Martin JM-2

Glenn L. Martin Company · USA · first flew 1944 · transport aircraft

The JM-2 was a US Navy variant of the Martin B-26 Marauder twin-engine bomber, converted or procured as a high-speed target tug and utility aircraft. The Navy used the JM designation for Marauders in non-combat roles.

Recognition (WEFT)

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Spot it by:

• US Navy Marauder variant used as target tug
• Twin-engine mid-wing bomber airframe
• High-speed towing aircraft

Mid-wing twin-engine aircraft with the distinctive Marauder short-wing, long-fuselage appearance, circular-section fuselage, and large Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engines in full-chord cowlings — nicknamed 'Widow Maker' by Army crews.

Specifications

• The Martin JM-2 has a length of 17.8 m (58 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 19.8 m (65 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 454 km/h (282 mph).
• Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

The US Navy operated a small number of B-26 Marauders in secondary roles under the JM designation. The JM-2 was a target-towing variant, exploiting the Marauder's high speed to present realistic targets for gunnery training. The aircraft differed from the Army combat versions mainly in equipment.

Variants

The JM-1 was the basic Navy Marauder transport/target tug; the JM-2 was a further variant. Both were derived from the Army B-26 Marauder airframe.

Where you'll see it

Served with the US Navy at gunnery training bases for aerial target towing duties; not used in the bombing role by the Navy.

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