The B-26 performed well in the Mediterranean and European theaters and, along with the B-25, formed the backbone of U.S. tactical bombing. From February 1941 to March 1945, 5,288 B-26s of all types were produced, with the B-26s used primarily in the European and Mediterranean theaters, while the B-25s were active in the Pacific theater. The B-26 suffered heavy losses in the early years of combat, but remained the most successful medium-range bomber used by the U.S. Army Air Forces, and was initially deployed in the Southwest Pacific theater in the spring of 1942. However, most of the operational B-26s were deployed in the United Kingdom and the Mediterranean.By the end of World War II, the B-26 had accumulated 110,000 sorties and dropped 136,078 tons of bombs. It was used by countries including the United States, Great Britain, Free France, and South Africa. By the time production ceased in 1945, 5,288 B-26s had been built.Key instructions: 6 - open the cabin; 5 - drop the bomb.