Martin Maryland

Country of Origin: us United States | Type: Three crew reconnaissance bomber

Introduction

The Martin Model 167 was designed as an attack bomber for the USAAC, the prototype XA-22 first flying on 14th March 1939. After testing it was decided not to adopt the aircraft for US service but an initial order for 115 from France (followed by another 100) ensured the programme would go ahead.

Armée de l'Air

The first production Model 167F for the Armée de l'Air in August 1939 but only 140 had been delivered by the time of France's capitulation in June 1940. The aircraft had in the meantime been extensively used in the fight against Germany and had recorded the lowest loss rate (8 per cent) of any French bomber. The survivors were sent to North Africa where they served with Vichy forces in the region. Britain's Royal Air Force took over the undelivered French order and named the aircraft Maryland I, at the same time ordering 75 more and 150 Maryland IIs with more powerful Twin Wasp engines fitted with two stage superchargers. Deliveries began in June 1940 and continued until March 1942. Of the 150 Maryland IIs, 72 were issued to the South African Air Force which operated them mainly in the Western Desert in support of British Army operations thee.

Operations

Most of the RAF's Marylands operated in the North Africa, Western Desert and Mediterranean areas where they were used for light bombing and photographic reconnaissance duties. The first unit equipped with the aircraft was No 431 Flight (later 69 Squadron) at Malta. Perhaps the Maryland's best known operation occured in November 1940 when they conducted the reconnaissance sorties which preceded the famous Fleet Air Arm attack on the Italian naval base at Taranto.

Sink The Bismarck

The FAA also operated some Marylands, one of them reporting the departure of the German capital ships Bismarck and Prinz Eugen from their port in May 1941, this eventually leading to the sinking of the Bismarck.

Specification

Dimensions

Powerplants

Weights

Armament

Performance

Production

Production of the aircraft totalled 441, including:

Operators

Three-view Schematic

To view the schematic, click on the image below:

Specification view of a Maryland