page_title: Martin B-26 Marauder
section_title: Operators
hierarchical_section_title: Martin B-26 Marauder / Operators
caption_attribution_description: English: https://media.defense.gov/2004/Mar/16/2000593665/-1/-1/0/020927-O-9999A-005.JPG WASPs on flight line at Laredo AAF, Texas, 22 January 1944. (U.S. Air Force photo)
context_page_description: The Martin B-26 Marauder was an American twin-engined medium bomber that saw extensive service during World War II. The B-26 was built at two locations: Baltimore, Maryland, and Omaha, Nebraska, by the Glenn L. Martin Company.
  First used in the Pacific Theater of World War II in early 1942, it was also used in the Mediterranean Theater and in Western Europe.
  After entering service with the United States Army aviation units, the aircraft quickly received the reputation of a "widowmaker" due to the early models' high accident rate during takeoffs and landings. This was due to the fact that the Marauder had to be flown at precise airspeeds, particularly on final runway approach or when one engine was out. The unusually high 150 mph speed on short final runway approach was intimidating to many pilots who were used to much slower approach speeds, and whenever they slowed to speeds below those stipulated in the manual, the aircraft would often stall and crash.
  The B-26 became a safer aircraft once crews were re-trained, and after aerodynamics modifications. The Marauder ended World War II with the lowest loss rate of any USAAF bomber.
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caption: WASPs on flightline at Laredo Army Air Field, Texas, 22 January 1944.
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