13.08.2008, 17:11
Guys I am so with you on the need for the B26.
Not only was it numerically important, but it served in key roles in all Allied theatres of Operation.
So it was difficult to fly you say? Bring it on.
To specify what Shak said, according to "The Hamlyn Concise Guide to American Aircraft of World War 2", my nearest at hand reference, "it was later to have the lowest attrition rate of any American aircraft operated by the US 9th Air Force in Europe".
Early models did have problems for new pilots. Small wing area (and thus high wing loading), as well as the extreme aerodynamic fuselage (so designed to meet exacting performance specifications) caused poor low speed handling, and so required high landing speed (around 100mph).
According to this source, the first operational B26 unit was the 22nd Bombardment Group, dispatched to Northern Australia where they began operations in April 1942, equipped with B26As (139 built).
Next active deployment was with the RAF (B26As designated Marauder Is by the RAF) to No. 14 Sqdn RAF in the Middle East.
Because of the handling difficulties, production of the B26A had been suspended, but following the incorporation of new design features including more powerful R2800 1,920 hp engines, slotted trailing edge flaps, a lengthened nose wheel strut to increase takeoff and landing angles of incidence, and an increase in the height of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, production of the B26B (1,883 constructed) began in May 1942.
The board of inquiry had also recommended an increase in wing surface area, and although this was incorporated into the B26B, performance was unimproved as the USAAF promptly upped the gross weight of the aircraft.
Although wingloading is usually mentioned as the problem of the early models, in fact the wing loads of various runs were : B26A 53.16 lbs/sq ft, early B26B 56.48 lbs/sq ft, later B26B/C 58.05 lbs/sq ft, indicating that pilot experience with a differently handling aircraft was more probably the problem.
The B26C was essentially the same airplane, simply coming out of another production facility at Omaha, Nebraska(1,235 built).
Final production versions were the B26F (300 built) and B26G (893 built), with the major design difference being in the increased angle of wing incidence by 3degrees30'.
Deployment for the B26B and C for the USAAF began in North Africa in November 1942, assigned to the 319th and 320th Bombardment Groups of the 12th AF.
It is interesting to note that the only operation by B26s for the 8th Airforce in Europe was a disaster, with an entire squadron(11 aircraft) lost on one operation, whereafter all B26s allocated to the USAAF in Europe went to the 9th Air Force.
Others went as Lend Lease to the RAF (who recived a total of 522, various models among B26B (Marauder IA) B26C (Marauder II) and B26F/G (Marauder III), and used them extensively in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
All in all a needed and important aircraft.
If some of you clever folks would take this on, it would be marvellous.
I have a challenge to throw out to you modders...
How about making this an all original aircraft from cockpit to gunners stations? Clearly it REQUIRES a different FM, as no other bomber so far in the system (correct me if I'm wrong) shares its flight characteristics. Besides, it's the differences between the behaviour of the aircraft that makes them interesting, no?
I know you guys have the talent - all we need is motivation and some coordination. I am proposing that a design team for the B26 gets put together, with the initial goal of producing 2 versions B26B/C and B26F/G, with the possibility of further developing the B26A at a later date.
I have no CG skills, but would be willing to collate materials, and collect what references we can, and attempt to coordinate schedules and such.
Any takers out there contact me.
The widowmaker must fly.
vonKopfdorfer
Not only was it numerically important, but it served in key roles in all Allied theatres of Operation.
So it was difficult to fly you say? Bring it on.
To specify what Shak said, according to "The Hamlyn Concise Guide to American Aircraft of World War 2", my nearest at hand reference, "it was later to have the lowest attrition rate of any American aircraft operated by the US 9th Air Force in Europe".
Early models did have problems for new pilots. Small wing area (and thus high wing loading), as well as the extreme aerodynamic fuselage (so designed to meet exacting performance specifications) caused poor low speed handling, and so required high landing speed (around 100mph).
According to this source, the first operational B26 unit was the 22nd Bombardment Group, dispatched to Northern Australia where they began operations in April 1942, equipped with B26As (139 built).
Next active deployment was with the RAF (B26As designated Marauder Is by the RAF) to No. 14 Sqdn RAF in the Middle East.
Because of the handling difficulties, production of the B26A had been suspended, but following the incorporation of new design features including more powerful R2800 1,920 hp engines, slotted trailing edge flaps, a lengthened nose wheel strut to increase takeoff and landing angles of incidence, and an increase in the height of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, production of the B26B (1,883 constructed) began in May 1942.
The board of inquiry had also recommended an increase in wing surface area, and although this was incorporated into the B26B, performance was unimproved as the USAAF promptly upped the gross weight of the aircraft.
Although wingloading is usually mentioned as the problem of the early models, in fact the wing loads of various runs were : B26A 53.16 lbs/sq ft, early B26B 56.48 lbs/sq ft, later B26B/C 58.05 lbs/sq ft, indicating that pilot experience with a differently handling aircraft was more probably the problem.
The B26C was essentially the same airplane, simply coming out of another production facility at Omaha, Nebraska(1,235 built).
Final production versions were the B26F (300 built) and B26G (893 built), with the major design difference being in the increased angle of wing incidence by 3degrees30'.
Deployment for the B26B and C for the USAAF began in North Africa in November 1942, assigned to the 319th and 320th Bombardment Groups of the 12th AF.
It is interesting to note that the only operation by B26s for the 8th Airforce in Europe was a disaster, with an entire squadron(11 aircraft) lost on one operation, whereafter all B26s allocated to the USAAF in Europe went to the 9th Air Force.
Others went as Lend Lease to the RAF (who recived a total of 522, various models among B26B (Marauder IA) B26C (Marauder II) and B26F/G (Marauder III), and used them extensively in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
All in all a needed and important aircraft.
If some of you clever folks would take this on, it would be marvellous.
I have a challenge to throw out to you modders...
How about making this an all original aircraft from cockpit to gunners stations? Clearly it REQUIRES a different FM, as no other bomber so far in the system (correct me if I'm wrong) shares its flight characteristics. Besides, it's the differences between the behaviour of the aircraft that makes them interesting, no?
I know you guys have the talent - all we need is motivation and some coordination. I am proposing that a design team for the B26 gets put together, with the initial goal of producing 2 versions B26B/C and B26F/G, with the possibility of further developing the B26A at a later date.
I have no CG skills, but would be willing to collate materials, and collect what references we can, and attempt to coordinate schedules and such.
Any takers out there contact me.
The widowmaker must fly.
vonKopfdorfer