Difference between revisions of "B-26B"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=b_26b_c
 
|code=b_26b_c
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
 
 +
In March 1939, the USAAF issued a design specification for a twin-engine medium bomber with speed and range as a priority. The Glenn L. Martin submitted their design four months later, which were accepted for contract for what would be later known as the '''Martin B-26 Marauder'''. After entering service in 1941, the Marauder became notorious for its tendency to crash during landing due to its short wingspan resulting into high stall speed that forced the pilot to land at a dangerously fast approach speed, often with fatal results. Because of this, along with the overall instability during flight that is uncomfortable for anyone on the plane, led to the Marauder to be hated by its crews and spawned numerous derogatory nicknames. Chief among these are the "Widowmaker" and the "Martin Murderer".
 +
 
 +
In response to numerous fatal crashes, in 1942 the Truman Committee demanded Martin to rectify the flaws of the Marauder or else the contract for the aircraft would be cancelled entirely. This resulted into the '''B-26B''' variant, featuring an extended wingspan and larger stabilizer and rudder to improve the overall flight characteristic and reduce the stall speed. After the problem was ironed out, the Marauder proved itself to be  a very reliable and durable bomber, with the lowest loss rate of any bombers operated by the USAAF. With one aircraft in particular, the ''Flak-Bait'', being notable for having survived 207 sortie over Europe, the most of any American aircraft in World War II.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]]. The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' served as a stopgap between the [[B-25J-20|B-25 Mitchell]] and the [[B-17E]] Flying Fortress. Featuring frontal machine guns to strafe ground targets like the Mitchell while also being closer in size and payload to the Flying Fortress. As expected for a plane of this size, the Marauder is quite sluggish, though in return also featuring heavy ordnance for its class. Allowing it to tackle any kinds of ground or naval targets.  
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
 
 +
As expected from a medium-to-large bomber, the B-26B Marauder's flight characteristics are quite similar to its predecessor, the [[B-25J-20|B-25 Mitchell]], being generally sluggish to handle but with decent flatline speed. Though due to its bigger size and weight, the general weakness found the B-25's flight performance is further exacerbated. The Marauder will lose quite a lot of energy when making any manoeuvres, especially in vertical manoeuvres that will almost always result in a stall if the plane did not have enough energy prior to the movement. This poor energy retention also results in the plane having very poor climb rate, even when compared to heavy bombers. The plane's control surface lock up when exceeding 540 km/h, and the wings will break if exceeding 580 km/h.
 +
 
 +
On the bright side, the Marauder's engines provide enough power to accelerate in shallow dives and allows the plane to reach the target faster. This also helps in emergency cases as the Marauder is also capable of flying with one engine in case the other is knocked out.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
−
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at _,___ m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,962 m)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
−
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
+
| 403 || 387 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 35.3 || 36.6 || 2.4 || 2.4 || rowspan="2" | 950
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
+
| 525 || 491 || 32.8 || 34.0 || 10.3 || 5.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || ___ || ___ || ___ || ~__ || ~__
+
| 568 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 382 || 320 || 297 || ~8 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || > ___
+
| < 270 || < 320 || < 370 || > ___
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
 
 +
* 12.7 mm steel - floor and port side of nose gunner/bombardier's position
 +
* 8 mm steel - slightly curved armour plates behind flight deck seats (pilot, copilot, plus one unoccupied position that is presumably the navigator/radio operator's position)
 +
* 9 mm steel - under main oil coolers in each engine nacelle
 +
* 12.7 mm steel - under beam gunner
 +
* 12.7 mm steel - two curved plates aft of dorsal turret
 +
* 12.7 mm steel - aft of tail gunner
 +
* 8 mm bulletproof glass - small window for tail gunner
 +
 
 +
There is basically no protection from the front for the flight crew, so while your offensive battery of five forward-firing M2 Brownings might make head-on attacks tempting, your pilots are shockingly vulnerable from that angle.
 +
 
