Difference between revisions of "B-26C"

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== 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}} French bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]].
+
The B-26 Marauder was a medium bomber, designed to be used both for high altitude bombing but to also provide close air support to Allied troops if necessary. France acquired a number of B-26C Marauders after Operation Torch in 1942, replacing the LeO 451s and Douglas DB-7s. They were used in the Allied invasions of Italy and southern France. After the war, most of them were retired, but some stayed for training and testing; one was even converted to test the early SNECMA ATAR jet engines.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update "Wind of Change"]]. This version of the B-26 Marauder under French service, designated as the B-26C, is virtually the same as the [[B-26B]] found in the American tech tree, save for the livery. The different designations were intended to distinguish the batch of extended wing B-26 variants that were produced in Omaha, Nebraska instead of Baltimore, Maryland. Compared to the previous French bombers, the Marauder serves as a "middle ground" between a massive, high-flying bomber like the [[N.C.223.3]] and various fast but lightly armed bombers like [[LeO 451 early|LeO 451]]. The plane is quite sluggish for a medium bomber, but featuring protection and payload closer to that of a heavy bomber. This allows the Marauder to either be used for bombing bases, attacking columns of vehicles, or providing close air support in ground and naval battles with great efficiency.
  
 
== 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-26C 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%"
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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     <!-- ✓ -->
−
|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 || ~__ || ~__
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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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.''
+
As with other American medium bombers, the B-26C is fairly survivable. The plane features multiple layers of armour protecting the pilot and gunners; combined with a sturdy airframe, this allows the plane to tank quite a lot of hits, especially from machine guns.
 +
 
 +
The two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 "Twin Wasp" engines provide an additional failsafe to the plane, as it allows the pilot to fly with one engine knocked out and limp back to the base for repair.
 +
 
 +
However, being larger than the B-25 and with less effective frontal armament, the B-26C is quite prone to pilot snipes from frontal engagements. As such, avoid diving head-first into the enemy at all costs.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
Since the stock payload is as potent as the 600 lb bomb payload, B-26C pilots have more freedom when it comes to choosing an upgrade. Though an additional payload unlock is recommended, as the 600 lb payload is a rank 2 modification which allows you to unlock rank 3 modification faster, and the payload is generally easier to use.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, nose-mounted (200 rpg)
 
* 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)
 
* 4 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, cheek-mounted (250 rpg upper + 200 rpg lower = 900 total)
 +
 +
The B-26C 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 ===
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<!-- ''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-26C 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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* 1 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (240 rpg)
 
* 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)
 
* 2 x 12.7 mm M2 Browning machine guns, tail turret (800 rpg = 1,600 total)
 +
 +
For defensive purposes, the B-26C features seven .50 cal Browning machine guns, with noticeable focus on the tail: all but one of these guns can be directed behind the plane, as the Marauder were designed to outrun the opponent rather than confront them. As such, the Marauder features strong defensive firepower at the rear but mostly lacks any self-defense measures anywhere else. This can be exploited by enemy pilots by engaging either at the poorly-protected front or the blind spot at the side and belly of the aircraft. Because of this, B-26C pilots should attempt to face their tail at any chaser if possible to have more chance of surviving.
  
 
== 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).''
+
Being essentially an upsized B-25, the B-26C Marauder excels at fast bombing using its speed to quickly reach a target. However, due to the Marauder being significantly larger, the plane has several limitations that prevents it from being played aggressively like its predecessor. As such, the playstyle of the B-26 is somewhat similar to other medium bombers: quickly approaching the target, drop the bomb, and then retreat.
 +
 
 +
Due to the frontally-mounted MGs, the Marauder can be used to strafe soft targets when the payload is used up. Though due to the plane's generally poor flight performance, be wary of an enemy from above as the plane has little chance of getting away from them, especially if they are coming from the front.
 +
 
 +
=== 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).''
+
[[File:B-26_Le_Bourget_01.jpg|300px|thumb|right|B-26C Marauder "Dinah Might" in Free French Air Forces livery. French Air and Space Museum, Le Bourget.]]
 +
After the conclusion of Operation Torch (the Allied invasion of North Africa) in November 1942, the United States supplied the Free French Air Forces with a batch of B-26C Marauders to replace the now obsolete Lioré et Olivier [[LeO 451 early|LeO 451]]s and Douglas [[DB-7 (Great Britain)|DB-7]]s. These B-26s were prominently used during the invasion of Italy and southern France. At the end of the war, seven out of nine of the Free French's bomber squadrons used the Marauder, taking part in 270 missions and 4,884 sorties. The Marauder were decommissioned from French service in July 1945, though some of them were retained as trainers and test beds, including one that was converted to test SNECMA ATAR jet engines.
  
