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Martin Baltimore

1941 WORLD WAR 2

The Story of Martin Baltimore

The Martin Baltimore (Type 187) was a light/medium bomber whose design was derived from the Martin Maryland series of aircraft. Although an American design, the quadruple twin-engine platform was never used by the American war machine during World War II. The United Kingdom became its main operator, mainly through Lend-Lease agreements, which allowed the United States to supply its allies with war materials without formally entering the war. Baltimore would serve throughout the conflict from 1942 to mid-1945, covering various theaters in North Africa, the Middle East, and the European theater.

By the end of the war, nearly 1,600 samples will be in circulation under no less than six major production brands.

The Baltimore was developed under the codename A-23, which evolved from the previous A-22, the Martin Maryland (detailed elsewhere on this page). On June 14, 1941, the A-23 received an improved, deeper fuselage design to increase internal volume and upgraded engines for improved performance. While the A-23's first customer was the French (USAAC insisted on the design), the fall of France in May 1940 prevented its delivery, and resource-scarce Britain took the order. As such, the line was given the Baltimore name, and that name has accompanied the design throughout its service life.

The A-23 arrived in late 1941 and was named to fight over the Middle East.

Although the Baltimore was by no means a groundbreaking design, it was reported to be a very capable light bomber. Its capabilities and 2,000-pound internal bomb load provide desperate operators with the offensive blow that is desperately needed during a critical phase of the war.

The Mk III was followed by the Mk IIIA, run by the USAAF (United States Army Air Force) and handed over to the RAF. As they are mainly of American origin, they are equipped with Martin brand powered turrets with 2 x 12.7mm heavy machine guns. 281 were built and recognized as the Martin A-30.

The Mk IV is another order passed by the USAF to the RAF under a Lend-Lease agreement. They were equipped with 4 x 12.7mm machine guns on the wings, which greatly improved the offensive hit rate compared to the original 7.7mm attachment.

294 prototypes were produced and designated as Martin A-30-MA.

The Mk V is equipped with 2 x Wright R2600-29 radial piston engines and wings with 12.7mm machine guns. Power is provided by 2 Wright GR-2600-A5B geared 1,700 hp radial engines with a top speed of 305 mph, a cruising speed of 225 mph and a range of 980 miles.

600 of the brand were produced and ordered through the US Air Force and did not appear until May 1944.

In a short-lived program, two Baltimores were converted into prototype maritime reconnaissance platforms. The hull was lengthened to increase fuel storage and readiness to carry torpedoes. The nose is supposed to be sturdy and housed with a search radar for overwater anti-ship missions.

The official name should be Baltimore GR. The Mk VI and about 900 were ordered before the entire project was shelved.

Baltimore also served in the Commonwealth Forces in Australia, Canada and South Africa. Other operators include Free France, Greece, the warring Italian Air Force and Turkey.

However, the Baltimores did not serve them better than the British, who deployed them in a total of 12 squadrons, including a training group and a fleet aviation group.

All Baltimore production ended with 1,575 units, the last of which was retired in 1949. Unfortunately, none of them exist anymore as museum exhibits.