 +
The four large self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings are relatively easy targets for enemy fighters, and your engines are also an easy target. To make matters worse, the B-26 had a reputation for being very challenging to keep in the air with only one engine. While the Marauder is often able to absorb a considerable amount of punishment, it is unlikely you'll make it alive back to base. Use your speed to keep pursuing fighters on your tail, where your relatively well protected defensive gunners can discourage pursuit.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, cheek-mounted (250 rpg upper + 200 rpg lower = 900 total)
 
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, cheek-mounted (250 rpg upper + 200 rpg lower = 900 total)
  
 +
The B-26B features five .50 cal Browning machine guns mounted on the nose and cheeks as its offensive armament. These guns were mounted with the intent of being used to strafe ground targets, which the Marauder is perfectly capable of doing. However, unlike the B-25, due to the guns being mounted quite low on the fuselage and being placed quite far apart, this results in the guns having poor convergence and thus are very hard to aim at an enemy plane. This is not helped by the fact that the plane has much worse handling than the B-25 and that its large tail directly blocks the aiming point. Because of this, it is better used against ground targets or slow-flying AI planes instead.
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|H.E. M31 (300 lb)|H.E. M32 (600 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
 
{{main|AN-M30A1 (100 lb)|H.E. M31 (300 lb)|H.E. M32 (600 lb)|AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb)|AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)}}
−
{{main|Mk.13-1 (1,927 lb)}}
+
{{main|AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb)|Mk.13-1 (2,216 lb)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
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* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
 
* 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
−
* 1 x 1,927 lb Mk.13-1 torpedo
+
* 2 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (3,200 lb total)
 +
* 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-1 torpedo
 +
 
 +
The B-26B features a large payload for its type. The stock payload of 30 x 100 lb bombs are actually quite potent, being able to take out two bases in downtier and one in uptier, though due to the bomb series set up, the payload often requires micromanagement to precisely manage the drop. Due to the quantity, the 100 lb payload are very useful against columns of vehicles. The most "optimal" payload against bases in air battles is the 8 x 600 lb bombs, which can destroy the same number of bases as the 100 lb bombs, but are much easier to handle.
 +
 
 +
Other than the smaller bombs, the Marauder also has access to large bombs to tackle ground and naval targets. The plane has access to 4 x 1,000 lb or 2 x 2,000 lb bombs to provide destructive CAS against the enemy team.
 +
 
 +
The Marauder also has an option to mount a single Mk.13 torpedo. However, only the notoriously terrible, early version of the Mk. 13 is available, with very poor drop speed and range. This, combined with the plane's large size, means that the Marauder pilot should rely on its large bombs against enemy ships instead.
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
The B-26 is best used at high altitudes to avoid combat as much as possible due to lack of armour, its size, and because most bombers go out solo, leaving you no other allies to help you. Be sure to use its speed to your advantage. Some notable enemies that should be avoided at all costs are aircraft like the Do 335: its absurd amount of guns can surely rip you in half with nearly a burst or two. If you can dodge any enemies that come your way, then it's a cakewalk when taking out bases.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
 
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
 
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Good payload consists of bombs of various size for different targets
 +
* Tough airframe with armour plates protecting pilots and gunners, capable of soaking up damage
 +
* Tricycle landing gear allows the plane to land and take off on smaller airfields
 +
* Powerful engines provide decent flat acceleration and also allow the plane to fly with one engine
 +
* Adequate defensive armament at the rear
 +
* Access to five machine guns for strafing ground targets
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Quite large in size, can be easily targeted
 +
* Wide frontal gun convergence resulting into inaccuracy, especially against aircraft
 +
* Low structural limit speed (~580 km/h), can make dive bombing quite tricky to perform
 +
* Very poor climb rate and energy retention
 +
* Poor overall manoeuvrability, especially at higher speed
 +
* Limited defensive gun coverage at the front, side, and below
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
The Martin B-26 medium bomber was submitted by the Glenn L. Martin company in 1939 to the same USAAC specification (Circular Proposal 39-640) as the North American B-25 Mitchell, and both were accepted off the drawing board. Unsurprisingly, the two airplanes share much in common: twin-engined medium bombers, similar in size, with similar offensive and defensive armament. Both saw service in all major theaters of the war, with both U.S. and allied forces.
 +
 
