B-26 Marauder weapons thread (1 Viewer)

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These two photos show different waist gun configurations!

Photo number 1 shows a modified B-26B (short wing). The photo is taken on the ground through the open camera hatch (the doors of which can be seen in the bottom left and right of the frame) looking forward, likely using a ladder. This installation placed two .50 cal M2s on small platforms firing through the old side windows. A third gun was often placed in the mount forward of the floor hatch.

Photo number 2 shows the newer standard larger waist opening with sliding hatches used from the B-26B-10 through the B-26G-25. Here the .50 cal M2 is mounted on a swiveling arm. In both photos, the ammunition tracks on the sides are for the tail gun.
Note the Martin logo on the upper turret armor and the chutes with ammo..
View attachment 728492
 
These two photos show different waist gun configurations!

Photo number 1 shows a modified B-26B (short wing). The photo is taken on the ground through the open camera hatch (the doors of which can be seen in the bottom left and right of the frame) looking forward, likely using a ladder. This installation placed two .50 cal M2s on small platforms firing through the old side windows. A third gun was often placed in the mount forward of the floor hatch.

Photo number 2 shows the newer standard larger waist opening with sliding hatches used from the B-26B-10 through the B-26G-25. Here the .50 cal M2 is mounted on a swiveling arm. In both photos, the ammunition tracks on the sides are for the tail gun.
In the first photo the ammo belts for the waist guns loop under the guns, suggesting ammo boxes mounted on the floor, near the tail.
In the second, the belts drop down from boxes mounted higher on the fuselage.
 
Marauder loaded with torpedo:

marauder torpedo.jpg


ETA: That ain't Midway!
 
It is ironic, but given the deficiencies in US torpedoes in 1942, the B-26's at Midway would have been far better off with bombs, assuming they knew about "skip bombing" which was in reality did not involve skipping bombs into the target. Imagine if Susie-Q could have slung some 500 lb bombs through the fantail of that carrier.
B-26MidwayGrinnelSM.jpg
 
In the first photo the ammo belts for the waist guns loop under the guns, suggesting ammo boxes mounted on the floor, near the tail.
In the second, the belts drop down from boxes mounted higher on the fuselage.
Also note the "stirrups" hanging from the ceiling. Those are the slings for storing the waist guns when not in use.
 

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