Martin Baltimore

Developed by the Glenn L. Martin Company in the early 1940s, the Martin Baltimore was a twin‑engine, medium‑weight bomber created to meet a British specification for a fast, low‑altitude attack aircraft. First flown in March 1941, the Baltimore evolved from the earlier Model 167 and incorporated an all‑metal, low‑wing monoplane layout powered by two Pratt & Whitney R‑1830‑S3C radial engines delivering 1,200 hp each. Its maximum speed approached 300 mph, with a service ceiling of 27,000 feet and a range of roughly 1,200 miles, allowing it to carry up to 2,000 pounds of bombs and a defensive armament of up to four .30‑caliber machine guns. The aircraft entered combat with the Royal Air Force and later the United States Army Air Forces, seeing extensive action in the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the China‑Burma‑India theater. Although it never achieved the fame of larger bombers, the Baltimore proved vital for close‑support, interdiction, and anti‑shipping missions, filling a crucial gap between light attack planes and heavy medium bombers. Its reliability, modest production cost, and versatile performance cemented its role as a workhorse of Allied air power during World War II.

Glenn L. Martin Company

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Design & Classification