XB-26 and De Havilland Mosquito

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today[ • The prototype of the [DH-98] De Havilland Mosquito makes its maiden flight from Hatfield, England, piloted by Geoffrey De Havilland Jr.

 

 

• The Martin XB-26 Marauder makes its maiden flight from Middle River, Maryland, piloted by Martin Chief Engineer William Ebel."

 

Edited November 25, 2020 by cardboard_killer

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "• The Martin B-26 enters operational service. A very fast aircraft with high wing loading, it will have a low combat loss rate but a very high accident rate. Training Squadrons in Florida will describe it with the catchphrase “One a day in Tampa Bay” and the aircraft gets nicknames such as “Widowmaker” and “Flying Coffin”. In 1942, when Senator Harry Truman questions Glenn Martin about the accidents, Martin tells him that the wings are too short. When Truman asks why the wings aren’t improved Martin flippantly replies that his company already has the contract. Truman will push for cancellation of the plane and Martin responds with modifications for longer wings and better engines which will be the B-26C with the last run of twelve-hundred B-26Bs also being modified."

 

B-26A