The Plan to Transform B-26 Marauder Bombers into Escorts for B-17s and B-24s Over Europe During WWII

By mid-1943, the air war over Europe was becoming increasingly costly for the U.S. Eighth Air Force. Heavy bombers like the B-17 Flying Fortress and the B-24 Liberator faced devastating losses during daylight bombing missions over German-occupied territories. Without long-range fighter escorts, these bombers were vulnerable to determined attacks by German interceptors. To address this issue, an innovative plan emerged: modifying the medium-range B-26 Marauder bomber to serve as an escort for these long-range bombing missions.

The B-26 Marauder had already proven itself as a fast and durable medium bomber, but its role as a potential escort aircraft represented a significant departure from its original mission. This concept was detailed in a July 3, 1943, memo from General Giles to the Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics, which outlined the potential for converting B-26s into heavily armed bomber escorts. The goal was to provide additional protection for heavy bombers during deep penetration raids into German-controlled areas until a suitable long-range fighter became available.

The Problem of Range and Losses

At this point in the war, the U.S. Eighth Air Force lacked long-range fighters capable of escorting bombers to targets deep within occupied Europe. Aircraft like the P-47 Thunderbolt had the firepower to challenge German fighters, but their limited range left bombers unprotected during the most dangerous parts of their missions. This problem became particularly acute as bombing priorities shifted under the Pointblank Directive, which targeted German aircraft manufacturing facilities located deep within the Reich.

The losses sustained by heavy bombers during these missions were unsustainable. Data from the time shows that bomber losses due to aerial combat averaged around 5% per mission during the summer of 1943. These losses did not include damage from anti-aircraft fire or operational mishaps, further underscoring the need for a solution. The B-26 Marauder, with its high speed and relatively long range for a medium bomber, appeared to offer a temporary fix to the escort problem.

The Modifications Proposed

The proposed modifications to the B-26 focused on enhancing its ability to defend bomber formations. The plan called for removing the aircraft’s bombing equipment and reducing its crew from six to three or four members. This crew would include a pilot, a tail gunner, and an upper turret gunner who would also serve as the radio operator. By reducing the crew and removing bombing equipment, the aircraft could carry additional weaponry and armor.

To transform the B-26 into an effective escort, engineers planned to install up to six forward-facing .50 caliber machine guns, along with two 20mm cannons in the nose. These weapons would allow the B-26 to directly engage enemy interceptors attacking the bomber formations. The aircraft would also retain its top turret and tail guns, providing defensive coverage in multiple directions. Additional armor and bullet-resistant glass were to be installed to protect the pilot, who would operate the forward-facing guns using a gunsight mounted in the cockpit.

Other changes included removing waist gun positions and non-essential equipment, such as unused crew seats and bombing systems. The radio equipment was to be upgraded for compatibility with heavy bomber communications, and additional oxygen systems were to be added to support high-altitude operations. Engineers estimated that the modified B-26 would be capable of operating at the altitudes and speeds required to escort heavy bombers, with a combat radius of approximately 600 miles.

Challenges and Limitations

While the concept of using B-26 Marauders as escorts offered a potential solution, it was not without significant challenges. One issue was the speed and maneuverability of the modified aircraft. Though the B-26 was fast for a bomber, it could not match the performance of purpose-built fighters. At high altitudes, its speed was estimated to reach around 236 miles per hour—sufficient to keep up with bomber formations but not fast enough to chase down enemy fighters effectively. This limitation meant that the B-26s would need to rely on their firepower and formation tactics to engage German interceptors.

Another concern was the effectiveness of the heavily armed YB-40 escort bombers, which had been deployed earlier in 1943. These were modified B-17s equipped with additional guns and armor, but their performance had been disappointing. Although they succeeded in downing some enemy aircraft, their added weight made them slower and less maneuverable than standard bombers, often leaving them vulnerable to attack. The limited success of the YB-40s raised questions about whether similar modifications to the B-26 would yield better results.

Testing and Conclusion of the Plan

To evaluate the feasibility of the plan, the Air Force initiated tests to determine whether the B-26 could fulfill its new role. Engineers at Wright Field developed detailed performance estimates and modifications for the B-26C model, which included the proposed changes. Test results showed that the aircraft could meet the altitude and range requirements for escort missions, but its limitations in speed and agility remained concerns.

Despite the effort invested in the plan, it was ultimately abandoned. By late 1943, long-range fighters like the P-51 Mustang began to arrive in Europe, providing the escort capability that heavy bombers desperately needed. The P-51’s combination of speed, range, and firepower made it far more effective in the escort role than a modified B-26 could ever be. As a result, the Marauder continued to serve in its original role as a medium bomber, where it earned a reputation for its ruggedness and reliability.