On November 25, 1940, the feverish pace of developing improved warplanes during World War II culminated in the first flight of 2 of the most iconic twin engine medium bombers of the war, the British deHavilland Mosquito and the American Martin B-26 Marauder.
Digging Deeper
These 2 medium bombers had quite different roles in combat, with the B-26 operating as a conventional medium bomber, best employed from medium altitude. The B-26 had impressive self defense armament of 12 X .50 caliber machine guns and could carry up to 4000 lbs of bombs. The Mosquito was often fielded with no guns at all, using its speed to evade interceptors. In the fighter role, the Mosquito was well armed with 4 X 20mm cannon and 4 X .303 caliber machine guns, while retaining the capability to carry up to 4 X 500 lb bombs for a fighter bomber role. In bomber mode, the Mosquito could also carry 4000 lbs of bombs, including a single 4000 lb “cookie cutter bomb.” Unlike the Marauder, the Mosquito was also quite effective at low altitude.
