WIX Archives

Martin Maryland/Baltimore

Posted by Joe Scheil on Sat Mar 15, 2003 10:56:41 AM

The recent posts regarding the Martin 167 and 187 inspired some recent research, and I believe it is the/a most significant type lacking representation in the RAF museum. The 167 or Maryland I and II was built in small numbers, 1 AAC aircraft the prototype XA-22 40-706, 310 French 167-A3 aircraft serialed

167-F1 879-993 c/n French AF serials 1-115
167-F2 994-1093 c/n French AF serials 116-215
167-F3 1096-1190 c/n French AF serials 216-310

167-B3 1191-1225 Maryland I ex French AF 311-345 35 completed to RAF for modification.

167-B4 1827-1976 Maryland II AH280 to AH429 (150)

total production 496 aircraft.

It is worthy of note that they served on both sides of the French Forces, Vichy and Free and were used by the RAF in clandestine roles as they were also operated by the axis in the area. Losses were quite high, hopefully the Beduins havent burnt them all...

As for the Model 187 it is the more definitive type, with it being the most numerous Martin aircraft besides the Marauder, 1575 being completed. It was built for the RAF and under the assumption the 167 was going to be obsolete in a year. The production of the aircraft was abruptly cancelled in April 1944, rather wisely I would think as the RAF really had wanted the B-26 all along...Still it seems that it is one of those desert types that so lacks representation and recognition. The interesting thing is that 71 RAF Baltimore V aircraft were transferred to Turkey as a gesture of goodwill...Perhaps one remains there? Has anyone of the offshore water wreck sites spotted one on the bottom?

Joe

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