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Aviation History
1941
1941 - 1727.PDF
JULY 31ST, 1941. . FLIGHT ': TWO MARTIN BOMBERS The 187 Baltimore and the B-26 '.: ... THE MARTIN 187 BALTIMORE has been expressly designed to Royal Air Force requirements. THE first release of official information on the Baltimore, whichthe Glenn L. Martin Company is building for Britain, cannow be made. This medium bpmber was given its first test flights on June 14th, at the Martin factory in Baltimore, and is reported to have thoroughly satisfied its builders. No doubt it will also satisfy the Royal Air Force, to whose express requirements it has been designed, and should prove a worthy successor to the Mary- land reconnaissance bomber which has done so well in the actious in the Mediterranean. (The company designation of the Maryland is Model 167, while the later Baltimore is the Model 187.) The Baltimore is designed for versatility, and with its bomber duties will combine the functions of long-range reconnaissance, and perhaps even fighting. For it is believed to be among the fastest twin-engined bombers and also carries heavy offensive and defensive armament, including a power operated gun turret. It is heavier than the Maryland but lighter than that other Martin bomber, the B-26. (B-26 refers to the U.S. Army Air Corps specification to which it was designed.) The B-26 was described with photographs in Flight of January 23rd, and it was then remarked that "this machine should not be confused with the Martin 187, building for Britain." The Baltimore is a mid-wing monoplane powered with two Wright engines of 1,600 h.p. (presumably 14-cylinder Cyclones). It has the type of moulded plastic n_se, giving good visibility for the bomb- aimer, first seen on the B-26. The engines of the B-26 are more powerful, being 18 cylinder Pratt and Whitneys of 1,850 h.p. each The differences between the two are significant. Though the B-26 is more "modern " in appearance with its beautifully shaped fuse- lage and its nosewheel undercarriage, compared to the Baltimore's tail wheel and its bomb bay underneath, it may be that the Balti- more is bettei adapted to the rough and tumble which is war. But perhaps the B 26 will prove to be a bomber which is both pleasant to behold and efficient at its job. The name Marauder has not yet been accepted officially for il over here. (Above) Baltimore general arrangement. (Below)The Martin B-26 bomber. A very "modern" design making full use of advances in plastics.
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