ScanBits

     Here are the remainder of the photos I found of the XB-26H. I hope they are of interest and bring a further understanding of the amount of modification that was done to this aircraft for tandem landing gear testing that ended up aiding a number of bomber designs of the late 1940's.       First three additional general aircraft views: 79737-XB-26H-44-68221-Left-Side-View-Middle-River-MD-19450502 79740-XB-26H-44-68221-Right-Rear-View-Middle-River-MD-19450502 79742-XB-26H-44-68221-Right-Front-View-Middle-River-MD-19450502      A few landing gear details of the changes to tandem main gear. 79752-XB-26H-44-68221- Left-Outrigger-19450502 79746-XB-26H-44-68221- Forward-Gear-Left-View-19450502 79757-XB-26H-44-68221- Aft-Gear-Right-View-19450502 Source for the photographs is RG342 at National Archives II.

     While researching the Martin XB-48 at the National Archives I came across a beautiful set of photos of the XB-26H. Being a Marauder fan, I had to take the time to scan these images for my personal enjoyment. I also thought it would be fun to share this find with people of similar interest. 79736 XB-26H 44-68221 Left Front View Middle River MD 19450502 NARA II RG-342-FH           TB-26G 44-68221 was modified with tandem main wheels and outriggers in the engine nacelles to support testing of this landing gear configuration. Other changes to the aircraft included external stiffeners on the fuselage to support the additional loads on the airframe.       Having the main wheels retract into the fuselage with minimal outriggers for stability allowed potential jet aircraft to have thinner airfoils by placing all that bulk into the fuselage rather than having to have thick wings.  79735 XB-26H 44-68221 Front View Middle River MD 19450502 NARA II RG-342-FH       A stablemate,