B-26 Marauder

The B-26 Marauder was a World War II twin-engined medium bomber built by the Glenn L. Martin Company. First used in the Pacific Theater in early... more

by Dale Jackson

Title

B-26 Marauder

Artist

Dale Jackson

Medium

Digital Art

Description

"The B-26 Marauder was a World War II twin-engined medium bomber built by the Glenn L. Martin Company. First used in the Pacific Theater in early 1942, it was also used in the Mediterranean Theater and in Western Europe. After entering service with the U.S. Army, the aircraft received the reputation of a "Widowmaker" due to the early models' high rate of accidents during takeoff and landings. The Marauder had to be flown at exact airspeeds, particularly on final runway approach and when one engine was out. The 150 mph (241 km/h) speed on short final runway approach was intimidating to pilots who were used to much slower speeds, and whenever they slowed down below what the manual stated, the aircraft would stall and crash." (wiki)

The aircraft represented here is a B-26B-50-MA. Serial 42-96028. Designation K5 "O"; "Faith-Prelude to Victory". The nose art on this aricraft was voted to be the best nose art on a medium bomber in the European theater of World War Two during it's combat runs.

This aircraft was flown by Captain Jeremy R. Tosi. On April 12, 1944, Capt Tosi was injured in left hand by shattered glass over St Omer, France. His CoPilot Kline was killed and Capt Tosi managed to land at their home base.

Uploaded

January 1st, 2015