This mark was then followed by the Mk II which added two more 7.7mm machine guns, one to the trainable dorsal and ventral positions. 100 of the variant were produced.
The Mark III arrived by mid-1942 and featured a power-assisted Boulton-Paul dorsal turret which could be arranged with either quad (4) or dual (2) 7.7mm machine guns. The Mk III was also fitted with 2 x Wright GR-2600-19 "Cyclone" radial piston engines capable of 1,660 horsepower each providing the Baltimore with a maximum speed of over 300 miles per hour. Fuselage design made the Baltimore Mk appear very tall and narrow which restricted internal operating spaces for the four crewmembers (pilot, navigator/bombardier, radio operator and dedicated gunner). The nose assembly was consistent with other America-designed bombers of the time and featured a heavily glazed cone leading up to the stepped cockpit. Wings were mid-mounted on the fuselage with a dorsal turret seated along the fuselage spine, facing rear, and ahead of the single vertical tail fin. Bomb bay doors made up nearly the entire length of the fuselage underside. The Mk III was produced across 250 examples in all.
Though not a groundbreaking design by any means, the Baltimore was reportedly a very capable light bomber in its intended role. The performance capabilities and 2,000lb internal bombload provided desperate operators with much-needed offensive punch for a crucial phase of the war.
The Mk III was then followed by the Mk IIIA which were covered by the USAAF (United States Army Air Forces) and passed onto the RAF. Due to their largely American origins, these were fitted with Martin-branded powered turrets armed with 2 x 12.7mm heavy machine guns. 281 of the type were manufactured and recognized as Martin Model A-30.
The Mk IV was another USAAF order passed on under Lend-Lease to the RAF. These were armed with 4 x 12.7mm heavy machine guns at the wings for a much improved offensive punch over the original 7.7mm fittings. 294 examples were produced and known as Martin Model A-30-MA.
The Mk V were given 2 x Wright R2600-29 radial piston engines and wings armed with 12.7mm machine guns. Power was served through 2 x Wright GR-2600-A5B geared radial engines of 1,700 horsepower for a maximum speed of 305 miles per hour, cruise speed of 225 miles per hour and range of 980 miles. 600 of this mark were produced and ordered through the USAAF appearing as late as May of 1944.
Two Baltimores were converted as maritime reconnaissance prototype platforms in a short-lived program. The fuselage was extended for increased fuel stores and provisions for carrying torpedoes. The nose was to be solid in its design and house a search radar for anti-ship duties over water. The formal designation was to be Baltimore GR.Mk VI and some 900 were on order before the entire project was shelved.
The Baltimore also served Commonwealth forces in Australia, Canada and South Africa. Other operators went on to include Free France, Greece, the Co-Belligerent Italian Air Force and Turkey. However, no one power was served by Baltimores as well as the British who fielded it across twelve total squadrons including one training and one Fleet Air Arm group.
Production of all Baltimores ended with 1,575 produced with the last retired in 1949. Sadly, none exist as museum showpieces today.
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