‘Flak Bait’ B-26B

322nd Bombardment Group

On April 26, 1943, the B-26B-25-MA bomber with serial number 41-31773 rolled off the assembly line at the Glenn L. Martin Company plant in Middle River. By the end of May that year, the aircraft and its crew arrived in England, where they were assigned to the 449th Bombardment Squadron of the 322nd Bombardment Group. During combat missions, American bombers faced significant threats from German anti-aircraft guns, collectively known as Flak. As they approached their bombing targets, crews often had to break through waves of anti-aircraft fire. According to American pilots, many of their planes seemed to attract large amounts of shells fired by the Flak guns. Based on this, Lieutenant Farrell, a crew member of bomber 41-31773, coined a nickname for their plane – ‘Flak-Bait’. This name was a playful adaptation of the nickname of the Farrell family’s dog, who supposedly attracted hordes of fleas and was called ‘Flea Bait’. The plane oddly began to live up to its name, receiving hits from anti-aircraft shells in almost every mission. Every control surface was replaced at least once, and the hydraulic and electrical systems sustained damage. Twice, the plane returned with only one functioning engine. Despite these challenges, ‘Flak-Bait’ completed 206 combat missions – more than any other US aircraft during World War II.

The Martin B-26B Marauder, affectionately named Flak Bait, is a legendary American medium bomber from World War II.

It is renowned for its incredible resilience and historical significance, having survived an extraordinary 207 combat missions over Europe—more than any other U.S.

Army Air Forces aircraft in the war.

Key Features and Specifications: Aircraft Type: Twin-engine medium bomber.

Crew: Typically six to seven, including a pilot, co-pilot, bombardier/navigator, radio operator, and gunners.

Engines: Two Pratt & Whitney R-2800 Double Wasp radial engines.

Armament:Up to 4,000 pounds of bombs.

Defensive armament: 13 .50-caliber M2 Browning machine guns positioned in nose, dorsal, tail, and waist turrets.

Speed: Maximum of about 282 mph (454 km/h).

Range: Approximately 1,100 miles (1,770 km).

Wingspan: 71 feet.

Length: 58 feet 3 inches.

Service History: Built by the Glenn L.

Martin Company, Flak Bait was assigned to the 322nd Bombardment Group, 8th and later 9th Air Forces.

The bomber earned its moniker from its propensity to attract flak (anti-aircraft artillery), sustaining extensive damage during its missions while consistently returning its crew safely.

Its name is a play on the term "dog bait," reflecting the perilous nature of its missions.

Unique Achievements: Flak Bait survived 207 missions between 1943 and 1945, flying in the European Theater of Operations, including missions over Germany, France, and the Low Countries.

The bomber was hit over 1,000 times by flak and small arms fire, with shrapnel often puncturing its fuselage and wings.

Despite its damage, the aircraft was meticulously maintained by its ground crew, ensuring it remained operational throughout the war.

Preservation: After the war, Flak Bait was partially preserved, with its forward fuselage displayed at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

Today, the aircraft is undergoing restoration to eventually be exhibited in its full glory at the museum's Steven F.

Udvar-Hazy Center.

It stands as a tribute to the durability of the B-26 Marauder and the bravery of the crews who flew it.

Flak Bait is a remarkable symbol of World War II aviation history, representing the indomitable spirit of those who served.

Its legacy continues to inspire awe and respect among historians and aviation enthusiasts alike.

Did you know we are the UK's largest GodHand Tools stockist and official UK distributor! Check out their amazing Ultimate Nipper 5.0, which is the best Nipper on the market.

All Godhand tools are available for next-day delivery.

Key Specifications

• Scale: 1:48

Full Specifications

Plastic Kits	Air
PLASTIC MODELS	PLANES
SKU	ICM48321
Manufacturer	ICM
EAN	4823044410286
Short Description	ICM 1/48 Martin B-26B Marauder 'Flak Bait' # 48321