 +
What sets the B-26 Marauder apart is that it was designed for speed; designed around two massively powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines, its maximum speed is a full 10% faster than its slightly smaller and lighter B-25 counterpart. However, this speed came at a cost. With high wing loading and demanding flight characteristics, the B-26 was noticeably harder to fly than the Mitchell. This pilot skill differential, combined with the pressures of wartime training, led to a track record of deadly crashes early in the plane's history, gaining a reputation as a "widow maker".
 +
 
 +
Despite this unpromising start to its career, the B-26 Marauder racked up a solid combat record. Mostly deployed at medium altitude missions, it became known for accurate bombing, and by the end of the war, the U.S. 9th Air Force reported that the so-called "widow maker" recorded the lowest combat loss rate of any aircraft type.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_B-26_Marauder</ref> One B-26, named "Flak Bait", survived over 200 missions and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flak-Bait</ref>
 +
 
 +
Although most of its combat flying was done in the European Theater of Operations, a notable early engagement in the Pacific was the sortie of four torpedo-equipped Marauders against the Japanese fleet during the Battle of Midway. None of the torpedoes hit, two of the planes were lost, and the other two returned so badly shot-up that they were written off. Over the fleet and pursued by Japanese A6M Zeroes, a B-26 named "Susie Q" actually overflew the length of the Akagi's flight deck at very low level, strafing the deck crew with its machine guns. Susie Q landed, just barely, back at Midway with over 500 bullet holes.<ref>https://www.pacificwar.org.au/Midway/USArmy_at_Midway.html</ref>
 +
 
 +
The in-game version represents the B-26B model after some modifications had been made, including lengthening the wings to improve (but not eliminate) the tricky handling characteristics. Most B-26 were built at the Glenn L. Martin plant in Baltimore, Maryland, but the essentially identical B-26C (found in the French tech tree) was built in Omaha, Nebraska. A total of 5,288 aircraft of all models were built between 1941 and 1945.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_B-26_Marauder</ref>
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
 
 +
;Skins
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 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b_26b_c Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|K09goo8T4jM|'''The Shooting Range #345''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:46 discusses the B-26.}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 147: Line 216:
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
Line 157: Line 227:
 
* [[wt:en/news/7577-development-b-26-marauder-into-the-fray-en|[Devblog] B-26 Marauder: Into the Fray]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/7577-development-b-26-marauder-into-the-fray-en|[Devblog] B-26 Marauder: Into the Fray]]
  
 +
{{AirManufacturer Martin}}
 
{{USA bombers}}
 
{{USA bombers}}
 +
<references />

Latest revision as of 11:03, 21 November 2024

Introducing Wiki 3.0
This page is about the American bomber B-26B. For the French version, see B-26C.
B-26B
b_26b_c.png
GarageImage B-26B.jpg
ArtImage B-26B.jpg
B-26B
USA flag.png USA
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.3 4.7
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

In March 1939, the USAAF issued a design specification for a twin-engine medium bomber with speed and range as a priority. The Glenn L. Martin submitted their design four months later, which were accepted for contract for what would be later known as the Martin B-26 Marauder. After entering service in 1941, the Marauder became notorious for its tendency to crash during landing due to its short wingspan resulting into high stall speed that forced the pilot to land at a dangerously fast approach speed, often with fatal results. Because of this, along with the overall instability during flight that is uncomfortable for anyone on the plane, led to the Marauder to be hated by its crews and spawned numerous derogatory nicknames. Chief among these are the "Widowmaker" and the "Martin Murderer".

