B-26 Marauder
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No front line World War Two aircraft had a lower attrition than the B-26 Marauder, produced by Martin Aircraft. Flying low and medium level missions, it served on the Mediterranean, European, and Pacific fronts.
Early B-26 Marauder aircraft gained a reputation as a difficult to fly aircraft due to their relatively high stall speed. This was particularly apparent during landings and when flying on a single engine.
As a result of numerous training accidents, General Doolittle, famed leader of the first U.S. World War II bomber raid on Japan, was asked to investigate the B-26 Marauder.
After thoroughly checking it out and finding it performed to his satisfaction, Doolittle set out to convince air crew members that the B-26 Marauder was safe to fly.
Although the B-26 Marauder was supposed to be flown by two pilots, Doolittle took the aircraft up alone for a demonstration flight. Once at altitude an engine was shut down. Doolittle proceeded to do a 360 degree turn of the B-26 Marauder into the dead engine. He then restarted the engine and shut the other one. He proceeded to turn into the direction of that engine. Then he demonstrated steep banking turns and even climbed on a single engine.
As a final maneuver, Doolittle dove the B-26 Marauder to gain speed, then pulled into a large loop, still on the single engine. With that completed he restarted the engine and set the aircraft down on the runway.
In March of 1942 relatively small numbers of B-26 Marauder bombers were transferred to the South Pacific where they flew missions against enemy air bases and shipping.
On D Day, June 6, 1944, the B-26 Marauder, using its machine guns, provided low level air cover for Allied troops.
In May of 1945 B-26 Marauder aircraft flew their final missions of the war over Europe.
A total of 5,266 of the B-26 Marauder of all types were built.
medium bomber
seven
P & W R2800
2 x 2,000 hp. ea.
23,978 lbs.
38,200 lbs.
8,772 lbs.
5,200 lbs.
11- .50 caliber
56' 1"
71' 0"
215 mph
285 mph
1.100 fpm
20,000 feet
2,800 miles
11/25/40
1941
B-26 Marauder
Jim Marshall's B-26 Marauder.
Pictured above is the B-26 Marauder designed by Jerry Bates from Bob Holman Plans built by Jim Marshall. Wing span is 106 1/2". Recommended power are a pair of G-23 to G-38 engines. In addition to plans, Bob Holman Plans will also sell you a short kit of the B-26 Marauder. All up weight is between 35 and 40 lbs.
Model Airplane News published Mark Rittinger plans for a B-26 Marauder in their Dec. 2004 issue. The electric powered model is built from balsa and foam. It has a length of 34.5" and a wingspan of 42". Power is from a pair of speed 400 motors.
The first picture below is of a Dumas all balsa kit of the B-26 Marauder that may be converted from rubber band power to a radio control airplane. Wingspan is 30" and length is 25".
In the second picture is a 1:12 scale B-26 Marauder from Palmer Plans. Wingspan is 71" and length is 56.5". Recommended power comes from 2 x O.S. .25s. With those engines it will have an all up weight of around 6 lbs.
Wowplanes has a B-26 Marauder for sale. Its a foamy kit that builds to a five foot wingspan and a four foot length. Power may be from Speed 600 size motors. Weight is about 4 3/4 lbs.
Vertigo, China, has a B-26 Marauder for sale. Its wingspan is 78" and length is 69". The ARF can be powered by .46 2C engines or the equivalent electric motors. All up weight should be around 13 1/2 lbs.
The bottom picture on the page is of a B-26 Marauder for sale by Rabit Models. It has a 28" wingspan and may be equipped with two GWS brushed or brushless motors.
Martin B-26 Marauder
