage
Deep oval fuselage with twin Wright Cyclone radials

May carry external radar aerials or antennas distinguishing it from bomber marks; otherwise shares the standard Baltimore fuselage and wing profile.

Specifications

The Martin Baltimore GR Mk VI 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

As the land campaign in the Mediterranean progressed and the need for tactical bombing declined, some Baltimores were converted or built new as maritime reconnaissance aircraft. The GR Mk VI served in the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean hunting enemy shipping and submarines.

Variants

The GR Mk VI is the final Baltimore variant; it represents a change in mission rather than structural development of the airframe.

Where you'll see it

Used by RAF and Commonwealth maritime patrol units in the Mediterranean; the aircraft's career ended with the conclusion of hostilities in Europe.

Related aircraft

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