Martin 146
The Martin Model 146 was an unsuccessful American bomber design that lost to the Boeing Model 299, the prototype for the famous B-17 Flying Fortress.
Design and development
Although generally satisfied with the speed and bombload of the Martin B-10, the United States Army Air Corps wanted a longer ranging bomber. Two competitions were held in 1934-35: one for fast bombers capable of flying 2,200 miles (3,500 km), and a second for the experimental prototype of a 5,000-mile (8,000 km) bomber.
The Martin 146 was built for the first competition, competing with the Boeing Model 299 (later the B-17) and Douglas DB-1 (later the B-18). Two versions were submitted for the competition, the Model 146 (actual aircraft) and the Model 146A (design only). The only significance between the 2 was the planform, the 146 center section was rectangular with the outer wing being tapered while the 146A was a constant taper.
The Model 146 bore a striking resemblance to the earlier Martin B-10, with the same configurations of turret and cockpits and even the same two Wright Cyclone engines – "hardly positive selling points for a customer looking for the latest technology". The biggest differences between this plane and the Martin 139 (B-10) was it was wider allowing the Pilot and Copilot to sit side by side [1] and was equipped with the Fowler Flap, in fact it was the first large aircraft equipped with it.
The Model 146 was not successful but it led the Martin company to begin research into contemporary aviation technology. Some offshoots included the innovative Model 145 proposed for the long range bomber competition as well as the early studies that would lead to the Model 179 (later to emerge as the wartime Martin B-26). The aircraft was eventually returned to the factory and scrapped.
Specifications (Model 146)
General characteristics
- Crew: 4
- Length: 52 ft 0 in (15.5 m)
- Wingspan: 75 ft 1 in (22.9 m)
- Height: 15 ft 5 in (4.7 m)
- Wing area: 729 ft² (67.7 m²)
- Loaded weight: 16,000 lb (7,257 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 17,100 lb (7,756 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-1820-G5 Cyclones "Cyclone" radials, 800 hp (597 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 234 mph (203 knots, 377 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 204 mph (177 knots, 328 km/h)
- Range: 1,237 mi (1,075 nmi, 1,991km)
- Service ceiling: 28,500 ft (8,687 m)
- Wing loading: 21.95 lb/ft² (107.2 kg/m²)
- Power/mass: 0.100 hp/lb (164.5 W/kg)
- Guns: 3 × .30 in (7.62 mm) Browning machine guns
- Bombs: 2,260 lb (1,030 kg)
See also
- Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
- Related lists
References
- Notes
- ↑ "Model 146." marylandaviationmuseum.org. Retrieved: 5 December 2o12.
- ↑ Martin 146 Specifications.' marylandaviationmuseum.org. Retrieved: 5 December 2012.
- Bibliography
- Baugher, Joe. "Martin B-10". Encyclopedia of American Aircraft. Retrieved: 4 July 2007.
- Taylor, John W. R. "Martin B-10". Combat Aircraft of the World from 1909 to the Present. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1969. ISBN 0-425-03633-2.
External links
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