Known at one time as the 'Widow Maker: the B-26 overcame prejudice against its handling characteristics to become one of the USAAF's most effective medium bombers of World War II. The aeroplane shown here is a B-26B-45-MA of the American 320th Bomb Group, one of three US formations (17th, 319th and 320th Bomb Groups) flying the type in the Mediterranean theatre. Martin B-26B-45 MA Marauder TYPE: Five-seat medium bomber ENGINES: Two 1,920 hp Pratt & Whitney R-2800 43 l8-cylinder air-cooled radial engines WEIGHTS: Empty approx, 25,000 Ib (11,340 kg) Loaded approx. 37,000 Ib (16,783 kg) DIMENSIONS: Wingspan 71 ft (21.64 m) Length 58ft 3in (17.75m) Height 19ft10in (6.04m) ARMAMENT: Eleven 0.5 in Browning machine guns in nose; dorsal, waist, tail and fixed forward - firing installations plus up to 4,000 Ib (1,814 kg) of bombs PERFORMANCE: Maximum speed approx. 300 mph (483 km/h) at 15,000 ft (4,572 m) Range approx. 1,200 miles (1 ,93 I km) Service ceiling approx, 23,000ft (7,000m)
