- Martin 146
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Model 146 
Martin Model 146 during competition c. 1935, USAF photo Role Medium bomber Manufacturer Glenn L. Martin Company Designer Peyton M. Magruder First flight 1935 Introduction 1934 Status Experimental prototype Primary user United States Army Air Corps (intended) Produced 1935 Number built 1 Variants Martin B-10 The Martin Model 146 was an unsuccessful American bomber design that lost to the Boeing Model 299 which spawned the famous B-17 Flying Fortress.
Contents
Design and development
Although generally satisfied with the speed and bombload of the Martin B-10, the United States Army Air Corps procurement officials wanted a longer ranging bomber. Two competitions were held in 1934-35: one for several hundred 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 and Douglas DB-1. 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" [1].
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).
Specifications (Model 146/ modified B-10A)
General characteristics
- Crew: 3
- Length: 44 ft 9 in (13.6 m)
- Wingspan: 70 ft 6 in (21.5 m)
- Height: 15 ft 5 in (4.7 m)
- Wing area: 678 ft² (63 m²)
- Loaded weight: 14,700 lb (6,680 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 16,400 lb (7,440 kg)
- Powerplant: 2 × Wright R-1820-33 "Cyclone" radials, 775 hp (578 kW) each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 215 mph (187 kn, 346 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 183 mph (159 kn, 294 km/h)
- Range: 1,370 mi (1,190 nmi, 2,200 km)
- Service ceiling: 24,200 ft (7,380 m)
- Wing loading: 21.7 lb/ft² (106 kg/m²)
- Power/mass: 0.105 hp/lb (173 W/kg)
Armament
- 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
- Baugher, Joe. "Martin B-10". Encyclopedia of American Aircraft. [1] Access date: 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
Glenn L. Martin Company and Martin Marietta aircraft Model numbers Airliners Attack aircraft Bombers Maritime patrol Military transports Military trainers Scout/Torpedo bombers Martin Marietta Lists relating to aviation General Aircraft (manufacturers) · Aircraft engines (manufacturers) · Airlines (defunct) · Airports · Civil authorities · Museums · Registration prefixes · Rotorcraft (manufacturers) · TimelineMilitary Accidents/incidents Records Categories:- Martin aircraft
- United States bomber aircraft 1930–1939
- Twin-engined aircraft
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