Difference between revisions of "B-26B"

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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.''
 
  
 
{| 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)
Line 30: Line 29:
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 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
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 44: Line 43:
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
−
| _ || _ || _ || _ || _     <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 59: Line 58:
 
! 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 || > ___
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 76: Line 75:
 
{{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 ===
Line 97: Line 107:
 
<!-- ''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:
Line 106: Line 116:
 
* 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
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
Line 122: Line 133:
 
== 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Fighter planes will have trouble once you hit your max speed at your correct altitude
 +
* Anti-tank bombs (AKA armour-piercing bombs) are good for CAS uses
 +
* The 30x payload is good for strips of AAA and armoured cars
 +
* Offensive armament is good for taking out enemy bombers
 +
* Guns rarely jam when upgraded
 +
* Useful in naval battles, as it can carry a torpedo
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* The nose gunner isn't really reliable
 +
* Usually two bomb loads needed to take out a base
  
 
== 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
 +
 
 +
* [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 196:
 
* ''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 207:
 
* [[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}}
−
{{AirManufacturer Martin}}
+
<references />

Revision as of 18:24, 2 November 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
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
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
Show in game

Description

The B-26B Marauder is a rank III American bomber with a battle rating of 4.3 (AB/RB) and 4.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update "Wind of Change".

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
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)

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

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:

  • Fighter planes will have trouble once you hit your max speed at your correct altitude
  • Anti-tank bombs (AKA armour-piercing bombs) are good for CAS uses
  • The 30x payload is good for strips of AAA and armoured cars
  • Offensive armament is good for taking out enemy bombers
  • Guns rarely jam when upgraded
  • Useful in naval battles, as it can carry a torpedo

Cons:

  • The nose gunner isn't really reliable
  • Usually two bomb loads needed to take out a base

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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