Glenn L. Martin. A-30/Baltimore. Medium bomber. Maiden flight June 14, 1941 Chief Designer James S. McDonell.

Martin 187 Baltimore

Martin 187 Baltimore is an American twin-engine medium bomber created by Glenn L. Martin as a further development of the Martin 167 Maryland, was originally ordered by the French in May 1940. With the fall of France, the production series was redirected to the UK, where it was subsequently used almost exclusively in the Mediterranean theater and in the Middle East.

A distinctive feature of the Martin 187 is a narrow and high fuselage, thanks to which it became possible to diversify the bomb load, the normal weight of which was 907 kg, and the maximum weight was up to 1500 kg. Accordingly, the cockpits became more spacious and received armor protection. The wing passed from the previous model with minimal changes, but Martin 187 received Wright R-2600-19А5В5 "Double Cyclone" engines with a capacity of 1600 hp each. with., equipped with anti-dust filters, since Africa remained the main theater of operations for these aircraft.

Defensive armament included four 7.7mm machine guns (three in the wing and one on the top turret).

The second modification, designated Baltimore Mk.II, underwent a number of changes: two 7.7 mm machine guns were installed in the upper turret turret, one machine gun was placed in the lower hatch mount and four machine guns were in the wing. A total of 100 Baltimore Mk.II bombers were built.

Further modernization was carried out with the participation of British specialists. The American top turret was replaced with the standard British industry Boulton-Paul turret with an electric drive and quad 7.7 mm machine guns. This modification received the designation Baltimore Mk.III and was produced in the amount of 250 copies.

All of the following models have received USAAF designations. According to the Lend-Lease Act, American aircraft were provided for temporary use and subsequently must be returned. Thus, the following modification has three designations at once: the proprietary Martin 187B-2, the British Baltimore Mk.IIIA and the American RA-30. A total of 281 aircraft were assembled, generally identical to the Mk.III, but intended for reconnaissance. After them, 294 Baltimore Mk.IV (A-30A) were assembled, differing only in the Martin turret with two 12.7 mm Colt-Browning machine guns.

The most massive modification of the Baltimore MK.V, assembled in the amount of 600 copies, received only 12.7 mm machine guns at all shooting points. In addition, more powerful engines were installed.

The development of Baltimore was complicated by a number of problems, although this type eventually became a versatile combat aircraft. Produced in large numbers, Baltimore was not operatively used by the United States Air Force, but ultimately served the British, Canadian, Australian, South African, Greek, and Italian Air Forces.

Aviation of World War II

Martin 187 Baltimore

Bibliography