Flak-Bait: The Most Resilient Aircraft of World War 2

The Martin B-26 Marauder was one of the most successful bombers operated by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. It was also one of the most disliked. The B-26’s relatively small wings demanded high takeoff and landing speeds to generate enough lift, that was intimidating to many pilots except the most seasoned ones. The aircraft also suffered from frequent engine and propeller malfunctions. Regular crashes by inexperienced crews during training earned the bomber a host of grim nicknames, including “Widowmaker,” “Martin Murderer,” and “Flying Coffin.” Yet by the end of the war, the B-26 had achieved the lowest combat loss rate of any U.S. aircraft. Among the thousands of Marauders that flew over Europe, one in particular—nicknamed Flak-Bait —emerged as a legend. Two B-26 Marauders in flight over France on bombing mission to Germany. Credit: Wikimedia Commons The Martin B-26 Marauder was designed in response to a set of precise specifications requested by the United States Army Air Corps in 1939. According to those specifications, the aircraft was to be a twin-engine medium bomber with a maximum speed of 350 mph (560 km/h), a range of 3,000 mi (4,800 km), and a bomb load of 2,000 lb (910 kg). Many aircraft manufacturers submitted designs, but the blueprints from the Glenn L. Martin Company were deemed superior, and a contract was awarded for 201 aircraft. Another design that received approval was the North American B-25 Mitchell, which went on to become the most-produced American medium bomber and the third-most-produced American bomber overall. With war in full swing, the pressing demand for airplanes led the Air Corps to forgo the prototype testing stage. Both bombers went from the drawing board straight into production, with deadly consequences for those who flew the Martin aircraft.