Actual mph figures for B-26 Marauder?

[ShVAK]

Wiki quotes the B-26G as 287 mph top speed and 216 as average cruise. I call shenanigans, seeing as the Marauder was frequently referred to as one of the fastest medium bombers in the war (to the point where it was considered a hard target for interception by the IJAF/IJN) and 287 mph would put it more in B-24 territory, which was fighter bait.

Anyone have the real figures or did the Japanese wildly overestimate what the Martin was really capable of?

 

[Vincenzo]

the handbook operation and flight instruction for B-26, B-26A and B-26B of 20/3/42 on page 32 report a max speed of 326 mph at 14250 ft at 26,734 lbs with 2400 rpm and 1480 hp (102% rated) a operating speed in same condition 266 mph (at 15000) with 1890 rpm and 860 hp (57,6%) a cruising speed 210 mph (1600 rpm and 615 hp)

 

[wuzak]

The -G had the wing incidence changed (can't recall which was the first variant to have this) to help in take-off and landings, and hence there was an increase in drag. Earlier B-26As and B-26Bs could comfortably clear 300mph.

This report shows a maximum speed of 326mph. Not sure what version it was, maybe a prototype?

 

[eagledad]

Hello ShVAK

Although this is the US navy version, and the specs are for either target towing or Utility check out the link below:

http://www.alternatewars.com/SAC/JM-1_Marauder_ACP_-_1_August_1944.pdf

Eagledad

 

[wuzak]

From Joe Baugher's site, the B-26F was the first version with the incidence of the wing changed.

 

[wuzak]

So, JM-1 was a based on the B-26C (a B-26B built in Martin's Omaha factory), the JM-2 was based on the B-26G.

 

[tyrodtom]

B-24's loaded down with bombs, fuel, in formations were not anywhere near their top speed of 284 mph.
That's a speed they could only attain for a brief period, and not at max weight.

 

[ShVAK]

Thanks for the sources gentlemen!

 

[tomo pauk]

The B-26B and previous (B-26, B-26A) have had smaller wing, 65 ft span. The B-26C and later introduced a wing of 71 ft span, and higher weight, so the top speed ought to be lower than those 320-325 mph the earlier versions topped.

 

[Greg Boeser]

The B-26 as originally designed sacrificed lift for speed. The early, short wing B-26 "straight" model used in the Pacific could outrun Zeroes when unladen with bombs and at military power. The early short wing B-26B increased weight so lost a bit of speed, but could still reach 315 mph. The introduction of the longer wing and further additons of weapons and armor in the later B and C models reduced top speed even further. The F and G models, with the higher wing incidence suffered more drag and could not fly as fast or as high. Most sources quoting top speeds use the max continuous speed at combat weight.