In response to numerous fatal crashes, in 1942 the Truman Committee demanded Martin to rectify the flaws of the Marauder or else the contract for the aircraft would be cancelled entirely. This resulted into the B-26B variant, featuring an extended wingspan and larger stabilizer and rudder to improve the overall flight characteristic and reduce the stall speed. After the problem was ironed out, the Marauder proved itself to be a very reliable and durable bomber, with the lowest loss rate of any bombers operated by the USAAF. With one aircraft in particular, the Flak-Bait, being notable for having survived 207 sortie over Europe, the most of any American aircraft in World War II.

Introduced in Update "Wind of Change". The B-26B served as a stopgap between the B-25 Mitchell and the B-17E Flying Fortress. Featuring frontal machine guns to strafe ground targets like the Mitchell while also being closer in size and payload to the Flying Fortress. As expected for a plane of this size, the Marauder is quite sluggish, though in return also featuring heavy ordnance for its class. Allowing it to tackle any kinds of ground or naval targets.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 3 962 m491 km/h
Turn time34 s
Max altitude8 500 m
Engine2 х Pratt & Whitney R-2800-43
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight17 t

As expected from a medium-to-large bomber, the B-26B Marauder's flight characteristics are quite similar to its predecessor, the B-25 Mitchell, being generally sluggish to handle but with decent flatline speed. Though due to its bigger size and weight, the general weakness found the B-25's flight performance is further exacerbated. The Marauder will lose quite a lot of energy when making any manoeuvres, especially in vertical manoeuvres that will almost always result in a stall if the plane did not have enough energy prior to the movement. This poor energy retention also results in the plane having very poor climb rate, even when compared to heavy bombers. The plane's control surface lock up when exceeding 540 km/h, and the wings will break if exceeding 580 km/h.

On the bright side, the Marauder's engines provide enough power to accelerate in shallow dives and allows the plane to reach the target faster. This also helps in emergency cases as the Marauder is also capable of flying with one engine in case the other is knocked out.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 3,962 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 403 387 8500 35.3 36.6 2.4 2.4 950
Upgraded 525 491 32.8 34.0 10.3 5.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
568 265 382 320 297 ~8 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 270 < 320 < 370 > ___

Survivability and armour

Crew6 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear265 km/h
  • 12.7 mm steel - floor and port side of nose gunner/bombardier's position
  • 8 mm steel - slightly curved armour plates behind flight deck seats (pilot, copilot, plus one unoccupied position that is presumably the navigator/radio operator's position)
  • 9 mm steel - under main oil coolers in each engine nacelle
  • 12.7 mm steel - under beam gunner
  • 12.7 mm steel - two curved plates aft of dorsal turret
  • 12.7 mm steel - aft of tail gunner
  • 8 mm bulletproof glass - small window for tail gunner

There is basically no protection from the front for the flight crew, so while your offensive battery of five forward-firing M2 Brownings might make head-on attacks tempting, your pilots are shockingly vulnerable from that angle.

The four large self-sealing fuel tanks in the wings are relatively easy targets for enemy fighters, and your engines are also an easy target. To make matters worse, the B-26 had a reputation for being very challenging to keep in the air with only one engine. While the Marauder is often able to absorb a considerable amount of punishment, it is unlikely you'll make it alive back to base. Use your speed to keep pursuing fighters on your tail, where your relatively well protected defensive gunners can discourage pursuit.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB939 → 1 281 Sl icon.png
RB2 293 → 3 129 Sl icon.png
SB3 943 → 5 382 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 710 Rp icon.png
32 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
70 / 160 / 320 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_belt_pack
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M31
Research:
990 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 600 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
bmg50_new_gun
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M32
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
ITC mk.III
Research:
890 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 500 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
bmg50_turret_belt_pack
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M65
Research:
1 200 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 000 Sl icon.png
165 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
bmg50_turret_new_gun
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
M66
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
180 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 15 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1 100 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The B-26B is armed with:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
  • 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, cheek-mounted (250 rpg upper + 200 rpg lower = 900 total)

The B-26B features five .50 cal Browning machine guns mounted on the nose and cheeks as its offensive armament. These guns were mounted with the intent of being used to strafe ground targets, which the Marauder is perfectly capable of doing. However, unlike the B-25, due to the guns being mounted quite low on the fuselage and being placed quite far apart, this results in the guns having poor convergence and thus are very hard to aim at an enemy plane. This is not helped by the fact that the plane has much worse handling than the B-25 and that its large tail directly blocks the aiming point. Because of this, it is better used against ground targets or slow-flying AI planes instead.

