XB-26H 44-68221 "Middle River Stump Jumper"

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     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, the Martin XB-48 benefited from the research by using a similar landing gear configuration as well as the XB-47, XB-51 and to an extent the XB-52. 

      In looking at the different pictures you see that the aircraft sits at almost a nose high take off stance rather than the more level ground stance of the B-26. I wonder if this was due to the location of the main wheels in relationship to the center of gravity/lift or normal rotation of a B-26?
79741 XB-26H 44-68221 Right Side View Middle River MD 19450502 NARA II RG-342FH
     Not sure where the "Stump Jumper" came from in the name, the Middle River was taken from the airfield that the Martin plant was located on. 

      Hopefully these images were as interesting to you and they were to me. I have some detail shots of the landing gear if there is any interest in seeing them.

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