NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
No front line World War Two aircraft had a lower attrition than the Martin B-26 Marauder. Flying low and medium level missions, it served on the Mediterranean, European, and Pacific fronts.
Early 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.
After thoroughly checking it out and finding it performed to his satisfaction, Doolittle set out to convince air crew members that the aircraft was safe to fly.
Although the B-26 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 aircraft 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 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 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 bombers, using their machine guns, provided low level air cover for Allied troops.
In May of 1945 Martin B-26 Marauder aircraft flew their final missions of the war over Europe.
A total of 5,266 of the bomber aircraft of all types were built.
B-26G Specifications
Primary Function:
Crew:
Engines:
Horsepower:
Weight Empty:
Max. Weight:
Fuel:
Ordnance:
Machine Guns:
Length:
Wingspan:
Cruise Speed:
Max. Speed:
Climb Rate:
Ceiling:
Range:
First flight:
Date Deployed:
Pictured above is the 1/8 scale rc 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. All up weight is between 35 and 40 lbs.
Model Airplane News published Mark Rittinger plans for a rc B-26 Marauder radio control airplane in their Dec. 2004 issue. The electric powered model is built from balsa and foam. It has a length of 34.5" and a wing span of 42". Power is from a pair of speed 400 motors.
The first picture below is of a Dumas all balsa kit of the rc B-26 Marauder that may be converted from rubber band power to a radio control airplane. Wing span is 30" and length is 25".
In the second picture is a 1:12 scale rc B-26 Marauder from Palmer Plans. Wing span 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.
The bottom picture on the page is of a Rabit Models rc B-26 Marauder. It has a 28" wing span and may be equipped with two GWS brushed or brushless motors.
Martin B-26 Marauder
