Martin Baltimore

[cardboard_killer]

[80 years ago today] "• The Martin Baltimore makes its first flight. A development of the popular Maryland, it is specially designed to take advantage of lend-lease funds. The USAAF declines to procure it as the A-30. With 1,575 built, it will serve with the British, Canadian, Australian, South African, Free French, Hellenic and the Allied Italian air forces.

 

Baltimores will initially suffer heavy losses in North Africa, being thrown into action as a low level ground attack aircraft. Once the role shifts to bombing from altitude with fighter escorts, losses will become rare and the type will prove popular with crews."