Martin Baltimore Mk III
Glenn L. Martin Company · United States · first flew 1942 · bomber
The Martin Baltimore Mk III introduced a fully enclosed Martin-designed dorsal turret, significantly improving the gunner's protection and field of fire compared to earlier marks.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Deep oval fuselage distinguishes it from the Maryland |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Baltimore with fully enclosed Martin dorsal turret
- Deep oval fuselage distinguishes it from the Maryland
- Twin Wright GR-2600 radials with close cowlings
The enclosed dorsal turret is the distinguishing feature from Mk I and II; the overall Baltimore profile — deep oval fuselage, mid-wing, twin radials — remains constant across all marks.
Specifications
- The Martin Baltimore Mk III 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 III entered service in 1942 and was heavily used during the decisive battles of the North African campaign. The enclosed turret addressed a key vulnerability identified in combat operations with the Mk I and II.
Variants
The Mk IIIa followed as a minor variant; the Mk IV introduced more powerful Wright GR-2600-29 engines.
Where you'll see it
Operated by the RAF, SAAF, RAAF, and other Commonwealth forces in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy; the Mk III was the most numerous early-production variant.
Related aircraft
- Glenn L. Martin XPB2M-1 Mars
- Martin Baltimore Mk IIIa
- Martin Baltimore Mk IV
- Martin JRM Mars
- Aichi B7A Ryusei
- Avro Lancaster B.III
- B-29 Superfortress
- Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress
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