Martin Baltimore Mk II

Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1941 · bomber

The Martin Baltimore Mk II introduced improvements to the dorsal gun position over the Mk I, reflecting combat experience gained in the Middle East theatre and the need for better defensive firepower against Axis fighters.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Baltimore with improved dorsal armament over Mk I
• Deep oval fuselage, twin Wright Twin Cyclone radials
• Mid-mounted wing with characteristic engine nacelle profile

Externally near-identical to the Mk I; the dorsal gun turret configuration is the principal difference and difficult to distinguish at typical recognition distances.

Specifications

• The Martin Baltimore Mk II 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

The Mk II entered service alongside the Mk I in the Western Desert in 1942. Changes from the Mk I were relatively minor, focusing on defensive armament; both marks flew in the same units and were operated interchangeably.

Variants

Sits between the Mk I and Mk III in the Baltimore sequence; each successive mark introduced progressively more powerful engines or armament improvements.

Where you'll see it

Same operators and theatres as the Mk I; RAF, SAAF, and RAAF in North Africa and the Mediterranean.

Related aircraft

• Martin Baltimore
• Martin Baltimore Mk I
• 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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