Martin B-10

Martin B-10 History

The Martin B-10 medium bomber was a breakthrough design for U.S. military aviation when it was released in the early 1930s. However, despite the series' advanced form at launch, it was quickly replaced by the outbreak of World War II-related hostilities.

Thanks to its healthy export customer base around the world, the collection was able to hold its own during this period. By the end, more than 300 examples of this type had been delivered.

The B-10 originated as a private venture capital program designed by Glenn Martin Corporation through the "Type 123". This work subsequently led to the U.S. Army's XB-907 evaluation model, which included the Wright SR-120-E Meridian along with the open-air crew position.

These were seen in April 1932.

XB-907A is a revised form that includes several requested changes. Changes have been made to the main wing aircraft to increase its range. The engine consisted of 2 Wright R-1820-19 series radial engines.

The XB-10 marked the official U.S. Army prototype form and led to the use of closed crew positions and improved landing gear legs. Evaluation models subsequently became the YB-10 and YB-10A, the latter changing from the R-1820-25 Meridian to the R-1820-31 Turbo Meridian.

Fourteen YB-10s were produced for the finished single YB-10A.

The B-10, which entered production (referred to as the "B-10") and achieved operational status in June 1934, was the first quantitative all-metal bomber design in the United States and the first in the world to surpass the U.S. competitive pursuit aircraft bomber. That day. It was also the first local design with a turret weapon to defend against interception of enemy fighter jets.

For the United States, the B-10 became a groundbreaking design that helped develop theory, practice, and lessons for future bomber needs.

The heart of the Martin B-10 was a medium-range twin-engine bomber powered by two Wright R-1820 G-102 "Cyclone" 9-cylinder radial piston engines. These engines were installed on USAAC's first attempt at a cantilevered low-wing monoplane. There were four crew members on the fuselage, including the pilot and the gunner. The nose and tail are both enameled and contain defensive weapons in the form of machine guns. The aircraft has three machine guns.

The rear of the fuselage was also glazed (greenhouse style) for use by another crew member and carried a ventral machine gun near here. All machine guns are 7.62mm caliber. Internally, the aircraft has been approved to carry more than 2,260 pounds of conventional ammunition.

After the early production form of the B-10, the B-10B (Type 139) followed as the main production version. These carried R-1820-33 series engines of 775 hp (each) and 105 were built to this standard.

The B-10M was used as a target tug or postman, while the RB-10MA was a special modification that flew from Australia to the United States in July 1942.

YB-12 (Type 139B) appeared as a slightly improved B-10 evaluation model. Safety on the water improved with the installation of the flotation chamber, the Wright engine was dropped and replaced with 2 x Pratt & Whitney R-1690-11

775 hp "Hornet" radial (each) instead. Seven of them were produced for April 1940.

The B-12A became the first production form of the YB-12 experimental aircraft, but only 25 conformed to this standard. The YB-13 was fitted with PW R-1860-17 "Hornet B" 700 hp (each) radials, but although 10 were ordered, none were completed.

The XB-14 tested each 900 hp PW YR-1830-9 "Twin Wasp" engine, but only one YB-12 was rebuilt (and then reset) for testing. The A-15 became the USAAC's attack variant, but officials opted for the A-14 "Shrike" design offered by rival Curtiss.

Export orders (such as the "Type 139W") kept the B-10 production line active for the time being, even as USAAC began converting to more modern bomber platforms. Customers include the Netherlands with 120 orders, Argentina with 35, Thailand and Turkey with 26 and 20, respectively.

Aeronautical engineer Glenn Martin won the prestigious Collier Trophy in 1932 for his design work on the Martin B-10.

Specification

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