Martin A-30(A) Baltimore Mk III, IIIA, IV, V

Martin A-30(A) Baltimore Mk III, IIIA, IV, V

  • Role: Bomber
  • Dimensions: Wingspan 18.69 m, Length 14.78 m, Height 4.32m
  • Engine: 2 x Wright-Cyclone R-2600-19  (1660 hp)
  • Armament: 4 × .50in machine guns in the wings, 2 turrets with 2 × .50in machine guns, 2,000 lb  of payload
  • Crew: 4
  • Number in service: 79
  • Country of production: USA
  • Years in service: 1943 – 1944

The A-30 Baltimores III were received by the 13th Hellenic Squadron in Egypt, in place of Blenheims Mk V, and were used to escort convoys, in anti-submarine patrols, reconnaissance, and support operations in North Africa. They were also used in bombing missions in Yugoslavia and North Italy. These planes, designed for the RAF, sported desert camouflage and British roundels. The insignia of each aircraft was uppercase Latin letters on the sides of the fuselage. Some had the Greek flag painted on the sides of the fuselage, below the cockpit. Baltimores III’s were gradually replaced by Baltimores IV / V with which the 13th Squadron returned to Greece in autumn 1944.