Suspended armament

List of setups (7)
Setup 130 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bomb
Setup 214 x 300 lb H.E. M31 bomb
Setup 38 x 600 lb H.E. M32 bomb
Setup 44 x 1000 lb AN-M65A1 bomb
Setup 52 x 2000 lb AN-M66A2 bomb
Setup 62 x 1600 lb AN-Mk 1 armor-piercing bomb
Setup 71 x Mk.13-1 torpedo (2216 lbs)
Main articles: AN-M30A1 (100 lb), H.E. M31 (300 lb), H.E. M32 (600 lb), AN-M65A1 (1,000 lb), AN-M66A2 (2,000 lb)
Main articles: AN-Mk 1 (1,600 lb), Mk.13-1 (2,216 lb)

The B-26B can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 30 x 100 lb AN-M30A1 bombs (3,000 lb total)
  • 14 x 300 lb H.E. M31 bombs (4,200 lb total)
  • 8 x 600 lb H.E. M32 bombs (4,800 lb total)
  • 4 x 1,000 lb AN-M65A1 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 2,000 lb AN-M66A2 bombs (4,000 lb total)
  • 2 x 1,600 lb AN-Mk 1 bombs (3,200 lb total)
  • 1 x 2,216 lb Mk.13-1 torpedo

The B-26B features a large payload for its type. The stock payload of 30 x 100 lb bombs are actually quite potent, being able to take out two bases in downtier and one in uptier, though due to the bomb series set up, the payload often requires micromanagement to precisely manage the drop. Due to the quantity, the 100 lb payload are very useful against columns of vehicles. The most "optimal" payload against bases in air battles is the 8 x 600 lb bombs, which can destroy the same number of bases as the 100 lb bombs, but are much easier to handle.

Other than the smaller bombs, the Marauder also has access to large bombs to tackle ground and naval targets. The plane has access to 4 x 1,000 lb or 2 x 2,000 lb bombs to provide destructive CAS against the enemy team.

The Marauder also has an option to mount a single Mk.13 torpedo. However, only the notoriously terrible, early version of the Mk. 13 is available, with very poor drop speed and range. This, combined with the plane's large size, means that the Marauder pilot should rely on its large bombs against enemy ships instead.

Defensive armament

Turret12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition270 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition800 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
2 х Turret12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition240 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Turret2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun
Ammunition1600 rounds
Fire rate750 shots/min
Main article: M2 Browning (12.7 mm)

The B-26B is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose turret (270 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, dorsal turret (400 rpg = 800 total)
  • 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (240 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (800 rpg = 1,600 total)

Usage in battles

The B-26 is best used at high altitudes to avoid combat as much as possible due to lack of armour, its size, and because most bombers go out solo, leaving you no other allies to help you. Be sure to use its speed to your advantage. Some notable enemies that should be avoided at all costs are aircraft like the Do 335: its absurd amount of guns can surely rip you in half with nearly a burst or two. If you can dodge any enemies that come your way, then it's a cakewalk when taking out bases.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Auto control available 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good payload consists of bombs of various size for different targets
  • Tough airframe with armour plates protecting pilots and gunners, capable of soaking up damage
  • Tricycle landing gear allows the plane to land and take off on smaller airfields
  • Powerful engines provide decent flat acceleration and also allow the plane to fly with one engine
  • Adequate defensive armament at the rear
  • Access to five machine guns for strafing ground targets