 
== 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
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=b_26c_france Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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* ''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.'' -->
−
''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;''
+
* [[B-26B]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==

Latest revision as of 19:24, 19 June 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the French bomber B-26C. For the American version, see B-26B.
B-26C
b_26c_france.png
GarageImage B-26C.jpg
B-26C
France flag.png France
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
4.3 4.7 4.7
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The B-26 Marauder was a medium bomber, designed to be used both for high altitude bombing but to also provide close air support to Allied troops if necessary. France acquired a number of B-26C Marauders after Operation Torch in 1942, replacing the LeO 451s and Douglas DB-7s. They were used in the Allied invasions of Italy and southern France. After the war, most of them were retired, but some stayed for training and testing; one was even converted to test the early SNECMA ATAR jet engines.

It was introduced in Update "Wind of Change". This version of the B-26 Marauder under French service, designated as the B-26C, is virtually the same as the B-26B found in the American tech tree, save for the livery. The different designations were intended to distinguish the batch of extended wing B-26 variants that were produced in Omaha, Nebraska instead of Baltimore, Maryland. Compared to the previous French bombers, the Marauder serves as a "middle ground" between a massive, high-flying bomber like the N.C.223.3 and various fast but lightly armed bombers like LeO 451. The plane is quite sluggish for a medium bomber, but featuring protection and payload closer to that of a heavy bomber. This allows the Marauder to either be used for bombing bases, attacking columns of vehicles, or providing close air support in ground and naval battles with great efficiency.

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-26C 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 ~__ ~__
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

As with other American medium bombers, the B-26C is fairly survivable. The plane features multiple layers of armour protecting the pilot and gunners; combined with a sturdy airframe, this allows the plane to tank quite a lot of hits, especially from machine guns.

The two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 "Twin Wasp" engines provide an additional failsafe to the plane, as it allows the pilot to fly with one engine knocked out and limp back to the base for repair.

However, being larger than the B-25 and with less effective frontal armament, the B-26C is quite prone to pilot snipes from frontal engagements. As such, avoid diving head-first into the enemy at all costs.

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

Since the stock payload is as potent as the 600 lb bomb payload, B-26C pilots have more freedom when it comes to choosing an upgrade. Though an additional payload unlock is recommended, as the 600 lb payload is a rank 2 modification which allows you to unlock rank 3 modification faster, and the payload is generally easier to use.

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-26C 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-26C 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-26C 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-26C 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-26C 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)

For defensive purposes, the B-26C features seven .50 cal Browning machine guns, with noticeable focus on the tail: all but one of these guns can be directed behind the plane, as the Marauder were designed to outrun the opponent rather than confront them. As such, the Marauder features strong defensive firepower at the rear but mostly lacks any self-defense measures anywhere else. This can be exploited by enemy pilots by engaging either at the poorly-protected front or the blind spot at the side and belly of the aircraft. Because of this, B-26C pilots should attempt to face their tail at any chaser if possible to have more chance of surviving.

Usage in battles

Being essentially an upsized B-25, the B-26C Marauder excels at fast bombing using its speed to quickly reach a target. However, due to the Marauder being significantly larger, the plane has several limitations that prevents it from being played aggressively like its predecessor. As such, the playstyle of the B-26 is somewhat similar to other medium bombers: quickly approaching the target, drop the bomb, and then retreat.

Due to the frontally-mounted MGs, the Marauder can be used to strafe soft targets when the payload is used up. Though due to the plane's generally poor flight performance, be wary of an enemy from above as the plane has little chance of getting away from them, especially if they are coming from the front.

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

B-26C Marauder "Dinah Might" in Free French Air Forces livery. French Air and Space Museum, Le Bourget.

After the conclusion of Operation Torch (the Allied invasion of North Africa) in November 1942, the United States supplied the Free French Air Forces with a batch of B-26C Marauders to replace the now obsolete Lioré et Olivier LeO 451s and Douglas DB-7s. These B-26s were prominently used during the invasion of Italy and southern France. At the end of the war, seven out of nine of the Free French's bomber squadrons used the Marauder, taking part in 270 missions and 4,884 sorties. The Marauder were decommissioned from French service in July 1945, though some of them were retained as trainers and test beds, including one that was converted to test SNECMA ATAR jet engines.

Media

Skins

See also

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.

France bombers
Farman  F.222.2 · N.C.223.3
Latécoère  Late 298D
Potez  Potez 633
Liore et Olivier  LeO 451 early · LeO 451 late
Bloch  M.B.174A-3 · M.B.162 · M.B.175T
American  V-156-F · Martin 167-A3 · ▄A-35B · ▄SB2C-5 · B-26C · ▄PBY-5A Late · ▄PB4Y-2
British  Lancaster MR.7

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