THE MARTIN MARAUDER B-26

Arvada, CO: Boomerang Publishers , 1998. "This book is a comprehensive history of the Martin Marauder B-26 twin-engined medium bomber, from pre-war design and development through combat in every Theater during World War II. Marauders were operated mostly by the U.S. Army Air Forces but were also flown by America's British and French Allies. Ordered straight off the drawing boards and rushed into service just months before Pearl Harbor, the Glenn L. Martin Company's rugged, innovative, technically advanced B-26 combined the speed and maneuverability of a fighter with the load-carrying capacity and defensive firepower of a heavy bomber. A beautifully aerodynamic design, the Maruader was the hottest bomber of its day and could fly higher, farther and faster then any of its competitors, Allied or Axis. The complex state-of-the-art B-26 could be termperamental and difficult to fly. Early on, pilot error and mechanical problems caused crashes. She picked up ironic nicknames like "The Widow Maker" and "The Flying Prostitute (no visible means of support)." But she overcame her bad reputation and shaky start. With better pilot training and successful modifications, the much-maligned Marauder performed with distinction and went on to earn her spot in aviation history as one of the greatest medium bombardment aircraft ever. Tannehill draws on Official AAF records and from Martin archives. Benefiting from hundreds of interviews with Marauder veterans, plus squadron, group and personal diaries, published reports and media accounts, this is the definitive book on the B-26." Small gift note to prior owner, crease mark to lower corner of cover, else clean and bright. Profusely illustrated with b&w & color photographs, line drawings.. Soft Cover. Very Good.