B-26B Marauder

Original Tempera Painting

Signed Jean Jacque Petit  18" x 12"

The B-26B Marauder was a medium bomber aircraft used during World War II. It was produced by the Glenn L. Martin Company and served primarily with the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). The Marauder had a crew of seven and was known for its high speed and heavy bomb load capacity.

The B-26B Marauder featured a twin-engine configuration and a distinctive "turretless" design, meaning it did not have a separate gun turret for defense. Instead, it had a solid nose with fixed forward-firing guns and additional guns mounted in the rear fuselage.

Initially, the B-26 Marauder faced some challenges with its handling characteristics, earning it the nickname "Widowmaker." However, modifications and pilot training improvements resolved many of these issues, and the aircraft went on to be highly effective in various bombing missions.

During the war, B-26B Marauders were used extensively in both the European and Pacific theaters. They participated in strategic bombing raids, close air support missions, and even took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

Overall, the B-26B Marauder played a significant role as a medium bomber during World War II, contributing to the Allied victory in the air war.