The Martin B-26 Marauder was an American World War II twin-engined medium bomber built by the Glenn L. Martin Company in Middle River, Maryland (just east of Baltimore) from 1941 to 1945. First used in the Pacific Theater in early 1942, it was also used in the Mediterranean Theater and in Western Europe. Open main menuWikipedia SearchEditWatch this pageRead in another languageMartin B-26 MarauderNot to be confused with the Douglas A-26 Invader, later designated B-26.The Martin B-26 Marauder was an American World War II twin-engined medium bomber built by the Glenn L. Martin Company in Middle River, Maryland (just east of Baltimore) from 1941 to 1945. First used in the Pacific Theater in early 1942, it was also used in the Mediterranean Theater and in Western Europe.B-26 MarauderB 26.jpgA US Army Air Forces Martin B-26B Marauder "Dee-Feater" (X2-A) of the 596th BS 397th BG 9th AF with D-Day invasion stripesRoleMedium bomberNational originUnited StatesManufacturerGlenn L. Martin CompanyFirst flight25 November 1940Introduction1941StatusRetiredPrimary usersUnited States Army Air ForcesFree French Air ForceRoyal Air ForceSouth African Air ForceProduced1941–1945Number built5,288, Unit cost$102,659.33/B-26A Developed intoXB-33 Super Marauder (Unbuilt)Army Air Forces recruiting poster featuring B-26 Marauders.After entering service with the United States Army aviation units, the aircraft received the reputation of a "Widowmaker" due to the early models' high accident rate during takeoffs and landings. The Marauder had to be flown at exact airspeeds, particularly on final runway approach and when one engine was out. The 150 mph (241 km/h) speed on short final runway approach was intimidating to pilots who were used to much slower speeds, and whenever they slowed down to speeds below what the manual stated, the aircraft would stall and crash. The B-26 became a safer aircraft once crews were re-trained, and after aerodynamics modifications (an increase of wingspan and wing an