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Like the North American B-25 Mitchell, the Martin B-26 Marauder also experienced a series of weapons upgrades and modifications during its development and production. The early production B-26 "straight" saw much development and even more field improvisation. The original specification called for four .30 caliber machine guns one each in nose, tail, ventral and dorsal positions, each with 600 rounds. However, defensive requirements were increased when the Army demanded that the dorsal position be upgraded to a fully powered turret mounting twin .50 caliber machine guns, with 400 rpg. Martin responded with the Martin 250 CE deck turret.View attachment 352378
In addition, the .30 caliber gun in the tail position was upgraded to a .50 caliber weapon.
View attachment 352379
I like this picture because it refutes the common myth that the 22nd Bomb Group removed the rear canopy as a field modification. As this photo shows, the rear canopy was a two piece fairing that separated and slid down the sides of the tail cone to permit the use of the rear gun. In the closed position the gun barrel protruded from a hole between the two halves.
More to follow...
One guy handled all three guns.Wow! Three guys in that one little area. Talk about a porcupine!
The first 201 B-26s were to be allocated to the 22nd BG, 38th BG and 42nd BG, plus one additional recon squadron.
Not all of them made it. Five out of thirteen crashing enroute.
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Yes. The finished product is now at Kermit Weeks Fantasy of Flight Museum in Florida.
https://www.fantasyofflight.com