Martin B-10
The B-10, the first "modern" all-metal monoplane bomber produced in quantity, featured such innovations as retractable landing gear, a rotating gun turret and enclosed cockpits. Powered by two 775-hp Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines, Martin's advanced design made the B-10 50 percent faster than contemporary biplane bombers and as fast as most of the fighters. This capability convinced many U.S. Army Air Corps planners that bombers could successfully attack strategic targets without long-range fighter escort.
The aircraft on display in hte USAF Museum, an export version sold to Argentina in 1938, is the only remaining B-10. In 1970 the government of Argentina donated the airplane to the U.S. government for the U.S. Air Force Museum. The 96th Maintenance Squadron (Mobile), stationed at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, restored the aircraft from 1973-1976. Argentina bought 35 Martin 139Ws, including 12 for the Argentine Navy. After many years of service, the obsolete bombers were used for various types of training. The aircraft on display at the museum was last used as a ground-training tool for Argentine engineering students at the "Jorge Newberry" National School of Technical Education, No. 1, in Buenos Aires. When museum staff learned that the only known surviving B-10 was in Argentina, discussions began with Argentine officials to obtain this historic American aircraft for the museum. The Argentine Navy presented this aircraft as a gift to the United States on behalf of the Argentine nation on Aug. 21, 1970. |
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