Cons:

  • Quite large in size, can be easily targeted
  • Wide frontal gun convergence resulting into inaccuracy, especially against aircraft
  • Low structural limit speed (~580 km/h), can make dive bombing quite tricky to perform
  • Very poor climb rate and energy retention
  • Poor overall manoeuvrability, especially at higher speed
  • Limited defensive gun coverage at the front, side, and below

History

The Martin B-26 medium bomber was submitted by the Glenn L. Martin company in 1939 to the same USAAC specification (Circular Proposal 39-640) as the North American B-25 Mitchell, and both were accepted off the drawing board. Unsurprisingly, the two airplanes share much in common: twin-engined medium bombers, similar in size, with similar offensive and defensive armament. Both saw service in all major theaters of the war, with both U.S. and allied forces.

What sets the B-26 Marauder apart is that it was designed for speed; designed around two massively powerful Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engines, its maximum speed is a full 10% faster than its slightly smaller and lighter B-25 counterpart. However, this speed came at a cost. With high wing loading and demanding flight characteristics, the B-26 was noticeably harder to fly than the Mitchell. This pilot skill differential, combined with the pressures of wartime training, led to a track record of deadly crashes early in the plane's history, gaining a reputation as a "widow maker".

Despite this unpromising start to its career, the B-26 Marauder racked up a solid combat record. Mostly deployed at medium altitude missions, it became known for accurate bombing, and by the end of the war, the U.S. 9th Air Force reported that the so-called "widow maker" recorded the lowest combat loss rate of any aircraft type.[1] One B-26, named "Flak Bait", survived over 200 missions and is on display at the Smithsonian Institution's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.[2]

Although most of its combat flying was done in the European Theater of Operations, a notable early engagement in the Pacific was the sortie of four torpedo-equipped Marauders against the Japanese fleet during the Battle of Midway. None of the torpedoes hit, two of the planes were lost, and the other two returned so badly shot-up that they were written off. Over the fleet and pursued by Japanese A6M Zeroes, a B-26 named "Susie Q" actually overflew the length of the Akagi's flight deck at very low level, strafing the deck crew with its machine guns. Susie Q landed, just barely, back at Midway with over 500 bullet holes.[3]

The in-game version represents the B-26B model after some modifications had been made, including lengthening the wings to improve (but not eliminate) the tricky handling characteristics. Most B-26 were built at the Glenn L. Martin plant in Baltimore, Maryland, but the essentially identical B-26C (found in the French tech tree) was built in Omaha, Nebraska. A total of 5,288 aircraft of all models were built between 1941 and 1945.[4]

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #345 - Pages of History section at 03:46 discusses the B-26.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the aircraft;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Glenn L. Martin Company
Attackers  AM-1
Bombers  B-10B · B-26B · PBM-1 · PBM-3 · PBM-5A
Jet bombers  B-57A* · B-57B*
Export  Martin 139WC · Martin 167-A3 · B-26C
  * These aircraft were license-built from The English Electric Company Limited who developed and built the British English Electric Canberra.

USA bombers
Dive  SB2U-2 · SB2U-3 · SBD-3 · SB2C-1C · SB2C-4
Torpedo  TBD-1 · PBY-5 Catalina · PBY-5A Catalina · TBF-1C · BTD-1
Medium  B-10B · B-18A · B-34 · PV-2D · B-25J-1 · B-25J-20 · A-26C-45 · A-26C-45DT · B-26B
Heavy  B-17E · B-17E/L · B-17G-60-VE · PB4Y-2 · B-24D-25-CO · B-29A-BN
Hydroplanes  OS2U-1 · OS2U-3 · PBM-1 "Mariner" · PBM-3 "Mariner" · PBM-5A "Mariner"

  1. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_B-26_Marauder
  2. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flak-Bait
  3. ↑ https://www.pacificwar.org.au/Midway/USArmy_at_Midway.html
  4. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_B-26_Marauder
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